ACT Parks and Conservation Service advised on Thursday 12th December, 2019 that the Bimberi Wilderness Area and Upper Cotter Catchment area of Namdgi National Park is closed to all public access and visitation until further notice. See Closure Advice.
This closure is in response to the current weather and bushfire risk conditions to ensure visitor safety and reduce the risk of potential ignitions of bushfire. This closure also affects that section of the Australian Alps Walking Track that traverses this area between Kosciuszko National Park and Namadgi National Park.
A Park Total Fire Ban has been declared for all NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service reserves in the Southern Ranges Branch including the whole of Kosciuszko, Woomargama and Brindabella National Parks from 11th December, 2019 through until 30th January, 2020 (or until bushfire risk conditions improve).
The Park Total Fire Ban means that all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamite) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Visitor-owned gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as they are under direct control of an adult; the area within 2 metres of the barbecue or stove is cleared of all combustible materials; and you have a container of at least 10 litres or continuous supply of water nearby for immediate use.
Parks Victoria, NSW NPWS and ACT Parks and Conservation Service advise that all park visitors across the Australian Alps National Parks should closely monitor current local weather and bushfire conditions, alerts and emergency warnings, including following and adhering to Park and Total Fire Bans and Park Closures. All visitors should continue to assess and re-assess their plans in response to bushfire risk and forecast weather, particularly if planning on visiting remote bushland and forested areas at this time of heightened bushfire risk.
Further information on Bushfire Alerts and Emergency Warnings can be found at: