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Washpool National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Wed 7 June 2023, 10.31am

Applies from Wed 26 Apr 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 7 Jun 2023, 10.31am.

Closed areas: Changed conditions and closures on roads to Four Bull Hut

Access to visitor facilities, campgrounds and walking tracks in the south of Washpool NP, accessible from the Gwydir Highway between Glen Innes and Grafton, is open and not impacted by the closures listed below.

Due to recent flood damage Mt Spirabo Road, leading into the north-western section of Washpool NP from the New England Highway at Bolivia, is undergoing significant roadworks to repair damage. Access to Four Bull Hut is still possible, but a high-clearance 4WD is required, and horse-floats should not be taken along this road. Please follow any directions from signage, contractors or staff when driving this road, and be aware that conditions can become slippery during and following rain.

Due to NSW Forestry Corporation operations access to the northern end of Spirabo Forest Way is closed to traffic traveling in both directions until 1 January 2024, with no access to Washpool NP via Scrub Road out of Tenterfield.

Due to these road conditions and closures, the following locations in the north-west of Washpool NP are closed: 

  • Washpool horse riding trails
  • Billyrimba Falls and lookout
  • Spirabo Forest Way drive through Capoompeta and Washpool NPs

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 2 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Mon 5 Jun 2023, 8.00am to Fri 16 Jun 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jun 2023, 3.09pm.

Safety alerts: Roadworks on Coachwood Drive

Roadworks are being conducted on Coachwood Drive, the primary access road into visitor areas of Washpool NP. The park and visitor areas remain open during these works, but please follow any directions from signage, contractors and staff, and minor delays may occur throughout these works.

For more information contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 6 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Wed 26 Nov 2014, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jun 2023, 10.54am.

Closed areas: Road closure

Some areas of this park are closed until further notice due to the demolition of a bridge from a past flooding event.

The closed areas include the 4WD access to North Washpool, an area also known as Washpool rest area, entering from Baryulgil onto Collum Collum Road. The bridge is washed away at the junction of Washpool Creek and Collum Collum Road.

Please note:

  • Washpool National Park’s 2WD entrance off Gwydir Highway onto Coachwood Drive and Washpool Forest Way is open.
  • Bellbird campground, Coombadjha campground and the Granites lookout and picnic areas are accessible.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Applies from Mon 24 Apr 2023, 8.00am to Mon 31 Jul 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 19 May 2023, 9.06am.

Other planned events: 1080 ground and aerial baiting program

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will commence a 1080 ground and aerial baiting program on the 24th April to 31st July 2023 on the following reserves:

  • Bald Rock National Park
  • Barool National Park
  • Basket Swamp National Park
  • Bluff River Nature Reserve
  • Bolivia Hill Nature Reserve
  • Butterleaf National Park
  • Capoompeta National Park
  • Cataract National Park
  • Cathedral Rock National Park
  • Crooked Creek National Park
  • Donnybrook Nature Reserve
  • Gibraltar Range National Park
  • Guy Fawkes River National Park
  • Kings Plains National Park
  • Kwiambal CCAZ1 (Arthurs Seat)
  • Kwiambal National Park
  • Mann River Nature Reserve
  • Maryland National Park
  • Nullamanna National Park
  • Nymboida National Park
  • Severn River Nature Reserve
  • Torrington State Conservation Area
  • Warra National Park
  • Washpool National Park

The operations will use a combination of manufactured and meat baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. Signs will be placed at the entry to all the baiting locations. 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 locations. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information call the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 11 locations in this park: Show list

Nearby alerts

Applies from Wed 26 Apr 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 7 Jun 2023, 10.31am

Closed areas: Changed conditions and closures on roads to Four Bull Hut

Access to visitor facilities, campgrounds and walking tracks in the south of Washpool NP, accessible from the Gwydir Highway between Glen Innes and Grafton, is open and not impacted by the closures listed below.

Due to recent flood damage Mt Spirabo Road, leading into the north-western section of Washpool NP from the New England Highway at Bolivia, is undergoing significant roadworks to repair damage. Access to Four Bull Hut is still possible, but a high-clearance 4WD is required, and horse-floats should not be taken along this road. Please follow any directions from signage, contractors or staff when driving this road, and be aware that conditions can become slippery during and following rain.

Due to NSW Forestry Corporation operations access to the northern end of Spirabo Forest Way is closed to traffic traveling in both directions until 1 January 2024, with no access to Washpool NP via Scrub Road out of Tenterfield.

