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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Improvements at Mimosa Rocks National Park
Project update - July 2026
We are pleased to provide an update on infrastructure improvements being delivered at Mimosa Rocks National Park, funded by the NSW and Australian Government's Infrastructure Betterment Fund program.
The project is an important investment in Mimosa Rocks National Park, strengthening visitor infrastructure, improving safety and protecting the park's natural and cultural values for the future.
For more information or to register your interest in receiving project updates, please visit the project webpage.
Thank you for your ongoing interest in the project.
Acknowledgement of Country
Mimosa Rocks National Park is part of Yuin Country. We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging, and respect the rights and aspirations of the Yuin People as custodians of their Country.
Investing in Mimosa Rocks National Park
The NPWS is delivering improvements at four visitor precincts in Mimosa Rocks National Park, to boost flood resilience, sustainability and visitor safety at the popular park.
The project is funded through the NSW and Australian Government's Infrastructure Betterment Fund program to support the repair and rebuilding of public assets directly impacted in several natural disasters since 2019.
Improvements are being delivered in stages from 2026-27 at the Nelson Beach precinct, and the Middle Beach, Gillards and Aragunnu campgrounds, in accordance with planning approval.
The improvements aim to:
- improve the resilience of park infrastructure to flooding and extreme weather events
- better protect the park’s natural and cultural values
- improve visitor safety and accessibility
- reduce the frequency and duration of weather-related closures
- support the local economy and regional tourism
- maintain sustainable, year-round access for the community and visitors
Nelson Beach Road and carpark upgrades
Upgrades to Nelson Beach Road and carpark are progressing well and are expected to be completed in mid-2026, weather permitting.
The intention of the work is to improve safety, enhance the precinct’s resilience to extreme weather, and protect the park’s natural and cultural values, while sustainably managing existing visitation at Nelson Beach.
The works are consistent with the Mimosa Rocks National Park Plan of Management, which identifies the need to reduce erosion, manage sediment runoff, and upgrade infrastructure to minimise impacts on sensitive coastal systems.
Key design principles include:
- concentrating works within the existing disturbed footprint
- using materials that reduce ongoing sediment run-off into the natural environment
- minimising impacts through measures such as revegetation
- improving drainage, durability and reducing maintenance.
The work is being completed in accordance with the Review of Environmental Factors which is available on the NSW Planning Portal.
Why the upgrade is necessary
Nelson Beach is a popular destination, with vehicle numbers exceeding 350 per day during peak periods. Existing parking capacity is frequently exceeded, resulting in:
- informal parking outside designated areas
- vegetation damage and soil compaction
- increased erosion and sediment runoff
- safety risks for pedestrians and vehicles
- restricted emergency access
The upgrade formalises parking within the existing footprint and improves drainage and surface durability to reduce erosion, sediment runoff and impacts on the surrounding environment. No works extend into the lagoon or intertidal areas, and pedestrian access remains on existing paths.
Sealing the carpark and sections of the road provides a durable, low-maintenance solution that helps minimise erosion and protect Nelson Lagoon and surrounding habitats.
What visitors can expect
Upgrades prioritise improving drainage, upgrading road infrastructure and improving parking and pedestrian access.
This includes:
- new and upgraded culverts and drainage systems
- improvements to the road corridor, including reshaped batters and stabilisation works
- road resurfacing, including sealing in high-erosion areas
- an asphalt-sealed carpark with designated parking, with accessible carparks
- installation of bollards and improved signage
- more clearly defined walking tracks from the carpark to the beach
Some vegetation clearing was required to enable the work, in accordance with the Review of Environmental Factors. Care has been taken to minimise impacts and revegetate the area:
- No mature hollow-bearing trees were removed
- The precinct is being revegetated with native trees, shrubs and grasses, including transplanting of burrawangs that were removed during the works
We will continue to monitor the area to ensure long-term outcomes.
Temporary closures
For safety, the Nelson Beach precinct including the carpark, Nelson Beach Road, Moon Bay access and Wajurda Point lookout are closed until works are completed, which is expected in mid-2026, weather permitting.
Improvements underway at Nelson Beach carpark, May 2026
Burrawangs have been transplanted at Nelson Beach carpark, May 2026
Proposed campground improvements
This investment in Mimosa Rocks National Park will deliver improvements in key campgrounds and day-use areas, focusing on low-key upgrades to improve drainage, erosion control, site resilience, visitor safety and experience.
All works will be undertaken in strict accordance with environmental and cultural heritage approvals. Once finalised, the Review of Environmental Factors will be published on the NSW Planning Portal.
More information about the proposed campground improvements is available on the project webpage, including precinct plans which provide more detail on the proposed works.
Campground and day-use area closures
Visitor improvements will be delivered in stages. Where possible, works have been scheduled outside peak holidays, however, visitors should expect the following temporary closures to allow the work to be completed:
- Middle Beach: closed from mid-2026 to late-2026, reopening for Dec-Jan holidays
- Gillards: closed from 14 October 2026 to March-2027, reopening for Easter 2027
- Aragunnu: closed from February 2027 to mid-2027
Temporary closures of some visitor areas may occur outside these dates. Check for park closure alerts before visiting on the NPWS webpage.
Photo: A popular spot with visitors, the project will deliver low-key improvements at Gillards campground.
Photo: The campground improvements will focus on retaining the low-key camping experience, and the natural character for the park.
Next steps
- Nelson Beach Road and carpark upgrade - completion expected August 2026.
- Finalise planning and approvals for campground improvement work - to be published on the NSW Planning Portal.
- Commence improvements at Middle Beach campground - expected mid-2026.
The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2027.
Stunning coastal views at Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Although funding for this project has been provided by both the NSW Government and the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of either government.
