⚠️ Blue Mountains National Park Sees Widespread Closures

Visitors planning to explore the stunning vistas and rugged trails of the Blue Mountains National Park are urged to exercise extreme caution and check current alerts, as significant sections of the park are currently closed. These extensive closures are a direct result of ongoing infrastructure repairs, upgrade works, and severe weather damage, including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides, and fallen trees that have plagued the region in recent years. The Blue Mountains area has been declared a Natural Disaster Area multiple times, notably in 2022, following intense rainfall and flooding events that have severely impacted local infrastructure.

Key areas affected include popular spots around Katoomba and Leura, where Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall hazards, and parts of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Grand Cliff Top Walk are impacted by a landslide. The Katoomba Falls Round walk (west) is undergoing track upgrade works until late December 2025, and the Leura Cascades parking and toilets are also inaccessible. Further closures include Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) to vehicles due to road subsidence, and sections of Lindeman Pass and Roberts Pass due to major landslides and rockfall risks.

A significant closure impacting both local and international visitors is the Six Foot Track at the boundary to the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve. The entire Jenolan Caves precinct, a world-renowned tourist attraction known for its ancient limestone caves and a vital part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, is closed until at least mid-2026. This prolonged closure is due to extensive damage from a series of natural disasters, including bushfires and subsequent floods, necessitating major road and infrastructure repairs. The Six Foot Track itself is a historic 44-kilometre multi-day walk from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, representing a challenging wilderness experience for hikers.

Warnings for Wentworth Falls, Woodford, Blackheath and Remote Areas

Near Wentworth Falls and Woodford, parts of the iconic National Pass, Wentworth Pass, Slack Stairs, and Valley of the Waters are all closed due to landslides, ongoing risks, and elevated boardwalk repairs. Further west, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley, and Bells Line of Road areas see Pulpit Rock Reserve and parts of Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass closed due to rockfalls and landslides.

Adventure enthusiasts should note that some canyoning, abseiling, and rock-climbing routes may also be inaccessible if their access or exit tracks are listed as closed. Furthermore, the Cedarland Ridge Trail will undergo maintenance from December 15, 2025, to January 12, 2026, requiring caution. Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area, including the Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail, have been severely impacted by fire regrowth and flood damage, making navigation difficult and water sources scarce. Walkers in these areas need significant experience, navigation skills, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Park Fire Ban and Baiting Program

Adding to the safety measures, a park fire ban is currently in effect across Blue Mountains National Park. All campfires and solid fuel barbecues/stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted only under strict conditions, including direct adult control, a 2m cleared area of flammable materials, and an adequate water supply. Exemptions apply to Galon Cabins, Murphy's Campground, Dunphy's Campground, Burralow Creek Campground, and Euroka Campground. Visitors are reminded that different rules apply during a Total Fire Ban.

Lastly, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting an ongoing 1080 baiting program from May 2, 2025, to May 1, 2026, in the southern section of Blue Mountains National Park and surrounding reserves. This program aims to control wild dogs and foxes to protect wildlife and minimise impacts on neighbouring livestock. Signs are posted at baiting locations, and domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks due to the lethal risk of 1080 poison to cats and dogs.

For the most up-to-date information and safety advice before visiting, contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks alerts webpage.