The road will be closed east of the intersection with Hildegard Road.

Lisa Menke, acting area manager Mudgee of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), said the road is being closed annually to protect the surface from damage and also as a safety precaution, given the possibility of severe weather conditions on The Tops during winter.

“Heavy winter rains, a very wet road surface, fallen trees and the occasional snow fall result in the road becoming impassable at this time of the year,” she said.

“The road closure means that vehicles will not be able to drive on The Forest Road (east of the Hildegard Road junction), Talbragar Loop Trail or Gemini Loop Trail.

“Vehicles will not be able to access : Talbragar Falls, Cattle Creek Huts, Breeza Lookout or Shepherds Peak.

“However, all of these locations can still be accessed on foot or mountain bike.

“All the popular camping areas and day use areas at the western end of the Park such as Norfolk Falls, The Barracks, Pines and Coxs Creek Camping Areas, Bracken’s Hut and Bundella Lookout will all remain open during this period.

“These roads and trails can become extremely wet during the winter months and with the cold, short days, the surface does not dry out.

“Such conditions increase the chance of damage to the road surface from vehicles and sudden changes in weather could mean visitors being caught out and possibly stranded.”

For further information about Coolah Tops National Park, visitors should check the NSW National Parks Website at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au