Warning for campers visiting Victoria's national parks

Although the sun is now shining, people planning to take a trip to Victoria’s parks and forests should bear in mind recent floods have made it more important than ever to check local conditions before setting off.

After last week’s rainfall, strong winds and flash flooding, Parks Victoria has closed many parks and forests across the state due to widespread damage. 

"We don’t want to discourage tourists and locals from visiting regional Victoria during the school holidays, but we have to make sure that everyone continues to put safety first and avoids flood damaged sites wherever possible," Parks Victoria’s flood recovery manager Ross Williamson said.

"Some popular areas have suffered extensive damage, including the Grampians National Park, and we would urge anyone considering a trip anywhere in regional Victoria to make sure they check he conditions before they leave.

"As the weather clears, our rangers are working to assess the damage and reopen areas as quickly possible, but only as soon as they are safe for visitors. Long term recovery of park assets, including roads and walking tracks, campgrounds and visitor sites is a priority..."

However, Williamson said it "is business as usual" in many other parts of Victoria including Gippsland.

Anyone planning to visit parks and forests that are still open during the next week should be aware that some rivers and creeks may still be rising.

"People should not camp close to waterways as rivers, creeks and waterways can rise quickly. Crossing waterways either on foot or in a vehicle should not be attempted as this is the main cause of death when flooding occurs."

There is also potential for people to become isolated in areas of park or forest if roads and tracks can’t be crossed due to flooding, trees or other debris.

For more information on current flood warnings visit SES and for road closures see Vicroads. For information on conditions in parks and forests see the parks and reserves section on the Parks Victoria website.