NSW NPWS have announced closures of campgrounds, most visitor centres, cafes and ‘high visitation areas’. All the details here.
Author Archives: bill
Federal Government Native Fish Recovery Strategy
Your chance to have a say in the Federal Government Native Fish Recovery Strategy. Submissions via survey close 6 April. See website here.
Cancellation of 2020 NSWCFA Interclub Fly Fishing Meet
Because of the current Coronavirus situation, and with much regret and disappointment, the NSWCFA has decided to cancel this year’s Interclub Flyfishing Meet at Wallerawang (1-3 May 2020).
NSWCFA President Don Barton and the committee wish you and your families and friends continuing good health during these trying times.
KNP Roads Update
I got a report from a friend who travelled the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Khancoban on Mon 16 Mar. It is open with only a small number of areas under maintenance including a short stretch near Khancoban of one way. (Drivers are cautioned to check Live Traffic NSW.) Good news was that rest areas and camping sites are all open and in the middle of unburnt areas.
There appears to be little change to ongoing closures but I haven’t had any observations from travellers:
- All areas north of the Snowy Valley Highway including Tantangara Road. ie Tantangara Dam and the Murrumbidgee headwaters.
- Cabramurra township and the Khancoban-Cabramurra Road.
The authoritative source is the NPWS website or else contact the NPWS offices.
NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers InterClub Meet 1-3 May 2020
The NSWCFA Interclub Fly Fishing Meet is again on at Wallerawang (based at Black Gold Motel) from Fri 01 May to Sun 03 May 2020. Our affiliated clubs/associations are urged to get a team together to compete for the Best (fly fishing) Club Trophy.
Stefan is hoping CAA might enter a team.
There are a total of 13 categories spread over five competitions:
· Fly Fishing – six categories for longest fish species: Impoundment Trout, Stream Trout, Bass, Other Native, Redfin and Carp;
· Fly Tying – three categories: Open, Intermediate and Novice;
· Fly Casting – Long distance accuracy;
· Fly Casting – Short distance accuracy and
· Photography – two categories: Open and Novice.
There is no limit to team size but obviously the larger the team the more chance of one member getting a place (1st to 4th) and scoring points (7,6,5,4 pts respectively) which go towards the team total.
Program.
Parts of ACT’s Parks Re-opened
One notable one is Lower Cotter Catchment (think Vanity’s Crossing)
Reported in the Canberra Times.
The ACT Government’s Environment Directorate website would be the authoritative source to stay up to date.
NSW Roads And Maritime Safety Program
March 2020 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 153)

Stop Press – Newsletter has been updated due to Khancoban trip cancellation
It seems a number of us headed across the ditch this past month. Two reports here. Many thanks Jaime for his submission and to Peter and Claude for accompanying me and helping with the report. The final major item is one from Jason M completing his postcards from his earlier trip to Tasmania – much appreciated mate. Still looking for others to come forward with their stories – too many modest folk in our club?
Many of us have been closely watching the situation in Kosciuszko National Park. Our News blog has provided some updates (thanks Lyall) and the latest one is quite positive – the authoritative link has been provided. The fires have also raised the profile of our problem with brumbies and there has been some movement by the NSW Govt.
More on Brumbies in KNP
MAS has passed to us news of a press release from the Invasive Species Council giving limited to support to the NSW Govt moves in respect to brumbies post the fires.
There seems to be some movement in the government accepting that numbers need to be reduced. Of concern is that the fires have not impacted on the population numbers and the horses are concentrating in the unburnt areas or moving back to burnt areas as they regenerate but vulnerable to damage.
Read it all here
Situation in KNP
Just got this in from Sec:
Like me, you will all be keen to get back to our alpine region, go fishing and splash some cash on accommodation and meals to support the communities who are so welcoming to us when we visit.
Mark at Brindabella Ski Club has put together the lists below of closed and re-opened areas of the Snowy Mountains. Please respect the instructions from National Parks and Wildlife Service about out of bounds areas. It is in the interests of our own safety to do so.
From: Brindabella Ski Club
Kosciuszko National Park Closed Areas
Sections of Kosciuszko National Park have been reopened, but areas which have been burnt or have ongoing fire suppression operations remain closed.
Areas Recently Opened:
All areas south of Mt Jagungal and east of the following roads / trails are open to the public: Khancoban – Cabramurra Rd, Alpine Way and Cascade Trail (refer to map). This includes all backcountry areas which have not been impacted by fire. Overnight camping is permitted in these areas. This includes:
Kosciuszko Road – Jindabyne to Charlotte Pass
The following areas of Kosciuszko National Park remain closed:
All areas impacted by fire and where ongoing firefighting operations are occurring.
This includes:
All campgrounds between Thredbo and Khancoban
Public Roads as listed below note that for the latest updates on road closure, refer to the RMS website link to Live Traffic
Alpine Way from Thredbo to Khancoban
KNP5 (Khancoban to Cabramurra Road)
Link Road from Snowy Mountains Highway to Goat Ridge Road
Goats Ridge Road and Elliot Way
Cabramurra township – Snowy Hydro’s operational town of Cabramurra suffered significant fire damage and for safety reasons is temporarily closed
RFS and NPWS will continue to assess bushfire risk and progress opening further areas of Kosciuszko National Park when it is safe.
Beware of changing conditions
All roads, resorts and other areas may close suddenly in response to changing bushfire risk.
Current fire situation
Large fires have impacted the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park around Kiandra, Tantangara, Adaminaby and Eucumbene Cove.
Stay up-to-date with the current fire situation in your area by: visiting the Rural Fire Service website, viewing the Fires Near Me app or website listening to your local radio station, or calling NSW RFS Bushfire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
Do not enter closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
For more information, contact the local NPWS office or visit the Rural Fire Service website.