⚠️ Local Park Alerts Issued for Walcha Area

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued an update on park closures and ongoing programs affecting visitors in and around Walcha, urging everyone to stay informed before planning trips.

Flood and Weather Related Closures

• Mummel Gulf National Park and Mummel Gulf State Conservation Area are closed from Thursday, May 22, until midnight, Monday, June 9, 2025. This closure is due to hazardous road conditions and flooding, particularly within the New Country Swamp campground area.
• Within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, the Youdales Hut campground and picnic area will be closed from June 6 to midnight, Monday, June 9, 2025, also due to widespread rain and a high risk of flooding.
• Myrtle Scrub Scenic Drive remains closed from Wednesday, June 4, to Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

The public is reminded that it is never safe to drive, ride, or walk through floodwaters. Roads leading into and throughout these parks may also be affected or closed.

Facility and Track Closures

• Threlfall picnic area within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is closed to both vehicle and pedestrian access from Thursday, May 22, until Monday, June 16, 2025. This extended closure is due to works to upgrade the visitor facilities. Visitors can still use picnic facilities at the Blue Hole picnic area.
• Also in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Budds Mare campground and picnic area, and Riverside campground and picnic area, are closed from 2 PM Sunday, April 27, until 2 PM Monday, June 16, 2025. This extensive closure is due to major track works on the Riverside Trail, with strict prohibitions on vehicle and pedestrian access along the trail during this period.

Important Ongoing Program

An aerial and ground baiting program utilising 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison is scheduled to continue from June 8, 2025, to December 8, 2025, across various parks and reserves in the Walcha area. This program is part of ongoing efforts to manage pest animals and protect native wildlife.

Additional Closures

Budds Mare campground and picnic area and Riverside campground and picnic area will be closed until 2PM Monday, June 16, 2025 due to major track works on the Riverside Trail. Vehicle access along the Riverside Trail is strictly prohibited during this time. The hike along Riverside Trail between Budds Mare and Riverside campground is also closed.

For more information, contact the Walcha NPWS office on 02 6777 4700 or NPWS Armidale office on 02 6738 9100.

Visitors are strongly advised to check the latest conditions and alerts before planning any visit to ensure safety and compliance with park regulations. Penalties apply for non-compliance with closure notices.