Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

• Aggressive Dogs. A number of walkers have reported some unrestrained, aggressive dogs roaming on Glen Chee Rd about 4-5km from the Cox River, near Mini Mini saddle. The dogs have been reported to council animal control, but in the meantime, be mindful. If you see any dog's behaviour that you consider dangerous, please report it to the police (in an Emergency 000 or Police Assistance Line 131 444 or at https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/cs.aspx). Learn more about managing dog attacks.
• The upgrade Bowtell’s Swing Bridge (over Cox's River) is now OPEN: The bridge over the Cox's River is open following a major upgrade. It looks amazing and 5 people can cross at the same time.
• Jenolan Caves area is closed, there is no access due to substantial flood damage.
• Closed Between Jenolan Caves Rd to Jenolan Caves. Due to substantial flood damage to the Visitor Precinct and surrounding area in April 2024, the Six Foot Track is closed between Binda Bush cabins and Jenolan Caves Road and the caves. There is also no access to Jenolan Caves at this stage. Organising pickup/drop from where the Six Foot Track crosses Jenolan Caves Road might be easier.
• New Map kits are now available
• Monitor Fire Danger.  Sections of the Six Foot Track covered by a Total Fire Ban are closed whilst the ban is in place. Official forecasts and declarations can be found on the RFS website. The Six Foot Track covers two different Fire Danger areas. If a total fire ban is declared in just one area, it only affects that part of the walk. 
  From Katoomba to Coxs River is fully inside the 'Greater Sydney Region' fire danger area.
  From the Coxs River to Jenolan Caves is in the 'Central Ranges' fire danger area.

Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
The following areas are closed:
Katoomba and Leura   

• Federal Pass is closed between Cooks Crossing (200m east of Furber Steps) and Giant Stairs due to a major rockfall. There's no access between Giant Stairs (below Three Sisters) and Scenic World Valley Stations or Furber Steps.  
• Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
• Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Detours will also be in place via Olympian Parade.
• Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
• Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary loop and Federal Pass, west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
• Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
• Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
• Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
• Narrow Neck fire trail (from locked gate to clear hill) will be closed for roads maintenance from 6th January to 30th January 2025.  

Wentworth Falls and Woodford

• Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
• Part of Undercliff track is closed between Fletchers lookout and Princes Rock lookout for track maintenance from Tuesday 19 November 2024. The track is expected to reopen on Tuesday 24 December 2024.
• Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
• Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides. No access to Roberts Pass and Vera Falls. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.  

Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road 

• Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
• Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Blackheath via Perrys Lookdown or the Horse Track.

Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
Some adventure recreation areas and routes are specifically closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.  
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Closed areas: Paterson Range fire trail closure
Paterson Range fire trail in Blue Mountains National Park will be closed for maintenance to all visitors (pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and vehicles) from Tuesday 19 November, reopening Tuesday 24 December 2024.
Visitor access to Burralow Creek campground will remain open - entry via Burralow Road and Tabaraga Ridge fire trail at Kurrajong Heights. Please note this access is 4WD only.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.

Closed areas: Fern Bower to Leura Forest CLOSED
Fern Bower walking track within the Blue Mountains National Park is currently closed due to multiple landslides.  No access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower.  Access via Amphitheatre Track.  For more information please call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02)47878877.  

Fire bans: Park fire ban
A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.
However, the following campgrounds in Blue Mountains National Park are exempt:

• Galong Cabins
• Dunphys campground
• Murphys Glen
• Kedumba River campground
• Burralow Creek
• Euroka campgrounds

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.

Closed areas: Red Hands Cave walking track - Partial closure
Red Hands Cave walking track (also known as Campfire Creek walking track) is partially closed until further notice to allow for extensive flood damage repairs.
Repairs are underway to the Link track section which runs through the gully. The rest of the walking track to Red Hands Cave is open. Pedestrian access is available all the way from the Red Hands Cave carpark through to the causeway.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Monday 5 May 2025 in the following areas:

• Abercrombie River National Park
• Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
• Kanangra-Boyd National Park
• Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
• Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
• Gardens of Stone National Park
• Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
• Turon National Park
• Marrangaroo National Park

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.
For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.

Other planned events: Changed traffic conditions due to pine plantation harvest
Forestry Corporation of NSW will commence harvest thinning of mid age pine plantation bounded by Coscgrove and Mount Werong Roads from late November 2024 to February 2025.
Traffic control measures will be in place when necessary, and additional logging traffic should be expected.Please take care on the road, and drive to the conditions.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. Further information, please contact the Bathurst Forestry Corporation on 02 6331 2044.

Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Hazard reduction burns: Mahons Creek HR
There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 29/04/2024. The fire is called Mahons Creek HR. 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.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted. 
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.


Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service