By Jed Lanyon
As coronavirus restrictions ease across metropolitan Melbourne and Victorians able to travel freely, tourists are being urged to steer clear of the Dandenong Ranges as the region recovers from the extreme weather that wreaked havoc on the community.
Visit Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges has advised potential visitors to “refrain from visiting the Dandenong Ranges for now”.
A statement released by the tourism body reads: “We are so excited to be able to invite visitors out to the region, once again. We do however want to acknowledge the devastation that has happened – and is still happening – from last week’s weather event.
“The Dandenong Ranges area has been hit particularly hard and the community are needing to regroup and support each other. With this, and in-line with emergency services we ask that visitors refrain from visiting the Dandenong Ranges area for now.
“We will update when it is safe to visit the Dandenong Ranges in the future and we’ll all be so pleased to see you.”
Advice was given for those wanting to support local businesses that have been hit by both Covid-19 lockdowns and now the devastation of the storms of 9 June.
“We suggest planning a future visit, buying vouchers, booking for the winter school holidays, purchasing from their websites. Mostly – we ask you to support them with your patience and by staying in touch and travelling when it’s safe.”
Instead, the tourism body suggested tourists visit the Yarra Valley townships of Yarra Glen, Dixons Creek, Healesville, Coldstream, Warburton, Seville and surrounds.