Due to these road conditions and closures, the following locations in the north-west of Washpool NP are closed: 

  • Washpool horse riding trails
  • Billyrimba Falls and lookout
  • Spirabo Forest Way drive through Capoompeta and Washpool NPs

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 4 parks and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 17 Aug 2022, 12.02pm to Sun 30 Jun 2024, 12.03pm. Last reviewed: Tue 16 May 2023, 3.14pm

Closed parks: Yabbra National Park closed

Yabbra National Park is closed until further notice. The closure is due to damage from recent weather events, and roadworks on Joes Box, South Yabbra, Yabbra Plains and Pocupar Roads.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Kyogle area office on 02 6632 0000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 May 2023, 11.22am to Tue 14 Nov 2023, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Thu 11 May 2023, 10.08am

Other planned events: Notice of Ongoing 1080 program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing aerial and ground baiting programs in

  • Koreelah National Park
  • Tooloom Naional Park
  • Yabbra National Park
  • Mount Clunie National Park
  • Captains Creek Nature Reserve
  • Nymboida National Park
  • Mount Neville Nature Reserve
  • Banyabba Nature Reserve
  • Ramornie National Park
  • Bagul Waajaarr Nature Reserve
  • Bindarri National Park
  • Cascade National Park
  • Chaelundi National Park and State Conservation Area
  • Cunnawarra National Park
  • Dorrigo National Park
  • Dunggir National Park
  • Gumbaynggirr State Conservation Area
  • Jobs Mountain Nature Reserve
  • Mount Hyland Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area
  • New England National Park
  • Ngambaa Nature Reserve
  • Nymboi-Binderay National Park
  • Serpentine Nature Reserve
  • The Cells State Conservation Area
  • Cottan-Bimbang National Park
  • Carrai National Park and State Conservation Area
  • Pee Dee Nature Reserve
  • The Castles Nature Reserve
  • Werrikimbe National Park
  • Willi Willi National Park.

 

from 14/05/2023 to 14/11/2023

Aerial baiting is scheduled for 14/05/2023 to 28/05/2023

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 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 NPWS area office for more information on-

Richmond River – 02 6627 0200

Clarence – 02 6641 1500

Coffs Coast – 02 6652 0900

Hastings Macleay – 02 6588 5555

Affects 7 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 6 Dec 2021, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 9 Jun 2023, 9.14am

Safety alerts: Ugly Corner Falls track damage

Ugly Corner Falls walking track is damaged due to flooding. Surfaces may be uneven due to erosion.

Please follow all signage and don't enter areas that are fenced off. After heavy rainfall creek levels can change rapidly. It is unsafe to swim or attempt to cross rivers that are flooded.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 Nov 2021, 8.00am to Fri 30 Jun 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 1 Jun 2023, 9.32am

Safety alerts: Changed conditions due to ongoing unpredictable flooding

The Guy Fawkes River catchment area is at risk of unpredictable flooding, which can occur without warning.

This includes Bicentennial National trail, the overnight wilderness walk, and any other travel along the river corridors.

It is strongly advisable to delay visiting until conditions are more favourable, unless well prepared.

Flooding can leave walkers and horse riders stranded for extended periods. This is a remote location with no roads or mobile phone reception. Ensure you are well prepared for unforeseen extended isolation. Carry extra food and have a communication plan in place with friends or family. Helicopter evacuation is the only safe retrieval method in most of the reserve.

In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Apr 2023, 8.00am to Mon 31 Jul 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 19 May 2023, 9.06am

Other planned events: 1080 ground baiting program

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will commence a 1080 ground baiting program on the 24th April to 31st July 2023 on the following reserves:

  • Boonoo Boonoo National Park
  • Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve

The operations will use a combination of manufactured and meat baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. Signs will be placed at the entry to all the baiting locations. 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 locations. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information call the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Apr 2023, 8.00am to Mon 31 Jul 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 19 May 2023, 9.06am

Other planned events: 1080 ground and aerial baiting program

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will commence a 1080 ground and aerial baiting program on the 24th April to 31st July 2023 on the following reserves:

