⚠️ Blue Mountains National Park: Extensive Closures and Alerts

Visitors planning a trip to the iconic Blue Mountains National Park are advised to check current alerts carefully, as numerous areas remain closed due to extensive weather damage, ongoing infrastructure repairs, and planned environmental management programs.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed that many roads, fire trails, and walking tracks across the park are inaccessible. These closures are primarily attributed to damage from recent wet weather events, including significant subsidence, rockfalls, landslides, and fallen trees, alongside scheduled upgrade works.

Major Closures Affecting Popular Spots

• Katoomba and Leura: Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall hazards. Parts of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Grand Cliff Top Walk are affected by a landslide, with detours in place. The Katoomba Falls Round Walk (west) is undergoing track upgrades until late February 2026. Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive but open to walkers and cyclists.
• Wentworth Falls and Woodford: Sections of the National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) and Wentworth Pass/Slack Stairs are closed due to major landslides and boardwalk repairs, impacting access to popular routes like Roberts Pass and Hippocrene. Valley of the Waters below Silvia Falls is also shut due to rockfall risks.
• Blackheath and Surrounds: Pulpit Rock Reserve lookouts and part of its walking track are closed (check Blue Mountains City Council website for details: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/walking/walking-track-closures). Govetts Descent and parts of Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
• Jenolan Caves and Six Foot Track: The Six Foot Track is closed at the boundary to the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve. Importantly, the entire Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, including its famous caves, remains closed until at least late 2026. This prolonged closure, in effect since April 2024, is due to extreme rainfall causing widespread flooding and severe damage to the 'Two Mile' section of Jenolan Caves Road, with Transport for NSW undertaking extensive repairs and upgrades to infrastructure and walking tracks.
• Waratah Native Gardens picnic area and its Gorge walking track are also closed until further notice.

Safety and Maintenance Alerts

Maintenance work is scheduled for the Cedarland Ridge Trail, from Mount Solitary to Kedumba River campground, between Monday 15 December 2025 and Monday 12 January 2026. Park users should exercise caution and follow signage during this period.

Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area, including the challenging Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail, have been significantly impacted by fire regrowth and flood damage. Tracks may be indistinct, navigation difficult, and water sources scarce. Experienced walkers with appropriate navigation skills and equipment, including a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), are strongly advised if attempting these remote areas.

Park Fire Ban in Effect

A park fire ban is currently in place across Blue Mountains National Park. This prohibits all campfires and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves. Gas and electric barbecues are permitted under strict conditions: they must be under direct adult control, with a 2-metre cleared area around them and an adequate water supply. Exempt campgrounds for campfires include Galon Cabins, Murphy's Campground, Dunphy's Campground, Burralow Creek Campground, and Euroka Campground. Always be aware that different rules apply during a Total Fire Ban.

Ongoing 1080 Baiting Program

An ongoing ground baiting program using 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is being conducted by NPWS from Friday 2 May 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 in the southern section of Blue Mountains National Park, as well as other surrounding parks like Kanangra-Boyd National Park. This program aims to control wild dogs and foxes, which pose a significant threat to native wildlife, particularly after natural disasters like bushfires. Signs are in place at baiting locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in national parks, and pet owners in vicinity should restrain or muzzle their animals, as 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Immediate veterinary assistance should be sought in case of accidental poisoning.

For the most up-to-date information on park conditions and closures, visitors should consult the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website or contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.