Here’s the latest Gramps road and track report. Rather than copy and pasting it all here, I think I will just stick with a download – Road Report -17 Feb 2012 although you can catch it in its entirety every week on the Grampians tab. Exciting stuff these options I provide 
Thought this might be an interesting topic to ruminate on and promote some lively debate whilst also informing the climbing community of a recent accident.
I was speaking to the Grampians Head Ranger last week re Rosea and re-opening timelines, work that needs to be done by them, by us etc when he told me of a rescue that took place the week before at Rosea. It being a currently closed area and all. This happened after hours and he didn’t really have too many more details from the SES except that it was a broken ankle. I did explain, and he is aware of this, that the information re Rosea and its current closure has been distributed to the climbing community. But of course, there will always be a small minority who choose to do their own thing and go ‘under the radar’. Which,being a small minority, for most of the time, stays under the radar. Except of course when you need/or want a rescue. Dave did ask me to reiterate to the climbing community, ‘ the respecting of closed areas’. Which I am doing now.
So climbers – thoughts?
With Christmas and the new year out of the way, comes the time I have to sit down and try and put down what has been happening in the wonderful world of Access since I last sat down and typed the Argus report. Hmm….. where to begin.
Grampians
Bundaleer opened as planned just before Christmas. As noted in my last report, the area itself stood up well to the floods and no extra work has been needed. The road situation is still ongoing and because of this access into the cliff via the usual ways has slightly changed. The only access is via Glenelg Road then Stony Creek Road. You will need to park near the intersection and then walk down the Rosea Track past the road closed sign. This has been approved by PV as a way for us to access the cliff. At this stage, you are unable to access Bundaleer via the Silverband Road. This is currently closed due to VicRoads starting work on the lower section of the road. Rosea is still currently closed – will be organizing a work day soon to do a little work on the area before it is accessible.
The Gallery
The Gallery in the Vic Range, Grampians was impacted by the floods and the climbers access track was closed due to flood damage . Due to this climbers then realigned the track around the right hand side of the Aboriginal art shelter and through a revegetation area. Interestingly, years ago, PV worked with climbers to create a separate climbers track(the now damaged one) that directed them away from the shelter. This was for fear of erosion and impact to the site. So…not so good that this was occurring again.
Following a climbers query about the new track and the old one being closed, I contacted Dave Roberts, ranger at Halls Gap, who was very appreciative of the information and acted upon it quite quickly. Current situation is as follows:
PV have opened up the first part of the loop up until where the track heads up to the Gallery.So basically you head up there and back down, the same way. Please use this access and not around the right side of the art shelter. There are some sections that are eroding quite badly on the climbers track so I will be visiting sometime soon to look at what we can do to control it. This is not a PV maintained track, care of this will be up to us climbers to maintain – this is the way that PV would like to see most of the climbers tracks managed.
I will be looking for volunteers after the initial inspection to help with the work and am hoping that those climbers that do use this track and the cliffs to climb at will be involved.
Hollow Mountain Track closures
Hollow Mountain Walking Track – Track closure February 2012 - Work will commence at the end of the school holidays and will continue for up to five weeks through February, however this track will be open to visitors on weekends. Work to be completed includes re surfacing of the walking track, installation of drainage and steps. Access to Summerday Valley climbing area and Gulgurn Manja Art Shelter will remain open during this time.
You Yangs
Although the details have yet to be worked out, it looks like the grant money we obtained for work at the You Yangs in 2010 (and put on hold because of the flood and park closures) will be put towards building a retaining stonework wall in the Urinal Wall area. Some work has already taken place stabilizing the area as well as repairing and rebuilding the steps to the climbing area but the remaining problem now of loss of vegetation further out from the base is a very real one. Currently we have some branches to deter people from moving further into the trees when waiting at the base of the climbs but as Urinal Wall is a group climbing area, this will become more eroded bit by bit. Though nowhere near as extensive as Summerday Valley stonework, the same concept will be applied.
Campground Host - Arapiles
The Campground Host program ran for its first trial run at Arapiles. I have written a small separate article for this so you can find out how it all went. (see an earlier post or visit the Campground Host Very positive feedback and think it will be a good move forward for the campgrounds. I am still looking for people who might be interested in being a Host. Free camping, a worthwhile experience for you and contributes to climbers having a hand in how the campground is run. For more information, drop me a line – cliffcare@vicclimb.org.au
Burnley Wall
Having been successful with a grant for facilities upgrade to the Wall, we can now start to put the plan into practice. A new matting path will be put down between the two walls, bike racks installed and an interpretive sign will also be erected at the far end of the vertical wall closes to the bike path. I will announce some dates for working bees shortly for this so hope that those who use the wall will rock up and help out for a couple of hours.
