News for Schools
The road to recovery continues at Wilsons Promontory
Recovery is well underway after the recent Cathedral bushfire of summer 2009. Planning for the reopening of the park and facilities began before the bushfire, started by lightning on Sunday 8 February, was declared under control 36 days later.The national park reopened on Saturday 21 March; after areas of the park were inspected and deemed safe for visitors.
"To date, close to 90 kilometres of walking tracks remain open within Wilsons Promontory, including the southern hiking circuit and shorter day walks close to Tidal River," said Brett Mitchell, ranger in charge at the Prom. "Some fire affected sites such as Picnic Bay have also been reopened.
"Closed fire affected sites still require works to replace facilities like bridges and boardwalks, identify and undertake work to ensure these locations are safe for visitors including hazardous trees and walking track erosion and to protect natural and cultural features.
"Locations expected to be re-opened by the start of August include the popular lower Lilly Pilly track to the rainforest boardwalk and Cotters Lake track.
"Nearly all locations will be opened by the end of spring in time for the busy summer visitor season. This includes the Lilly Pilly circuit, Tongue Point track (both to Sparkes Lookout and Fairy Cove), Whisky Bay, Millers Landing and Vereker Outlook.
"We remind visitors to obey signs and stay out of closed areas within the park. Work continues to reopen all sites affected by fire as soon as it is safe to do so." Click here for more information and photos of the fire and recovery.
The education centre and other Tidal River facilities are now operating as per usual. May 2009
