Fire & heat safety

If you see fire, please report it to Shoalhaven Fire Control on 02 4424 4424 or the Visitor Centre on 1800 357 823.

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

We remind visitors to be aware of fire and heat-related risks within the national park and take responsibility for your own safety and those in your care.

Fire

Bushfires have devastating consequences, killing native animals, destroying property, and taking lives.

Australian fire danger rating system signage. Photo AFDRS

Total fire ban

A total fire ban will be declared in the park when a ban is in place for the Shoalhaven district, or at other times as determined by the park manager.

During a total fire ban:

Fire signs in the park will indicate extreme fire danger and/or total fire ban.
All walking trails will be closed, with the exception of Murrays Beach, Cave Beach, Bristol Point, Green Patch, Cape St George Lighthouse access points and some walking trails in the botanic gardens.
No fires are allowed for any purpose.
Heat beads and any form of solid fuel may not be used.
Gas barbecues, stoves and trangias can only be used:
- in or within 5 m of provided fireplaces where there is an immediate and continuous supply of water (they may not be used on campsites)
- under the direct control of an adult.

The electric barbecues at Green Patch Day Use and camping areas and Booderee Botanic Gardens can be used during a fire ban.

Evacuations

If evacuation is necessary, please follow the directions of police or park staff. Campground evacuation points are at the nearest beach, unless directed otherwise.

Extreme Heat

Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood) can be a danger in the summer months.

To avoid heat-related issues while walking in the park:

Walk only in the cooler parts of the day.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes.
Carry and drink at least one litre of water per person per hour.
Do not consume sports drinks, diet cordials or caffeinated drinks – these do not hydrate you and can all actually contribute to dehydration.
Consider using an electrolyte product (such as Hydralyte or Gastrolyte) along with water to replace lost fluids.
Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heatstroke and heat-related illness (see below).
Eat regular meals, take frequent breaks, and eat plenty of healthy snacks, even if you don’t feel hungry.
Walk with another person at all times
Obey all safety directions, notices and warning signs, including any directions from park rangers.
Stay on marked tracks at all times
Do not walk on any tracks that are closed due to the heat.
If you have any concerns about your health or fitness, avoid physical activity (including walking) in extreme heat.

Recognising heat-related illness

Please familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heat stress, heatstroke and hyponatremia before walking in the national park.

Heat stress and heat stroke

Heat stress occurs when the body can’t cool itself fast enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heatstroke is an extreme form of heat stress and can be life-threatening.

Potential symptoms are:

thirst, dry mouth, or dry lips
cold or clammy sweating
painful muscle spasms
headache
irritability
confusion
dizziness
nausea
high body temperature (over 38.5°C)
altered mental state
confusion, disorientation, or rapid development of unconsciousness
dry skin
dry, swollen tongue
rapid, strong pulse at first, becoming weaker
fits, seizures or coma.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is caused by an imbalance of sodium electrolytes in the body, which leads to an inability to regulate water.