Volunteer Opportunities
Graphic Design. I am looking for some graphically talented people to help with the CliffCare Education Project. This project will consist of a number of elements that will require graphic design work – first off I am looking at posters. Drop me a line cliffcare@vicclimb.org.au
Cheers,
Tracey
Hi All,
The latest Grampians Road and Track Report has just landed in my inbox, See below for any updates. You can also download it here if you want a copy yourself.
PV Staff have graded and reopened Sawmill Track, Boundary and Red Hill Roads in the Victoria Range area. These roads were affected by the Sawmill Fire a few weeks ago.The Mt Zero Road has become quite dusty and corrugated in places so drivers need to slow down and take care when driving on this road. Staff will grade this road next week depending on weather conditions as the road requires moisture for grading to be successful.
Hollow Mountain Walking Track Closure
Works will start on the walking track on the week starting the 7th of February 2012. The track will be closed during this time and will reopen early March. The Summerday Valley climbing area and the walk to Gulgurn Manja Shelter will remain open.
Red Hill Road Back Rd – Glenelg River Rd. Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Red Rock Road Public 2WD Open Water across road in sections
Redman Track Public 2WD CLOSED
Reed Lookout Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open No Issue
Rose Creek Road Public 2WD Gravel Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Serra Road Glenelg River Rd – Grampians Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Stapylton Campground Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Sundial Road Public 2WD Open Good Condition
Syphon Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Wonderland Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open No Issue
Yarram Gap Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open No Issue
Zumstein Track (Shortcut) Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Beehive Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Black Range Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Boundary Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Brim Springs Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Burrong Track (Shortcut) Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Cassidy Gap Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Cooinda Burrong Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open No Issue
Coppermine Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open No Issue
Glenisla Crossing Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open
Golton South Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Henham Track North Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Henham Track South Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Hines Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Wet / Slippery in Sections
Mt Difficult Road Boroka Lookout – Lake Wartook Operational – Open All Year 2WD CLOSED See Notes
Old Mill Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Oslers Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED Very Wet
Phillip Island Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Wet / Slippery in Sections
Pines Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Rosea Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Sand / Gravel CLOSED
Sawmill Track Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Spears Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD CLOSED
Stony Creek Rd Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open See Notes
Taylors Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Wallaby Rocks Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Yanganaginj Njawi Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Yarram Park Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Bellfield Fireline Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open Watch for Fallen Trees
Briggs Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Burnt Hut Creek Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Chinaman Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Fields Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Flagstaff Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Geerack Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Goat Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Homestead Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Launders Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Link Track Pohlner Rd – Smiths Rd Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Lynches Crossing Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Matthews Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Moora Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Mt Cassell Fireline Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Muirfoot Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open
Sanders Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Victoria Range Road Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD Open Watch for Fallen Trees
Billywing Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Bomjinna Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Burma Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Carter Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Castle Rock Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Cranages Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Crute Link Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Crute Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
East Wartook Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Golton Link Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Griffin Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Happy Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Heatherlie Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Hut Creek Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Ingleton Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Kaylmna Falls Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Link Track Serra Rd – Henham Tk Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Long Point Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Lynchs Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Mair Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Pomonal Fireline Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Ricky North Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Serra Range Track Glenelg River Rd – Syphon Rd Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Serra Range Track South of Cassidy Gap Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Seven Dials Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Shilcock Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Stockyard Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Terraces Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Victoria Range Track South Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Waterworks Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Zumstein Track Zumstein – Chinaman Tk Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Hollow Mountain Walking Track
For those of you who like a little mid week action make note of this – Hollow Mountain Walking Track – Track closure February 2012 - Work will commence at the end of the school holidays and will continue for up to five weeks through February, however this track will be open to visitors on weekends. Work to be completed includes re surfacing of the walking track, installation of drainage and steps. Access to Summerday Valley climbing area and Gulgurn Manja Art Shelter will remain open during this time.
The Gallery Walking Track
For those climbers who are physically blessed to be able to climb the routes at The Gallery in the Vic Range, Grampians, you may have noticed last year that after the floods, the climbers access track was closed due to flood damage. Parks staff also laid branches across to deter people from travelling that way. Unfortunately, this caused climbers to then realign the track around the right hand side of the Aboriginal art shelter and through a revegetation area. Interestingly, years ago, PV worked with climbers to create a separate climbers track(the now damaged one) that directed them away from the shelter. This was for fear of erosion and impact to the site. So…not so good that this was occurring again.
