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Gardens of Stone Guardians

Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Tue 3 March 2026, 8.18am

Applies from Mon 2 Mar 2026, 11.36am to Wed 1 Apr 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 12.04pm.

Safety alerts: Glow Worm Tunnel Road Repairs

Please exercise caution along Glow Worm Tunnel Road, road repair works underway from Monday 2 March 2026 until Wednesday 1 April 2026. Truck movements and heavy machinery in use. 4wd vehicles are recommended. Please drive to the conditions.
 

Applies from Thu 24 Jul 2025, 1.24pm. Last reviewed: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 3.10pm.

Closed areas: Forest Campground precinct closure

The area west of Glowworm Tunnel Road from Western Boundary Road to Fire Trail No. 1 will be closed from Monday 28 July 2025 for construction of visitor infrastructure works. The closure will be in place for at least 12 months while works continue. Access to Broad Swamp walking tracks remains open. 

During the closure, there is no public access to:

  • Western Boundary Road
  • Red Hill Road
  • Camp Road
  • Newnes Afforestation Camp
  • Any roads within the closed area including access to the southern end of Carne Creek Canyon

Closures are in place to enable the construction of:

  • Forest Campground (at the old Newnes Afforestation Camp Ruins) which will include 50 bookable sites, group campground and picnic area
  • Upgrading roads for 2WD access
  • Rehabilitation of damaged and eroded areas

 

Additional Temporary Closures: Road Works for Western Boundary and Camp Road

Roadworks extending from Red Hill Road towards Glow Worm Tunnel Road will commence on 27 January 2026 and are expected to be completed by 7 April 2026.

During this approximately 10-week construction period, and in addition to previously notified closures, there will be no public access to the following areas:

  • Broad Swamp Loop Walk
  • Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track (Pagoda Walk – Section 1)
  • Broad Swamp Car Park

Visitors are advised to plan ahead and follow all on-site signage. For safety reasons, access restrictions will be strictly enforced while works are underway.

 

Information for camping:

Bush camping is allowed at sites further than 200 metres from park infrastructure such as roads, walking tracks and lookouts.

 

For information on the access strategy for Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area refer to the Road Access Strategy

For information on the long-term plan for the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area refer to the Master Plan 

 

Affects 2 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Mon 20 Oct 2025, 2.23pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Mar 2026, 8.18am.

Closed areas: Road Works for Western Boundary and Camp Road

National Parks and Wildlife Service are undertaking road improvement works at the area west of Glowworm Tunnel Road from Western Boundary Road to Fire Trail No. 1. It is closed for construction of visitor infrastructure works. The closure will be in place for at least 12 months while works continue. Access to Broad Swamp walking tracks remains open. There will be truck and heavy vehicle movement on Glow Worm Tunnel Road. Visitors must slow down being vigilant of road signs and heavy vehicle movement.

During the closure, there is no public access to:

  • Western Boundary Road
  • Red Hill Road
  • Camp Road
  • Newnes Afforestation Camp
  • Any roads within the closed area including access to the southern end of Carne Creek Canyon.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Applies from Thu 20 Jul 2023, 3.06pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jan 2026, 3.52pm.

Safety alerts: Haulage trucks using Old Bells Line of Rd

Haulage trucks are in operation along Old Bells Line of Rd between the park entrance near Chifley Road (Zig Zag Railway) and Clarence Sands during the following times:

• Monday to Friday: 04.00 to 18.00

• Saturday: 04.00 to 13.00

 

During these times road users are reminded to:

• drive with caution

• adhere to the speed limit of 40 km/hr

• listen for truck movements via UHF-11

 

If a UHF radio is unavailable, NPWS recommends to access the reserve via State Mine Gully Rd. For more information contact the Kanangra Area office on (02) 6336 6200.

Upcoming management events

Upcoming management events
Date Event Title
16 March 2026 Safety alerts Temporary Closures: Road Works on State Mine Gully Road Details

Applies from Mon 16 Mar 2026, 5.00am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Mar 2026, 4.04pm

Roadworks on State Mine Gully Road will start from 16 March and will continue until 30 June 2026.

