Parks Victoria is reminding visitors to plan ahead this summer to avoid disappointment if roads, visitor sites or entire parks are closed for safety.
In a statement, the Agency said the impact of multiple severe storms throughout 2021 were still being assessed and cleared across many Victorian parks and reserves.
“However, significant progress has been made at sites such as Hepburn Regional Park, Point Nepean National Park, Trentham Falls (Coliban River Scenic Reserve) and Organ Pipes National Park, where visitor exploration is no longer restricted,” it said.
“To the west of the State and hard-hit areas such as Dandenong Ranges National Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park, our storm response is ongoing, with local rangers working to clear complex hazards and debris while Statewide clearing of fuel breaks continues,” it said.
“We ask visitors to prioritise their safety and stay out of closed sites.”
Parks Victoria said it was extremely important for visitors to stay out of closed parks and sites while rangers conducted safety assessments and persevered with the process of identifying and removing hazardous trees.
The Agency said closures that were expected to continue into next year included sections of Arthurs Seat State Park; Bunyip State Park; Coolart Historic Area; Dandenong Ranges National Park; Great Ocean Walk; Great Otway National Park; Kinglake National Park; Macedon Regional Park; Morwell National Park; Mornington Peninsula National Park; Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve; Trentham Falls; and Wilsons Promontory National Park.
It said due to damage, William Ricketts Sanctuary and Turpins Falls Scenic Reserve were both completely closed to visitors.
“Remember to observe signage and stay out of fenced or taped off areas, and report any instances of fallen or leaning trees and branches to Parks Victoria on 13 19 63,” Parks Victoria said.
Further information on park and reserve closures can be accessed at this PS News link.
