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Back River Nature Reserve

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 11 Apr 2026, 11.52am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 12.18pm

Fires - Advice: SCONE RD, COBARK

There is a fire in this park called SCONE RD, COBARK. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 11 Apr 2026, 11.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 10.44am

Fires - Advice: NEWMANS RD, TOPI TOPI

There is a fire in this park called NEWMANS RD, TOPI TOPI. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Thu 2 Apr 2026, 1.02pm to Thu 30 Apr 2026, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 9.42am

Closed areas: Acess to Goulburn River campgrounds impacted by roadworks- detour required

Access to the campground has been temporarily changed due to delays by Mid‑Western Regional Council in repairing the causeway on Mogo Road (phone #6378 2850).

This alternate route is not suitable for 2‑wheel‑drive vehicles or caravans. The detour is well signposted but requires driving past a private residence, following pink flagging tape, and crossing a paddock. For safety reasons, night‑time access is not recommended, and all drivers are asked to travel slowly and with care.

 

The impacted areas are:

  • Big River Campground
  • Spring Gully Campground
  • Thompson's Flat
  • Kelly's Gap
  • Spring Gully Road

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Mudgee office #6370 9000.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 14 Aug 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 9.29am

Closed areas: Flood effected areas within Tapin Tops National Park

The following areas within Tapin Tops National Park are closed due to flood impacts;

  • Potaroo Falls (including Potaroo Road)
  • Tallowood Flat
  • Rowleys Rock Rd

For further information, please contact NPWS Manning Great Lakes Area on 6591 0300

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 5 Oct 2024, 11.33am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 9.28am

Closed areas: Yacaaba Headland walking track partial closure

Yacaaba Headland walking track, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Hawks Nest, is open to a viewing point. Beyond this point the track is closed for visitor safety.

Yacaaba Spit track remains open and people can continue to walk along the beach.

Penalties may apply for non-compliance. For further information, email or call the NPWS Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 25 Jan 2026, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 9.26am

Closed areas: Mungo Beach closed to 4WD vehicles due to hazardous conditions

Mungo Beach is closed to 4WD vehicles due to hazardous conditions from 25 January 2026.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on (02) 6591 0300.

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Applies from Sat 11 Apr 2026, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 9.26am

Fires - : ARMIDALE-KEMPSEY RD, CARRAI

There is a fire in this park called ARMIDALE-KEMPSEY RD, CARRAI. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Tue 20 May 2025, 2.04pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Apr 2026, 8.26pm

Closed areas: Flood affected areas within Myall Lakes National Park

The following areas in Myall Lakes National Park are temporarily closed due to flood impacts:

  • Dees Corner campground
  • Joes Cove campground
  • White Tree Bay campground and picnic area

NPWS is working to reopen these areas as soon as possible.

For more information, call the Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300 during business hours.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Apr 2026, 12.17pm. Last reviewed: Wed 15 Apr 2026, 9.07am

Safety alerts: Elevated bushfire risk

Due to warm, dry conditions there is currently an elevated risk of bushfires. 

Due to the risk of starting or becoming trapped by bushfire off-track/ backcountry/ bush camping is currently not permitted. Camping is currently only permitted within designated campgrounds.  

If lighting a fire or using a device that may cause a fire follow these rules:

  • Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for the latest information on Fire Danger Rating or Total Fire Bans
  • Solid fuel fires are only permitted in designated national park fireplaces
  • Clear all flammable material within at least two metres of the fire / ignition source
  • Ensure you have a way to extinguish the fire (minimum of a bucket of water or fire extinguisher)
  • Keep fires small, attended, and supervised at all times
  • Never leave a fire unattended or burning overnight
  • Fully extinguish campfires using water – soak, stir, and repeat until cold
  • During hot, dry or windy conditions, fires can become dangerous quickly — if conditions worsen, fires should be put out early, don’t wait to be told

Report any unattended or unsafe fires to the local NPWS office 6843 4000, or in the event of a bush fire or other emergency call 000.

