Park Information & Alerts

There are alerts raised for Deua National Park as at Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:24:24 +1000
Closed areas: Merricumbene Fire Trail closed due to road works
Merricumbene Fire Trail will be closed between Oulla Creek Fire Trail and Bendethera Fire Trail junctions, due to road works from 24th March 2025 until 30th April 2025. Due to ongoing works, the road surfaces will be very slippery particularly in wet conditions, and are not currently suitable for high volume of traffic. 
 
Road closed signage will be in place – do not attempt to go around these. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Other planned events: Roadworks on Araluen Road impacting access to Deua River Campgrounds
Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) have advised they are undertaking road stabilisation works along multiple sections of Araluen Road causing long delays to motorists. The works have been paused and the road has been opened during school holidays from 12th April – 28th April to assist with traffic.
Anticipated 24/7 closures will recommence on the 29th April. 
Beyond the 28th April this will again impact how campgrounds along the road are accessed with these closures programmed through to the end of June 2025. During periods of total closures, the following campgrounds will need to be accessed via the Araluen road from Braidwood to the west - 
– Bakers Flat Campground
– Dry Creek Campground
– Deua River campground
Further current information regarding the state of works can be found by visiting Live Traffic NSW | Incident Details, including any road closures on Araluen road and associated detours that may be required across this time which is scheduled by Eurobodalla Shire Council. 

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing baiting program
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 03 March 2025 to Monday 29 September 2025. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and/or foxes.
The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species and will take place in:

• Araluen Nature Reserve
• Badja Swamps Nature Reserve
• Beowa National Park
• Berlang State Conservation Area
• Bondi Gulf Nature Reserve
• Bournda National Park
• Bournda Nature Reserve
• Coolumbooka Nature Reserve
• Deua National Park
• Eurobodalla National Park
• Kooraban National Park
• Majors Creek State Conservation Area
• Mimosa Rocks National Park
• Monga National Park and State Conservation Area
• South East Forest National Park
• Wadbilliga National Park

Signs will be placed at the entry to baiting locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.
Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information call the NPWS Merimbula area office on 02 6495 5000.

Safety alerts: Trailer access prohibited on some fire trails
The use of trailers is prohibited on the following trails in Deua National Park:

• Dampier Mountain trail
• Oulla Creek trail
• Minuma Range trail
• Merricumbene trail
• Mongamula trail
• Dry Creek trail

It is an offence to tow trailers on these trails. The penalty for towing trailers on these trails is a 0 penalty infringement notice, or higher if the matter is taken to court.
Trailer access to Bendethera is available from Moruya via Little Sugarloaf Road and Bendethera trail. From Braidwood, this increases travel time by about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
For more information see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/deua-national-park/visitor-info#Getting-there-and-parking 
 

Safety alerts: River crossing to access Big Hole walking track – extreme caution advised
Access to The Big Hole walking track requires a river crossing of the Shoalhaven River.
During periods of rain, water levels of the river crossing may become too deep and fast flowing to pass, and extreme caution is advised. Visitors should not attempt crossing the river during major weather events or during prolonged periods of rain, when river levels can rise rapidly.
NPWS advises walkers to plan ahead and check the river levels in real time at https://realtimedata.waternsw.com.au/water.stm?ppbm=215008%7C215_SHOALHAVEN%7CSURFACE_WATER&rs&1&rslf_org   before setting out.

Closed areas: Bendethera Caves Walking Track and Caves Access is Closed
Bendethera Caves walking track and caves access is closed until further notice due to ongoing bushfire and flood recovery works - all track markers were destroyed by fire. It’s dangerous to walk off designated tracks in Karst areas. Please do not enter this area, follow the directions on closure signs and do not enter any cordoned-off areas.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For any further information, please contact the NPWS Narooma area office on 02 4476 0800.

Safety alerts: Bendethera Valley Campground – Safety Alert
Please use extreme caution if traversing the river crossings and check weather conditions regularly prior to your trip in this area.
During periods of rain, water levels of the river crossings in to the Bendethera Valley campgrounds may become too deep and fast flowing to pass, and extreme caution is advised. Visitors should not attempt crossing the river in vehicles to access the campgrounds during major weather events or during prolonged periods of rain, when river levels can rise rapidly. It is never safe to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. You should check the weather forecast and NPWS website for advice prior to setting out to this remote campground, and if severe weather is forecast, reconsider your trip.
For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).