Applies from Fri 4 Jan 2019, 1.28pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Sat 31 Dec 2022, 9.46am

Closed areas: Morisset picnic area closed

The Morisset section of Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area is closed from Thursday 20 December 2019. There is now no public access to the following areas:

• The  Morisset Hospital site
• Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area foreshore
• Morisset picnic area.

Alternative picnic areas are located in the Lake Macquarie Council area in and around the Morisset and Bonnells Bay foreshores. There is no public access to view the kangaroos that frequent the hospital site. Members of the public can contact the hospital administrative office on 02 4973 0222. 

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 and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area
  • Morisset picnic area

Applies from Wed 7 Dec 2022, 5.39pm to Mon 27 Jan 2025, 5.40pm. Last reviewed: Wed 7 Dec 2022, 5.43pm

Closed areas: Area closed - Pink Caves

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 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’s 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 Lake Munmorah office on 02 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area
  • Pink Caves

Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 12.57pm. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Jan 2023, 8.18am

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

• Wallarah National Park