 

Affects 5 parks and 13 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 7 Apr 2026, 5.03pm to Sun 19 Apr 2026, 7.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 7 Apr 2026, 5.06pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban, Wallingat, Myall Lakes and Tapin Tops National Parks

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect until midnight Sunday 19th April 2026, unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Apr 2026, 11.39am to Sun 31 May 2026, 12.27pm. Last reviewed: Tue 7 Apr 2026, 3.30pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Avisford Nature Reserve (NR), Capertee National Park (NP) and managed Crown Land, Goulburn River NP, Mugii Murum-ban SCA and Munghorn Gap NR from Monday 20th April – Sunday 3rd May 2026.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.

Please contact the local Mudgee NPWS area office for more information on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Apr 2026, 2.31pm to Sun 31 May 2026, 2.31pm. Last reviewed: Tue 7 Apr 2026, 3.23pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Manobalai Nature Reserve (NR), Parr State Conservation Area (SCA), Wollemi FR, Dharug NP and Yengo NP from Monday 20th April – Sunday 3rd May 2026.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. St

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.

Please contact the local Bulga NPWS area office for more information on 02 6574 5555

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.05am to Thu 30 Apr 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 1 Apr 2026, 12.57pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Mudgee Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

However the following campgrounds are exempt:

Capertee National Park

  • Capertee Campground
  • Honeyeater Homestead
  • Capertee Homestead
  • Capertee Cottage

Goulburn River National Park

  • Spring Gully campground
  • Big River campground

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Apr 2026, 11.57am to Fri 2 Oct 2026, 11.57am. Last reviewed: Thu 9 Apr 2026, 9.04am

Safety alerts: Visitor safety alert: feral horses

Feral horses move through this campground and along the adjacent walking track day and night. Campers at Polblue campground should set up tents as close to their vehicles as possible.

Aggressive horse behaviour can pose a safety risk for visitors. Aggressive behaviour includes snorting, head bobbing, stomping front legs, ears erect, aggressive stance and approaching in an aggressive manner.

What to do around aggressive horses:

  • avoid the animals, especially if a stallion is present and there are mares nearby
  • retreat to your vehicle
  • wave your arms around and make lots of noise
  • walk in a group rather than as an individual
  • always be aware of your immediate surroundings.

Please report any such interaction or aggressive horse behaviour to NPWS Gloucester on 6538 5300 or NPWS Scone on 6540 2300.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Mar 2026, 8.55am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 8.56am. Last reviewed: Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9.05am

Closed parks: Closed Area: Ben Halls Gap National Park and Nature Reserve will be closed for ground shooting for feral animal control

Ben Halls Gap National Park and Nature Reserve will be closed from 4pm Monday 6 April 2026 to Tuesday 30 June 2026 for ground shooting program(s) for feral animal control.

Do Not Enter. Penalties apply. Call Scone office for more information on 6540 2300.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 23 Aug 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Mar 2026, 3.34pm

Other planned events: Road upgrades in Myall Lakes National Park

Multiple roads within Myall Lakes National Park are planned for upgrade under the Infrastructure Betterment Fund Program.

Visitors can expect minor changes to access during the following timeframes (weather permitting):

  • Stoney Creek Road: March to June 2026
  • Bombah Point Road: March 2026 to April 2026 
  • Yagon Road: May to June 2026 
  • Mungo Brush Road – Stage 2: July to Oct 2026 

Please drive safely and follow the directions of roadwork signs and traffic control.

For further information, please call NPWS Manning Great Lakes Area Office on 02 6591 0300 (business hours).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 30 Mar 2026, 6.00am to Fri 1 May 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Mar 2026, 3.30pm

Other planned events: Changed Access to the Grandis Picnic Area

Stoney Creek Road from the Grandis Picnic Area to The Lakes Way will be closed for road upgrade works from Monday 30 March to Friday 1 May.

Access to the Grandis Picnic Area will still be possible via Wootton Way.

Please drive safely and follow the directions of roadwork signs and traffic control.

For further information, please call NPWS Manning Great Lakes Area Office on 02 6591 0300 (business hours).

