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Watagan Flora Reserves

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 19 January 2026, 12.01pm

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 12.01pm.

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Central Coast

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)

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.

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.14am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9.50am.

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs

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)

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.

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.12am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.16am.

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Wollemi-Yengo 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:

Dharug National Park

  • Mill Creek Campground

Mount Royal National Park

  • Youngville Campground

Yengo National Park

  • Blue Gums Campground
  • Mountain Arm Campground
  • Yengo House
  • Finchley Campground
  • Mogo 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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 19 Jan 2026, 2.18pm to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 2.18pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 2.29pm

Other planned events: Yambo Forest and Lemon Tree trail closures

There will be no vehicle access through Jilliby State Conservation Area via Yambo Forest and Lemon Tree roads from Tue 27 January to end February 2026. These trails are being upgraded to meet current RFS fire trail standards which will improve fire protection for the community. Vehicles may still use Watagan Forest Rd for access. 

For more information, call the Munmorah NPWS office 02 4972 9000 or email the team on assets.hcb@dcceew.nsw.gov.au. 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Nov 2025, 7.00am to Fri 27 Feb 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 1.25pm

Closed areas: Area closed for conservation works

Some parts of this park are closed from Monday 24 November to Friday 27 February 2026 while conservation works are being undertaken on Devines Hill. The closed areas are:

  • Devines Hill section of the Old Great North Walk (from Settlers Road to Shepherds Gully Road).

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Signage installed on closed section. For more information, contact the Wollemi - Yengo Area Office - (02) 6574 5555.

Applies from Tue 13 Jan 2026, 1.14pm to Fri 6 Feb 2026, 1.14pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 1.26pm

Other planned events: Vegetation works on Finchs Line Road, Old Great North Road and Shepherds Gully Road

Vegetation works will be underway on Finchs Line Road, Shepherds Gully Road and the Old Great North Road (from the intersection of Finchs Line Road to the intersection of Three Mile Trail) from Tuesday 13 January to Friday 6 February 2026. Ride/walk safely and follow the directions of roadwork signs and NPWS staff.

 

For more information, contact the Wollemi-Yengo Area Office on (02) 6574 5555.

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 12.01pm

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Central Coast

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)

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 5 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 15 Dec 2025, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.39am

Other planned events: Planned road repair works for Bangalow Road

Planned road repair works will recommence on 27th January 2026 until late March 2026. Heavy plant and machinery will be operating along Bangalow Road. 

Areas that will be closed during these works include:

  • Bangalow Campground and Day use area
  • Gap Creek Campground and Day use area
  • Gap Creek Falls Walking Track

During this time, pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted.

There will be no available campground bookings during this time. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For further information, please contact the NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 12 Dec 2025, 3.34pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9.38am

Closed areas: Heaton Road Access from Watagans Road Closed Due to Landslip and Rockfall

Heaton Road Access from Watagans Road is closed as it is no longer suitable for 2WD or 4WD vehicles due to risk of landslip and rockfall. This affects access from Watagans National Park to Quorrobolong.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For further information, please contact NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 12 Dec 2025, 12.35pm. Last reviewed: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 8.30am

Safety alerts: Howes Trail road condition – experienced 4WD only

Due to recent weather, Howes trail from Putty Road to Yango Track is rough and severely eroded. Experienced 4WD only. Take care and drive safely.

For more information, contact the Wollemi Yengo area office on 02 6574 5555 or NSW Crown Lands 1300 886 235

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.12am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.16am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Wollemi-Yengo 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:

Dharug National Park

  • Mill Creek Campground

Mount Royal National Park

  • Youngville Campground

Yengo National Park

  • Blue Gums Campground
  • Mountain Arm Campground
  • Yengo House
  • Finchley Campground
  • Mogo 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 6 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 10 Oct 2025, 10.26am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.39am

Other planned events: Closed areas: Watagans National Park partial closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

Areas within Watagans National Park may be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am between Monday 27 October 2025 to Tuesday 31 March 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 Wed 1 Oct 2025, 11.50am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.39am

Closed areas: Monkey Face Road planned maintenance

Planned maintenance and repairs is scheduled along Monkey Face Road. The areas below that are accessible via Monkey Face Road will be closed during the following dates: 

  • Monkey Face Lookout closed 10 October 2025 - late February 2026
  • Gap Creek Lookout closed 12 January 2026 - late February 2026

Heavy plant and machinery will be operating during this time. Pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the NPWS Central Coast Area Office on (02) 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 24 Sep 2025, 2.26pm. Last reviewed: Sun 28 Dec 2025, 11.04am

Safety alerts: Road Maintenance

Fire trail maintenance works are undertaken periodically, at various locations throughout Jilliby State Conservation Area. Partial and intermittent closures should be expected. Please follow the directions of any construction staff onsite and safety signage.

Take care and drive to conditions.

 

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 49729000

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 19 Jul 2024, 10.21am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 10.21am. Last reviewed: Sat 1 Nov 2025, 10.44am

Closed areas: Gap Creek Forest Walk partially closed due to rockfall risk

Gap Creek Forest Walk is part closed due to the risk of landslip and rockfall.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on 02 4972 9000

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 3 Jul 2025, 11.38am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.39am

Closed areas: Rope Road and Click Creek Fire Trail closed due to road conditions

Rope Road and Click Creek Fire Trails are temporarily closed as it is not suitable for 2WD or 4WD vehicles. The areas will reopen as soon as they are considered safe. To prevent further damage to the road and to protect visitor safety, please avoid these areas and other trails within the reserve that are potentially hazardous.

Penalties apply for non-compliance

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 May 2025, 7.48am. Last reviewed: Tue 1 Jul 2025, 9.13am

Safety alerts: Yengo National Park road conditions - 4WD recommended

Roads in Yengo National Park are currently not suitable for 2WD vehicles, 4WD is highly recommended. Roads are rough and eroded due to recent May flooding event. Take care and drive safely.

For more information, contact the Wollemi Yengo area office on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Sat 15 Nov 2025, 9.54am

Closed areas: Muirs Lookout Picnic Area - Closed

Muirs Lookout Picnic Area on Prickly Ridge Road has been closed due to ageing infrastructure, obstructed lookout views to the coast and very low public visitation. Alternative picnic facilities are located nearby in Olney State Forest and Watagans National Park. Further information on other places to visit can be obtained via the NPWS or Forestry Corporation websites. 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Sat 15 Nov 2025, 9.55am

Safety alerts: Prickly Ridge Road 4WD only

The section of Prickly Ridge Road between Watagan Forest Road and Cut-Rock Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

To prevent further damage to the road and to protect visitor safety, please avoid this area and other trails in the reserve that are still slippery and potentially hazardous.  

For further information, please contact the Central Coast Area Office at Lake Munmorah on 02 4972 9000.

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/watagan-flora-reserves/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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