Bushfire Information & Road/Track Closures & Access
[Parks and Reserves Home]
Some areas of Victoria remain fire-affected but many parks have now reopened. Please check for park closures or changed conditions before you travel. We ask you to consider your safety when you visit the bush. This includes the risk of heat stress, falling trees in strong winds and water safety when visiting the coasts, rivers and lakes. Check which parks are open or affected by fire under Latest Conditions (listed by park name) or go directly to the park page. You can also contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 to help you plan a safe park visit.
 Traveller safety information for bushfire-prone areas
 For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.
Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires
For closures of public roads visit the VicRoads website.
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Closures and changed conditions
Areas affected by the 2009 fires
In mid February 2009 Victoria experienced the worst bushfires in the state's history. As a consequence considerable areas of public land have been affected. Considerable effort is continuing to make these areas safe for public access and much work remains. For the latest information on roads and tracks open in National Parks and State Forests after the 2009 bushfires, go to the Public Access Interactive Map. The government acknowledges the importance of these areas for public recreation, and is endeavouring to open access as safety considerations have been addressed on an area-by-area basis. In the meantime, many roads and sites remain closed. Reasons for closure may include: - hazardous trees, limbs and fallen timber
- damaged tracks, bridges, signs, recreation sites and other facilities
- unstable soils and/or stream crossings
- presence of hazardous materials or substances.
Once recreation sites and tracks have been accessed, risks removed and necessary facilities rebuilt, they will be reopened to the public. Information about individual parks and recent reopenings is also listed below by park name. For State Forests visit DSE's website. Regrowth Newsletter
Regrowth is a regular update on the rehabilitation and recovery of catchments, national parks, state forests and reserves after the 2009 fire.
Read the latest issue here. (581kb, pdf)
Public land bridge closures
The Department of Sustainability and Environment has embarked on a project to progressively replace 300 bridges and crossings on public land across Victoria. The replacement of these structures will assist in enhancing and maintaining safety for our fire fighters and improve general access for other users of National Parks and State Forests The construction of new bridges and crossings has commenced and as a result there will be temporary road closures across the State. Road closures will be in place for the shortest possible time, aiming to minimise any inconvenience to public access. Before planning or making trips in to the National Parks and State Forests of Victoria please continue to monitor this website for an up-to-date list of road closures. Otway
Great Otway N.P, Morris Track, Morris Track. Closed from 27 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 12 Mar-10.
Great Otway N.P, Youngs Creek Road, Ciancio's Creek. Closed from 15 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 25 Feb-10.
Great Otway N.P, Youngs Creek Road, Youngs Creek. Closed from 13 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 18 Feb-10.
Sayers Track, Bridge Track crossing. Closed from 29 Oct-09. Scheduled reopening 04 Mar-10.
Bennetts Track, Bennett Track crossing. Closed from 20 Nov-09. Scheduled reopening 09 Feb-10. Goulburn
Rafterys Track Shepparton -Raffertys crossing. Closed from 12 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 22 Jan-10. Orbost
Sardine Creek Road, Ferntree crossing. Closed from 28 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 07 Apr-10
Yalmy Road, unnamed crossing at Easting 626924, Northing 5856892. Closed from 11 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 01 Mar-10.
Yalmy Road, unnamed crossing at Easting 626962, Northing 5856895. Closed from 11 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 01 Mar-10.
Yalmy Road, unnamed crossing at Easting 626953, Northing 5856891. Closed from 11 Jan-10. Scheduled reopening 01 Mar-10.
Swifts Creek
Nunniong Plain Scenic Reserve. Nunniong Road, unnamed crossing. Closed from 16-Nov-09. Scheduled reopening 29-Jan-10.
Seasonal Road Closures
2009 Seasonal Road Closures (to be used as an indication only) Although closures for 2009 are finished most remain the same every year. For an indication of the closures for 2010 refer to the list below. A full list of Seasonal Road Closures for 2010 will be posted here around May 2010. List of Seasonal Road Closures Key Map For further information visitors are advised to contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or the DSE/DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Interstate Road Closures
Department for Environment and Heritage - South Australia
Parks and Tracks Closures NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Fires, Floods and Park Closures
Total Fire Bans
The CFA website lists Total Fire Bans in place in Victoria as well as providing detailed information about what you can and can't do on a day of Total Fire Ban Some parks and picnic areas are regularly closed on a day of Total Fire Ban. Please refer to the list below for details.