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 27 Oct 2025, 12.00am to Fri 1 May 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Mar 2026, 1.41pm

Closed areas: Dangars Gorge closed for precinct upgrade

The Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers NP is strictly closed from Monday 27 October 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 while visitor facilities are being upgraded. The areas that will be closed include:

  • Dangars Gorge Campground
  • Dangars Falls Picnic Area
  • Dangars Falls lookouts
  • McDirtys walking track
  • Sailsbury Waters walking track

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local Armidale NPWS office (02 6738 9100).

NPWS will be making improvements to the campground, walking tracks and signage upgrades as well as installing a new pedestrian bridge.

During this time, visitors to Oxley Wild Rivers NP can still access other visitor precincts, such as Long Point, Gara Gorge, Wollomombi Falls, and for the more adventurous, Riverside or Halls Peak. Please note that access to Riverside and Halls Peak requires an access permit and a low-range 4WD vehicle. More information can be found on the NPWS website https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

Affects 1 park and 14 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 28 Feb 2026, 9.08am. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Mar 2026, 2.06pm

Closed areas: Karamea Homestead closed due to flood damage

The following area is closed from Tuesday 20th May 2025 until further notice due to impacts from the May 2025 flooding and severe weather event:

  • Karamea Homestead

 

The Homestead will reopen when the damage has been rectified and the site is safe.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 6 Nov 2025, 11.13am. Last reviewed: Sat 4 Apr 2026, 7.30am

Closed areas: Cliff Face walking track temporarily closed due to impacts from flooding / severe weather

Cliff Face Track will be closed from Tuesday 20th May 2025 until further notice due to impacts from the flooding and severe weather event that occurred during May 2025  

The walking track will reopen when the damage has been rectified and the site is safe.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 9 Aug 2025, 12.39pm. Last reviewed: Fri 27 Mar 2026, 2.58pm

Closed areas: Trails within Black Bulga SCA closed due to severe weather event

Trevor Tops Rd in Black Bulga State Conservation Area and Cabbage Tree Rd in Chichester State Forest (Main Creek area) are closed until further notice due to impacts from flooding and severe weather.

Roads leading to the reserve have been damaged and pose a hazard to road users. NPWS will reopen the trails once flood impacts have been remediated.

For more information contact the Gloucester NPWS office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 11 Feb 2026, 11.21am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 11.22am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 12.04pm

Closed parks: Closed area: Murrurundi Pass National Park closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

Murrurundi Pass National Park will be closed from 5pm to 5am between Wednesday 11 February 2026 to Tuesday 30 June 2026 for ground shooting for feral animal control.

Areas will be closed by signage. Do Not Enter. Penalties apply

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Oct 2025, 2.36pm to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 12.04pm

Closed areas: Closed areas: Towarri National Park partial closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

Areas within Towarri National Park may be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am between Thursday 23 October 2025 to Tuesday 30 June 2026 for ground shooting for feral animal control.

Areas will be closed by signage. Do Not Enter. Penalties apply

Note: Washpools campground and picnic area will not be directly affected by these closures.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 1 Feb 2026, 2.25pm to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 2.27pm. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Feb 2026, 9.02am

Closed parks: Curracabundi National Park closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

Curracabundi National Park is closed for ground pest control operation

 Curracabundi National Park (Rockglen, Lea Hurst. Monkeycot, Karamea precincts) is closed 9am, Monday 2 February 2026 to 1030am, Tuesday 30 June 2026 for a ground pest control operation. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Barrington Tops Area Office 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 4 Nov 2025, 5.25pm to Mon 29 Jun 2026, 5.28pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Apr 2026, 10.41pm

Closed parks: The Glen Nature Reserve closed due to landslips and flood damage

The Glen Nature Reserve is closed until further notice to allow contractors to undertake landslip remediation. The closure has been put in place for the safety of both visitors and the contractors. The planned works and this closure may be weather dependent.

