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Watsons Creek State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Wed 26 August 2026, 2.44pm

Applies from Mon 10 Aug 2026, 12.00am to Thu 10 Dec 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Aug 2026, 2.44pm.

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting 1080 ground baiting programs from 10 August 2026 to 10 December 2026, in the following reserves:

  • Warrabah National Park
  • Watsons Creek State Conservation Area
  • Watsons Creek Nature Reserve
  • Watsons Creek National Park

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

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species like the Western Saw-shelled Turtle.

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 New England Area NPWS Office for more information on 02 6738 9100.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 1 Sep 2026, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Sat 12 Sep 2026, 6.28pm

Fires - Advice: Pantons Fire

There is a fire in this park called Pantons Fire. 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 Sun 6 Sep 2026, 3.30pm. Last reviewed: Sat 12 Sep 2026, 6.21pm

Fires - Advice: Bear Hill Fire

There is a fire in this park called Bear Hill Fire. 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 Tue 8 Sep 2026, 7.00am to Fri 23 Oct 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 11 Sep 2026, 4.28pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 Aerial Baiting Program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program from 12 September to 20 September 2026 in the following reserves:

  • Barrington Tops National Park/State Conservation Area
  • Towarri National Park / Wingen Maid Nature Reserve / Cedar Brush Nature Reserve
  • Wallabadah Nature Reserve
  • Woolooma National Park
  • Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve/National Park
  • Camerons Gorge Nature Reserve/State Conservation Area
  • Curracabundi National Park/State Conservation Area, Bretti Nature Reserve, Mernot Nature Reserve, Watchimbark Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Monkeycot Nature Reserve, Coneac State Conservation Area, Camels Hump Nature Reserve, Khatambuhl Nature Reserve
  • Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
  • Berrico Nature Reserve
  • The Glen Nature Reserve

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

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 authorised entrances to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks and most other NPWS managed land. 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 NPWS Gloucester Office on 02 6538 5300 or Scone Office on 02 6540 2300 for more information.

Affects 8 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 28 Aug 2026, 9.48am to Thu 17 Sep 2026, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Sep 2026, 9.58am

Closed areas: Waa Gorge closed due to wet weather

Waa Gorge picnic area and walking track in Mount Kaputar National Park are closed from Friday 28 August until Thursday 17 September 2026. Recent heavy rainfall in the area has made the access road impassable.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information please contact the NPWS Barwon Area office on (02) 6792 7300.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 6 Sep 2026, 8.20pm. Last reviewed: Sun 6 Sep 2026, 8.22pm

Closed parks: Guy Fawkes National Park closed - fire

The majority of Guy Fawkes National Park is closed due to fire activity. Ebor Falls remains open

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 27 Aug 2026, 2.53pm to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 27 Aug 2026, 2.59pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 pig baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program from Tuesday 1 September until Friday 4 September 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral pigs.

The program will take place in Trinkey State Conservation Area.

The program is designed to minimise the impacts from feral pigs on the environment, heritage sites and neighbouring properties.

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 Castlereagh NPWS Area Office for more information on 6843 4000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 27 Oct 2025, 12.00am to Sun 31 Jan 2027, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Wed 19 Aug 2026, 3.46pm

Closed areas: Dangars Gorge closed for precinct upgrade

The Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers NP is strictly closed 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 Thu 11 Jun 2026, 1.52pm to Fri 30 Oct 2026, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Fri 14 Aug 2026, 9.47am

Safety alerts: Planned Road Maintenance Works - Mooraback Road, Racecourse Trail, Fenwicks Road/Cobcroft Road

Changed Road Conditions due to road Maintenance works are in place in Werrikimbe National Parks and Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Affected Roads and trails are:

  • Mooraback Road
  • Racecourse Trail
  • Fenwicks Road/Cobcroft Road

 

Roadworks are scheduled to repair the road from 22 June for up to 8-10 weeks. Heavy plant will be operating during this time, take care and drive safely.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office at Walcha on 02 6777 4700, or Armidale Office on 02 6738 9100.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 22 May 2025, 12.28pm. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Jul 2026, 4.59pm

Closed parks: National parks closed due to flood damage

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

  • Barrakee SCA
  • Killabakh 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 10 Aug 2026, 12.00am to Thu 10 Dec 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Aug 2026, 2.44pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting 1080 ground baiting programs from 10 August 2026 to 10 December 2026, in the following reserves:

  • Warrabah National Park
  • Watsons Creek State Conservation Area
  • Watsons Creek Nature Reserve
  • Watsons Creek National Park

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

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species like the Western Saw-shelled Turtle.

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 New England Area NPWS Office for more information on 02 6738 9100.

Affects 4 parks and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Mar 2026, 8.55am to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 8.56am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Aug 2026, 8.54am

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 Thursday 31 December 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 Sun 1 Feb 2026, 2.25pm to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 2.27pm. Last reviewed: Mon 29 Jun 2026, 12.03pm

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, Thursday 31 December 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 Sat 28 Feb 2026, 9.08am. Last reviewed: Tue 8 Sep 2026, 1.42pm

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 14 Aug 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 27 Jul 2026, 9.03am

Closed areas: Flood effected areas within Tapin Tops National Park

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

  • Potoroo Falls (including Potoroo Road)

For further information, please contact NPWS Manning Great Lakes Area on (02) 6591 0300

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 4 Nov 2024, 12.15pm to Mon 31 Dec 2029, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 16 Apr 2026, 12.09pm

Closed parks: Woodsreef State Conservation Area Closed

Woodsreef State Conservation Area is closed until further notice due to potential health risks from possible asbestos exposure.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Narrabri NPWS office on (02) 6792 7300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Mar 2026, 12.00am to Sat 31 Oct 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 1 Sep 2026, 11.53am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial and ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing aerial and ground baiting program across Mount Kaputar National Park and Deriah Aboriginal Area from Tuesday 3 March to Saturday 31 October 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 impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock. Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location.

Domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS estate. 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.

For further information please contact the NPWS Barwon Area office on (02) 6792 7300.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 15 Dec 2025, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 11 Sep 2026, 8.51am

Safety alerts: Washouts on Carinya Road

There are significant washouts on Carinya Rd in Deriah Aboriginal Area.

Washouts can be harmful to vehicles and passengers. Please travel this road with caution and drive through washouts at very low speed.

This road is not managed by NPWS. Please direct any concerns regarding the condition of the road to Narrabri Shire Council on 02 6799 6866 or council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 15 Dec 2025, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 11 Sep 2026, 8.51am

Safety alerts: Washouts on Kaputar Road

There are several washouts on the gravel section of Kaputar Rd in Mount Kaputar National Park.

Washouts can be harmful to vehicles and passengers. Please travel this section of road with caution and drive through washouts at very low speed.

This section of road is not managed by NPWS. Please direct any concerns regarding the condition of the road to Narrabri Shire Council on 02 6799 6866 or council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au

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/watsons-creek-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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