⚠️ Blue Mountains National Park Faces Widespread Closures

Blue Mountains National Park is currently facing a series of extensive closures and cautionary alerts, with numerous roads, fire trails, and walking tracks impacted by recent wet weather, ongoing maintenance, and critical environmental management initiatives. Visitors planning to explore the iconic park are strongly advised to check the latest NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) alerts before commencing their journey.

Weather-Related Damage and Upgrades

Heavy rainfall has taken a significant toll on the park's infrastructure, leading to widespread damage including subsidence, rockfalls, and landslides. The Blue Mountains region is particularly susceptible to such geological events, with past incidents, including a fatal landslide near Wentworth Falls in 2022, highlighting the inherent risks posed by severe weather. Recent storms and flooding have further exacerbated conditions, prompting ongoing damage assessments and geotechnical evaluations by NPWS, meaning some closures could be long-term.

Key areas affected include sections of the Prince Henry Cliff Top Walk due to recent landslides, and Honeymoon Bridge, closed because of rockfall hazards. Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to road subsidence, though walkers and cyclists are permitted. Lindeman Pass and Roberts Pass are also shut because of major landslides and rockfall risks.

In the Wentworth Falls and Woodford areas, parts of National Pass, Wentworth Pass, and Slack Stairs are closed for repairs or due to landslide and rockfall hazards. Fletchers Lookout and Princes Rock walking track are undergoing maintenance until June 30, 2026, though Princes Rock lookout remains accessible via the Overcliff/Undercliff track.

Further north, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, and Megalong Valley have seen closures at Pulpit Rock Reserve and parts of Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass due to rockfalls and landslides.

Maintenance and Campground Closures

Several popular tracks are undergoing essential maintenance. Jellybean Track in the Glenbrook area, Euroka walking track (partially), Fletchers Lookout, and Princes Rock walking track are all closed until June 30, 2026. Additionally, Dunphys Campground and Green Gully Road are closed from February 2 to March 31, 2026, for road upgrades, limiting access to surrounding tracks.

Fire Bans and Safety Alerts

A park fire ban is currently in effect across Blue Mountains National Park, prohibiting all campfires and solid fuel barbecues. Gas and electric barbecues are permitted under strict conditions, including being under direct adult control, with a 2-metre cleared radius, and an adequate water supply. Specific campgrounds like Galon Cabins, Murphy's, Dunphy's, Burralow Creek, and Euroka Campgrounds are exempt from the campfire ban, but total fire ban rules apply if declared by the Rural Fire Service.

Remote walking tracks, particularly within the Kanangra Wilderness Area (including the Kanangra to Katoomba, or K2K, trail), have been significantly impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage. Navigation is challenging, and water sources are limited. Experienced bushwalkers are urged to carry appropriate equipment, including a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), as mobile reception is scarce.

Ongoing 1080 Baiting Program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program using 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison from May 2, 2025, to May 1, 2026. This program, covering the southern section of Blue Mountains National Park and neighbouring areas, targets wild dogs and foxes to protect native wildlife, including threatened species, and minimise impacts on livestock. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is a naturally occurring toxin more lethal to placental carnivores than to many native Australian species, which have a higher tolerance. Visitors are reminded that domestic pets are not permitted in national parks, and pet owners in surrounding areas should ensure their animals are restrained, as 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs.

For further details on specific closures and safety information, visitors should refer to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website and the Blue Mountains City Council website.