COVID-19 Update

Last updated: 3:30 pm 26 November 2020

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

For more information about changes to restrictions, visit: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria.


Restrictions and closures

Check individual park pages before you travel.

Restrictions and closures are in place for the following parks:

 

Western Victoria

Eastern Victoria

Metropolitan Melbourne


Bushfire-affected sites will remain closed, and seasonal road closures also still apply.

 

Common questions

Can I go camping?

Yes, you can go camping.

Shared amenities are open, including change rooms and toilets.

Alpine resorts are open.

Staying safe when camping and caravanning:

  • Use of fitted face masks outdoors is required if you are unable to stay further than 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with, such as at public transport stations, outdoor markets, walkways and thoroughfares. Face masks remain mandatory when indoors – for example the supermarket or on public transport. You must continue to carry a face mask with you at all times.
  • Only 20 people can gather outside at one time, keep your distance and keep a record of who you’ve spent time with.

Distances may not be marked, so make sure you keep at least 1.5 metres between you and the next site.

Please note the following for camping on Parks Victoria-managed land:

  • Bookings for campgrounds and accommodation will have reduced capacity to allow for lower occupancy and physical distancing.
  • Parks Victoria will collect contact details which can be used as a source of contact tracing if necessary.
  • Please be aware that there may be restrictions or changes in place at the campground to allow for physical distancing.
  • Visitors can also book camping throughout 2021 except for peak season bookings.
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What park facilities are open?

  • Playgrounds are open 
  • Gym equipment and fitness stations are open 
  • BBQs are open
  • Drinking fountains and water bubblers are open
  • Toilets remain open with increased cleaning requirements.

Visitors are responsible for their own hygiene. Park visitors are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser as soaps are not provided, wear fitted face masks indoors and in outdoor areas where you are unable to stay further than 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with, and practice good hygiene.


Can I visit national and state parks for exercise?

Yes.

  • Members of your household or groups of up to 20 people can meet outdoors for exercise or recreation (babies who are less than 12 months old are not counted in the 20-person limit).
  • Wear a fitted face mask indoors.
  • Wear a fitted fast mask outdoors where you are unable to stay further than 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with.


Can I participate in / hold a tour in parks?

Tours can be conducted by licenced tour operators in groups of up to 20 indoors or 50 if outdoors, plus the minimum number of people required to conduct the tour, and subject to having a COVIDSafe Plan.


Can I participate in volunteering activity in parks?

Volunteering activity may take place in parks, provided the activity and gathering sizes are permitted under the latest public health measures. All volunteering activities require approval from a Parks Victoria staff member and must follow the coronavirus (COVID-19) Volunteering Safe Work Practice.


Is Bush Kinder taking place?

In both metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, Bush Kinders run by formal early childhood centres and kindergartens can continue, where the program is a part of their regular and agreed upon outdoor learning. Bush Kinder groups are exempt from gathering limits. We ask that all educators register their programs through ParkConnect, record all attendee details, ensure good hygiene practices, and practice physical distancing.

Bush Kinders led by Licenced Tour Operators (LTOs) can go ahead across Victoria, but are limited to groups of up to 10 people.


Can I book a ranger-guided education program for my class?

Face-to-face ranger-guided education programs and learning activities across Victoria will remain on hold during Term 4 2020. Digital engagement will continue to be provided at some sites as an alternative during this time.

Please contact education@parks.vic.gov.au with digital requests, and if we can match your curriculum needs we will put you in touch with the most appropriate team.


Will self-guided school excursions be taking place?

Self-guided excursions and fieldtrips can take place in both metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Schools will individually manage the process for self-guided excursions and field trips, in line with guidelines from the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health and Human Services. Schools are exempt from restrictions that apply to public community gatherings.

We ask that all educators and Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs) register their programs through ParkConnect, record all attendee details, ensure good hygiene practices, and practice physical distancing.


For up-to-date health information, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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