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Watsons Creek State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Sat 25 July 2026, 12.10pm

Applies from Mon 10 Aug 2026, 12.00am to Thu 10 Dec 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Sat 25 Jul 2026, 12.10pm.

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 Mon 10 Aug 2026, 1.45pm to Tue 11 Aug 2026, 1.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 10 Aug 2026, 5.13pm

Closed parks: Mount Kaputar NP closed due to dangerous high winds

Mount Kaputar National Park is closed from 13:45 hrs Monday 10 August 2026 to 13:00 hrs Tuesday 11 August 2026 due to forecasted damaging/dangerous high winds.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information please contact the NPWS Narrabri office 02 6792 7300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 10 Jul 2026, 7.58am to Fri 14 Aug 2026, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 7 Aug 2026, 9.09am

Closed areas: Jacky Barkers campground closed due to wet conditions

The Jacky Barkers campground is closed from Friday 10 July until  2pm Friday 14 August 2026 due to recent wet weather. Sections of the access road, and the campground itself, are very wet and are impassable for vehicles.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 27 Oct 2025, 12.00am to Sun 31 Jan 2027, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Wed 5 Aug 2026, 11.51am

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 Mon 3 Aug 2026, 2.00pm to Wed 19 Aug 2026, 2.05pm. Last reviewed: Mon 3 Aug 2026, 2.07pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 Baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program from Monday 10th August 2026 to Wednesday 19th August 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral animals (Wild Dogs)

The program will take place in Gwydir River National Park and Gwydir River State Conservation Area.

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.

Please contact the local Barwon NPWS area office for more information on (02) 6792 7300.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 30 Jul 2026, 10.00am to Sun 23 Aug 2026, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 10 Aug 2026, 9.03am

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 23rd 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 7 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 31 Jul 2026, 12.40pm to Fri 4 Sep 2026, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 31 Jul 2026, 12.51pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program from Monday 3 August 2026 to Thursday 6 August 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral pigs.

The program will take place in Somerton National Park.

The program is designed to minimise impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of feral pigs on 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 local Castlereagh Area NPWS area office for more information on 02 6843 4000.

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 Fri 20 Feb 2026, 11.00am to Fri 14 Aug 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Jul 2026, 2.52pm

Closed areas: Mount Kaputar Summit Walk and Lookout closed for upgrades

The Mount Kaputar Summit Walk and Mount Kaputar Summit Lookout are closed for upgrades from Friday 20 February until Friday 14 August 2026.

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

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 10 Aug 2026, 12.00am to Thu 10 Dec 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Sat 25 Jul 2026, 12.10pm

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 Wed 24 Jun 2026, 5.00am to Mon 31 Aug 2026, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 5 Aug 2026, 8.42am

Closed areas: Carinya Beresford Park Firetail closed for maintenance

Carinya Beresford Park Firetrail in Mount Kaputar National Park is closed from 5am Wednesday 24 June until 6pm Monday 31 August 2026 for maintenance.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 11 Jun 2026, 1.52pm to Fri 28 Aug 2026, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Tue 14 Jul 2026, 11.22am

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 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 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: Sun 7 Jun 2026, 2.19pm

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 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 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: Fri 31 Jul 2026, 9.06am

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: Mon 10 Aug 2026, 10.21am

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: Mon 10 Aug 2026, 10.21am

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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