Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is closed due to ongoing bushfires
Current closures
For public safety the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park remains closed to the public due to the ongoing fire threat and hazardous trees within the national park.
There is no access or camping permitted in the area; fines will apply if you are found crossing through a traffic management point or road closed signs.
For campers with forward bookings, please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 for further advice.
Upcoming weather and planned reopenings
We are expecting challenging conditions over the weekend with very hot, dry and windy weather forecast on both Saturday and Sunday, combined with warm temperatures overnight on Saturday night. Conditions are forecast to ease Sunday evening into Monday.
Fire agencies are planning to re-open Halls Gap to businesses and visitors next week if there is no significant fire activity. The reopening of non-fire affected sections of the Grampians National Park will be assessed at the same time. We understand the priority to have these areas opened as soon as possible. The decision will be made in consultation with Parks Victoria, local municipalities, business/tourism groups.
Staying safe
The threat to townships has reduced, visitors to the open areas are reminded to stay vigilant and monitor conditions as situations can change quickly. Please beware of increase emergency management vehicles on the roads, slow down and be prepared for slower travelling times.
While the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park remains closed, there are many other parks and lakes to visit.
Surrounding towns are open and are welcoming visitors, they look forward to your visit and support.
For ideas for where else you can go, call into a local Visitor Information Centre or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au or https://www.visitgrampians.com.au
Fire information
The Grampians National Park fire which started on 17 December 2024, is now over 76,000 hectares, with a perimeter of over 400km.
Crews, aircraft and heavy machinery continue to focus on containing the remaining active fire and hotspots in the park and private land.
Controlled burning out operations in the fire area, have been undertaken to help strengthen our containment lines.
Use multiple sources to stay informed
• VicEmergency Hotline freecall 1800 226 226
• VicEmergency app
• Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires)
• Tune in to ABC Local Radio, ABC 774AM, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
• Information on current road closures is available via 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website https://traffic.transport.vic.gov.au
To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact the National Relay Service and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
Bushfire smoke
Smoke from the bushfire and burning operations is affecting some surrounding areas.
Exposure to bushfire smoke may affect your health – particularly if you have a pre-existing lung condition such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma.
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, contact Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 (this is a phone service that allows you to discuss any health-related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria).
More Information is on the Better Health website. (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/smoke -and-your-health)
Wildlife
If you come across injured wildlife, contact the Wildlife Coordinator on 1300 356 682. There are wildlife welfare crews conducting assessments with vets to care for injured wildlife and food drops are being conducted throughout the Grampians National Park.
Mental health
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available through:
-Your doctor
-Local mental health professionals
-Lifeline - 131 114
-Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
-MensLine - 1300 789 978
-Kid’s Help Line - 1800 55 1800
-Parent Line - 13 22 89
