Changed conditions and closures

There will be times when, in the interests of visitor safety and environmental sustainability, access roads, visitor sites or entire parks and reserves will need to be closed or have access restricted.

We acknowledge the vital importance of parks for public recreation and tourism, and endeavour to assess, remove risks, repair facilities and safely open areas as soon as possible following storms, fires and floods.

Stay informed, monitor local conditions, stay out of any closed sections or parks including tracks and roads and travel using recommended routes. Check for any changes affecting the park you intend to visit by going directly to the park page or contacting the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.

Severe Weather Closures

Storms, strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause damage to our parks and create risks for visitors and rangers. Parks Victoria may close parks for visitor safety following severe weather.

The most common safety risk to visitors following a storm is hazardous trees. Heavy rainfall soaks deeply into the ground, making it soft and reducing the grip of tree roots, making trees more likely to fall.

Some parks may be closed due to storm and flood damage from storms in June 2021 and others may be at capacity. Remember to check individual park pages for current changes to conditions.

For closures in state forests please visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forest-and-road-closures

Fire Affected Parks 

Parks Victoria will close parks affected by bushfires to protect public safety.  Check the Fire affected parks page for information about park closures due to current bushfires.

For current fires go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Fire Danger Rating closures

The CFA website lists forecast Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban declarations for Victoria. On days of Extreme and Severe Fire Danger Ratings you should reconsider plans to visit parks and forests, and if you are already within a park or forest the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day.

Total Fire Ban (Central Forecast District) closures   

• Dandenong Ranges Gardens
  • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
  • George Tindale Memorial Gardens
  • Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly National Rhododendron Garden)
  • Pirianda Garden
  • RJ Hamer Arboretum 
  • William Ricketts Sanctuary
  • Mt Dandenong Arboretum
  • The former Olinda Golf Course

• Dandenong Ranges National Park, including these visitor sites:
  • One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
  • Sherbrooke Picnic Ground
  • O’Donohue
  • Valley Picnic Ground
  • Eagles Nest Picnic Ground
  • Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground
  • Grants Picnic Ground 
  • Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground
  • Kalorama Park
  • 1000 Steps - Kokoda Memorial Walk
  • Olinda Falls Picnic Ground

• Black Hill Reserve
• Perrins Creek
• Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
• Silvan Reservoir Park 

Severe Fire Danger Rating (Central Forecast District) closures

• Plenty Gorge Park - Yellow Gum Picnic Area (including Blue Lake)
• Warrandyte State Park visitor areas - Jumping Creek Reserve, Koornong Reserve, Norman Reserve and Pound Bend
• Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve
• Woodlands Historic Park 

Extreme Fire Danger Rating (Central Forecast District) closures

• Haining Park
• Organ Pipes National Park 

Code Red Park Closures

On days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger Rating, Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will close the majority of parks in the relevant weather district for public safety. 

Find out more about Code Red park closures and see the lists of affected park lists in each forecast district. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology for latest weather conditions.http://bom.gov.au/vic/

Seasonal Road Closures

Many roads and tracks are closed to vehicle traffic every year over winter for the safety of park visitors and to help limit track damage.

Find out more about seasonal road closures.

For other road conditions and information about driving in snow conditions you can contact the VicRoads Hotline on 13 1170 or visit the VicRoads website.

Flood affected parks

Flooding can occur anywhere at any time, particularly during and after severe weather and heavy rainfall. Take care around rivers, creeks and lakes. Water levels and currents may increase quickly and without warning. Never walk, ride or drive through flood water and take extra care on the road being aware of hazards such as mud, debris, damaged roads and bridges. Don't play, swim or go recreational boating in flooded creeks and rivers. Be careful around trees; the ground is soaked and soft so they are more likely to fall; Call Victoria State Emergency Services on 132 500 from anywhere in Victoria for flood and storm emergency assistance. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

For park closures in neighbouring states please see South Australia Department of Environment and Natural Resources and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service