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Hat Head National Park

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Current alerts in this area

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Upcoming management events

Upcoming management events
Date Event Title
23 September 2024 Closed areas Gap Beach South Road Details

Applies from Mon 23 Sep 2024, 2.43pm to Fri 27 Sep 2024, 2.44pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Sep 2024, 2.55pm

The Gap Beach South Road from the top of the hill down to the Beach carpark is getting re-sheeted. Work will commence 23/09/24 and expected to be complete by 27/09/24

Details

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 31 Aug 2024, 7.27am. Last reviewed: Thu 12 Sep 2024, 12.58am

Fires - Advice: Pee Dee

There is a fire in this park called Pee Dee. 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 Mon 9 Sep 2024, 8.50am to Mon 16 Sep 2024, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Sep 2024, 9.00am

Closed areas: Middle Yard Hut in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is unavailable due to Maintenance

Parts of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park will be closed from Monday 2 September to 10am Monday 16 September for Maintenance works. The closed areas include:

 

  • Middle Yard Hut

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office at Walcha on 02 6777 4700 or Armidale on 02 6738 9100.

 

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 27 Aug 2024, 7.00am to Fri 13 Sep 2024, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Sep 2024, 8.49am

Closed areas: Smoke may be visible from some parts of the Park due to Hazard Reduction Burning

Smoke may be visible form some parts of the park in particular the below area:

  • Riverside Campground and Picnic Area
  • Budds Mare to Riverside walking Track
  • Including some parts of the Apsley River

Penalties apply for non-compliance. This burn is called NPWS HR Firebreak Trail. For more information, contact the local NPWS office or visit the Rural Fire Service website.

 

For further details contact the local NPWS Office at Walcha on 02 67774700 and Armidale  on 02 67389100.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 5 Sep 2024, 4.13pm to Sun 31 Aug 2025, 4.14pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Sep 2024, 4.24pm

Closed areas: Trial Bay Gaol campground infrastructure improvements

Trial Bay Gaol campground construction works are scheduled to start from Monday 10 February 2025 with completion by late August 2025.

 

Access to parts of the campground will be impacted, in particular the Bayview campsites. Alternate access points will be available and will be clearly marked on maps that will be located around the campground. 

 

There will be an increase in machinery and truck activity in the area, and campers are advised that there may be some noise associated with construction activities. Every effort will be made to limit construction during the hours 7:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Any work outside these hours will be communicated in advance.

 

Safety is our top priority, so please exercise caution and follow all posted safety signs and instructions from staff.

 

This project is the first stage of infrastructure improvement works at the Trial Bay Precinct in line with the Macleay Coast Master Plan. For further information about the Macleay Coast Destination Project, visit this link Environment and Heritage website

 

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the local NPWS campground office at 02 6566 6168.

 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve our facilities.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 19 Aug 2024, 8.00am to Mon 16 Sep 2024, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Sep 2024, 2.26pm

Closed areas: Tia Walking Track, Tia Falls Lookout and Tia Gorge View Lookout are closed

The following areas at Tia Falls are closed from Monday 19 August to Monday 16 September 2024 at midnight due to walking track maintenance work:

Tia Falls walk

Tia Falls lookout

Tia Gorge View lookout.

The campground and day use areas remain open.

This closure may be extended.

Please contact the local Walcha area office on (02) 6777 4700 for further information. 

 

 

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 30 Aug 2024, 7.00am to Thu 12 Sep 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 30 Aug 2024, 1.36pm

Closed areas: Stony Trail Boonanghi NR Road Closed From 02/09/2024

Contractors will be doing surface repair and re-instating drainage on Stony Trail in Boonanghi NR. Works are around 7klms long and are commencing on Monday 02/09/2024 and are expected to take 10 days.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 23 Aug 2024, 3.37pm to Sat 30 Nov 2024, 3.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Aug 2024, 3.44pm

Closed areas: Cardwell Street carpark upgrade

Cardwell Street carpark upgrade works are scheduled to start from Monday 30th September 2024 with expected completion by late November 2024.

 

There will be no parking available at the Cardwell Street day-use area during this time. Alternative car parking can be found at the font of the NPWS Arakoon depot or at Trial Bay Gaol Campground.

 

Alternative pedestrian access to the beach will remain open during most of the construction phase, however there may be occasional public access day closures.

 

There will be an increase in machinery and truck activity in the area during the hours 7:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

 

Safety is our top priority, so please exercise caution if accessing the area during this time.

 

This project is Stage 1 of the infrastructure improvement works at the Cardwell Street Precinct in line with the Macleay Coast Master Plan. 

 

For further information about the Macleay Coast Destination Project, visit the NSW Government Environment and Heritage website.

 

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact NPWS Hastings Macleay at npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6561 6700.

