Applies from Mon 29 May 2023, 3.01pm to Fri 9 Jun 2023, 3.02pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 May 2023, 9.22am

Other planned events: Aerial spraying bitou bush - Arakoon National Park

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 and walking tracks in Arakoon National Park will be temporarily closed during the helicopter operation for public safety.

The program is expected to take 4-5 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. For updates on the spraying program and temporary closures visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au, or call the NPWS Macleay office on (02) 6561 6700.

Areas closed will include the Little Bay Picnic Area and the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Arakoon National Park
  • Little Bay picnic area

Applies from Mon 29 May 2023, 2.46pm to Fri 9 Jun 2023, 2.46pm. Last reviewed: Mon 29 May 2023, 1.29pm

Other planned events: Aerial spraying bitou bush - Hat Head National Park

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
• Killick Beach 4WD access road from Hungry Road
• Kemps Headland and walking track
• Korogoro Circuit Walking Track
• Gap Carpark
• Connors Beach and Third Beach
• Connors Hill Trail
• Northern section of Killick Beach

Affects 1 park and 13 locations nearby. Show list

• Hat Head National Park
  • Captain Cook lookout
  • Connors walking track
  • Gap Beach picnic area
  • Gap Beach walking track
  • Green Island walking track
  • Hungry Gate campground
  • Jack Perkins walking track
  • Kinchela Trig Lookout walk
  • Korogoro walking track
  • Smoky Cape Lighthouse
  • Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages
  • Smoky Cape Range walking track
  • Smoky Cape walking track

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. 

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Hat Head National Park
  • Captain Cook lookout

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.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Arakoon National Park
  • Mermaid Pools