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Washpools and Middlebrook walking tracks

Towarri National Park

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Thu 30 Jul 2026, 10.00am to Fri 21 Aug 2026, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 11 Aug 2026, 5.45pm

Closed areas: Notice of Aerial Shooting for Pest Animal Control

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will conduct aerial shooting from  7am Monday 17 August to 5pm Friday 21 August 2026 in:

  • Towarri NP
  • Wingen Maid NR

The shooting area will be CLOSED to all visitors when aerial shooting is underway.  

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS local office on (02) 6540 2300.

Note: Washpools campground and picnic area will not be directly affected by these closures.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 30 Jul 2026, 10.00am to Sat 22 Aug 2026, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 11 Aug 2026, 5.42pm

Closed parks: Closed Areas: Notice of Aerial Shooting for Pest Animal Control

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will conduct an aerial pest control operation (aerial shooting) from 15th August to 22rd August 2026 (including weekend days) in:

  • Camerons Gorge NR/SCA
  • Wallabadah NR
  • Ben Halls Gap NP/NR
  • Curracabundi NP/SCA
  • Watichimbark NR
  • Mernot NR
  • Monkeycott NR
  • Woko NP

The operational area will be CLOSED to all visitors when aerial shooting is underway.

Warning closure signs will be placed at relevant visitor entry points. Please do not enter closed areas during this time.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS local office on (65402300).

Camerons Gorge NR/SCA, Wallabadah NR, Ben Halls Gap NP/NR, Curracabundi Group (Curracabundi NP/SCA, Watchimbark NR, Mernot NR, Monkeycott NR, Woko NP)

Affects 5 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 9 Apr 2022, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Mon 10 Aug 2026, 2.45pm

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 repairs, upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.

Katoomba and Leura

  • Federal Pass is closed between the bottom of Furber stairs and Scenic World Valley Stations from Wed 29 July for bridge replacement. This means there is no access to Scenic World Valley Stations from the east which includes Furber Steps, Giant Stairs, Fern Bower, Leura Forest or Amphitheatre Tracks. However, visitors can exit out Furber Steps to Cliff Drive from the east. It also means there is no access from Furber Steps to the west i.e. to Narrowneck, Golden Stairs, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary or from Malatia Wall & Point Abseil Routes.  
  • Fern Bower walk is closed for track repairs between the junction of Amphitheatre track and Leura Forest until 30 October 2026.
  • The northern access of Leura Cascades Track is closed to due to Council upgrades. Visitors should detour via Prince Henry Cliff Walk to access. For details visit the Blue Mountains City Council website.
  • Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall hazards. (Visible bridge from Echo Point. Side route off Three Sisters Track and Giant Stairs).
  • Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to a road subsidence. There is no vehicle access to Golden Stairs trackhead. Walkers and cyclists are permitted.
  • 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 closed at the boundary to the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve. Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (including the Caves Visitor Precinct) is closed until 31 December 2026. There is no access to the entire reserve during this time.  
  • Mt Hay Road will be closed from 9 June to 17 December 2026 for fire trail upgrades. There will be no vehicle or pedestrian access during this time.  
  • No access to Fortress Ridge/Canyon, Butterbox track, Mount Hay Summit track and Lockleys Pylon walking track from 9 June to 17 December to allow for upgrade works along Mt Hay.  
  • There is no access Fortress or Butterbox canyon from 9 June until 17 December to allow for upgrade works along Mt Hay Road.  

Wentworth Falls and Woodford  

  • 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 elevated boardwalk repairs. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls routes. 
  • Valley of the Waters is closed below Silvia Falls due rockfall hazards. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  • Murphy's Glen Campground, Bedford Road and Murphy's Road will be closed for maintenance from 10 Aug 2026.  
  • From 10 Aug Ingar Campground users must walk from Bedford Rd gate if accessing from Woodford, due to roadworks. This is an extra 2.3km walk.   
  • Fletchers lookout is closed for maintenance until Friday 28 August 2026.
  • Lincolns Rock is closed. For details visit the Blue Mountains City Council website.
  • Winbourne fire trail (L6) in Woodford will be closed for maintenance until Friday 7 August. 
  • Lawson Ridge fire trail will be closed for road maintenance from 10 June to 7 August 2026.  Open to walkers and cyclists on weekends.  

Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road 

  • Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and part of the 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 parts of Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. Valley access from Blackheath is via Horse Track.  

Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing

Juggler (aka Point Pilcher) Canyon exit has been affected by a recent rockfall event. Canyoners should use caution and exit around the impact site.  

Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be 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.

Applies from Mon 3 Aug 2026, 5.00am to Fri 21 Aug 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 12 Aug 2026, 8.30am

Closed areas: Reserve closed for aerial pest control operation

Manobalai Nature Reserve is closed from 5am, Monday 17 August to 6pm, Friday 21 August 2026 for an aerial pest control operation.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Wollemi Yengo area office on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Aug 2026, 11.39am to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 12.27pm. Last reviewed: Mon 3 Aug 2026, 12.03pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Avisford Nature Reserve (NR), Capertee National Park (NP), Gardens of Stone NP, Goulburn River NP, and Munghorn Gap NR, from Monday 24th August – Sunday 6th September 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 the 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 Mudgee NPWS area office for more information on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Aug 2026, 2.31pm to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 2.31pm. Last reviewed: Mon 3 Aug 2026, 11.51am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Dharug National Park (NP), Koolewong Flora Reserve (FR), Manobalai Nature Reserve (NR), Parr State Conservation Area (SCA), Wollemi FR, Wollemi SCA, and Yengo NP from Monday 24th August – Sunday 6th September 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 the 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 Bulga for more information on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Aug 2026, 2.48pm to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 2.48pm. Last reviewed: Mon 3 Aug 2026, 11.43am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Abercrombie River National Park (NP), Abercrombie River State Conservation Area (SCA), Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (KCR), Kanangra-Boyd NP, Mares Forest NP and Turon NP from Monday 24th August – Sunday 6th September 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 the 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 Oberon NPWS area office for more information on 02 6336 6200.

Applies from Fri 6 Mar 2026, 8.55am to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 8.56am. Last reviewed: Mon 29 Jun 2026, 12.10pm

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 Thu 9 Oct 2025, 2.36pm to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Jul 2026, 11.14am

Closed areas: Towarri National Park partial closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

Areas within Towarri National Park may be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am between Thursday 23 October 2025 to Thursday 31 December 2026 for ground shooting for feral animal control.

Areas will be closed by signage. Do Not Enter. Penalties apply

Note: Washpools campground and picnic area will not be directly affected by these closures.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 May 2026, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 27 Jul 2026, 8.49am

Closed areas: Coolah Tops – Roads closed due to wet conditions

Roads east of the Forest Road - Hildegarde Road intersection in Coolah Tops National Park are closed to vehicle traffic from 25 May 2026 due to wet road conditions, and will reopen in September or once road conditions improve.

 

The closed roads are dry weather vehicle access only and are closed annually during the winter months due to prolonged wet conditions. Visitors can still access trails and visitor facilities on foot or by bicycle.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 6843 4000 or the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre on 6825 4364.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 31 May 2026, 5.00pm to Fri 25 Sep 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Jul 2026, 8.40am

Closed areas: Seasonal Closure of Barrington Tops NP 4WD trails

The following 4WD trails are closed to all public vehicles from Monday 1 June 2026 to the afternoon of Friday 25 September 2026 for the winter seasonal closure:

  • Barrington trail - south
  • Barrington trail - central
  • Paddys Ridge trail
  • Butchers Swamp trail
  • Bullock Brush trail
  • Thunderbolts trail (between Barrington Tops Forest Road and Pheasants Creek Road)
  • Tugalow trail

