Back to previous page

Forest path

Royal National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Sun 19 April 2026, 9.56pm

Applies from Wed 22 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Sun 31 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 19 Apr 2026, 9.56pm.

Other planned events: 1080 pest management

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur from Wednesday 29 April to Sunday 3 May 2026 in Royal National Park.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs. Please don’t touch baits.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. 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.

Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at improving the eco-health of the reserve by reducing predation of ground dwelling mammals and small birds, and specifically targeting fox control along the Hacking River to assist the successful re-introduction of platypus into Royal National Park.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Audley office on 02 9542 0632 (business hours) or the NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Upcoming management events

Upcoming management events
Date Event Title
25 May 2026 Closed areas Areas closed for aerial pest shooting operation Details

Applies from Mon 25 May 2026, 8.38pm to Thu 28 May 2026, 5.39pm. Last reviewed: Fri 8 May 2026, 1.46pm

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting an aerial deer shooting program in Royal National Park from Tuesday 26 May to Thursday 28 May 2025.

The following tracks, trails and bushland areas are closed for the duration of the program:

  • Wattamolla, Garie, Jibbon Head, Marley beach, Little Marley, North Era, South Era, Burning Palms (including Figure 8 Pools), and Garrawarra Farm
  • Coast Track including Jibbon Loop Track
  • Walking tracks and management trails around East Heathcote including the Engadine Track to Audley, Karloo Pools, Bottle Forest, Parklands and Goarra Ridge.
  • The Uloola Track between Uloola Campground and Audley. Uloola Campground is also closed.
  • All Bushland Areas surrounding Robertsons Roundabout between Audley and Kangaroo Creek.
  • Wattle Forest and Currawong picnic areas at Audley - west of Varneys Bridge.
  • All bushland areas around Artillery Hill bounded by The Hacking River, South West Arm and Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. This includes Anice Falls track and The Meadows and Gundamaian Fire Trails.
  • All bushland areas surrounding Cabbage Tree Basin bounded by Maianbar Road, Bundeena Drive and The Basin Track.
  • All areas East of Lady Wakehurst Drive, Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and Bundeena Drive
  • Mount Bass and Winifred Falls trails
  • Warumbul Road and Warumbul picnic area

 

The Basin Walking Track between Maianbar and Bonnie Vale will remain open to local residents however short delays may be encountered. Visitors are required to follow directions of NPWS staff who will be on the track during the program. Bushland areas immediately adjoining the track are closed.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS area office on 02 9542 0648.

Details

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 2 May 2026, 12.00am to Tue 12 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 10 May 2026, 9.23pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for Royal Central Hazard Reduction Burn

Closed areas: Areas closed for Royal Central hazard reduction burn

Some parts of this park are closed for hazard reduction burning from Saturday 1st May to Wednesday 13th May 2026. The closed areas are:

  • Uloola Fire trail
  • Uloola Falls campground
  • Couranga walking track
  • All recently burnt areas of bushland east of Uloola Fire Trail

These areas will remain closed until assessed safe for fire and tree hazards.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. This burn is called Royal Central hazard reduction. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 9542 0632 or visit the Rural Fire Service website.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 9 May 2026, 6.00am to Thu 14 May 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 10 May 2026, 9.21pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for hazard reduction burning

Some parts of this park are closed for hazard reduction burning activities from Saturday 9 May to Wednesday 13 May 2026. The closed area/s are:

  • Greenhaven Fire trail
  • Anana Hill trail
  • Temptation Creek trail
  • Savilles Creek track
  • All recently burnt bushland areas in the Temptation and Savilles Creek area.

The listed areas will be progressivley reopened once NPWS crews complete hazard redution extinguisment and undertake danger tree assessments.

Rawson vehicle trail, Florence Parade trail, and Bungoona lookout and path remain open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648 or visit the Rural Fire Service website.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 7 May 2026, 7.00am to Fri 22 May 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 6 May 2026, 2.18pm

Closed areas: Toilets closed at Wattamolla - temporary toilets in place

The toilets at Wattamolla are closed for maintenance for approximately two weeks. Temporary toilets are in place in the nearby carpark, however the nearest disabled facilities will be at Bundeena.

For further information, please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 25 Apr 2026, 4.19pm. Last reviewed: Tue 5 May 2026, 10.54am

Safety alerts: Elevated Shark Risk Due to Marine Carcass – Beach Closures in Effect

Beaches between Garie and Burning Palms are currently closed due to increased shark activity.

A large deceased whale has washed ashore within Royal National Park and is in a state of decomposition. This has resulted in heightened shark activity along the coastline, with large sharks sighted in the area. Visitors are strongly advised not to enter the water along the Royal National Park coastline between Garie and Burning Palms due to increased shark activity.

NPWS is actively monitoring the situation and closures will remain in place until the risk has reduced. For more information, please contact Royal National Park Visitor Centre 02 9542 0648, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 21 Apr 2026, 9.53am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 10.04am. Last reviewed: Fri 8 May 2026, 9.42am

Closed areas: Areas closed for ground pest control operations

Parts of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Macquarie Pass National Park, Dharawal National Park and Dharawal Nature Reserve are closed Monday 04 May to 29 June 2026.

Specifically, these areas will be closed from 6pm to 6am Monday to Thursday evenings/mornings (outside of school and public holidays) during these dates.

Please note that whilst shooting may not be conducted on all these nights, the park is closed to allow works to be conducted during favourable weather conditions.

