Ahead of the school holidays and October long weekend, visitors to the Hunter region and Central Coast are reminded to plan their trip to NSW National Parks as staff prepare for a busy Spring season.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said keeping visitors and staff safe was the top priority for NPWS.
“With beautiful Spring weather on the cards, we’re expecting our popular areas like the Bouddi Coastal Walk, Glenrock State Conservation Area and Tomaree National Park to be very busy.
“Campgrounds are also filling up fast, with sites in Bouddi National Park and Munmorah State Conservation Area almost fully booked for the weekends, as are the popular Mungo Brush and The Ruins campgrounds.
“We’re asking visitors to plan ahead, book your campsites in advance and have a couple of day-trip options up your sleeve in case your chosen picnic spot or walk is at capacity when you arrive.
“Check our website for information on closures, park alerts and COVID-19 updates before you leave home, as popular precincts will be closed at short notice to ensure visitation levels do not exceed safe capacity.
“With 136 parks and reserves in the Hunter Central Coast region, there’s space in our parks for everyone to get out and enjoy nature this school holidays.
“Barrington Tops National Park is a great option for a day trip, as is Towarri National Park in the Upper Hunter. Towarri is looking the best it has in years after recent rain, and you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural Washpools waterhole.
Julie Bishop, Visitor Experience Director, said NPWS is required to operate its parks in line with NSW Public Health orders including managing visitor numbers within each campground or precinct.
“All campgrounds in NSW national parks, even our free sites, now require a booking to ensure we comply with COVID requirements.
“Only visitors who have booked may stay in campgrounds over the busy summer period so booking ahead is essential.
“It is also your responsibility to maintain social distancing at these sites and make yourself familiar with our COVID 19 safe camping guidelines. We want people to make sure they are taking all necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families and friends safe in these difficult times.
“The quickest and easiest way to check availability and to book is at the NPWS website.
“We are expecting our most popular parks along the coast and in the mountains to be fully booked, so book early to avoid disappointment,” Ms Bishop said.
For up to date information visit the NPWS website. Traffic information, including up to date information on road closures can be found at Live Traffic NSW.
