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South Head Heritage trail

Sydney Harbour National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Fri 7 Oct 2022, 5.49pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Oct 2022, 5.54pm

Safety alerts: Safety alert: Hazardous conditions due to severe weather

Due to forecasted weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and potential flooding of waterways, conditions on walking tracks and fire trails may be hazardous.

If visiting these areas, please:

  • Proceed with caution on rough and slippery surfaces
  • Beware of falling trees
  • Look out for erosion, washouts, and flooded creek crossings
  • Note that roads, tracks and trails can be closed with minimal notice.

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walkthrough 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. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest weather warnings. 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 Bobbin Head Visitors' Centre on 02 9472 8949.

Affects 2 parks and 28 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 29 Mar 2022, 2.44pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Oct 2022, 1.11pm

Closed areas: Two Creeks track closed for maintenance

Part of Two Creeks track is closed from Tuesday 29 March 2022 until further notice due to track maintenance.

The closed area is the section of Two Creeks track between the Eastern arterial track entrance and Gordon Creek track intersection.

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 6 Oct 2022, 3.45pm to Mon 10 Oct 2022, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 6 Oct 2022, 3.52pm

Closed areas: Mountain Bike Tracks closed due to severe weather

The following areas are closed from Thursday 6th October 2022 to Monday 10th October 2022 due to severe weather conditions:

 

  • Gahnia and Serrata Mountain Bike Trails
     

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walk 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 Thu 6 Oct 2022, 2.50pm to Mon 10 Oct 2022, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 6 Oct 2022, 3.45pm

Safety alerts: Severe Weather Safety

The area has experienced widespread heavy rain. Please drive to conditions and be aware roads and crossing may become flooded or damaged. For the latest advice on road closures visit the Live traffic website and continuously check for park closures. Roads, tracks, and trails can be closed with minimal notice.

For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000). For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 17 Aug 2022, 8.10am. Last reviewed: Tue 27 Sep 2022, 7.05pm

Safety alerts: No access to some picnic table and seats in shelters at Shark Island

Access is closed to 3 picnic table and seats in shelters at Shark Island. This is to allow for maintenance works to be carried out to repair these facilities. 

The pavilion, 2 picnic tables with seats and 1 shelter with picnic tables and seats are still available for use. Large lawn areas are still available for recreation.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Tue 20 Sep 2022, 3.04pm

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Fort Denison will be closed until mid 2023.

Conservation and upgrade works are currently underway. Key elements include the construction of a new accessible wharf and maintenance and upgrade to buildings and services. Fort Denison will be closed to visitors until these works have been complete.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday
  • 8am and 1pm on Saturday

Noise monitoring stations will be set up in Kirribilli and Cremorne to check any over-water noise so that it does not exceed legal levels. It is not expected to be high.

For more information, visit the project webpage or call the NPWS Sydney South area office on 02 9337 5511. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 Aug 2022, 12.16pm. Last reviewed: Tue 20 Sep 2022, 3.00pm

Closed areas: Bradleys Head toilets closed due to rockfall

The toilet block at Bradleys Head - Booraghee Amphitheatre is closed from Monday 1 August 2022 until further notice due to a rock fall.

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

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Oct 2022, 1.11pm

Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure

The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed where the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.

Please note:

  • Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  • Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 27 Jan 2022, 1.23pm to Thu 1 Dec 2022, 1.26pm. Last reviewed: Thu 1 Sep 2022, 5.08pm

Closed areas: Gardener's cottage closed due to construction

Gardeners Cottage is closed from March 2022 to April 2023 due to seawall construction at Shark Beach. 

For more information, please contact the local office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 8 Oct 2021, 9.33am. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Oct 2022, 1.12pm

Closed areas: North Head scenic area closures

The following areas in the North Head scenic area will be closed while upgrades are underway:

  • Fairfax walking track, Fairfax Lookout, Fairfax carpark and bus stop are closed until December 2022 for the construction of new lookouts.
  • North Head Scenic Drive and loop road are open to vehicles.
  • The bus stop opposite the Bella Vista Café is open.

These closures may be extended without notice.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 23 Aug 2022, 11.38am

Closed areas: North Head partial closure

Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:

  • Bluefish Point
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road
  • Fairfax lookouts

Open areas include:

  • Q Station
  • North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  • Parking areas at North Fort
  • The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  • Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  • Collins Flat Beach
  • Collins Beach Road

Do not enter the closed areas. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 31 Jul 2022, 10.05pm to Wed 1 Feb 2023, 2.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Sep 2022, 1.14pm

Other planned events: 1080 pest management

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2022 and 31 January 2023 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 20 Apr 2022, 4.38pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Apr 2022, 12.13pm

Other planned events: Cadmans Cottage public tours suspended

Cadmans Cottage public tours are suspended until further notice. 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 17 Feb 2022, 3.56pm to Mon 5 Dec 2022, 3.58pm. Last reviewed: Thu 7 Apr 2022, 5.46pm

Closed areas: Shark Beach closed during construction of replacement seawall

Replacement of the Nielsen Park seawall commenced on Tuesday 1 March 2022. Shark Beach, the promenade and kiosk are closed, and event and accommodation bookings for Nielsen Park will be suspended during the construction period (approximately 9 months).

From Tuesday 1 March 2022, closed areas:

  • Shark Beach and promenade
  • Nielsen Park kiosk, restaurant, Surf Club and Halbert Pavilion 
  • Steel Point Cottage and Gardners Cottage 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office or visit the project web page for more information.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Sun 7 Nov 2021, 9.24am

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect important plant and animal communities. For your safety and to help conserve the landscape, please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park.

The Shelly Beach to Bluefish walking track is open.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 27 Jun 2021, 9.50am. Last reviewed: Thu 15 Jul 2021, 10.05am

Other incidents: COVID-19 safety advice

Please plan ahead when visiting this park. Popular precincts may be closed at short notice to ensure visitation levels do not exceed COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

Due to the developing COVID-19 situation in NSW, please consult the latest NSW Government news and updates about COVID-19 for advice on required safety measures before visiting a park.

We encourage you to:

  • Plan your visit outside of the peak periods of 10am to 3pm.
  • Check this alert before leaving home and again before arriving at the park.
  • Be prepared to move on if it's not possible to park your vehicle or to maintain a COVID-safe distance from other visitors.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 16 Nov 2020, 4.30pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Jan 2021, 10.08am

Safety alerts: Protect your picnic - native birds may steal your food

Birds at Nielsen Park are attempting to steal food from visitors' picnics and tables due to unauthorised feeding of local native birds. To try and reduce this unwanted behaviour, NPWS is asking visitors to not actively feed any wildlife and to please bring suitable methods to cover your food. These include storage containers with sealed lids or an umbrella to cover your picnic to reduce food visibility and access.

Please note, it is illegal to feed wildlife in a national park. NPWS officers are monitoring the area and fines apply if visitors are seen actively feeding birds and promoting this unwanted behaviour.

Affects 1 park and 1 location 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/south-head-heritage-trail/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head carpark: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head carpark: $5 per vehicle per day. There are pay and display machines that accept cards and coins - no change given. Chowder Bay Road parking: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    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