During the construction period there will be restricted public access to Lost City Lookout and Car Park and Dobbs Drift Lookouts with some periods of full road closure.

Single lane traffic arrangement with reduced speed limit and temporary traffic lights between Lost City Road and Old Bells Line of Road intersection with SMG will be in place from 16th March.

Visitors are advised to check the NPWS website for updates, plan ahead and follow all on-site signage.

For safety reasons, access restrictions will be strictly enforced while works are underway.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office on 02 6336 6200.

 

Details

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 9 Apr 2022, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Mar 2026, 11.48am

Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed

Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure repairs, upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.

Katoomba and Leura

  • Echo Point to Three Sisters Walk will be closed on Wed 11th March 2026 for tree works. Detours will be in place via Cliff Drive.  
  • Katoomba Kiosk Reserve, Reids Plateau and Round Walk east are closed to due to Council upgrades. For details visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Access to Furber Stairs is available from the western side of the Round Walk via Vanimans Lookout.  
  • Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall hazards. (Visible bridge from Echo Point. Side route off Three Sisters Track and Giant Stairs).
  • Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to a road subsidence. Walkers and cyclists are permitted.
  • Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  • The Six Foot Track between Explorers Tree and Alum Creek will be closed from Tuesday 10 March to Thursday 12 March 2026 for an aerial pest control operation coordinated by NSW Local Land Services.
  • Six Foot track is closed at the boundary to the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve. Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (including the Caves Visitor Precinct) is closed until 31 December 2026. There is no access to the entire reserve during this time.

Wentworth Falls and Woodford  

  • Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  • Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to elevated boardwalk repairs. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls routes. 
  • Valley of the Waters is closed below Silvia Falls due rockfall hazards. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  • Princes Rock walking track is closed for maintenance until 30 June 2026. Princes Rock lookout is however accessible from Overcliff/Undercliff track.
  • Fletchers lookout is closed for maintenance until 30 June 2026.
  • Lincolns Rock is closed. For details visit the Blue Mountains City Council website.
  • Evans St extension fire trail will be closed from Monday March 2 to Thursday April 2 for road maintenance. There will be increased truck movements on Blaxland Road in Wentworth Falls and Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath.
  • North Lawson Fire Trail and access to Empire Pass Walking track from Federica Falls will be closed for road maintenance from Tuesday 10 March to Thursday 2nd April (excluding weekends and public holidays).

Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road 

  • Victoria Falls Road will be closed to vehicles, cyclists and walkers on Wed 18 March 026 for a helicopter operation. There will also be stop/go closures at Burra Korain and Acacia Flat to remove toilet waste. walkers should expect delays. 
  • Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and part of the walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  • Govetts descent and parts of Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. Valley access from Blackheath is via Horse Track.

Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing

Juggler (aka Point Pilcher) Canyon exit has been affected by a recent rockfall event. Canyoners should use caution and exit around the impact site.  

Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.

Affects 1 park and 23 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 27 Feb 2026, 9.13am. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Mar 2026, 10.01am

Safety alerts: Roads and walking tracks could be flooded and impassable from recent heavy rain

Heavy rain occurred overnight in Blue Mountains National Park on the 2nd March 2026. Surfaces could be slippery. Roads and walking tracks could be flooded and impassable. There is an increased risk of subsidence, landslides and treefall in following significant wet weather.

Visitors should not enter fast flowing creeks or impacted areas. Be prepared to turn around and exit the same way you came in.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 2 Mar 2026, 8.06am to Sun 15 Mar 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 8.34am

Other planned events: Parks closed for aerial pest control Sunday 15th March - Friday 20th March 2026

The following parks and reserves will be closed from 2pm Sunday 15th March until 5pm Friday 20th March 2026 for aerial pest control programs:

  • Capertee National Park
  • Avisford Nature Reserve (southern block, Waterworks Gully trail will remain OPEN)
  • The Goulburn River corridor area of Goulburn River National Park (The Drip walking track will remain OPEN)
  • The Nullo Mountain area of Wollemi National Park (Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground will remain OPEN)
  • Mugii Murum-Ban State Conservation Area

