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Upper Nepean State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 4 November 2024, 8.50am

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 8.50am.

Fire bans: Hawkesbury-Nattai Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds are exempt in the following reserves:

Yellomundee Regional Park

  • Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sun 21 Jul 2024, 7.00am to Fri 20 Dec 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 2.00pm

Closed areas: Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track Closed

Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track, picnic area and carpark in Morton National Park is closed for track maintenance from Monday 22 July to 20 December 2024 (weather permitting). 

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

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Dec 2024, 1.40pm to Fri 20 Dec 2024, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 10.14am

Closed areas: Rhododendron Gardens Closed for night-time Ground Shooting Operations

The Rhododendron Gardens of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area will be closed during the hours of 6:00pm – 9:00am from Tuesday 17th December - Friday 20th December 2024 for ground shooting for feral animal control. The Rhododendron Gardens will be open to the public during normal visitation hours. 

This program will involve ground shooting of feral deer. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on the Rhododendron Gardens as well as native plants and animals including threatened species. Other pest animals including foxes may also be targeted, if observed during the operations.

Ground Shooting will not take place during school holidays or on weekends or public holidays.

Park closure warning signs will be placed at entrances to the shooting area. Do not enter the closed area during shooting periods.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information please contact the Wollongong Office on (02) 4224 4188 or npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 20 Sep 2022, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 10.59am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ground baiting program

A baiting program using ground baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes will be conducted between August 01 2024 to August 01 2025 in the Kangaroo Valley, Budgong and Illaroo areas.

All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, call the NPWS Shoalhaven area office on 02 4428 6300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 30 Nov 2024, 8.55am. Last reviewed: Sat 30 Nov 2024, 11.42am

Closed areas: Minnamurra Falls walking track closed

Walking track closed due to high rainfall event and subsequent increased landslip and rockfall risk

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 Jun 2017, 12.48pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Nov 2024, 2.35pm

Closed areas: Access to base of Belmore Falls prohibited

All access to the base of Belmore Falls is permanently closed as there is a risk of falling from the cliff edge and severe injury or death. This includes access from Hindmarsh and Belmore Falls lookouts and picnic areas.

Access is also closed to the top of Belmore Falls, including from the Belmore Falls Road causeway. 

There is limited mobile phone reception in this area. You may not be able to call for help if you need it and access for emergency services is difficult. 

The walk will remain permanently closed to the public to protect visitor safety.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls area office on 02 4887 8244 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 12 Apr 2024, 11.52am. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 4.25pm

Closed areas: Lyrebird Loop walk partial closure

Lyrebird Loop walk is partially closed until further notice due to flood damage. This closure affects the start of the Lyrebird Loop walk, which restricts wheelchair access.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For any further information, please contact the NPWS Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jun 2024, 12.04pm to Fri 13 Dec 2024, 5.09pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.20am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 bait disposal pit

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is disposing of used 1080 baits and baiting products in an approved disposal pit on NPWS National Parks land within the Fitzroy Falls area.

The burial of used baits and products will happen from Friday 14 June 2024 to Friday 13 December 2024. All bait material in the pit will be buried under at least 500mm of soil, and clear of waterways so as not to cause pollution of waterways. This is in accordance with the current Pesticide Control Order (1080 bait products).

There will be 1080 baiting signs at the entrance to the disposal pit site.

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is lethal to pets (including domestic dogs and cats) and working dogs. In the event of accidental poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Domestic pets, including dogs and cats, are not permitted in national parks or reserves.

For more information, email or call the NPWS Fitzroy Falls area office on 02 4887 8244.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 May 2023, 2.36pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.20am

Closed areas: Gulp Road at Wingello closed

The Gulp Road section of Morton National Park is closed due to ongoing wet conditions, it will be re-opened after it has been assessed as suitable for vehicle access.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Mar 2022, 8.04am. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.20am

Closed areas: Nicholas Pass track partly closed

Nicholas Pass track is closed from its junction with the base of Fairy Bower Falls walking track to Ampitheatre Lookout until further notice due to a landslide and rock fall event.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Wed 18 Sep 2024, 1.36pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 12.34pm

Closed areas: Wodi Wodi Track Closed due to track damage

Wodi Wodi walking track is closed until further notice due to repairs and upgrades.

The walking track will re-open as soon as it safe to do so.

For more information, please contact the local office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Mar 2024, 3.12pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.18am

Safety alerts: Beaches at Killalea Regional Park are unpatrolled

The beaches at Killalea Regional Park are unpatrolled.  There is no lifesaving service.  There may be strong currents, shallow water, unexpected large waves, rips and sudden drop offs.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 6 Feb 2024, 10.28am. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.18am

Closed areas: Woodward track is closed due to storm damage

Woodward track (accessed via Sublime Point) is closed due to damage from heavy rainfall events.

For more information, contact the local park office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jan 2023, 2.36pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.18am

Closed areas: Partial Closure to Forest Walk

The Forest Walk is affected by the closure of Sublime Point walking track until further notice. There is no access between Sublime Point and Austinmer. Sublime Point walking track is currently being repaired or upgraded. As soon as the track can be safely reopened, NPWS alerts will be updated.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 9 Dec 2022, 9.15am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 11.29am

Closed areas: Lower Escarpment Fire Trail partial closure

The Lower Escarpment Fire Trail is open to walkers, bicycles and light 4WD vehicles only. No access with heavy vehicles larger than cat 9 due to hazardous track conditions. As soon as the remainder of the track can be safely re-opened, NPWS Alerts will be updated.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 21 Sep 2022, 1.08pm to Fri 13 Dec 2024, 5.09pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.14am

Other planned events: 1080 fox ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting a continual and ongoing 1080 ground baiting program for the control of foxes from Friday 14 June 2024 to Friday 13 December 2024 to reduce the impacts on threatened species.