 

Do not enter the closed areas during these times. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

The areas being closed are:

  • Mount Kembla
  • Mount Kiera (including Mt Keira Summit Park, Scout Camp, Girl Guides and Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Garden)
  • Maddens Plains (including Sublime Point Lookout)
  • Macquarie Pass NP (including Calderwood Trail)
  • Dharawal NP/NR (including management and fire trails 10Q, 10A and 10)

 

This program will target deer. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on native plants and animals including threatened species. Other pest animals, including pigs, goats and foxes will be targeted if observed during the operation.

Park closure warning signs will be erected at entrances to the shooting areas.

For more information, contact the Illawarra Highlands park office at npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Affects 3 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Aug 2025, 12.00am to Mon 30 Nov 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 21 Apr 2026, 7.28am

Closed areas: Sublime Point Walking Track closed

The Sublime Point Walking Track is closed for major upgrades from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 30 November 2026.

Alternative walking tracks include the Lookout Track to Panorama House, Wodi Wodi Track, Gibson Walking Track, the Woodward Loop Track and the Mount Keira Ring Track.

The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 22 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Sun 31 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 19 Apr 2026, 9.56pm

Other planned events: 1080 pest management

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur from Wednesday 29 April to Sunday 3 May 2026 in Royal National Park.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs. Please don’t touch baits.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. 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.

Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at improving the eco-health of the reserve by reducing predation of ground dwelling mammals and small birds, and specifically targeting fox control along the Hacking River to assist the successful re-introduction of platypus into Royal National Park.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Audley office on 02 9542 0632 (business hours) or the NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 39 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 14 Apr 2026, 10.49am to Sat 16 May 2026, 10.54am. Last reviewed: Tue 14 Apr 2026, 10.59am

Closed areas: Fire Trail closures- Heathcote National Park

Contractors will be undertaking vegetation and surface maintenance on:

- Powerline East fire trail

- Mirang Fire Trail.

No access is permitted to vehicles, walkers and cyclists Monday to Friday.

The trails will re-open on Weekends and public holidays.

Enquiries: 9542 0648 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 5 Apr 2026, 2.52pm to Fri 12 Jun 2026, 2.52pm. Last reviewed: Sun 5 Apr 2026, 2.55pm

Other planned events: Bullawarring Walking track maintenance

Contactors will be undertaking surface maintenance to the Bullawarring walking track, Heathcote NP from April through June 2026.

Walkers will still be able to pass, but may be asked to take a brief pause while the team clear the area so it is safe to walk through.

Helicopter operations may also be undertaken during this period.

Enquiries: 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 20 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Fri 29 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 3.05pm

Closed areas: Toilets closed for upgrade, Beachcomber Ave, Bundeena

The toilets at Beachcomber Ave, Bundeena (start of the Coast Track) will be closed for an upgrade from 20 April 2026. Portable toilets will be available nearby while the works are taking place, and construction is expected to take six weeks. Walkers will be able pass the worksite to access the Coast Track.

For more information, please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 22 Aug 2025, 12.12pm to Mon 30 Nov 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 21 Apr 2026, 9.51am

Closed areas: No access to Austinmer via Sublime Point Walking Track

The Forest Walk terminates at Sublime Point due to major upgrades on the Sublime Point Walking Track which is closed from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 30 November 2026.

There is no walking access to Austinmer or Austinmer Train Station.  

The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 19 Jan 2026, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 6 May 2026, 12.15pm

Other planned events: Access to Kembla mountain bike trails during Harry Graham Drive upgrade

Harry Graham Drive will be closed in both directions between Wollongong Motorcycle Club and Kembla Village from Monday 19 January 2026 until mid-late 2026 (weather permitting), to allow Wollongong City Council to carry out essential road maintenance and upgrades.

During this time, the Kembla mountain bike trails can be accessed as follows:

1. From Mount Keira: The main trail car park is open and signposted off Harry Graham Drive. This is the only access point for beginner trails during the roadworks. Visitors should expect some traffic delays.

2. From Kembla Heights: Harry Graham Drive is temporarily closed to all traffic from Kembla Heights. Access is available for blue and black trails only, and a small carpark is

available. For safety and to avoid congestion, riders are asked not to park on the roadside. Beginner trails will be temporarily inaccessible from Kembla Heights during the roadworks. For access to green runs, please use the main trail carpark via Mount Keira Road.

For more information read the City of Wollongong webpage.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Apr 2026, 10.04am

Closed areas: North Era campground closed

North Era campground is closed until further notice. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 5 Sep 2025, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Mar 2026, 11.59am

Safety alerts: Hazardous track conditions - Wodi Wodi Walking Track

Recent heavy rain has created hazardous track conditions on the Wodi Wodi Walking Track between the Forest Walk and Stanwell Park Train Station. The track is currently experiencing erosion, fallen trees and landslips. It is not suitable for most walkers. 

Please consider alternative walking tracks in the area.

Contact the local NPWS Area Office for more information.  

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 May 2024, 2.21pm. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Apr 2025, 4.20pm

Safety alerts: Landslide on Auxillary trail- Heathcote National Park

A landslip occurred on an auxillary trail (near Dingo tunnel) off Lower pipeline fire trail in April 2024. Pedestrians and Cyclists are not permitted to pass the landslip.

Authorised Vehicles are not permitted to drive the auxillary trial until further notice.

There are no walking tracks or visitors facilities in this area.

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/walking-tracks/forest-path/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
  • Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Buy annual pass
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

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon