Bushfire Information & Road/Track Closures & Access
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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.
 Be Bushfire Smart
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 details listing State Forests are 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. (330kb, 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. Mt Elizabeth N.C.R
Playgrounds Road - Playgrounds Crossing closed from 22/07/2009. Scheduled reopening 25/11/2009
River Junction Track - Timbarra Crossing closed from 22/07/2009. Scheduled reopening 25/11/2009 East Gippsland
Sardine Creek Road - Sardine Crossing closed from 24/08/2009. Scheduled reopening11/11/2009
Old Omeo Road, unnamed crossing closed from 26/10/09. Scheduled reopening 21/12/09
Wombat Link Track, unnamed crossing closed from 05/10/09. Scheduled reopening 30/11/09
Nunniong Road, Camp Creek crossing closed from 05/10/09. Scheduled reopening 30/10/09
Nunniong Road Middle Creek crossing closed from 26/10/09. Scheduled reopening 20/11/09
Nunniong Road unnamed crossing closed from 16/11/09.Scheduled reopening 18/12/09
Nunnett Road unnamed crossing closed from 14/12/09. Scheduled reopening 31/12/09
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. Mt Pinnibar Track - Alpine National Park
Mt Pinnibar Track from Walkers Road to the summit of Mt Pinnibar has deteriorated following recent rain, snow and vehicle traffic. Visitors are advised to delay any travel on Mt Pinnibar Track until finer conditions prevail. Shady Creek Upper Track and Mt Pinnibar Track from the summit down to Tom Groggin Station are currently subject to seasonal road closure until 29 October 2009.
Please note: heavy penalties apply for breaching seasonal road closures. 2009 Seasonal Closures 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.
Areas Re-opened Following 2006/2007 Fires and Floods
Following the extensive wildfires on the Great Dividing Range and at Hermit Mountain during the summer of 2006-2007, some areas of parks and forests have been temporarily closed. The Access Re-opening Strategy has been developed to inform visitors and stakeholders about expected dates for re-opening access to areas burnt. This document details those sites already open and will be progressively updated as work on sites, roads and walking tracks are completed. Progress on re-opening such a large area will be subject to ongoing assessment and weather conditions. While the below maps provide an overview of the fire-affected area, the most up to date information regarding road, trail and site access is located in the strategy. You should also check the individual park page for details of any further changes. Leading up to long weekends and holiday periods, changes to the strategy may occur frequently. Please check the reopening strategy regularly to ensure you have the latest information. Post Great Dividing Range Complex and Alpine Fires - Access Re-opening Strategy Map 1 - Mount Buffalo National Park
Map 2 - Whitfield / Wabonga
Map 3 - Buckland Valley / Barry Mountains
Map 4 - Bogong / Falls Creek / Mount Hotham
Map 5 - Howqua / Jamieson
Map 6 - Wonnangatta / Moroka
Map 7 - Dargo / Grant
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
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
Albert Park will host the Great Australian Run on 28 - 29 November 2009. Some roads will be closed throughout this weekend period. Check the map and the road closure document for detailed information. West Gate Freeway upgrade
Major traffic switches will take place on the first two weekends in October, with ramps and sections of road becoming available to the travelling public. New road signage will be installed to advise drivers of the new lane layout and drivers are encouraged to pay particular attention to directional signs, and plan their journeys in advance. These traffic shifts will allow the West Gate Freeway Alliance to begin work on some of the asphalt resurfacing and structural maintenance activities on the existing freeway. Throughout October, November and December 2009 major resurfacing works will take place overnight and at weekends between Montague Street and the CityLink tunnels, with substantial traffic management measures to be implemented - including a number of partial and full closures of the freeway. 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
 Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures.
Refer to List of Seasonal Road Closures for map numbers and road details.
The Bogong High Plains Road (managed by Alpine Shire) will re-open to traffic on Friday 30 October following completion of roadworks. Heavy vehicles over six tonnes will not be able to use the road until the surface has fully dried out
Grant Historic Area. Collingwood Spur Track is temporarily closed due to damage from recent rains. Access to Lake Tali Karng is only via the route from McFarlanes Saddle across the Wellington Plains and down Gillios Track (returning by same route). Closed walking tracks around Tarli Karng include Wellington River Walking Track, Clive Lanigan Walking Track (Valley of Destruction), Riggal Spur Track, Echo Point Track, Mount Margaret Walking Track and The Sentinels Walking Track. (See re-opening strategy for details). Post Great Dividing Range Complex and Alpine Fires - Access Re-opening Strategy Leading up to long weekends and holiday periods, changes to the strategy may occur frequently. Check the re-openings regularly to ensure you have the latest information.
