Storm damage closures in Blue Mountains National Park
Recent storms and flooding have caused significant damage in Blue Mountains National Park, with landslides and rockfalls impacting popular walking tracks.
Affected tracks have been closed and damage assessments by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are ongoing.
Geotechnical assessments are underway for some sections of track.
Closures in the Upper Mountains include Fern Bower, Golden Stairs and Federal Pass between Scenic World and Ruined Castle. Due to the extent of damage, some of these tracks may be remained closed for an extended period.
There are also several areas of minor damage along other tracks that remain open and visitors are encouraged to be prepared for changed track conditions including areas of extra mud and water on the track surface.
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is open but with several small detours around small landslips. The majority of tracks around Blackheath remain open.
Visitors are reminded not to use closed tracks, to follow signposted detours and to check for the latest information and safety advice on the NPWS alerts webpage.
Quotes attributable to NPWS Blue Mountains Branch Director David Crust:
'At Golden Stairs a landslide has destroyed a 40 m section of track leaving an extremely dangerous fall hazard.
'Coupled with the closure of Federal Pass west of Scenic World, which was subject to a rockfall earlier in the year, visitors cannot currently access Ruined Castle or Mount Solitary from Narrow Neck and Katoomba.
'The landslide along Fern Bower Track has impacted several structures but NPWS is investigating short term solutions to allow temporary access before permanent rebuilds are completed.
'NPWS is working hard to assess the damage and repair tracks as soon as possible and closed areas will be reopened once repairs can be carried out and it is safe to do so.'
