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Girrakool loop track

Brisbane Water National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 2 October 2023, 2.05pm

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.55pm to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 2.05pm.

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 2 Oct 2023, 12.51pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 4.55pm

Fires - Advice: SUNNY CNR, BEROWRA CREEK

There is a fire in this park called SUNNY CNR, BEROWRA CREEK. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 4 Oct 2023, 8.30am to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 8.44am

Closed areas: Great North Walk closed due to elevated fire danger

The Great North Walk is closed from Saturday 30th September 2023 through to Sunday 8th October 2023. The closure is in place for public safety due to elevated fire risk this weekend and the remoteness of Great North Walk locations in Brisbane Water National Park, Palm Grove Nature Reserve and Watagans National Park.

The closure will be reviewed on 6th October 2023.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local Area office on 4320 4200 or visit the Rural Fire Service website.

Affects 3 parks and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.55pm to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 2.05pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

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 5 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 6.00am to Sun 15 Oct 2023, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Sat 30 Sep 2023, 7.46am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Watagans, Brisbane Water and Popran National Parks from 7 October 2023 to 15 October 2023.

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.

Landlords, please notify tenants or visitors to your property of the proposed operation.

Please contact the local Central Coast NPWS area office for more information on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 Sep 2014, 1.49pm to Sun 11 Aug 2024, 11.58am. Last reviewed: Tue 12 Sep 2023, 4.16pm

Closed areas: No access to Old Wagstaffe trail through private property

There is no public access to Old Wagstaffe trail through private property. Signs show where public access is not permitted. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Central Coast area office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.32pm

Closed areas: Muirs Lookout Picnic Area - Closed

Muirs Lookout Picnic Area on Prickly Ridge Road has been closed due to ageing infrastructure, obstructed lookout views to the coast and very low public visitation. Alternative picnic facilities are located nearby in Olney State Forest and Watagans National Park. Further information on other places to visit can be obtained via the NPWS or Forestry Corporation websites. 

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Aug 2022, 12.45pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 12.45pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.31pm

Closed areas: Lemon Tree Road - Partial closure for roadworks

The section of Lemon Tree Road, between Prickly Ridge Road and Yambo Forest Road, is closed to all vehicles for reconstruction. This closure will remain in place due to severe erosion and 4WD vehicle damage. Rain has delayed the work again.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Lake Munmorah area office on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.28pm

Safety alerts: Prickly Ridge Road 4WD only

The section of Prickly Ridge Road between Watagan Forest Road and Cut-Rock Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

To prevent further damage to the road and to protect visitor safety, please avoid this area and other trails in the reserve that are still slippery and potentially hazardous.  

For further information, please contact the Central Coast Area Office at Lake Munmorah on 02 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 31 Aug 2023, 8.38am to Fri 6 Oct 2023, 8.38am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 7.24am

Closed areas: Gap Creek Forest Walk

Gap Creek Forest Walk is closed due to a landslip and a rock fall. There is no visitor entry due to safety concerns and risk.. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS at Lake Munmorah on (02) 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 17 Sep 2023, 5.00pm to Fri 9 Aug 2024, 8.09am. Last reviewed: Sun 10 Sep 2023, 3.16pm

Closed parks: Muogamarra Nature Reserve closed

Muogamarra Nature Reserve is only open to the public for 6 weeks every year, around spring time.

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access is restricted at other times to approved educational and research activities only.

For more information about the reserve, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 1 Jul 2023, 8.19am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Sat 9 Sep 2023, 8.31am

Other planned events: Notice of fire trail maintenance program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking fire trail maintenance works at various locations throughout Brisbane Water National Park. Work is expected to be completed by the 31 December 2023 (pending suitable weather conditions).

The maintenance work will repair damaged surfaces, drainage assets and infrastructure that supports and is essential to the ongoing operation of the trails as well as maintaining vegetation clearances.

Trails will remain open for the duration of the construction works, with adequate signage and diversions (if required) in place.

Please contact the the local Central Coast area office on 02 4320 4200 for more information.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 1 Jul 2023, 8.12am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Sat 9 Sep 2023, 8.31am

Closed areas: Kariong Brook Waterhole and Waterfall Closed

The waterhole and waterfall at Kariong Brook is closed until further notice due to risk of rockfall.

The adjacent Great North Walk will remain open.

Signs are in place around the closed area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Central Coast NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 30 Sep 2020, 11.54am to Wed 31 Jan 2024, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Sat 9 Sep 2023, 8.30am

Safety alerts: Ironbark Road access to picnic area - Last 850m 4WD only

The last 850m along Ironbark Road (Crown Road) to access Ironbark picnic area is currently limited to 4WD vehicles only. This section is not suitable to conventional 2WD vehicles due to a severely eroded hill along the Crown Road. Visitors to this section of the park travelling by conventional 2WD vehicles will have to walk the last 850 metres to access to the start of the park and Ironbark picnic area.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 13 Jun 2023, 6.00am to Fri 29 Dec 2023, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Sep 2023, 9.11am

Closed areas: Somersby Falls picnic area and walking track closed

Somersby Falls picnic area and walking track, including access to the waterfalls will be closed from Tuesday 13th June 2023 to 31 December 2023 while the picnic area is being upgraded.

The proposed upgrade will improve visitor safety, accessibility and protect sensitive cultural heritage.

Consider visiting the nearby Girrakool picnic area less than 5 minutes away which also has waterfalls, walking tracks and a well established picnic area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Central Coast Area Office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 8 Oct 2022, 9.33am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 11.01am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 9.41am

Closed areas: Great North Walk - partial closure

The section of Great North Walk between the Cherry Lane track-head and Tooheys Road, Kulnura, is closed until further notice due to track and bridge damage from recent severe weather events.

For your safety, please avoid this area until damage assessments can be made and any safety issues rectified. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe for visitors.

Alternative bushwalking access is via Tooheys Road to Forest Road, then west to the intersection of Cherry Lane and Greta Road, Kulnura.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

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/girrakool-loop-track/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Two picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park close in the evening:

    • Girrakool picnic area is open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 7am to 6pm at other times
    • Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times

    Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

     

     

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.

    Other fees:

    You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.

    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