  • Bald Rock National Park
  • Barool National Park
  • Basket Swamp National Park
  • Bluff River Nature Reserve
  • Bolivia Hill Nature Reserve
  • Butterleaf National Park
  • Capoompeta National Park
  • Cataract National Park
  • Cathedral Rock National Park
  • Crooked Creek National Park
  • Donnybrook Nature Reserve
  • Gibraltar Range National Park
  • Guy Fawkes River National Park
  • Kings Plains National Park
  • Kwiambal CCAZ1 (Arthurs Seat)
  • Kwiambal National Park
  • Mann River Nature Reserve
  • Maryland National Park
  • Nullamanna National Park
  • Nymboida National Park
  • Severn River Nature Reserve
  • Torrington State Conservation Area
  • Warra National Park
  • Washpool National Park

The operations will use a combination of manufactured and meat baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. Signs will be placed at the entry to all the baiting locations. 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 locations. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information call the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 23 parks and 55 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Oct 2022, 7.00am to Thu 31 Aug 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 2 Jun 2023, 11.07am

Closed areas: Upper Ebor Falls closed for construction

The Upper Ebor Falls precinct is closed from November 2022 until August 2023 (subject to change) to allow NPWS to rebuild facilities lost in the 2019/2020 bushfires, including a new viewing platform. During this time there will be no access to the following areas:

  • Upper Ebor Falls picnic area
  • Upper Ebor Falls lookout
  • Public toilets at Upper Ebor Falls
  • Walking track between Upper and Lower Ebor Falls picnic areas
  • Ebor Village walking track

The Lower Ebor Falls picnic area and toilets will remain open, with limited views of Ebor Falls.

Additional public toilets are located on the eastern side of  Waterfall Way at  Ebor Sports ground.

Please do not enter construction areas and follow all signage or directions from staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 28 Sep 2022, 3.55pm to Tue 19 Dec 2023, 9.03am. Last reviewed: Thu 4 May 2023, 11.50am

Closed areas: Doon Goonge campground closed

Doon Goonge campground is closed for public safety and is expected to re-open for the Xmas school holidays (ie 20 December 2023).

Alternate nearby campgrounds include Dalmorton, Thungutti, Cod Hole and Platypus Flat, that can be booked on the NPWS website.

For more information, contact the NPWS Coffs Coast area office on 02 6652 0900.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 31 Jan 2023, 4.15pm to Fri 30 Jun 2023, 3.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 22 May 2023, 8.36pm

Closed parks: Parks closed due road maintenance works and flood damage.

This park is closed from Monday 2 May 2022 until Friday 30 June 2023, due to widespread damage following rainfall and flooding in March 2022.

Many creek crossings, roads and trails are closed and impassable due to a severe rainfall/ flooding event.

This park will re-open as soon as it is safe, after assessments and remedial works occur.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Grafton area office.

Affects 3 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 1 Jan 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 12 May 2023, 9.30am

Safety alerts: 4WD Access Only

Butterleaf Road, the access road into Butterleaf NP through the adjoining State Forest, is in very poor condition, and access is restricted to 4WD only. Please exercise caution and drive to conditions.

For further information contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 21 Oct 2022, 9.38am to Fri 30 Jun 2023, 9.39am. Last reviewed: Sat 3 Jun 2023, 9.09am

Closed parks: Multiple parks closed due to hazardous conditions

The closure of this park has been extended until Friday 30th June 2023, due to hazardous conditions and damage from flooding and storm events.

No public access is permitted. These closures may be extended, pending completion of repair works and additional weather impacts.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Richmond River Area on 02 6632 0000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 Jun 2020, 2.26pm. Last reviewed: Tue 20 Sep 2022, 9.18am

Other incidents: Long Point or The Green campgrounds - Booking info

If you plan to stay at Long Point or The Green camping areas in Warra National Park you will need to fill in a Trip Intention Form before you leave home.

All NPWS campgrounds now require you to make an online booking before you stay, or complete a Trip Intention Form for those that are remote and do not have a dedicated webpage, like Long Point and The Green camping areas.

Read more about COVID safe camping here.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 Jun 2020, 3.31pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Jul 2020, 2.00pm

Other incidents: Camping requirements

If you plan to stay at the campground in Butterleaf National Park you will need to fill in a Trip Intention Form before you leave home.

All NPWS campgrounds now require you to make an online booking before you stay, or to complete a Trip Intention Form for those that are remote and do not have a dedicated webpage, like the campground in Butterleaf National Park.

Read more about COVID safe camping here.

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/washpool-national-park/local-alerts

Contact

  • in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
  • Washpool National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glen Innes area. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring the correct change and display your receipt.

    Buy annual pass
  • More
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