Avon Wilderness Park
Post Great Dividing Range Complex and Alpine Fires - Access Re-opening Strategy
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
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures.
Map 7: Thomson/Tyers Due to fires there are a number of track closures in place. These include:
- Steel Bridge Track
- Steel Bridge Walking Track (Zig Zag Walking Track)
- Alpine Walking Track closed from Mormon Town Track to Thompson Valley Road 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
Nearly 100% of the park will be open from the end of October 2009. Lawson Falls picnic ground and Nash Creek camping area will remain closed until toilets and other facilities damaged by the fire are replaced. The aim is to have all areas of the park open to all groups in January 2010. Bullock Link Track remains closed until further assessment is completed.
Cape Conran Coastal Park
Due to recent fire activity the following closures are in place:
- Roads and tracks south of the Princes Highway, east of the Conran-Cabbage Tree Road and west of the Sydenham Inlet Road.
- Dock Inlet campground.
Cathedral Range State Park
Due to fire this park is closed to visitors until further notice.
- 92% of the park, including all the visitor facilities at Sugarloaf Saddle, were burnt by the Black Saturday bushfires.
- Parks Victoria is currently undertaking rehabilitation works and assessing the fire damage.
- The park will be reopened progressively beginning with the campgrounds.
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.
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.
Cobboboonee National Park
A fire was started by lightning early in the morning of 20-11-09 in the Cobboboonee National Park area. Current information about the status of this fire and all fires on public land is available from www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires
Croajingolong National Park
The following roads are also closed until the finish of the seasonal road closures (Parks Victoria will advise of any earlier re-openings): - Wingan Link Rd
- Salvage Track
- McMilliam Track
- Blaze Trail
- Dingo Creek Track
- Wingan Link Shortcut
- Mueller Jeep Track.
Discovery Bay Marine National Park
Abalone Virus
Information on the virus currently affecting abalone populations in south-west Victoria.
ex-HMAS Canberra Dive Site (Open Soon)
The ex HMAS Canberra Dive site is currently closed to public access. The ex-HMAS Canberra was scuttled (or sunk) on Sunday 4 October 2009. The dive site can't be opened immediately after it is scuttled as works and inspections need to be completed. This may take a few weeks depending on weather conditions. Parks Victoria will advise of the official opening date via media outlets and this website.
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
The popular boat launching facility at Delray Beach in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park near Sale has again been severely damaged by recent high sea levels. Parks Victoria will continue to monitor the situation and in the meantime, visitors who want to launch small boats off the Ninety Mile Beach should consider using Merriman’s Creek at Seaspray until repairs are carried out.
Grampians National Park
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures.
Map 31: Grampians Zumstein to Fish Falls Walking Track has reopened for the school holidays. Walkers will enjoy new steps, hand railing and a new viewing platform that provides views of Fish Falls. The walk between McKenzie Falls to Fish Falls will remain closed at this stage. 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. The Grampians Road Report provides details on track conditions throughout the National Park.
Great Otway National Park
- 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.
- From 18 August 2009 Masdens Track in Melba Gully will be partially closed from the Big Tree to the picnic area until further notice.
- Messmate Track, which runs between Harvey St and Coalmine Rd in the Anglesea Heath, will be closed from 16 September 2009 for approximately five weeks as part of the Anglesea Borefields Project.
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 )
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.
Howqua Hills Historic Area
Post Great Dividing Range Complex and Alpine Fires - Access Re-opening Strategy
Kinglake National Park
Approximately 98% of the park, including the office and most visitor facilities, were burnt by the Black Saturday bushfires. Parks Victoria is currently undertaking rehabilitation works and assessing the fire damage. The park will be reopened progressively.
The following tracks have been re-opened:
Everard Block: Everard track, Brock Spur track and Watsons Creek track.
Wombelano Block: Andrews Hill track, Stringybark track, Mountain Creek track, Dusty Miller track, Candlebark track, Burgan track, Easement track and Powerline track. Four wheel drive access through the Wombelano Block is available via Captains Creek Road. Frank Thomson Reserve is now open and offers views across the fire affected area and to Melbourne city skyline. It is located at the highest point of the district between Kinglake Central and Kinglake on the Whittlesea-Kinglake Road. A new gas barbecue has been installed and the car park has been re-established. Over the coming months more picnic tables will be installed. This is currently the only picnic area that is open The remainder of Kinglake National Park is closed to visitors until further notice. This includes the major sites of Masons Falls picnic area, Jehosophat Gully picnic area and The Gums camp site. Please avoid travel to these areas until you are advised that it is safe to do so. 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
Lysterfield Park
Due to fire the Birdsland Reserve and North East Extension, which is the park area over Wellington Road on the north side, remains closed.
