Back to previous page

Red Hands Cave walking track - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Thu 15 May 2025, 3.16pm

Applies from Fri 16 May 2025, 5.00am to Thu 22 May 2025, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 15 May 2025, 3.16pm.

Closed areas: Resolute precinct closed for helicopter operations on 22 May 2025

The Resolute picnic area and nearby tracks are closed on Thursday 22 May 2025 while helicopter operations are undertaken. The closed areas are:

  • Resolute picnic area
  • Resolute amenities
  • Resolute carpark
  • Resolute trail
  • Resolute track
  • Resolute Beach
  • Aboriginal Heritage walk
  • Red Hands Cave track

These areas remain open:

  • West Head lookout
  • West Head beach

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

Applies from Fri 2 May 2025, 4.17pm to Mon 2 Jun 2025, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 May 2025, 9.16am.

Closed areas: Resolute Beach closed for track maintenance during May 2025

Access to Resolute Beach is closed from Friday 2 May to Saturday 31 May 2025 while the stairs are upgraded. During this period access to Resolute Beach is not possible using the walking track. The beach may still be accessed from the water.

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

Applies from Thu 15 Dec 2022, 4.29pm. Last reviewed: Thu 13 Mar 2025, 9.30am.

Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed

North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.

The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.

Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:

  • The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  • The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.

Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 20 May 2025, 2.07pm to Fri 23 May 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 20 May 2025, 2.10pm

Other planned events: Jerusalem Bay trail closed for maintenance

Jerusalem Bay fire trail is closed until Friday 23 May 2025 for essential maintenance, weather permitting.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 20 May 2025, 1.58pm to Fri 6 Jun 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 20 May 2025, 2.02pm

Other planned events: Brooklyn Dam trail maintenance

Surface works will be carried out on the Brooklyn Dam trail and Brooklyn Dam South trail until Friday 6 June 2025, weather permitting.

Walkers permitted but there may be delays. Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 16 May 2025, 5.00am to Thu 22 May 2025, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 15 May 2025, 3.16pm

Closed areas: Resolute precinct closed for helicopter operations on 22 May 2025

The Resolute picnic area and nearby tracks are closed on Thursday 22 May 2025 while helicopter operations are undertaken. The closed areas are:

  • Resolute picnic area
  • Resolute amenities
  • Resolute carpark
  • Resolute trail
  • Resolute track
  • Resolute Beach
  • Aboriginal Heritage walk
  • Red Hands Cave track

These areas remain open:

  • West Head lookout
  • West Head beach

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

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 May 2025, 6.00pm to Sat 24 May 2025, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 15 May 2025, 3.07pm

Closed areas: Part Great North Walk closed due to flooding

The following sections of the Great North Walk are closed from 6pm Saturday 17 May to 8am Saturday 24 May 2025 due to forecast flooding:

  • Great North Walk between Karool Road, Mooney Mooney Creek to Reservoir Road, Somersby
  • Great North Walk between Rifle Range Fire Trail and Tommos Loop Fire Trail

Creek crossings may become impassable with fast flowing water and increased water levels following heavy rainfall.

People planning to visit Brisbane Water National Park are urged to check for closures, emergency warnings and severe weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service before heading out.

Remember, it’s never safe to walk, ride or drive through flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 May 2025, 6.00pm to Sat 24 May 2025, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 15 May 2025, 3.03pm

Closed areas: Piles Creek Loop Walking Track closed due to flooding

Piles Creek Loop walking track is closed from 6pm Saturday 17 May to 8am Saturday 24 May 2025 due to forecast flooding:

Creek crossings may become impassable with fast flowing water and increased water levels following heavy rainfall.

People planning to visit Brisbane Water National Park are urged to check for closures, emergency warnings and severe weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service before heading out.

Remember, it’s never safe to walk, ride or drive through flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

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

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 May 2025, 6.00pm to Sat 24 May 2025, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 15 May 2025, 2.47pm

Safety alerts: Flood risk warning

Forecast heavy rainfall may cause flooding of areas in Watagans, Brisbane Water and Wyrrabalong National Parks and Munmorah and Jilliby State Conservation Areas.

Creek crossings may become impassable with fast flowing water and increased water levels following heavy rainfall.

People planning to visit these parks are urged to check for closures, emergency warnings and severe weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service before heading out.

Remember, it’s never safe to walk, ride or drive through flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

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

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 2 May 2025, 4.17pm to Mon 2 Jun 2025, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 May 2025, 9.16am

Closed areas: Resolute Beach closed for track maintenance during May 2025

Access to Resolute Beach is closed from Friday 2 May to Saturday 31 May 2025 while the stairs are upgraded. During this period access to Resolute Beach is not possible using the walking track. The beach may still be accessed from the water.

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

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 Sep 2014, 1.49pm to Mon 11 Aug 2025, 11.58am. Last reviewed: Thu 24 Apr 2025, 9.05am

Closed areas: No access to Old Wagstaffe trail through private property

There is no public access to Old Wagstaffe trail through private property. Signs show where public access is not permitted. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Central Coast area office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 8 Apr 2025, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 8 Apr 2025, 12.30pm

Closed areas: Partial closure Piles Creek Loop Walking Track

Part of Piles Creek Loop Walking Track is closed 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 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 7 Apr 2022, 11.17am. Last reviewed: Tue 13 May 2025, 11.15am

Closed areas: Brieses fire trail partial closure

The section of Brieses fire trail between Mooney Mooney Creek and Old Mooney Dam trail is closed until further notice due to a landslip, making it unsafe for vehicles.

Signs are in place around closed areas. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe and repair works have been completed.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Mar 2025, 10.00am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 7 May 2025, 8.36am

Closed areas: Area closed for maintenance

Some parts of this park are closed for essential track and trail maintenance from Wednesday 5 March to 30 June 2025. The closed areas are:

- Emerald Pool

- Mount Olive lookout

- Mount Olive trail

- Ironbark picnic area

- Hominy Creek walking track

- 248 trail

- Pipeline trail

- informal walking tracks leading into Popran National Park west of Popran Creek. Includes Glenworth South Horse Track and Mailmans Walking Track

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

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Feb 2025, 8.03am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 8.05am. Last reviewed: Tue 20 May 2025, 9.19am

Closed parks: Spectacle Island Nature Reserve closed

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access to Spectacle Island Nature Reserve is restricted to approved research and cultural activities only. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Feb 2025, 8.09am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 8.05am. Last reviewed: Tue 20 May 2025, 9.19am

Closed parks: Long Island Nature Reserve closed

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access to Long Island Nature Reserve is restricted to approved research and cultural activities only. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Feb 2025, 8.10am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 8.05am. Last reviewed: Tue 20 May 2025, 9.18am

Closed parks: Lion Island Nature Reserve closed

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access to Lion Island Nature Reserve is restricted to approved research activities only. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 23 Sep 2024, 2.24pm to Tue 2 Sep 2025, 2.25pm. Last reviewed: Fri 9 May 2025, 8.40am

Closed parks: Muogamarra Nature Reserve closed

Muogamarra Nature Reserve is only open to the public for 6 weeks every year, around spring time.

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access is restricted at other times to approved educational and research activities only.

For more information about the reserve, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 21 May 2024, 11.41am. Last reviewed: Wed 7 May 2025, 8.35am

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 Thu 15 Dec 2022, 4.29pm. Last reviewed: Thu 13 Mar 2025, 9.30am

Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed

North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.

The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.

Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:

  • The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  • The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.

Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations 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/red-hands-cave-walking-track-kuringgai-chase-national-park/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.
  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
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

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon