Parts of Grampians National Park Have Reopened After Fire

Unaffected areas of the Gariwerd/Grampians National Park have reopened, along with the township of Halls Gap, after bushfires ravaged the park and surrounding area, burning over 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land.

What’s open in the Grampians?

The areas that are now open include:

• Northern Section: Grampians Peaks Trail from Mt Zero to Halls Gap, Stapylton Campground, Mount Zero, Mount Stapylton, and Beehive Falls
• Central Section: Brambuk Cultural Centre, Venus Baths, MacKenzie Falls, Boronia Peak, Zumsteins, Smith Mill & Plantation Campground
• Southern Section: Grampians Peaks Trail: South Section S4-S5 – Dunkeld to Cassidy Gap Road, Mud-Dadjug/Mt Abrupt, Wurgarri/Mt Sturgeon, Baingugg/Piccaninny, Strachans and Buankdik Campgrounds

Closures are still in place for rock climbers in the Wonderland and Serra Range, including designated rock climbing sites 63-91. For a full list of open trails, campsites, lookouts, and climbing routes, visit the Parks Victoria website.

The township of Halls Gap, in the central area of Gariwerd/Grampians National Park, reopened to tourists on Wednesday, with local businesses encouraging people to come and spend their time and money at local businesses. The township relies on tourism and has suffered due to the loss of trade over the usually busy festive period.

Venus Baths in the central Grampians is one of the trails that is now open | @embarlow_

How the Yarram Gap Road Fire Started

The fires started on the 17th of December after dry lightning struck and quickly became out of control, being fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions. After three weeks of intense efforts from CFA, FFMV, DEECA and interstate crews, the fires were brought under control on the 6th of January. Parts of Gariwerd/Grampians will remain closed for some time, as crews continue to work in the fire-affected areas.

If you’re planning a trip into the Grampians, be sure to check for road closures and stay informed while in the area, as warnings are still in place. There are still crews working in the area, so you may encounter heavy machinery on roads and tracks, and drivers are reminded to drive safely.

Changes may occur over the coming days and weeks due to weather and fire fighting efforts, and visitors are encouraged to use the VicEmergency App and tune into the local radio, ABC 594 AM, for regular updates. If you encounter injured or distressed wildlife, please report it to Wildlife Victoria.

Feature photo by @julian_kingma