🚨 Werrikimbe National Park: Roads Impacted, Baiting Underway

Visitors to Werrikimbe National Park, a popular natural attraction for Wauchope locals and tourists, are advised of significant changes to road access and an ongoing baiting program.

Road Conditions After Adverse Weather

Recent adverse weather has impacted several access roads into Werrikimbe National Park. While some sections are now open, they are accessible only by 4WD vehicles. Key updates include:

• Hastings Forest Way: Open with caution, 4WD only.
• Racecourse Road: Open with caution, 4WD only.
• Cockerawombeeba Road: Closed between Forbes Road and North Plateau Road.
• Forbes Road: Open with caution, 4WD only.
• Rimau Road: Closed.

Thankfully, Brushy Mountain Campground and Plateau Beech Campground remain open for visitors. Park authorities urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially when navigating waterway crossings like the Forbes River crossing on Racecourse Road, and to check depths before proceeding. For further road information, contact the Port Macquarie NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555.

1080 Baiting Program Underway

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is also conducting an ongoing aerial and ground baiting program within Werrikimbe National Park and surrounding areas. This program, which uses 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison, aims to control wild dog and fox populations to minimise their impact on native wildlife, particularly threatened species, and to protect neighbouring livestock.

The baiting program is scheduled from 8th June 2025 to 8th December 2025 and is active across the Hastings Macleay Area, which includes Werrikimbe NP, Willi Willi NP, and Mount Seaview NR. Signs will be prominently displayed at entry points to baiting locations.

A critical warning is issued for pet owners: domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands, and 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled if in the vicinity of these areas and must not enter baiting locations. In the unfortunate event of accidental poisoning, immediate veterinary assistance is crucial. For more details on the baiting program, contact the Hastings Macleay Area NPWS office on (02) 6561 6700.