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact the Mudgee NPWS Office on (02) 6370 9000

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Feb 2026, 12.16pm to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 11 Mar 2026, 9.12am

Closed areas: Jellybean track closure

Jellybean track in the Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park is closed for maintenance until Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Jellybean Pool and car park remain open and are accessible by road only.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Feb 2026, 9.30am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 11 Mar 2026, 9.12am

Closed areas: Euroka walking track partial closure

Euroka walking track between Mount Portal Road and Euroka clearing is closed for maintenance until Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Feb 2026, 8.58am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 8.58am. Last reviewed: Wed 11 Mar 2026, 9.08am

Closed areas: Fletchers lookout

Fletchers lookout, Wentworth Falls, is closed for maintenance until Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Feb 2026, 8.55am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 8.56am. Last reviewed: Wed 11 Mar 2026, 9.13am

Closed areas: Princes Rock walking track temporary closure

Princes Rock walking track is closed until Tuesday 30 June 2026 for maintenance. Princes Rock lookout is accessible from the Overcliff-Undercliff track.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS  Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 1 Feb 2026, 2.00pm to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Mar 2026, 8.09am

Closed areas: Dunphys Campground closed for road upgrade

Dunphys Campground and Green Gully Road are closed from Monday 2 February to Tuesday 31 March 2026 while Green Gully Road is upgraded.

There will be no access to the campground from Carlon Creek Track, Bellbird Ridge Firetrail, Ironmonger Track or Ironpot Track. Walkers will need to exit via Narrowneck Trail.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.19am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.22am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Wollemi National Park

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

However the following campgrounds are exempt:

  • Coorangooba
  • Dunns Swamp (Ganguddy)
  • Newnes campground
  • Wheeny Creek
  • Colo Meroo
  • Sheepskin Hut

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.11am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.12am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Upper Mountains Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.05am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.11am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Mudgee Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

However the following campgrounds are exempt:

Capertee National Park

  • Capertee Campground
  • Honeyeater Homestead
  • Capertee Homestead
  • Capertee Cottage

Goulburn River National Park

  • Spring Gully campground
  • Big River campground

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 22 Mar 2015, 2.11pm. Last reviewed: Mon 8 Dec 2025, 10.47am

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed

Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Jul 2025, 1.20pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 7.59am

Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions

Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.

In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.

If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.

For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 2 May 2025, 8.59am to Fri 1 May 2026, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 8 Jan 2026, 10.41am

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Friday 2 May 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 in the following areas:

  • Abercrombie River National Park
  • Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  • Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  • Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  • Gardens of Stone National Park
  • Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  • Turon National Park
  • Marrangaroo National Park

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 4 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Feb 2020, 5.42pm. Last reviewed: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 8.49am

Closed areas: Tramway trail closed to vehicles due to rockfall

Tramway trail in Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area is closed to vehicles until further notice. The closure is due to a rockfall adjacent to the trail.

A geotechnical risk assessment has been undertaken.  Repairs to address safety issues need to be undertaken before reopening. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 24 Dec 2020, 9.34am. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Feb 2026, 8.40am

Safety alerts: Drinking water in Capertee National Park

You'll need to bring your own water for drinking and cooking in Capertee National Park. Water supplied at Capertee Homestead and Capertee Cottage is untreated and only suitable for showering and washing dishes.

Campers at Capertee and Policemans Point campgrounds should not use water from Capertee River for drinking or cooking. 

Applies from Thu 4 Jun 2020, 3.29pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Feb 2026, 9.00am

Other planned events: Marangaroo National Park

If you plan to stay at an NPWS campground after 1 June 2020 you'll need to make a booking first. This also applies to campgrounds that did not require bookings previously.

If you can't find your preferred campground on a webpage for Marangaroo National Park, please check this list of lesser-known campgrounds and make your booking.

If you're still unable to find your preferred campground phone 1300 072 757.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/volunteer-activities/gardens-of-stone-guardians/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

Emergency services

For all NSW fires visit the Rural Fire Service

For the latest information on wildfires in your area please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service.

View all alerts for NSW

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