NPWS · Caution
Rock fishing safety
Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant. Before rock fishing you should always: check for park alerts or closures check the tides, swell and weather conditions before setting out and never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas or in electrical storms. Wear your life jacket, appropriate light weight clothing and non-slip footwear Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone. If you’re in doubt don’t go out.
Updated by NPWS at 9:37 am Wed 12 Aug 2026 (Sydney time). As of 12:15 pm Fri 2 Oct 2026 (Sydney time). Read it on the NPWS site.
Alerts © NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, licensed under CC BY 4.0