NPWS apologises for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact the local NPWS Office on 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Jul 2025, 1.35pm to Mon 29 Jun 2026, 1.37pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Apr 2026, 10.41pm

Closed areas: Sleppy Hollow Trail and Craddocks Creek Trail closed due to landslips

Sleepy Hollow Trail and Craddocks Creek Trail are closed until further notice to allow contractors to undertake landslip remediation. The closure has been put in place for the safety of both visitors and the contractors. The planned works and this closure may be weather dependent.

NPWS apologises for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact the local NPWS Office on 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 27 Sep 2025, 9.48am to Sun 31 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sat 4 Apr 2026, 7.30am

Closed areas: 4WD Trail Closures

Most of the public-accessible 4WD trails in Barrington Tops National Park and State Conservation Area have now re-opened, after the annual season closure period.

However, the following 4WD trail remain closed, due to current trail conditions:

  • Barrington Trail south past the Junction Pools Trail

This closure does not effect public vehicle access to the Little Murray and Junction Pools campgrounds.

Walkers and mountain bikers are still permitted to utilise the trail while it is closed to public vehicles.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the local NPWS office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 May 2025, 11.22am to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 7.02am

Closed areas: Areas closed due to severe weather damage.

Some parts of this park are closed from Thursday 29th May 2025 until further notice due to severe weather damage. The closed areas are:

  • Mount Royal Road
  • Youngville Campground
  • Pieries Peak Walking Track
  • Carrow Brook Walking Track

 

Roads into and throughout the park may also be closed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 4 Nov 2025, 1.53pm. Last reviewed: Sat 11 Apr 2026, 8.07am

Safety alerts: Williams Top Rd - 4WD recommended in wet conditions

Williams Top Rd (in Chichester State Forest) has been reopened, allowing vehicle access to Lagoon Pinch Picnic Area (start of the Corker Trail). However, 4WD is recommended in wet conditions due to slippery surfaces. Drivers should be experienced and well prepared as mobile coverage in the area is limited.

For more information contact NPWS Gloucester Office on 02 6538 5300 or Dungog Visitor Information Centre on 02 4992 2212.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 28 Oct 2025, 12.11pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Mar 2026, 1.08pm

Closed areas: New England National Park walking track closures

The following areas are closed for public safety, to allow NPWS to assess and manage rockfall hazards.

  • Eagles Nest walking track
  • All access to Weeping Rock

For further information please contact the NPWS Coffs Coast area office on 02 6652 0900.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 22 May 2025, 12.28pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Mar 2026, 9.44am

Closed parks: National parks closed due to flood damage

The following reserves are closed until further notice due to flood impacts;

  • Barrakee SCA
  • Coocumbac Island NR
  • Killabakh NR
  • Wingham Brush NR

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. 

For further information, please contact NPWS Manning Great Lakes Area Office on 6591 0300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Jul 2023, 2.39pm to Fri 24 Jul 2026, 2.39pm. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Mar 2026, 10.15am

Closed areas: West End Trail - New England NP - Closed.

West End Trail in New England NP permanently closed due to multiple bridges out.

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 28 Dec 2023, 7.31am. Last reviewed: Sat 11 Apr 2026, 8.07am

Closed areas: Burraga Swamp Walk Closed

Burraga Swamp walking track is currently inaccessible to vehicles due to closure of Mt Allyn Rd. Forestry Corporation of NSW has closed the road due to a failed bridge. The reopening date is not known at this stage. For more information, phone Gloucester NPWS Office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Nov 2017, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Wed 8 Apr 2026, 8.46am

Closed areas: Phytophthora quarantine area - Barrington Tops National Park

Phytophthora is a mould that causes dieback in plants. It's been found on the plateau in Barrington Tops National Park, predominantly on the Watergauge trail between Beean Beean and Black Swamp. The affected area is under quarantine with absolutely no visitor access.

Phytophthora is readily spread by mud carried by walkers' shoes and mountain-bike tyres. There are boot wash stations across the plateau for walkers to use, to ensure their boots 'Start clean, Stay clean'.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Gloucester area office on (02) 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park 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/visit-a-park/parks/back-river-nature-reserve/local-alerts

Contact

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.

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