Vehicle access to Junction Pools, Little Murray and Gummi Falls campgrounds and associated walking tracks and facilities is closed during this time. Visitors can still access all these campgrounds, walking tracks and facilities on foot or by bicycle.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact either the NPWS Gloucester area office on 02 6538 5300, the NPWS Scone area office on 02 6540 2300 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 20 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Fri 16 Oct 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 20 Jul 2026, 8.45am

Closed areas: Closed areas: Barington Tops National Park partial closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

The Gloucester Tops section of Barrington Tops National Park will be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am between Monday 20 April 2026 to Friday 16 October 2026 for ground shooting for feral animal control.

Areas will be closed by signage. Do Not Enter. Penalties apply.

This closure does not directly effect Gloucester River campground and all walking tracks / picnic facilities at Gloucester Tops will remain open during daylight hours when an operation is happening.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Apr 2026, 11.57am to Fri 2 Oct 2026, 11.57am. Last reviewed: Thu 13 Aug 2026, 8.47am

Safety alerts: Visitor safety alert: feral horses

Feral horses move through this campground and along the adjacent walking track day and night. Campers at Polblue campground should set up tents as close to their vehicles as possible.

Aggressive horse behaviour can pose a safety risk for visitors. Aggressive behaviour includes snorting, head bobbing, stomping front legs, ears erect, aggressive stance and approaching in an aggressive manner.

What to do around aggressive horses:

  • avoid the animals, especially if a stallion is present and there are mares nearby
  • retreat to your vehicle
  • wave your arms around and make lots of noise
  • walk in a group rather than as an individual
  • always be aware of your immediate surroundings.

Please report any such interaction or aggressive horse behaviour to NPWS Gloucester on 6538 5300 or NPWS Scone on 6540 2300.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 May 2025, 11.22am to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 4 Aug 2026, 8.16am

Closed areas: Areas closed due to severe weather damage.

Some parts of this park are closed from Thursday 29th May 2025 until further notice due to severe weather damage. The closed areas are:

  • Mount Royal Road
  • Youngville Campground
  • Pieries Peak Walking Track
  • Carrow Brook Walking Track

 

Roads into and throughout the park may also be closed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 4 Nov 2025, 1.53pm. Last reviewed: Tue 14 Jul 2026, 9.49am

Safety alerts: Williams Top Rd - 4WD recommended in wet conditions

Williams Top Rd (in Chichester State Forest) has been reopened, allowing vehicle access to Lagoon Pinch Picnic Area (start of the Corker Trail). However, 4WD is recommended in wet conditions due to slippery surfaces. Drivers should be experienced and well prepared as mobile coverage in the area is limited.

For more information contact NPWS Gloucester Office on 02 6538 5300 or Dungog Visitor Information Centre on 02 4992 2212.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 28 Dec 2023, 7.31am. Last reviewed: Tue 14 Jul 2026, 9.48am

Closed areas: Burraga Swamp Walk Closed

Burraga Swamp walking track is currently inaccessible to vehicles due to closure of Mt Allyn Rd. Forestry Corporation of NSW has closed the road due to a failed bridge. The reopening date is not known at this stage. For more information, phone Gloucester NPWS Office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Nov 2017, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Mon 20 Jul 2026, 8.45am

Closed areas: Phytophthora quarantine area - Barrington Tops National Park

Phytophthora is a mould that causes dieback in plants. It's been found on the plateau in Barrington Tops National Park, predominantly on the Watergauge trail between Beean Beean and Black Swamp. The affected area is under quarantine with absolutely no visitor access.

Phytophthora is readily spread by mud carried by walkers' shoes and mountain-bike tyres. There are boot wash stations across the plateau for walkers to use, to ensure their boots 'Start clean, Stay clean'.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Gloucester area office on (02) 6538 5300.

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/things-to-do/walking-tracks/washpools-and-middlebrook-walking-tracks/local-alerts

Park info

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

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