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Western Escarpment walking track

Malabar Headland National Park

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Sat 8 Aug 2026, 10.54am

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 6 October 2025 to 5 April 2026 - 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 6 April 2026 to 5 October 2026- 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Aug 2026, 12.19pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Aug 2026, 12.41pm

Closed areas: Bare Island closed

Bare Island will be closed from 24 August 2026 and is expected to remain closed until late 2027 while major repairs are undertaken on the timber bridge.

During construction, the precinct, including the access road, bridge, rock shelf and Bare Island Fort, will be closed to visitors. Fencing will be in place and construction crews will be working on-site. Please follow all on-site signage and directions.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience while these important works are completed to ensure safe access to Bare Island into the future.

To learn more about the project, visit the Bare Island bridge repairs webpage, email the project team or call the local area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Aug 2026, 12.17pm

Closed areas: Closed areas due to rifle range operations

The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park will be closed on the following dates/times due to ANZAC Rifle Range operations:

  • Every Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
  • The 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm.
  • Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th August, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 14th to Friday 18th September, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 21st to Friday 25th September, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 28th September, 8am to 5pm.
  • Monday 12th to Friday 16th October, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 26th October, 8am to 5pm.
  • Monday 16th to Friday 20th November, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 23rd to Friday 27th November, 8am to 5pm each day.
  • Monday 30th November, 8am to 5pm.

Do not enter the eastern section of the national park (including Boora Point walking track) when:

  • Red flags are flying above the range
  • The 'rifle range in use' warning signs are displayed at the park entry (South Maroubra Beach and Fishermans Road carpark).
  • Park entry gates are closed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS local office on 02 9337 5511 or the ANZAC Rifle Range on 02 9661 4532.

 

The western section of Malabar Headland National Park remains open during rifle range operations.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 31 Jul 2026, 4.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Aug 2026, 10.35am

Other planned events: Upgrade works near the whales sculpture at Commemoration Flat

National Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking construction of a new DDA-compliant boardwalk lookout platform to improve visitor access to the whales sculpture at the foreshore. The project is currently underway and scheduled for completion in August 2026. 

Once finished, the new structure will provide safer, more inclusive access for all visitors. For your own safety, please do not access the fenced area and always follow directions from contractors and NPWS staff.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Jul 2026, 1.18pm. Last reviewed: Thu 6 Aug 2026, 10.26am

Other planned events: Middle Head and Georges Head military structure repair works

Remediation works will be undertaken to the Outer Forts at Middle Head and the Mine Observing Station at Georges Head. Works will start in July and are expected to take 4 months. There will be minor detours in place during the works period.

For more information, please contact the Middle Head Office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10.03pm to Mon 1 Feb 2027, 10.04am. Last reviewed: Thu 6 Aug 2026, 10.19am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:

  • Chowder Bay
  • Dobroyd Head
  • Bradleys Head
  • Georges Head
  • Middle Head
  • North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station).

Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. 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.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

North Head Sanctuary, Many (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2100 (business hours).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 23 Jul 2026, 1.17pm. Last reviewed: Thu 6 Aug 2026, 10.17am

Closed areas: End of Bradleys Head Wharf closed

Access restrictions are in place at Bradleys Head Wharf for public safety. 

Engineering inspections have identified significant deterioration of the structure, including movement and deterioration of sandstone blockwork, voiding and scour beneath parts of the jetty.

NPWS has completed emergency stabilisation works to reduce the immediate risk of further deterioration or collapse. These works did not restore the wharf to a condition suitable for unrestricted public access.

Bradleys Head Wharf is a heritage structure. Assessment of the wharf requires consideration of:

  • Public safety
  • Heritage values
  • Visitor access and use
  • Environmental considerations
  • Coastal and marine processes
  • Long-term sustainability and maintenance requirements.

No final decision has been made. Further information will be provided as the assessment progresses. Thank you for your patience.

Please email us if you have further enquiries.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Aug 2026, 3.32pm. Last reviewed: Wed 5 Aug 2026, 3.35pm

Other planned events: Chowder Bay Road Works

Geotechnical investigations are being undertaken on Chowder Bay Road on 25 and 26 August 2026. There will be reduced parking available along Chowder Bay Road and minor traffic delays. The 111 bus will not operate past the roundabout at the intersection of Middle Head Road and Chowder Bay Road on these days.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Nov 2024, 9.56am. Last reviewed: Tue 14 Jul 2026, 11.56am

Closed areas: Skylight Cave permanently closed

Skylight cave is permanently closed to visitors due to serious safety risks. The cave is midway down an unstable cliff, and the risk of falling off the cliff edge while trying to reach it makes it very dangerous. 

There is no approved public access walking track to Skylight cave. Please do not risk your safety trying to reach this location. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 12.59pm

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until late 2026. A new visitor centre is under construction.

During construction works, the precinct, including the carpark, will be fenced off and work crews will be on-site. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to on-site signage.

Parking and toilets are available at the Cricket Pitch and Commemoration flat precincts.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

To learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Projectemail or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 23 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Fri 2 Jul 2027, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 3 Aug 2026, 9.40am

Closed areas: Goat Island closed

Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park is closed from 7am Thursday 23 April until 7am Friday 2 July 2027. No visitors, tours or operators can access Goat Island during this time.

During the closure, there will be maintenance on the island's wharf access infrastructure and remediation works across the island.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 May 2026, 7.00am to Fri 25 Sep 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Jul 2026, 1.07pm

Other planned events: Shark Beach swimming enclosure net annual maintenance and removal

The swimming enclosure net at Nielsen Park is removed each year during the winter months (May to August) to allow for annual maintenance and to prevent damage from heavy swells.

The net is scheduled to be reinstalled in September.

Visitors are advised to take care if swimming, as the enclosure is not in place.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 10.07am

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities.

Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 8.35am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing throughout 2026. Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
  • 8am to 1pm on Saturday

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email the Sydney South office. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 4 Jul 2025, 10.48am

Closed areas: North Head partial closure

Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:

  • Bluefish Point
  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

Do not enter the closed areas. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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/things-to-do/walking-tracks/western-escarpment-walking-track/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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