Parks and forests reopening for visitors this long weekend

Thursday 7 March, 2013

There are plenty of opportunities to visit Victoria’s parks and forests this long weekend.

“Regional Victoria’s key tourism destinations are open and ready to welcome visitors,” said Chris Rose, General Manager Regional Services for Parks Victoria.  “Significantly, the majority of the Alpine National Park has reopened, following recent closures.

Mr Rose said the Bogong High Plains, the Howqua Valley and some major walking tracks around Mount Feathertop and Razorback have been cleared and reopened prior to the long weekend.

“As always we recommend that people plan ahead and use the maps and information provided on the Parks Victoria website to avoid areas still closed in the interests of public safety,” said Mr Rose. “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.”

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.

Out west, the northern and central parts of the Grampians National Park remain open and accessible to visitors. This includes Halls Gap, Mt Zero, Wartook and Dunkeld in addition to popular tourist attractions such as MacKenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout.

“Areas that were closed such as Mt Abrupt, Piccaninny, Mt Sturgeon, Mt William, Wonderland Walks, the Pinnacle and Mt Zero are now accessible and have not been harmed by fire.”

Mr Rose said remote areas in the south west of the Grampians National Park remain closed, including parts of the Victoria Valley and the Victoria Range.

“We encourage people to come and check out these areas as they reopen to help support local tourism partners and accommodation providers,” said Mr Rose. “Access into parks and forest areas will progressively be checked and reopened when safe to do so.”

A number of Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) managed state forests remained closed in bushfire affected areas including around Mount Feathertop and Mount Beauty in North East Victoria and in areas around Heyfield and Dargo in Gippsland. For details please contact the closest DSE office to where you might be travelling or check the Parks Victoria website.

For current conditions contact Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au. If you’re travelling around Victoria this Labour Day long weekend, check the latest conditions before you head off. Stay informed through cfa.vic.gov.au and by listening to ABC Local radio, using the FireReady app, calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (1800 240 667) or visit an accredited visitor information centre. For the latest information on road closures go to ww.vicroads.vic.gov.au. 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 many natural spaces