Maribyrnong River
Notice to River Users - 30 October 2009 - canoe launching terrace installation River Closures and Events - November to February
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). Post Great Dividing Range Complex and Alpine Fires - Access Re-opening Strategy
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.
Murray-Sunset National Park
Due to recent high rainfall in the Murray-Sunset National Park the roads are extremely slippery and many are inundated with water, making travel within the park quite difficult in places. Visitors are advised to be cautious when driving in these conditions. Sunset Track is closed until further notice. Alternate routes are Pheeney’s track in the north and Rockholes in the south.
Plenty Gorge Park
Nioka Bush Camp will be closed during the 2009-10 fire season (26 December 2009 until at least the end of March 2010). No bookings will be taken for this period.
Point Cook Coastal Park
Works are currently underway on a section of the Bay Trail through Point Cook Coastal Park. Construction is expected to be completed in November 2009. This key section of trail will run along the far western boundary of Cheetham Wetlands from the Lower Skeleton Creek Bridge to the spillway.
Further information is available from the Point Cook Coastal Park & Cheetham Wetlands - Bay Trail park note.
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.
Port Campbell National Park
Thunder Cave in the Loch Ard Gorge area has been temporarily closed for reasons of public safety. Visitors can still experience Thunder Cave from the upper viewing platform. Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre - Kiosk installation
A kiosk is being installed in the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and part of the building will be temporarily closed during the installation. The main toilets and accessibility toilets will remain open during these works. Access is available via the western entrance to the building. Parks Victoria apologises for any inconvenience.
The new kiosk is expected to be open for the summer season, and will provide a takeaway service of basic refreshments including tea, coffee, cold drinks, confectionery and snacks, as well as a small range of convenience items.
Port Phillip
Frankston Pier Reconstruction
Commencing in May 2009, Frankston Pier will be closed to the public whilst Parks Victoria is undertaking a reconstruction of the pier. Works will include replacing timber piles, cross heads, beams and all decking and capping on the main pier and the outer landings. Several of the existing timber bollard pile tops from the pier will be salvaged and installed on the foreshore to provide an ongoing symbol of the pier's important heritage. Recreational fishermen are advised to fish at alternate locations, such as Mornington Pier or Mordialloc Pier, during the period of the works. Works are expected to be completed by November 2009.
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.
- The park will remain closed for the remainder of 2009, 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
Due to recent fires the Alpine Walking Track is closed from Mormon Town Track to Thompson Valley Road.
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
Major traffic switches will take place on the first two weekends in October, with ramps and sections of road becoming available to the travelling public. New road signage will be installed to advise drivers of the new lane layout and drivers are encouraged to pay particular attention to directional signs, and plan their journeys in advance. These traffic shifts will allow the West Gate Freeway Alliance to begin work on some of the asphalt resurfacing and structural maintenance activities on the existing freeway. Throughout October, November and December 2009 major resurfacing works will take place overnight and at weekends between Montague Street and the CityLink tunnels, with substantial traffic management measures to be implemented - including a number of partial and full closures of the freeway. 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 recent fire
at the Prom and see photos showing
how the park looks now and how the
bush recovers.
Yarra Ranges National Park
Open Mt Juliet, Mt Riddell and Condons tracks are open. The 1 km walk to the summit of Mt St Leonard tower site is open. 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: All facilities and Morleys Track Fernshaw Picnic Area: All facilities and Morleys Track. Lake Mountain: Road open all the way to the Resort. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is operating as usual with the ski trail system around Lake Mountain open to the public. Walking tracks around the summit are also open. Mount Donna Buang: All facilities and tracks except Rainforest Gallery toilets and Mt Boobyalla - Acheron Gap - Dom Dom Saddle Track. Closed Badger Creek Weir Road is closed for road works from 18 September 2009 for approximatley three weeks. 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. Mount Donna Buang - Mount Boobyalla - Acheron Gap - Dom Dom Saddle. Goldfields Walk closed until further notice due to a traffice hazard.
Yarra River
Notice to River Users - 17 November 2009 - Infrastructure Melbourne Head 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 Notice to River Users - 29 March 2009 - Between Spencer St Bridge and Charles Grimes Bridge River Closures and Events - November to February
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Current information about fires on public land is available from 
