As the King’s Birthday long weekend approaches, Forestry Corporation is reminding the public that many State forests across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast remain closed due to extensive and hazardous flood-related damage sustained during the May floods.

While some forests have reopened following safety assessments, the majority remain unsafe for public access.

Forestry Corporation is urging visitors to respect closures and avoid entering affected areas.

To help the public understand the extent of the damage, FCNSW has shared a series of images on the @visitnswforests Facebook and Instagram social media channels.

These photos, captured by staff during post-flood assessments, highlight the hidden dangers and the scale of the recovery effort.

Forestry Corporation encourages all forest users to check the latest updates before travelling.

Visit the Forestry Corporation website and search “Closures” for real-time information or check our updates on social media.

Fire and Operations Team Leader Mike Hill:

“Much of the damage, particularly under-road erosion, is not visible from above,” Mr Hill said.

“This makes it extremely difficult for visitors to assess the safety of roads and trails, and we strongly advise against attempting to access closed areas.

“There are many State Forests in the Central Coast and Hunter Region areas that have been assessed and are open, offering visitors alternative locations to enjoy the bush this long weekend. Simply check our website for more information,” he said.

Fire and Operations Team Leader Matt Model:

“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to reopen forests safely,” Mr Model said.  

“Our teams have done a fantastic job assessing the extensive damage and are working hard to restore access, but safety remains our top priority.

“Many state forest roads and trails are currently only accessible by four-wheel-drive so it’s important the public check closure notices prior to entering state forests,” he said.

Forestry Corporation appreciates the public’s understanding as recovery efforts continue.

Safety remains the top priority and visitors can check for further updates at www.forestrycorporation.com.au by searching ‘Closures” for the latest information related to their planned area of travel.

State Forests of the Central Coast and Hunter Region

The following State forests are open to visitors:

• Awaba State Forest

• Heaton State Forest

• Olney State Forest – Basin Forest Road is currently closed

• Ourimbah State Forest

• Pokolbin State Forest

• Wyong State Forest

• Strickland State Forest

Whilst these forests are open, there may still be road closures in place and hazards. Forest visitors should proceed with caution, reduce speed and follow any signage or directions from Forestry staff. 4WD vehicles are highly recommended.

Unless listed above, all other State Forests in the Central Coast and Hunter Region area remain closed. In particular, the popular Chichester State Forest, both Telegherry River and Allyn River sides, sustained significant damage and is closed due to hazardous conditions. All Chichester State Forest visitor sites and campgrounds are closed.

State Forests of the Mid North Coast

All Mid North Coast State Forests are open, with the exception of:

• Barrington Tops State Forest – Closed

• Cobrabald State Forest – Closed

Both Barrington Tops State Forest and Cobrabald State Forest have sustained significant flood damage resulting in hazardous conditions for visitors.

Visitors are also reminded that the following popular picnic and campground areas are also closed:

• The Bluff and Wild Bull, Mount Boss State Forest – Closed

• Old Bottlebutt, Burrawan State Forest – Closed

Additionally, there are individual roads which may be closed in other State forests. These include:

• Blackbutt Road (22km marker), Kerewong State Forest - Closed

• Jimmy’s Scrub Road (Bottlebutt), Burrawan State Forest – Closed

• Knodingbul Road (Mt George end), Knorrit & Dingo State Forests – Closed

• Break Neck Road, Deans Creek Road and Peters Road, Kiwarrak State Forest - Closed

• Hastings Forest Way – Not a diversion for the Oxley Highway (despite Google Maps suggestions)

State Forests are home to a range of clubs, tourism and training organisations. Damage assessments are ongoing for many of these organisations, and visitors are advised that current access to areas used by these organisations is via 4WD only:

• Coastal Track and Trails

• Kerewong Horse Trails

• Camden Haven Walkers

• Rollands Plains Equestrian Club

• PM 4WD Club – Cairncross State Forest

• Tocal College 4WD Training – Nundle State Forest (proceed with caution)