Applies from Tue 21 Apr 2026, 9.53am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 10.04am. Last reviewed: Mon 8 Jun 2026, 1.56pm
Closed areas: Areas closed for ground pest control operations
Parts of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Macquarie Pass National Park, Dharawal National Park and Dharawal Nature Reserve are closed Monday 04 May to 29 June 2026.
Specifically, these areas will be closed from 6pm to 6am Monday to Thursday evenings/mornings (outside of school and public holidays) during these dates.
Please note that whilst shooting may not be conducted on all these nights, the park is closed to allow works to be conducted during favourable weather conditions.
Do not enter the closed areas during these times. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
The areas being closed are:
- Mount Kembla
- Mount Kiera (including Mt Keira Summit Park, Scout Camp, Girl Guides and Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Garden)
- Maddens Plains (including Sublime Point Lookout)
- Macquarie Pass NP (including Calderwood Trail)
- Dharawal NP/NR (including management and fire trails 10Q, 10A and 10)
This program will target deer. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on native plants and animals including threatened species. Other pest animals, including pigs, goats and foxes will be targeted if observed during the operation.
Park closure warning signs will be erected at entrances to the shooting areas.
For more information, contact the Illawarra Highlands park office at npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au.
Affects 2 parks nearby.