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Western Escarpment walking track

Malabar Headland National Park

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 9 Jun 2026, 9.00am to Fri 3 Jul 2026, 4.01pm. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 1.07pm

Closed areas: Steele Point Cottage closed for maintenance

Steele Point Cottage will be closed Tuesday 9 June to Friday 3 July 2026 while maintenance is going on in Sydney Harbour National Park

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Sydney South area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 9 Jun 2026, 9.00am to Thu 2 Jul 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 1.03pm

Closed areas: Gardeners Cottage closed for maintenance

Gardeners Cottage will be closed Tuesday 9 June to Thursday 2 July 2026 while maintenance is going on in Sydney Harbour National Park

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Sydney South area office on 02 9337 5511.

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Applies from Thu 11 Jun 2026, 4.41pm to Fri 12 Jun 2026, 4.45pm. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 12.47pm

Closed areas: Section of Path around Turrella Picnic Area and Toilets Closed

A section of concrete path at Turrella Picnic Area will be closed for construction works on Thursday 11 June and Friday 12 June. The toilet block at Turrella Picnic Area will also be closed during these works. 

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Applies from Mon 25 May 2026, 7.00am to Fri 25 Sep 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 9.39am

Other planned events: Shark Beach swimming enclosure net annual maintenance and removal

The swimming enclosure net at Nielsen Park is removed each year during the winter months (May to August) to allow for annual maintenance and to prevent damage from heavy swells.

The net is scheduled to be reinstalled in September.

Visitors are advised to take care if swimming, as the enclosure is not in place.

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Applies from Thu 11 Jun 2026, 2.10pm. Last reviewed: Wed 3 Jun 2026, 3.19pm

Closed areas: Works at Grotto Point lighthouse

Sydney Ports Authority will be replacing fencing around the Grotto Point lighthouse from 11 June 2026. They will use a helicopter to deliver and remove materials.

For public safety, temporary track closures will be in place at the following locations: 

  • Manly Scenic Walkway at the intersection of the Grotto Point, Castle Rock and Barrabooka tracks 
  • the entrance to the Manly Scenic Walkway at Tania Park and Cutler Road.

The Ports Authority will provide alternate route maps and information for walkers. Sentries will be in place at these locations for the duration of the works. 

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 24 Apr 2026, 1.32pm to Wed 15 Jul 2026, 1.32pm. Last reviewed: Mon 1 Jun 2026, 4.03pm

Other planned events: Upgrade works near the Whale Sculpture at Commemoration flat

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking construction of a new DDA‑compliant boardwalk and lookout platform to improve visitor access to the whale sculpture at the foreshore. The project is currently underway and scheduled for completion in June 2026.

Once finished, the new structure will provide safer, more inclusive access for all visitors.

For your own safety, please do not access the fenced area and always follow directions from contractors and NPWS staff.

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Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 10.07am

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities.

Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.

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Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 10.07am

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 6 October 2025 to 5 April 2026 - 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 6 April 2026 to 5 October 2026- 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Feb 2026, 8.08am. Last reviewed: Sat 6 Jun 2026, 4.40pm

Closed areas: Girrahween Picnic Area - Upcoming closure for upgrade works - 1 June to July 2026

The Girrahween Picnic Area in Wolli Creek Regional Park will be closed for upgrade works from Monday, 1 June to July 2026.

Pedestrian access to walking tracks and toilets will remain open. 

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

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Applies from Fri 15 May 2026, 10.32am. Last reviewed: Sat 6 Jun 2026, 4.40pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for track upgrade

Some parts of this park are closed from Monday, 1 June to Tuesday, 30 June 2026, while the Highcliff walking track and part of the Girrahween walking track are being upgraded. The closed areas are:

  • Highcliff Track
  • Girrahween track (Turrella Reserve end)

 

Note: These tracks form part of the Two Valley Trail.

 

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Sat 6 Jun 2026, 4.40pm

Closed areas: Closed areas due to rifle range operations

The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park will be closed on the following dates/times due to ANZAC Rifle Range operations:

  • Every Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
  • The 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm.
  • NSWRA Special Event, Friday 19 June 2026, 11am to 5pm.
  • Champion of Champions Day, Saturday 20 June 2026.
  • City V Country Matches, Sunday 21 June 2026.
  • King Series Championships, Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 28 June 2026.
  • Schools Practice Week, Tuesday 14 July to Friday 17 July 2026.

Do not enter the eastern section of the national park (including Boora Point walking track) when:

  • Red flags are flying above the range
  • The 'rifle range in use' warning signs are displayed at the park entry (South Maroubra Beach and Fishermans Road carpark).
  • Park entry gates are closed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS local office on 02 9337 5511 or the ANZAC Rifle Range on 02 9661 4532.

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Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 May 2026, 8.26am

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until 2026. A new visitor centre is under construction.

During construction works, the precinct, including the carpark, will be fenced off and work crews will be on-site. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to on-site signage.

Parking and toilets are available at the Cricket Pitch and Commemoration flat precincts.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

To learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Projectemail or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010.

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Applies from Thu 23 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Sat 22 Aug 2026, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 8.35am

Closed areas: Goat Island closed

Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park is closed from 7am Thursday 23 April until 7am Saturday 22 Aug 2026. No visitors, tours or operators can access Goat Island during this time.

During the closure, there will be maintenance on the island's wharf access infrastructure and remediation works across the island.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

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Applies from Sat 31 Jan 2026, 10.05pm to Sat 1 Aug 2026, 2.53am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 11.06am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation

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 February and 31 July 2026 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:

  • Chowder Bay
  • Dobroyd Head
  • Bradleys Head
  • Georges Head
  • Middle Head
  • North Head (this includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station).

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:

  • Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)
  • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  • North Head Sanctuary, Many (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Nov 2024, 9.56am. Last reviewed: Wed 8 Apr 2026, 12.22pm

Closed areas: Skylight Cave permanently closed

Skylight cave is permanently closed to visitors due to serious safety risks. The cave is midway down an unstable cliff, and the risk of falling off the cliff edge while trying to reach it makes it very dangerous. 

There is no approved public access walking track to Skylight cave. Please do not risk your safety trying to reach this location. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 8.35am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing throughout 2026. Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

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

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email the Sydney South office. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 Aug 2025, 12.20pm. Last reviewed: Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9.13am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation

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 will take place between 30 August 2025 and 31 March 2026 in Towra Point Nature Reserve.

Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance

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.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Sydney South Area 02 9337 5511 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 4 Jul 2025, 10.48am

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
  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access 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 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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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/western-escarpment-walking-track/local-alerts

Park info

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

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