Applies from Mon 29 May 2023, 2.46pm to Fri 9 Jun 2023, 2.46pm. Last reviewed: Fri 19 May 2023, 9.44am
Bitou bush will be sprayed by helicopter with herbicide (metsulfuron-methyl 600) between 29 May and 9 June 2023 in the NPWS Hastings-Macleay Area. Some beaches, headlands, roads , picnic areas and walking tracks in Hat Head National Park will be temporarily closed during the helicopter operation for public safety.
The program is expected to take 2 days to complete with suitable weather conditions. Temporary closures will occur on the day of spraying and NPWS staff will be present during the helicopter operation. Please ensure you adhere to all warning signs and directions of NPWS staff.
Areas and Walking Tracks to be closed during spraying operations include:
Smoky Cape Area:
Smoky Cape Lighthouse
Smoky Cape Picnic Area
Jack Perkins Walking Track
Gap Beach Road, Gap Beach North and South
Green Island Fire Trail
Little Bay Picnic Area (Arakoon National Park)
Little Bay to Smoky Cape Lighthouse Walking Track
Northern section of Smoky Beach
Hat Head Area:
Kemps Corner Headland access road from Hungry Road
Applies from Mon 1 May 2023, 3.16pm to Fri 9 Jun 2023, 3.23pm. Last reviewed: Fri 19 May 2023, 9.45am
Closed areas: Smoky Cape Lighthouse Picnic Area toilet block closure for upgrade works
The Smoky Cape Lighthouse Picnic Area toilet block will be closed during this time for internal refurbishment works and upgrade of the water supply system. The existing toilet facilities are in poor condition and the water tanks are no longer functioning and will be replaced. Replacement temporary toilets will be in place on site during the works program.
Applies from Mon 1 Mar 2021, 11.38am. Last reviewed: Wed 3 May 2023, 8.04am
Closed areas: Area permanently closed - Mermaid Pools
Access to Mermaid Pools is permanently closed including for swimming. Sudden large swells and tides create major waves that wash over the rocks and pools.
Do not access this area. The severe conditions at this site have caused a number of significant injuries and deaths in the past.
Mermaid Pools have never been a designated visitor site due to the extreme nature of the surf and tides at this location. There is no approved public access walking track to Mermaid Pools.
For further information call the NPWS Verges Creek area office on 02 6561 6700.