Park Name | Notes | | Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens | Closed | | Arthurs Seat State Park | Seawinds carpark and picnic area closed | | Braeside Park | Red Gum picnic area closed | | Cardinia Reservoir Park | Duffys picnic ground closed | | Churchill National Park | Closed | Dandenong Ranges National Park | The following picnic grounds are closed:
- One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
- Grants Picnic Ground (southern end)
- Silvan Picnic Ground
- Sherbrooke Picnic Ground
- Doongalla Picnic Ground
- Valley Picnic Ground
- Eagles Nest Picnic Ground | | Devilbend Natural Features Reserve | Car park and picnic area closed | | George Tindale Memorial Garden | Closed | | Haining Park | Closed to school groups | Mornington Peninsula National Park | Fingal Picnic Area closed | | National Rhododendron Gardens | Closed | | Pirianda Garden | Closed | | Silvan Reservoir Park | Closed | | The Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve | Excelsior Drive car park and picnic area closed | | Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve | Closed | | William Ricketts Sanctuary | Closed | | Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve | Closed to school groups | | You Yangs Regional Park | Closed |
Road Conditions in Victoria
The VicRoads website provides road condition reports and information about driving in snow conditions, including changed speed limits on roads around the snow resorts and condition reports on snow access roads. For further information on local conditions you can also contact the VicRoads Hotline on 13 1170.
Latest Conditions
Albert Park
West Gate Freeway upgrade
For details of all these works keep an eye on the project website, www.m1upgrade.com.au or call 1300 88 11 37.
Alpine National Park
The Bogong High Plains Road (managed by Alpine Shire) has opened following completion of roadworks. However, the road currently has a six tonne limit until further notice. Heavier vehicles must use an alternative route. Access to Tali Karng is now available both from McFarlane Saddle across the Wellington Plains and down Gillios Track or from Tamboritha Road via Wellington River Walking Track, Riggals Spur Track and Echo Point Track. Note that the Clive Lanigan Walking Track through the Valley of Destruction remains closed in the interests of public safety as does the top section of Riggals Spur Track above Echo Point..
Barmah State Park
Operation of the Dharnya Centre has been temporarily suspended while a structural assessment of the centre is undertaken. The car park and walks leaving from the Dharnya Centre remain open to the public and the Cultural Officers previously based at the centre will continue to deliver talks and information sessions to schools and groups on request.
Baw Baw National Park
The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is open from the Thomson Valley Road (Baw Baw National Park) to Walhalla Village. To avoid the Walhalla Tramway Bridge (Old Steel Bridge) which remains closed due to fire damage please follow: - The historic Thomson River Tramway Walking Track along the western bank of the river (do not cross the Walhalla Tramway Bridge) to the Walhalla Road.
- Cross the Walhalla Road bridge.
- A short 4WD section up the Mormon Town Track to rejoin the historic Tramway Track and on to the village of Walhalla.
This alternative route can be followed in reverse from the Walhalla Village. For further information, including a map detailing the alternative route, download the changed track conditions notice. All walking tracks in Baw Baw National Park are now open, including Fingerboard Spur and Zig Zag Track which were previously closed. Maps are available in Walhalla.
Visit the Public Access Interactive Map for information regarding road and visitor site closures within areas of Victoria managed by Parks Victoria and DSE that have been affected by fire during the 2008/2009 bushfire season.
Beechworth Historic Park
For public safety, it will be necessary to temporarily close access to Eldorado Dredge.
The site will re-open for visitation when Parks Victoria has completed improvements to gangway access and is satisfied that visitor safety is protected.
Bunyip State Park
Nash Creek camping area will remain closed until toilets and other facilities damaged by the fire are replaced. This should be completed by Easter 2010. Dyers and Mortimer are open. The trail bike and 4WD tracks, which are located in the burnt areas, are now all open.
