One of the most popular bushwalks in the Blue Mountains – the National Pass walking track at Wentworth Falls – has been closed following an assessment of overhead rock stability.
Large rocks fell on the track in November last year, with monitoring of the rock face above showing recent signs of increasing instability.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Blue Mountains acting area manager Arthur Henry said as a result of the falls the walk was closed for public safety from Thursday afternoon (August 31).
“Falls of this nature occur throughout the park and the procedures are to help ensure the safety of everyone,” said Mr Henry.
“The closure is between Valley of the Waters and Slack Stairs, due to the risk of further falls from a dangerous, unstable section of rock above the walking track.
“The area is being assessed by a geo-technical engineer and the site will remain closed until we are confident it is safe,” he said.
“The walk attracts 90,000 visitors annually and like many walks in the Mountains is regularly assessed for visitor safety.
“We regularly have damage by rockfall, there is a constant risk of rockfall and landslides in this sort of environment.”
NSW National Parks website has park safety guidelines at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.