The operation will target foxes in the Carrington Falls, Budderoo Plateau, Knights Hill and Barren Grounds areas. Baits have been placed on NPWS estate and Crown road reserves with permissions.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.

1080 baiting signs are at all entries to the baiting location. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Some baits may be buried.

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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls office on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 2 Dec 2023, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 13 Nov 2024, 11.31am

Closed areas: Access to the base of Gerringong Falls is prohibited

Access to the base of Gerringong Falls is prohibited.

The area around and down to the base of the Gerringong Falls has loose rocks, steep cliffs and unstable ground surface making it dangerous to access. The walk will remain permanently closed to the public to protect visitor safety.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the local Area at npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 11 Nov 2024, 2.48pm to Sun 2 Mar 2025, 11.50am. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Nov 2024, 3.04pm

Closed areas: Section of park closed for ground shooting control program

The area of Nattai National Park between Obrien's Road and W4/Scabby Flat Trail is closed Monday 25th November 2024 to Saturday 1st March 2025 for a ground shooting control operation.


Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai Area office: (02) 4720 6200

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 8.50am

Fire bans: Hawkesbury-Nattai Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds are exempt in the following reserves:

Yellomundee Regional Park

  • Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place

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 7 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Oct 2024, 10.31am to Fri 31 Oct 2025, 10.31am. Last reviewed: Mon 14 Oct 2024, 10.42am

Safety alerts: Potential difficulties for cyclists navigating Beehive Walking Track

Cyclists undertaking the Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley cycling route are advised that there may be difficulties riding Beehive Walking Track, which provides one of two access routes to Beehive Campground. The original track has been closed to vehicles with many large logs impeding access. Alternative riding access to Beehive Campground is possible via Jack's Corner Road and Beehive Point Road.

 

This closure only affects cyclists wishing to access Beehive Point Campground. Walkers are not impacted by this closure and cyclists may choose to walk the trail with their bikes, lifting them over logs when required.

 

For further information, contact the NPWS Illawarra-Highlands Area on 02 4887 8244 or via email npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 10 Oct 2024, 10.52am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 10.55am. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Nov 2024, 11.11am

Closed areas: IESCA Kembla Heights area is closed for the construction of the Kembla Stage 1 Mountain Bike Network

Construction works have commenced on the first stage of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project at Kembla Heights. 

Construction is being carried out in accordance with rigorous environmental and cultural heritage planning approvals, the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy and our Cycling Strategy.

People are reminded that the area is a closed construction site. Please stay off the tracks until they are opened in mid-2025 for your safety and to allow the network to be completed.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Nov 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Nov 2024, 10.22am

Fire bans: Kanangra Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However Wombeyan Caves campground in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is exempt.

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 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 18 Sep 2024, 2.22pm to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 2.23pm. Last reviewed: Wed 18 Sep 2024, 2.30pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 23rd September 2024 to Sunday 23rd March 2025. The operation will use a Felixer containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral cats, and approved meat baits, meat bait products, and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPE) for the control of foxes and wild dogs.

The program will be conducted in Nattai National Park.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.

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 Hawkesbury-Nattai NPWS area office on (02) 4720 6200 for more information.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 5 Mar 2021, 1.54pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Sep 2024, 1.27pm

Closed areas: Camping areas closed due to flood and fire damage

Camping is closed indefinitely at the following campgrounds due to fire damage and flooding. The closed campground include (open for day-use only): 

  • Pauls Point
  • Sundeck 
  • Sawyers 
  • Burrawang

Please note that the campgrounds will remain open for day use. Some campgrounds may be affected by flood debris following heavy rain, and there may be steep sand walls to access sites.

Please be cautious and move onto another campground if safety issues occur. There have been many changes to campgrounds along the river, including reduced campground capacity. Some sites also have extensive regrowth following fires.

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

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 21 Nov 2023, 10.05am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 7.28am

Safety alerts: Mount Tarn Navigational warning

Mt Tarn Walking Track is overgrown with vegetation between Mt Tarn and Mt Haughton which may cause navigation challenges.

 

Before you enter the bush, Think Before You TREK

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 18 Nov 2021, 10.47am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 7.28am

Closed areas: Toorooroo campground closed due to damage

Toorooroo campground is closed due to fire and flood damage. Please check back for updates.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 17 Sep 2023, 1.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Oct 2024, 9.25am

Closed areas: 12 Mile Road Closed

12 Mile road between George Boyd Lookout and Braidwood Road in Morton National Park is closed due to recent storm damage. Culverts have been washed out and the road is untrafficable.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Jan 2021, 3.35pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Oct 2024, 9.25am

Closed areas: Tianjara fire trail

Tianjara fire trail is closed. Please do not enter the closed area.

A review of access arrangements, the UXO area and permit system is being undertaken

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 10 Nov 2020, 2.24pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 9.34am

Closed areas: Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe closed

Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe is closed until further notice. Light refreshments and hot beverages are available for purchase from Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

For further information contact Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Sun 6 Oct 2024, 12.08pm

Other incidents: Minnamurra Rainforest may close at short notice

Minnamurra Rainforest is a popular location and will close at short notice if needed. This is to ensure visitation levels do not exceed safe capacity or due to the carpark reaching capacity. 

NPWS encourages you to plan your visit outside of peak periods of 11am to 2pm. 

Affects 1 park and 5 locations 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/upper-nepean-state-conservation-area/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.

View all alerts for NSW

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