🌳 Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Issues Multiple Alerts for Visitors

Important Updates for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Visitors

Visitors planning to explore Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are advised to be aware of several new and ongoing closures, maintenance works, and pest management programs. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued various alerts impacting popular trails and areas within the park.

Trail Closures and Maintenance

• Kalkari Discovery Trail:This trail will be closed for essential maintenance fromMonday, May 26, to Thursday, May 29, 2025. For further details, contact the local office at (02) 8448 0400.
• Resolute Precinct Helicopter Operations:The Resolute picnic area and nearby tracks, including Resolute amenities, carpark, trail, track, Resolute Beach, Aboriginal Heritage walk, and Red Hands Cave track, will be closed onThursday, May 29, 2025, for helicopter operations. West Head lookout and West Head beach will remain open during this period. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
• Brooklyn Dam Trails:Surface works are underway on the Brooklyn Dam trail and Brooklyn Dam South trail, expected to continue untilFriday, June 6, 2025, weather permitting. Walkers are still permitted but may experience delays. Please adhere to all signage and instructions from NPWS staff.
• Resolute Beach Access:Access to Resolute Beach is currently closed fromFriday, May 2, to Saturday, May 31, 2025, due to stair upgrades. During this period, the beach can only be accessed from the water.
• Berowra Walking Track Partial Closure:A section of the Berowra walking track, specifically from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track, is closed until further notice due to the threat of rockfalls caused by recent weather events. The section from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai remains open. For more information, call 02 8448 0400 or 1300 072 757.
• North Mackerel Track and Mackerel Trail:The North Mackerel track is nowpermanently closeddue to potential rockfall risks and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area. The only designated land access to Great Mackerel Beach is via the Mackerel track to the north, which connects with Resolute track. There is no through access from the south end (via The Basin or Mackerel trail) or the west (via North Mackerel track). Visitors are reminded to be aware of natural area risks.

Pest Management Programs

Several pest management programs are active, targeting foxes to protect native wildlife, particularly the threatened Southern brown bandicoot. These programs involve the use of 1080 poison and require visitor caution:

• Fox Trapping Program:A soft-jaw trapping program is underway fromMay 20 to June 10, 2025. Signs are placed at trap locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks. Pets and working dogs in the vicinity must be restrained or muzzled and must not enter trapping locations. In case of accidental trapping or encountering a trapped animal, do not approach; instead, contact Mark Lamb on 0427 346 797 or Nick Henson on 0418 701 518. For general information, call NPWS Forestville on 9451 3479 during business hours or 1300 056 294 after hours.
• Aerial 1080 Baiting:An aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison will occur inWest HeadfromWednesday, May 7, to Friday, May 9, 2025. Do not touch baits. All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
• Ongoing 1080 Baiting:A continuous baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits, and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison is active fromFebruary 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025, throughout Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Do not touch baits or ejector devices.

For all 1080 baiting programs, domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks, as 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. In the event of accidental poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance. For more information on these programs, contact the local park offices: Forestville (02) 9451 3479 or Lane Cove (02) 8448 0400 during business hours, or the NPWS after-hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

The NPWS urges all visitors to observe signage, follow instructions from staff, and exercise caution while enjoying the park's natural beauty. Penalties may apply for non-compliance with park regulations.