 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve our park facilities

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 8 Nov 2020, 3.50pm to Mon 30 Sep 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 21 Aug 2024, 9.22am

Closed parks: No entry to Innes Ruins Historic Site

Innes Ruins is closed to public entry except by guided tour. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 6 Aug 2024, 11.37am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.38am. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Aug 2024, 7.46am

Other planned events: Notice of Fox Baiting Program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and Bongil Bongil National Park, from 10 August 2024 to 28 February 2025. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes. The program is designed to minimise fox impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species. Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting area. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW NPWS-managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs) and should be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and also must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance. Please contact the local Coffs Coast NPWS area office for more information on 02 6652 0900.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 30 Jun 2023, 11.47am to Thu 24 Oct 2024, 11.47am. Last reviewed: Fri 16 Aug 2024, 4.22pm

Closed areas: Kumbatine National Park & State Conservation Area part closure

The following areas of this park and state conservation area are closed until further notice due to widespread flood damage:

  • West of Davis Road Access                                                                                                                                                                                                            
  • Marowin Brook Rd

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6588 5555.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 30 Jun 2023, 1.23pm to Fri 20 Dec 2024, 1.23pm. Last reviewed: Fri 16 Aug 2024, 4.15pm

Closed parks: Yessabah Nature Reserve permanently closed

Access to Yessabah Nature Reserve is permanently closed to unauthorised personnel. The former quarry area has limestone rock faces that are unstable and prone to rock fall. Other areas of the reserve are geologically unstable.

Do not access this park. For further information call the NPWS Macleay area office on 02 6561 6700.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 30 Jun 2023, 3.45pm to Fri 20 Dec 2024, 3.45pm. Last reviewed: Fri 16 Aug 2024, 4.09pm

Closed parks: Willi Willi Caves Nature Reserve closed due to unsafe access

Willi Willi Caves Nature Reserve is closed until further notice due to unsafe access to area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6561 6700.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 30 Jun 2023, 12.00am to Mon 30 Sep 2024, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Aug 2024, 10.02am

Closed areas: Areas in Bago Bluff national park closed due to flood damage

Lemon Tree Road is currently closed due to damage caused by widespread flooding. These areas will re-open once repairs are completed

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 9 Aug 2024, 11.37am. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Sep 2024, 9.44am

Closed areas: Section of Cockerawombeeba Road Closed

A section of Cockerawombeeba Road is closed between North Plateau Road and Forbes River Road due to storm damage.

Cockerawombeeba Road is open between North Plateau Road (Plateau Beech Campground) and Hastings Forest Way.

Plateau Beech and Brushy Mountain Campgrounds are both open and are best accessed via Hastings Forest Way. 

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on (02)6588 5555.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 28 Jun 2024, 2.32pm. Last reviewed: Sat 7 Sep 2024, 2.37pm

Other incidents: Electrical BBQ's out of order due to vandalism

The electric BBQ's at the Pines Picnic Area and not operational due to vandalism. NPWS crews will replace the damaged parts in coming weeks. A wood BBQ is on site that can be used for cooking and visitors need to bring their own wood.   

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Mar 2024, 9.25pm. Last reviewed: Sat 7 Sep 2024, 2.37pm

Closed areas: Ngambaa Feral Predator Free Area - Closed Roads

Construction is nearing completition on the Ngambaa Feral Predator-Free Area which has necessitated the closure of roads in the reserve for visitor safety.

 

Cedar Park picnic area will remain open and available for visitor access. 

 

The following roads are subject to permanent closure as part of the construction and operation of the feral predator free area: 

  • Wittigs Road
  • parts of Stockyard Creek Road
  • Seams Road
  • Jacks Road
  • Buds Crossing Road

 

Construction works were completed in June and the 23k of fencing is nearing completion. 

Construction works have included:

  • clearing the fence corridor
  • building the fence
  • installing bridge and culvert crossings.

 

Information regarding the project can be obtained via the following link: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/return-of-threatened-and-declining-species/ngambaa-feral-predator-free-area

 

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 30 Jul 2024, 4.12pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Jul 2024, 4.18pm

Safety alerts: Cobcroft Day Use & Carabeen Rainforest Walk - Closed

Cobcroft Picnic Area and Carabeen Rainforest Walk are closed due to hazardous road conditions.   Cobcroft Road is closed from the intersection of Mooraback Road until further notice.   

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 6 Jul 2024, 4.02pm. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Sep 2024, 9.44am

Safety alerts: Slippery and eroded walking tracks - Coastal Walk

Recent rain events have resulted in some sections of the Coastal Walk in Sea Acres National Park becoming eroded and slippery. The affected sections are between Miners Beach and Tacking Point Lighthouse. Walkers proceeding with the walk should exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. 

Upgrades to this section of the Coastal Walk are planned to commence Monday 19 August 2024, subject to favourable weather conditions. 

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555. 

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 15 Jul 2024, 12.14pm. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Sep 2024, 9.44am

Closed areas: Section of track closed on Coastal Walk (Miners Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse)

A section of the Coastal Walk within Sea Acres National Park will be closed for track maintenance works from Monday 19 August 2024 (subject to favourable weather conditions). The closed section of track is between Tacking Point Lighthouse and the carpark located adjacent to the intersection of Matthew Finders Drive and Lighthouse Road. 

