Visitors to Victoria’s parks and forests are being reminded that temporary road and track closures will come into effect on Tuesday, June 10, following the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The annual closures make it safer for motorists and reduce damage to remote roads impacted by heavy rain and snow.
The majority of the road closures locally in the Port Phillip region are in the Yarra State Forest, near Warburton and Powelltown, and Paul Range State Forest, north of Healesville and Yarra Glen.
Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria, and the Conservation Regulator enforce seasonal closures between June and November annually.
“We want visitors to enjoy our parks and forests during winter, however, please respect road closures. They are closed to help keep the community and emergency services personnel safe, and protect the road and track network from damage,” Chief Fire Officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria Chris Hardman said.
Authorised officers will be educating visitors about the upcoming changes in busy parks and forests during the King’s Birthday long weekend, followed by increased patrols and surveillance over the 2025 closure period.
“Driving in our forests can be fun, but it can also be destructive when done illegally and irresponsibly. Our Authorised officers regularly patrol parks and forests to make sure drivers are doing the right thing. Following vehicle rules and staying off closed roads helps to maintain healthy forests that will benefit everyone now and into the future,” Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said.
Last year, there were more than 307 gate breaches, and over 700 instances of illegal vehicle use across Victoria’s parks and forests.
In 2024, 140 infringement notices under the Conservation (Vehicle Control) Regulations were issued, including for driving cars or riding trail bikes illegally off-road or in restricted areas.
Offenders caught driving or riding on a closed road in Victoria’s parks and forests face a maximum penalty of up to $3846 if prosecuted in court.
“These closures are put in place to protect both visitors and the environment, particularly during wet periods when the roads can be especially dangerous. When people ignore seasonal road closures, it’s not just a matter of breaking the rules – it leads to real and often costly damage,” Manager of Enforcement Capability at Parks Victoria Chris Mercier said.
Visitors are advised to check local road and track closures and weather conditions before heading into the great outdoors.
For more go to: ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests
For emergency information, including severe weather alerts and warnings, download the VicEmergency app. Environmental crime can be reported to 136 186.
