*Grampians National Park is Closed*
The Grampians National Park is closed and Parks Victoria has begun assessing damage following significant storm and flood damage following heavy rain and strong winds. Considerable damage has been caused by flooding, landslides, and fallen rocks and trees.
Parks Victoria is working with other agencies and authorities such as VicRoads, to provide access to the park as soon as possible, but visitors should be aware of the magnitude of the task.
Visitor safety must be the highest priority and it will be some time before Parks Victoria is able to assure the public that areas have been made safe and can be opened.
However, we are working very hard to get several tracks and visitor destinations open quickly, particularly with Australia Day next week. Some walks close to Halls Gap, destinations north of Roses Gap and walks in the southern area of the Grampians will be a priority.
Damage to roads, tracks and park infrastructure has been extensive. Access roads and the wider gravel road network are severely damaged. These roads can be expected to remain closed for some time.
VicRoads manages a number of access roads in the park and is assessing the damage. Specific roads damage includes the Dunkeld to Halls Gap Road (including two bridges at Fyans Creek), the Mount Victory Road (closed by a collapse at Epacris Falls and substantial landslides), and Silverband Falls Road, which has been closed by landslides and collapses at many points.
As the park is closed, the walking tracks are also closed. Specifically, the walking track network within the Wonderland Range, including the Pinnacle and Silverband Walking tracks, also the Balconies, MacKenzie Falls are also closed. There is extensive damage to the walking track from Halls Gap to the Wonderland Car Park which includes the Venus Baths walk.
Infrastructure damage will be assessed after mud, logs and rocks are cleared.
Other damage includes: In the Mt William area, two large walking bridges on Sheep Hills Track have been completely destroyed and washed downstream; walking bridges at Mackenzie Falls and Zumstein; the Zumstein picnic ground and Jimmy Creek campground. It is likely that there is major infrastructure loss between Rosea car park to Silverband Falls Car Park.
The Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre and Halls Gap are open for business. The lakes surrounding the Grampians are looking spectacular and there is still plenty to do in the Grampians Region. Please advise visitors to visit a local visitor centre where staff can provide them with information on the many activities and attractions.
Further park information can be found at parkweb.vic.gov.au or by contacting the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963, for activities and attractions in the Grampians Region visit “Visit Grampians”:www.visitgrampians.com.au.