Cathedral Range State Park
Cathedral Range State Park was severely affected by the Black Saturday bushfires. 92 per cent of the park, including all the visitor facilities at Sugarloaf Saddle, were burnt.
Most of the park reopened to the public on Friday, 18 December 2009. Most of the walking tracks are now open. Trail markers, trailhead signage and directional signage are being replaced. Visitors to the park are requested to bring contour maps with them to assist with their walking and climbing visit. Little Cathedral Track from Neds Saddle to Little Cathedral Peak will remain closed until further notice while extensive alignment works are carried out. The Friends Nature Trail will be rebuilt and should be re-opened by Easter 2010.
Cooks Mill Heritage area will remain closed while new decking and railing are installed. Neds Gully, Cooks Mill and Jawbone carparks will reopen. A smaller Sugarloaf carpark will also open. The day visitor area is currently closed and expected to re-open around Easter 2010. Camping is available at Neds Gully and Cooks Mill. Cooks Mill has sites suitable for a small number of caravans. Camping fees apply and a permit is required for Neds Gully and Cooks Mill campgrounds. The Farmyard has a smaller camping area available.
Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
The Woolshed Falls Viewing Platform is closed for repairs from 30 October 2009. It will remain closed until repair works are completed. The Magenta Mine picnic area is closed until further notice.
Croajingolong National Park
(08 Feb 10) Due to recent fire activity in the Genoa-Broome Creek Track area the following closures are currently in place: - Miners Track
- Wingan Link Track
- Betka Track
- Rocky Ridge Track
Please note that West Wingan Road, Stony Peak Road and Cicada Trail are open. Campground information: The Wingan Inlet campground is open. Point Hicks and Mueller-Peach Tree campgrounds are open. Shipwreck Creek Campground is now open and can be accessed from Mallacoota via Betka Road. For information on current fires in Victoria go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667.
Discovery Bay Marine National Park
Abalone Virus
Information on the virus currently affecting abalone populations in south-west Victoria.
Grampians National Park
The walk between McKenzie Falls to Fish Falls remains closed. The loss of significant vegetation in the Grampians 2006 fire has required the walk to be realigned and two new bridges installed to make a small section safe. Parks Victoria will advise of any up-coming works to complete this walk. Rosea Track and Homestead Track remain closed to protect the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby habitat. The Grampians Road Report provides details on track conditions throughout the National Park.
Great Otway National Park
Closures
Pixie Caves at Point Addis is closed indefinitely.
Parker Spur Road closed due to wet conditions.
Calder Ridge road, Redwater track and Clearwater track closed for bridgeworks.
Aire East Campground will be closed from the 17 February until the 20 February for tree risk mitigation works.
Mt Sabine - Benwerrin Road is closed from 6.00am Monday to 6.00pm Friday (open weekends) between Grey River Road and Kennett River Road due to strategic fuel break works. There is no water available at Blanket Bay and Parker Hill Campgrounds. Campers should bring their own water. The following 4wd tracks in the East Otways are closed until further notice.
1. Wye River Road
2. Wye River Track
3. Curtis Track
4. Jamieson Track from the intersection of Jamieson Tk top end and Godgrey Track.
5. Kennett Wye Jeep Track.
These track closures are needed for road work and the safety of work crews and contractors. Track closures associated with the upgrade of the Painkalac Reservoir Spillway:
- No public access to the Painkalac Reservoir until late 2010- this includes walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- The walking track linking Distillery Creek Picnic Ground to the Painkalac Reservoir will be closed until late 2010.
- The walking track leading from Moggs Creek Picnic Ground to Gentle Annie Tk will remain open.
- Visitors will not be able to walk from the Distillery Creek Picnic Ground to the Moggs Creek Picnic Ground via the track which passes through the reservoir.
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
Harmful algae may be present in the Hattah Lakes within Hattah Kulkyne National Park. Contact with the water may cause serious harm to humans, therefore avoid any contact with the water (i.e. swimming, canoeing, drinking etc ).
Appropriate caution signage remains in place at the affected lakes and ongoing monitoring and testing will continue to occur until levels fall below recreation alert levels.
Hepburn Regional Park
Golden Spring mineral water pump is temporarily closed for renovation. Mineral water can still be sourced from other springs in the area including the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Sailors Falls Toilets are closed until further notice. The extended dry conditions have meant that Parks Victoria has been unable to source water to service these facilities.
