National parks across New South Wales have been closed this week due to extreme fire risk.

It came as unseasonable warm, windy weather swept through the country, putting regional communities on high alert.

All visitor areas in the Pilliga Forest were closed as of 4pm on Wednesday and were reassessed for potential access this morning at 9am, with the closure extended until tomorrow.

Due to the extreme fire danger rating, Warrumbungle National Park walking tracks and remote campsites have also been closed until Saturday.

In the Pilliga Scrub areas that remain closed include: 

• Sandstone Caves walking track
• Sculptures in the Scrub visitor area, walking track, picnic and camping area
• Salt Caves visitor area, picnic and camping area
• Pilliga Forest Visitor Lookout Tower

This closure includes all walking tracks, visitor picnic facilities and campgrounds.

Pilliga Forest areas off limits until at least tomorrow. IMAGE: National Parks NSW

At the time of writing, there was limited access to the Warrumbungles, with the following walking tracks to remain open:

• White Gum Lookout walking track,
• Wambelong nature trail
• Gurianawa circuit

The following campsites will remain open:

• Blackman
• Walaay
• Wambelong

 At this stage areas should be open by 9am Saturday as the extreme fire conditions have subsided to a high fire danger rating, however, potential visitors are urged to check before travelling.

Fire bans remain in place for all Nature Reserves and National Parks across the western plains area.

Visitors and community members are urged to remain vigilant and to check the National Parks NSW website for details on all reserve alerts.