Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 12.01pm

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

• Bird Island Nature Reserve
• Colongra Swamp Nature Reserve
• Munmorah State Conservation Area
• Tuggerah Nature Reserve
• Tuggerah State Conservation Area
• Wyrrabalong National Park

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.14am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 8.49am

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs

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

• Munmorah State Conservation Area

Applies from Tue 28 Jan 2025, 9.22am to Wed 7 Apr 2027, 9.23am. Last reviewed: Thu 6 Nov 2025, 2.04pm

Closed areas: Pink Caves - closed to the public

Pink Caves are closed to visitors because they are extremely unsafe to visit.

The caves are filled with water at high tide. Even at low tide they can be dangerous, as the ocean swell sends unpredictable waves sweeping into the caves and across the rock shelf. Sudden rogue waves can cause serious injury and may drag visitors across the rocks or out to sea.

There is no lifeguard service in this area and access for emergency services is limited. There’s no approved walking track to this location. Access to the caves involves walking over a rock shelf which is slippery, uneven and dangerous.

Visitors should take care when traversing all rock shelves and coastal areas located within Munmorah State Conservation Area.

For further information call the NPWS Local Area office on 02 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area
  • Pink Caves

Applies from Mon 7 Nov 2022, 3.08pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Dec 2025, 11.20am

Closed areas: Timber Beach and Timber Beach walking track are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Timber Beach walking track is permanently CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. This area has high coastal risks and is extremely hazardous. This closure is in place to keep the public safe. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please contact the local NPWS office on 49729000

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area

Applies from Thu 29 Feb 2024, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Fri 16 Jan 2026, 7.40am

Other planned events: Temporary access closures to trails at Middle Camp - Catherine Hill Bay - Munmorah State Conservation Area for external developer construction works.

Middle Camp DA/2238/2017 - has begun works in the Catherine Hill Bay area adjacent to lands managed by Munmorah State Conservation Area. These works due to the location now has temporary closures to access trails for Munmorah SCA. This is necessary for the contractor managing this development in order to maintain a safe construction site and public safety.

NPWS apologises for the inconvenience and are unable to provide alternate access.

This temporary closure affects: 

1. Collier fire trail
2. Powerline fire trail and 
3. Middle Camp fire trail
   

Please be advised that these closures will not stop access to fire vehicles in emergencies and does not cause a safety concern.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area

Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Tue 6 Jan 2026, 9.06am

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

• check for park alerts or closures
• check the tides, swell and weather conditions before setting out and never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas or in electrical storms.
• Wear your life jacket, appropriate light weight clothing and non-slip footwear

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area