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Great North walk – Palm Grove Nature Reserve

Palm Grove Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 5 January 2026, 9.02am

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jan 2026, 9.02am.

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Central Coast

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 Sat 6 Dec 2025, 4.23pm. Last reviewed: Tue 6 Jan 2026, 10.21am

Closed areas: Areas closed due to bushfire damage

The section of the park south of Bambara Road, east of Woy Woy Road and north of Brisbane Water is closed due to recent bushfire impacts. Closed areas include:

  • Koolewong Fire Trail
  • All informal access tracks off Glenrock Parade, Koolewong
  • All  tracks and trails leading from Woy Woy Bay, Waterfall Bay and Parks Bay into the park

The area will reopen after risk assessments and mitigation works are complete.

Do not enter the closed areas - Penalties apply for non-compliance

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jan 2026, 9.02am

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Central Coast

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 6 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 23 Dec 2025, 6.00pm to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9.14am

Closed areas: Part Somersby Falls walking track closed for upgrade

Part of Somersby Falls walking track will be closed until 6pm Friday 30 January 2025 for upgrade works.

The closure affects the section of the walking track between the Middle Falls and Bottom Falls.

The walking track to Middle Falls, the picnic area and the carpark will remain open during this time.

Barrier mesh and signage will be in place around the closed area to ensure visitor safety.

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 Wed 24 Sep 2025, 2.26pm. Last reviewed: Sun 28 Dec 2025, 11.04am

Safety alerts: Road Maintenance

Fire trail maintenance works are undertaken periodically, at various locations throughout Jilliby State Conservation Area. Partial and intermittent closures should be expected. Please follow the directions of any construction staff onsite and safety signage.

Take care and drive to conditions.

 

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 49729000

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 8 Apr 2025, 12.00pm to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 18 Nov 2025, 10.51am

Closed areas: Partial closure Piles Creek Loop Walking Track

Part of Piles Creek Loop Walking Track will be closed until 30 June 2026 while rockfall investigations and mitigation works are undertaken.

The closed area is between the suspension bridge and Bundilla Lookout on the western side of Piles Creek.

Areas that will remain open are:

  • Piles Creek Loop Walking Track on the eastern side of Piles Creek 
  • Access to the Great North Walk from Girrakool Picnic Area 
  • Bundilla Lookout 

Barriers and signage are in place around the closed area.

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

 

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Sat 15 Nov 2025, 9.54am

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 nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 21 May 2024, 11.41am. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jan 2026, 9.07am

Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles

Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to an increase in illegal activities throughout the area.

The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.

The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Sat 15 Nov 2025, 9.55am

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 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/great-north-walk-palm-grove-nature-reserve/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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