Kinglake National Park
Approximately 98 per cent of the park, including the office and most visitor facilities, were burnt by the Black Saturday bushfires in February 2009. Rehabilitation work and assessment of fire damage is continuing in the park and areas will be re-opened progressively. Details below under "Things to do".
Visit the Public Access Interactive Map for information regarding road and visitor site closures within areas of Victoria managed by Parks Victoria and DSE that have been affected by fire during the 2008/2009 bushfire season.
Lind National Park
The Euchre Valley Nature Drive in the Lind National Park has been closed due to a damaged bridge and will remain closed until the bridge can be inspected and repaired.
Lower Glenelg National Park
The following roads will remain closed until further notice: - Normanby Track
- Barkcarters Track
Maribyrnong River
Notice to River Users - 30 January 2010 - Shepherd Bridge Drilling Works Notice to River Users - 16 December 2009 - Newsom Street Pedestrian Bridge Works River Closures and Events - February to March
Merri Marine Sanctuary
Abalone Virus
Information on the virus currently affecting abalone populations in south-west Victoria.
Mitchell River National Park
All vehicle tracks are open except for Lamberts Flat Track (lower Mitchell River National Park). Mitchell River National Park Walking track is now open from the Den of Nargun through to Angusvale. Hortons Crossing is now open (check river level prior to crossing). Note Hortons crossing can no longer be accessed from Angusvale (access from Rock Creek).
Mount Buffalo National Park
The Eastern Loop Track (on the Back Wall Track) is currently closed. This is an alternative loop only and the main track to the Back Wall is open. Andersons Peak Track is listed as an "E Standard" wilderness track. The recognised route has only basic construction with limited markings and definition. The track may be difficult to find and independent navigation is essential.
Murray River Reserves - Echuca to Robinvale
The amount of visitation to the Murray River Reserve between Echuca to Torrumbarry has increased over the prolonged drought period and during major events, including the Southern 80. To protect the natural values of the Murray River Reserve and sustain the intense recreation pressures the area receives, Parks Victoria has identified sites where day visitor only areas will be developed. For further information please read the attached document Day Vistor Areas: Murray River Reserve - Torrumbarry to Echuca.
Plenty Gorge Park
Nioka Bush Camp will be closed during the 2009-10 fire season (26 December 2009 until at least the end of April 2010). No bookings will be taken for this period.
Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park
Works on Railway Terrace have been completed and the new round about is in. The path connecting Railway Terrace to Bracks Boulevard is completed and the bluestone public toilet facility has been demolished. A new toilet facility is to be constructed near the picnic ground/playground at the western end of the park. In the interim, public toilet facilities are located behind the Williamstown Football Oval Grandstand and at the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, Williamstown.
The Arches Marine Sanctuary
Abalone Virus
Information on the virus currently affecting abalone populations in south-west Victoria.
Toorourrong Reservoir Park
Due to fire damage this park is closed.
- 100% of the park was burnt by the Black Saturday bushfires.
- Parks Victoria is currently assessing the fire damage and undertaking rehabilitation works.
- An alternative site to visit is Yan Yean Reservoir Park.
Visit the Public Access Interactive Map for information regarding road and visitor site closures within areas of Victoria managed by Parks Victoria and DSE that have been affected by fire during the 2008/2009 bushfire season.
Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
Abalone Virus
Information on the virus currently affecting abalone populations in south-west Victoria.
Walhalla Historic Area
The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is open from the Walhalla Village along the historic Tramway Track to the Thomson Valley Road (Baw Baw National Park). To avoid the Walhalla Tramway Bridge (Old Steel Bridge) which remains closed due to fire damage please follow: - A short 4WD section down the Mormon Town Track to Walhalla Road.
- Cross the Walhalla Road bridge
- The historic Thomson River Tramway Walking Track along the western bank of the river to rejoin the AAWT at the Walhalla Tramway Bridge & bottom of Fingerboard Spur.
