Key visitor attractions in the fire-affected Blue Mountain National Park and other key sites in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area have re-opened to help attract visitors back to the mountains.
Govetts Leap and Evans lookouts both in Blackheath, top attractions in Blue Mountains National Park are open along with other key lookouts, walking tracks, campsites and mountain bike routes.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Blue Mountains Branch Director David Crust said now the rain has dampened fire activity the huge task of checking fire affected areas across the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is underway to have them reopen as quickly as it is safe to do so.
"With hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks and fire trails to be checked, we have prioritised high visitation areas," Mr Crust said.
"Before areas can be opened NPWS crews need to check fire affected areas for dangerous trees that can fall or drop limbs at any time.
"There may be trees, branches and debris on tracks or trails and infrastructure such as steps or hand-rails may be damaged.
"Visitors should only enter areas that have been re-opened, which is why it is so important for us to ensure visitors' favourite spots are open as quickly as possible.
"Visitors are reminded to be aware that even though tracks have been cleared of fallen trees and re-opened, there may still be a risk of falling branches or trees especially in windy weather. Please stay alert on newly opened tracks.
"The NPWS is encouraging visitors back to NSW's most visited national park."
"A great way to help the local businesses is to book an experience with one of our Park Eco Pass licensed operators," Mr Crust said.
Key sites in Blue Mountains National Park now open, include:
- Govetts Leap lookout and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
- Fairfax Track
- Evans Leap lookout
- Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls walking tracks including Federal Pass between Scenic World and Fern Bower
- Empress Falls and canyon
- Glenbrook precinct and the Euroka campground
- Victoria Falls Road fire trail
- Faulconbridge Point
- Blue Gum Swamp
- Ingar and Murphys Glen campgrounds
- Woodford-Oaks track
- Narrow Neck (Glenraphael Drive as far as the locked gate only – not safe beyond this point)
- Braeside fire trail (not walk)
- Nellies Glen
Other areas to be opened soon include:
- Grand Canyon walk
- Clifftop walks between Evans, Govetts and Pulpit Rock including Braeside walk and fire trail
- Burramoko (Hanging Rock) fire trail
Other areas of the Blue Mountains will continue to be assessed over the coming months.
Please check Alerts for NSW National Parks for up to date information on what is open or closed. You can also call 13000 PARKS