Access from Shelly Beach and the stairs to Miners Beach will remain open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6588 5555.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2024, 9.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 23 Jul 2024, 9.21am

Other planned events: Coachwood Road closed for remediation works

Coachwood Road between Kookaburra and Racecourse Trail is closed until further notice for remediation works following damage from recent weather events.

Please consider alternative roads, such as Hastings Forest Way and Kangaroo Flat Road during this time. Access to Carrai and Werrikimbe national parks remain open from Carrai Road and Racecourse Trail.

For more information, contact the NPWS Walcha office on 02 6777 4700 or Port Macquarie office on 02 6588 5555.

 

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2024, 4.26pm to Thu 31 Oct 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Sep 2024, 10.22am

Closed areas: Coachwood Road closed for remediation works

Coachwood Road between Kookaburra and Racecourse Trail is closed until further notice for remediation works following damage from recent weather events.

Please consider alternative roads, such as Hastings Forest Way and Kangaroo Flat Road during this time. Access to Carrai and Werrikimbe national parks remain open from Carrai Road and Racecourse Trail.

For more information, contact the NPWS Walcha office on 02 6777 4700 or Port Macquarie office on 02 6588 5555.

Affects 5 parks and 16 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Aug 2024, 6.00am to Sun 15 Dec 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 8.06am

Closed areas: Point Plomer campground closed for revitalisation works

Point Plomer campground will be closed for camping whilst major works are completed in the precinct from Thursday 1st August to Sunday 15th December 2024.

 

Campground bookings from December 2024 onwards will be available from the completion of the project. Dates to be announced as completion nears.

 

For more information on the works please visit the Point Plomer Precinct Revitilisation webpage. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/community-engagement/limeburners-creek-national-park-goolawah-national-park-goolawah-regional-park-plan-of-management/point-plomer-precinct-revitalisation

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Jul 2023, 2.39pm to Fri 24 Jul 2026, 2.39pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 8.06am

Closed areas: West End of New England National Park closed

West end of New England National Park between Kilprotay Road & Hickeys Creek Road permanently closed.

For more information contact the local NPWS office on 02 6561 6700.

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 Jul 2024, 10.02am to Fri 28 Feb 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 1 Jul 2024, 9.07am

Closed areas: Areas in Willi Willi national park closed for repair works

The following areas are closed for repair works until Friday 28 February 2025

  • Wilson River picnic area
  • Wilson River Bridge on Hastings Forest Way
  • North Wilson Road
  • Waterfall Walk
  • Botanic Walk

Access to the Banda Banda Aboretum is open however extreme caution should be exercised. The trail becomes very slippery in damp or even misty weather and there is an increased risk of fallen trees blocking the trail. There are limited places to turn around safely if the trail is blocked. Visitors are encouraged to walk in to the Arboretum rather than drive.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 6588 5555.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Jun 2024, 9.32am to Mon 30 Sep 2024, 9.34am. Last reviewed: Wed 11 Sep 2024, 12.00pm

Other planned events: Track works on Laurieton Track

Expect short delays on Laurieton Track from 3 June to 30 September 2024. Walking trail improvements and maintenance will be underway. Please follow the directions of signs and contractors at all times.

For more information, contact the Port Macquarie NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555. 

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 30 May 2024, 10.32am to Sat 26 Oct 2024, 11.12am. Last reviewed: Fri 16 Aug 2024, 3.58pm

Closed areas: Trial Bay Gaol closed for internal works between 22nd June and 26th October 2024

The Trial Bay Gaol will be closed to the public from Saturday 22nd June through until Saturday 26th October 2024 for maintenance works to the internal structure of the Historic building.

 

The Trial Bay Gaol and Campground office will be relocated to NPWS Arakoon Depot on Cardwell St, Arakoon. 

 

All campers staying at the Trial Bay Gaol campground are to check in at the Arakoon Depot or phone the campground office on 02 6566 6168 between 9am - 4.30pm daily.

 

For further information on the Trial Bay Gaol closure or Trial Bay Gaol campground bookings please contact the Trial Bay Gaol office on 02 6566 6168 or email trialbay.gaol@environment.nsw.gov.au 

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 Mar 2021, 11.38am. Last reviewed: Thu 18 Jul 2024, 8.26am

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

Applies from Tue 25 Jul 2023, 7.14am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Aug 2024, 9.16am

Closed areas: Landslip on Hanging Rock Road in State forest

Access to Kosekai Lookout is currently NOT possible via Hanging Rock Road due to a section of Hanging Rock Road being damaged during March 2021 flooding event.  The damaged section of road is managed by Forestry Corporation.  Access to the lookout is now only possible in 4WD vehicles from the south via Boat Harbour Road and then turning onto Kosekai Road

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/visit-a-park/parks/hat-head-national-park/local-alerts

Contact

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.

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