⚠️ Werrikimbe NP Access & 1080 Baiting: Wauchope Locals Alert

Residents and visitors in the Wauchope area planning trips to Werrikimbe National Park should be aware of important safety alerts regarding road access and an ongoing baiting program. Recent adverse weather has significantly impacted access roads within the park.

Current Road and Area Status:

• Hastings Forest Way and Racecourse Road are open but require caution and are accessible only by 4WD vehicles.
• Cockerawombeeba Road is closed between Forbes Road and North Plateau Road.
• Forbes Road is open with caution and is 4WD only.
• Rimau Road is closed.
• North Plateau Road is also closed due to a large tree fall, leading to the closure of Plateau Beech Campground and the King Fern Walking Track.
• Brushy Mountain Campground remains open.

Visitors are urged to check the depth of waterway crossings, particularly at the Forbes River crossing on Racecourse Road, before attempting to drive through. For the latest updates on park conditions, contact the Port Macquarie NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555.

1080 Baiting Program Underway:

Additionally, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing 1080 aerial and ground baiting program in the Hastings Macleay Area, which includes Werrikimbe National Park. This program, scheduled from 8th June 2025 to 8th December 2025, targets wild dogs and foxes to protect native wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact on neighbouring livestock.

Signs will be placed at baiting locations. It is crucial for Wauchope residents and visitors to remember that domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands, as 1080 poison is lethal to cats and dogs. Pet owners with working dogs in the vicinity should ensure they are restrained or muzzled and do not enter baiting areas. In case of accidental poisoning, immediate veterinary assistance is advised. More information is available from the Hastings Macleay Area NPWS office on (02) 6561 6700.