This alternative route can be followed in reverse from the Thomson Valley Road. For further information, including a map detailing the alternative route, download the changed track conditions notice. All the walking tracks in Baw Baw National Park are open, including Fingerboard Spur and Zig Zag Track which were previously closed. Maps are available in Walhalla.
Warrandyte State Park
Access into Victory and Geraghty's mines is not available to the public but there are still photo opportunities of the outside of the mines.
Westgate Park
West Gate Freeway upgrade
Due to works being undertaken to strengthen the West Gate Bridge, access to the southern section of the lake, including the bicycle punt, can be gained only via Lorimer Street.
For details of all these works keep an eye on the project website, www.m1upgrade.com.au or call 1300 88 11 37.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Areas of the northern section of the park now open include: - Short day walks to Vereker Outlook and Millers Landing.
- The northern circuit with exception of Johnny Souey campsite that remains closed.
- Lilly Pilly Carpark and the lower section of the Lilly Pilly Circuit including the boardwalk through the rainforest.
- Sparkes Lookout as a return walk from Darby Saddle.
The following will be closed until further notice: - The Tongue Point walking track and Fairy Cove.
- Whisky Bay
- Northern section of Lilly Pilly Circuit.
- Mt Bishop walking track.
Map of the the fire affected area.(pdf) 
Find out more about the 2009 Cathedral Fire
at the Prom and see photos showing
how the park looks now and how the
bush recovers.
Yan Yean Reservoir Park
Yan Yean Reservoir is closed for the remainder of Wednesday, 10 February 2010, due to severe weather conditions.
Yarra Bend Park
From 1 April 2010, Parks Victoria will no longer issue permits for the exclusive use of picnic areas in Yarra Bend Park. These picnic areas include: - Westfield Shelter
- North Rotunda
- South Rotunda
- Loop Site One and Loop Site Two
- Studley Park Picnic Area (near the Boathouse)
- Bellbird Picnic Area
Picnic and open space areas within Yarra Bend Park will become free and available for shared use on a first-come, first served basis. Any structures or amusements normally associated with private bookings will no longer be permitted (eg. marquees, jumping castles etc).
Yarra Ranges National Park
Closed Work is in progress on the Don Road and Acheron Way (Donna Buang Rd) crossings on the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail until the end of March 2010.
Ewart's Road to top of Don Road syphon (200 metres east of Don Road) is closed - those travelling west from Dee Road carpark will not be able to exit the trail and will need to return to Dee Road.Yuonga Road to Acheron Way (Donna Buang Rd) - access to the trail east of Donna Buang Rd should be made via Cement Creek Rd. Cambarville: The southern section of the Cumberland Walk is closed. The northern section between Cambarville and the Cora Lynn/Big Tree car park is open and accessible from either site. Donnellys Weir Picnic Area. Lady Talbot Drive: including the road, Phantom Falls Walk, Keppel Falls Walk, Keppel Falls Lookout, Taggerty River Crossing, The Beeches and The Beeches Rainforest Walk. Mount Donna Buang to Rainforest Gallery walk and Rainforest Gallery toilets.. Mount Donna Buang - Mount Boobyalla - Acheron Gap - Dom Dom Saddle. Goldfields Walk is closed until approximately April 2010. Upper Taggerty Road
Open Mt Juliet, Mt Riddell and Condons tracks. The 1 km walk to the summit of Mt St Leonard tower site. Badger Weir Picnic Area: All facilities and tracks. Big Peninsula and Little Peninsula Picnic Areas. Cambarville: All facilities and the northern half of the Cumberland Walk (The Big Tree), The Big Culvert, and Cambarville Historic Township. Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area and Fernshaw Picnic Area: All facilities and Morleys Track.
Yarra River
Notice to River Users - 22 January 2010 - Melbourne Main Sewer Replacement - Stage 2 Notice to River Users - 15 January 2010 - River closures for 2010 Melbourne Moomba Festival Notice to River Users - 23 December 2009 - Infrastructure - Yarra River Turning Basin Notice to River Users - 28 October 2009 - Melbourne Main Sewer Replacement Notice to River Users - 23 October 2009 - South Wharf Notice to River Users - 4 August 2009 - Walmer Street Trunk Sewer Works and World Trade Centre Wharf Extension River Closures and Events - February to March
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