Enjoy Victoria’s high country this long weekend

Thursday 7 March, 2013

There are plenty of opportunities to visit Victoria’s parks this long weekend including the majority of the Alpine National Park, which has reopened following recent closures.

Parks Victoria Regional Director, Andrew Marshall said popular park areas open in Victoria’s north east include: Mount Buffalo National Park and in the Alpine National Park, the Bogong High Plains, the Howqua Valley and some key tracks around Mount Feathertop and Razorback had been cleared and reopened prior to the long weekend.  

“These reopened areas will support tourist destinations such as  Bright, Harrietville, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Mount Beauty, Beechworth and Mansfield that are welcoming visitors,” said Mr Marshall.

“There are many parks open and ready to explore across the state with activities including camping, bushwalking, cycling, canoeing or relaxing with a picnic.”

 “Parks Victoria and DSE staff have been working extremely hard to reopen as many areas for visitors as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Mr Marshall. “Visitors should be aware that some walks will be through fire-blackened areas, whereas others will be unaffected. Please check the Parks Victoria website before you head out into the park”

Mr Marshall said access into parks and forest areas will be progressively checked.

“We encourage people to come and check out these areas as they reopen to help support local tourism partners and accommodation providers.”

VicRoads advise that the Great Alpine Road between Harrietville and Hotham will open to light traffic for the Labour Day long weekend, between 7am and 7pm only.  Alternative access to Dinner Plain and Hotham is via Omeo or via Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains Road – visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au for further details.

For information on all the events and places to eat and stay in regional towns contact the local Visitor Information Centre. Park visitors are encouraged to keep in touch with Parks Victoria throughout the park recovery process, and check out the many options to get out and enjoy Victoria’s natural spaces.

For current conditions contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.