The autumn school holidays would ordinarily be the perfect time for families to get out and explore the natural beauty of the Illawarra bush, but recent downpours have made some places dangerous or inaccessible.
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Several popular parks and walking tracks are closed and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff are out this week assessing the condition of tracks, campgrounds and picnic areas ahead of the Easter long weekend.
Areas currently closed include the Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Park, the Mount Keira ring track, the Sublime Point track, the Mount Kembla ring track, and Macquarie Pass National Park, as well as several others.
People planning to visit a national park are urged to check the alerts online at the NPWS website, as changing weather conditions can mean tracks and parks can close at short notice.
Landslides are one hazard - earlier this month, a young boy and his father were tragically killed in the Blue Mountains when the earth above them gave way.
But people should remain cautious even in areas that are open, due to slippery walking tracks and the increased risk of tree falls.
"We strongly encourage utilising safety precautions, such as not sheltering or camping under trees, plus avoiding wet tracks and of course closed tracks," a NPWS spokesperson said
"Most walking tracks within national parks are unsealed and the surface may become slippery and washed out in sections."
More rain would cause creeks and rivers to rise, the spokesperson said, and water crossings in these conditions could be extremely dangerous.
People are also advised to avoid sand scarps on beaches, because they can collapse unexpectedly.
Walking in areas affected by the extreme weather events can not only prove dangerous to people, but can cause further damage to the tracks and natural environment.
But Bushwalk the 'Gong founder Jenae Johnston has some ideas on safe, accessible alternatives this school holidays.
"For families, Maddens Falls [in the Dharawal National Park] is really good - it's only short and sweet, but there's a nice little waterfall at the end," Mrs Johnston said.
Other recommendations include Nellies Glen and Carrington Falls in the Budderoo National Park, the Griffiths and Cooks Nose walking tracks in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, Puckeys Estate, and the Kiama coastal trail.
Mrs Johnston also suggested people check out their local reserves, because there were plenty of patches of bush in the suburbs.
To keep safe, she said the general rules applied: take a friend out with you and tell someone when and where you were going.
As well as checking the NPWS alerts, Mrs Johnston said people should also check the weather forecast, and take out a basic first aid kit.
"Staying on the tracks is probably the most important thing," she said, adding that venturing off paths and onto areas like rock ledges exposed people to the risk of landslides.
Mrs Johnston warned that people risked heavy fines if they entered closed areas.
The wet weather has also increased the number of leeches - to discourage the parasitic worms, Mrs Johnston suggests wearing long pants and spraying insect repellent around the feet and legs.
If one does hook on, she recommends leaving it until it has had its fill because the itching will not be so severe.
And with all the mud around, Mrs Johnston had one final recommendation: wear old clothes.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
