⚠️ Morton National Park Alerts: Closures, Safety Warnings, and Pest Control Programs

Important Safety and Access Updates for Morton National Park

Local authorities have issued several critical alerts for Morton National Park, advising visitors of permanent closures, temporary restrictions, and ongoing pest management programs. These measures are in place to ensure public safety and protect the park's natural environment.

Permanent Closures and High-Risk Areas

• Belmore Falls:All access to the base and top of Belmore Falls, including from Hindmarsh and Belmore Falls lookouts, picnic areas, and the Belmore Falls Road causeway, is nowpermanently prohibited. This closure is due to the extreme risk of falls from the cliff edge, which could result in severe injury or fatality. Emergency services access to this area is difficult, and mobile phone reception is limited.
• Erith Coal Mine and Nicholas Pass Walking Tracks:These tracks are currently closed due to recent high rainfall and associated risks of rockfall and landslips. They will remain inaccessible until NPWS staff deem them safe.
• Nicholas Pass Track Partial Closure:A section of the Nicholas Pass track, from its junction with the base of Fairy Bower Falls walking track to Ampitheatre Lookout, is closed indefinitely following a landslide and rockfall event.
• Gulp Road at Wingello:This section of Morton National Park is closed due to persistent wet conditions and will reopen once assessed as suitable for vehicle access.
• Toorooroo Campground:This campground is closed indefinitely due to damage from recent fires and floods. Updates will be provided.
• Camping Areas Closed Indefinitely:Pauls Point, Sundeck, Sawyers, and Burrawang campgrounds are closed for camping due to fire and flood damage. They remain open for day use only. Visitors should be cautious of flood debris and altered site conditions.

Temporary Closures and Maintenance Works

• Lake Yarrunga Campgrounds:All NPWS campgrounds on Lake Yarrunga will be closed from 2:00 PM Friday, May 23, to 5:00 PM Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This closure is a direct result of recent severe weather, leading to potential flooding and significant debris in the water, making activities like canoeing or kayaking dangerous.
• Castle Walking Track & Cooyoyo Campground:Track maintenance will close the Castle Walking Track and Cooyoyo campground from June 2 until approximately November 30, 2025.
• 12 Mile Road:The section of 12 Mile Road between George Boyd Lookout and Braidwood Road is closed due to recent storm damage, including washed-out culverts, rendering the road untrafficable.
• Tianjara Fire Trail:This fire trail is closed as a review of access arrangements, the UXO (unexploded ordnance) area, and the permit system is underway.

Cyclist and Bushwalker Advisories

• Beehive Walking Track:Cyclists planning to use the Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley route may encounter difficulties on the Beehive Walking Track due to large logs impeding access. An alternative route to Beehive Campground is available via Jack's Corner Road and Beehive Point Road. Walkers are not impacted by this closure.
• Mount Tarn Navigational Warning:The Mt Tarn Walking Track between Mt Tarn and Mt Haughton is overgrown, which may present navigational challenges. Visitors are reminded toThink Before You TREK.

Pest Management and Safety Advisories

• 1080 Bait Disposal Pit (Fitzroy Falls Area):The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be disposing of used 1080 baits and baiting products in an approved disposal pit within the Fitzroy Falls area. This operation is scheduled fromThursday, December 12, 2024, to Friday, August 8, 2025. All bait material will be buried safely and clearly marked with 1080 baiting signs.
• 1080 Ground Baiting Program (Kangaroo Valley, Budgong, Illaroo):A ground baiting program utilizing 1080 poison for wild dog and fox control will be conducted in the Kangaroo Valley, Budgong, and Illaroo areas fromAugust 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025. All baiting locations will be clearly signed.
• Ongoing 1080 Pest Management Program:An extended ground baiting program using 1080 poison for feral animal control (wild dogs and foxes) is underway fromMarch 3, 2025, to September 3, 2025. This program aims to protect wildlife, including threatened species, and minimize impacts on neighboring livestock. Areas included are Morton National Park (specific sections like 12 Mile Road, Croobyar/Kingiman, Touga/Tolwong, Little Forest Plateau, Redground, Endrick, Sassafras), Conjola National Park, Murramarang National Park, Parma Nature Reserve, Jerrawangala National Park, Colymea SCA, and Bees Nest Nature Reserve. Signs will be placed at program entry points.
• Important 1080 Warning:1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is highly lethal to domestic pets, including dogs and cats. Pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Owners of working dogs or pets in the vicinity of baiting areas must ensure animals are restrained or muzzled and do not enter baiting locations. In case of accidental poisoning, immediate veterinary assistance is crucial.

Penalties apply for non-compliance with park regulations. For more information, contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls Office at 02 4887 8244, the NPWS Shoalhaven area office at 02 4428 6300, the NPWS Nowra Office on 02 4428 6300, NPWS Ulladulla on 02 4454 9500, or via email atnpws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.auor visit theNSW National Parks safety pagefor park safety guidelines.