By Taylah Eastwell
Parks Victoria have reopened Upper Ferntree Gully’s popular 1000 steps and Warburton’s Redwood Forest after prolonged closures due to Covid-19 concerns.
The popular tourist destinations officially reopened on Tuesday 15 December, with Covid-safe plans in place and Parks Victoria rangers managing visitor numbers.
The parks were closed earlier this year when large crowds prompted concerns over physical distancing requirements.
Unprecedented visitation to the 1000 Steps, Redwood Forest and Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens saw the sites closed to visitors on 30 May.
Police were also called to monitor Redwood Forest visitor numbers in May, with locals concerned about severe overcrowding as traffic overflowed onto surrounding roads.
Videos were circulated online of cars lining both sides of Cement Creek and Woods Point roads at the entrance of the forest, with the 200 or so parking spaces already filled, prompting Parks Victoria to close the parks in the interests of public safety during the pandemic.
With parks reopening, Parks Victoria are encouraging visitors to note that when carparks are full, parks are at capacity, and visitors should move on to another park in the region.
Parks Victoria District Manager Victoria Purdue encouraged visitors to plan ahead and avoid peak times, especially on weekends.
“The Parks Victoria team has been working hard to prepare the Kokoda Memorial Track (1000 steps) for re-opening, including constructing new passer bays and implementing a permanent one-way loop on the narrow 1000 steps staircase,” Ms Purdue said.
“Visitors to parks and reserves are reminded of physical distancing, hygiene and face-mask requirements, and to please stay home if unwell.
Yarra Ranges councillor Jim Child said, “Outside of the City of Melbourne, Yarra Ranges is the most visited tourist region in Victoria – and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
“The last thing we would want to see is outbreaks from hundreds of people visiting an area in the region, which could result in people’s health being at risk and restrictions being re-introduced by the State Government,” Mr Childs said.
For tips on how to stay COVID safe when visiting parks: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/news/2020/10/29/07/03/top-safety-tips-for-visiting-parks.
