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Media Releases

Visitors welcome back to parks to support Wimmera and Grampians fire recovery

POSTED: 
14 February 2025

Wimmera communities are welcoming visitors with open arms as the western section of Little Desert National Park and northern and southern areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park reopen to visitors at midday today.

Attractions in the southern areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park near Dunkeld – including Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and the Piccaninny – are open for day hiking.

MacKenzie Falls, Reeds and Boroka lookout in the northern area of the park are also open, along with day hiking around Mt Stapylton, Hollow Mountain, Beehive Falls and Mt Difficult. These sites join the Wonderland walking tracks surrounding Halls Gap that have already been opened.

Key roads including Roses Gap and Mt Victory roads will also be opened to allow access to these attractions and between towns.

These areas of the parks are now safe for visitors to return – an important milestone on the region’s road to recovery.

Information activities and attractions are available from Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, visitor information centres and the Parks Victoria website www.parks.vic.gov.au.

For more information on road closures, visit the VicTraffic website www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Incident Controller Kathy Gosby

“Visitor safety is always a priority. We are excited to reopen parts of the parks now that the threat has reduced.”

“The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a significant tourist attraction and we are happy to be able to open these iconic areas to the public.”

“As more areas are made safe for visitors, we will be opening more of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park to allow camping and access to the Grampians Peaks Trail.”

“We ask that people respect the current closures and not enter closed fire-affected areas until we declare them safe.”

Victorians are reminded to always have more than one source of information, including:

  • The VicEmergency app, website www.emergency.vic.gov.au and social media (Facebook and X)
  • Emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews
  • The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226