Following a climbers query about the new track and the old one being closed, I contacted Dave Roberts, ranger at Halls Gap, who was very appreciative of the information and acted upon it quite quickly. Current situation is as follows:
PV have opened up the first part of the loop up until where the track heads up to the Gallery.So basically you head up there and back down, the same way. Please use this access and not around the right side of the art shelter. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit myself so any feedback on this would be appreciated.
It was also noted that there are some sections that are eroding quite badly on the climbers track so I will be visiting sometime soon to look at what we can do to control it. This is not a PV maintained track, care of this will be up to us climbers to maintain – this is the way that PV would like to see most of the climbers tracks managed. From my reports -” On the first part of the track there is one stretch where there is some deep erosion probably half a metre deep for 20 metres. The second part of the track is basically obliterated and probably needs marking with tape.“
I will be looking for volunteers after the initial inspection to help with the work and am hoping that those climbers that do use this track and the cliffs to climb at will be involved. Stay tuned!
*** Should there be any cairns remaining that are still directing climbers past the art shelter and revegetation area, please take it upon yourselves to remove these. Cheers!
Here’s the latest Grampians openings and closures. Good news is that Bundaleer can now be accessed. Mt Abrumpt is also open. See the following:
You can also download the latest colour coded map here
Mt Abrupt–open Friday 23 December 2011
The Parks Victoria flood recovery crew are very excited to complete works on the Mt Abrupt walking track. This popular walking track in the Southern Grampians, was badly damaged in January 2011 from an enourmous landslide that also caused significant damage to the Grampians Tourist Road. Even though a lot of work has been completed on this track, visitors do need to be aware of the risk of walking in a landslip hazard zone. Parks Victoria recomends that walkers should read the walk description on the attached sheet and to take note of the warning signage along the walking track.
Bundaleer Climbing area – access Stony Creek Road from Glenelg River Road
The Bundaleer climbing area will also open on Friday. Access to this area is along the Stony creek Road from Glenelg River Road to Rosea track. From the gate there is a 200m walk to the Bundaleer climbs.
Please note that access from the Silverband Road is not available.
Mt Difficult Road – Closed
Unfortunately Mt Difficult Road received quite a lot of damage from flash flooding early this week. The road will remain closed from Boroka lookout to Lake Wartook Picnic area until further notice. Access to Lake Wartook and Boroka Lookout is open.
• Silverband Road (Silverband Falls Carpark to Sundial
Road turnoff)
• Glenelg River Road (Boreang Campground to Mt Victory
Road)
• Stony Creek Road (Rosea Track to Rosea Carpark)
• Henham Track
• Mitchell Road
• Redmans Track
• Mount William Picnic Ground Road
• Emmetts Road
• Mafeking Road
• Syphon Road (From Glenelg River Road to Sawmill Track)
• Moora Track
• Fields Track
• Rosea Track
• Homestead Track
• Oslers Track
• Mt Cassel Track
• Chinamans Track
• Sanders Track
• Mt Dificult Road
Campground & Site Closures
• Bomjinna Campground
• Kalymna Falls Picnic Area
• Golton Gorge Picnic Area
• Zumstein Area
Walking Track Closures
• Wonderland Loop (Halls Gap to Wonderland Carpark)
• Venus Baths
• Splitter Falls
• Bullaces Glen
• Mount Rosea
• MacKenzie Falls River Walk
• Zumstein Area (All walks)
• Tower Hill
• Red Gum Loop
• Bomjinna Track (From Bomjinna Campground to Mt William
Carpark)
• Brownings Loop (Mafeking)
• Golton Gorge Loop
• Tilwinda Falls
• Major Mitchell Plateau
• Fortress
• Wonderland remote overnight hikes.
On Saturday 19th November, I visited Mt Rosea and Bundaleer for an inspection visit in order to ascertain if and what work would be required to prepare these climbing areas for re-opening.
Being woken up by thunderstorms and pelting rain at about 4am in the morning was not the best sign for the Saturday morning visit of Mt Rosea and Bundaleer. But come to think of it, the last time I did such an inspection visit was after the 2006 fires. And it rained then. Classic Rosea inspection weather! Wet weather gear was packed by all. Along with myself, I had organized a small team of interested climbers to attend. Steve Monks, Kieran Loughran, John Stone, Frank and Sylvia Van der Peet and Cameron Abraham all dragged themselves out of a warm bed for the 9am meet at the Parks Depot in Halls Gap. There we met with David Roberts where we carpooled into 2 cars and headed off. First stop via the Stony Creek Road and Rosea Track was Bundaleer. After heading through the locked gate and driving a little way, it was soon very obvious as to why there was a locked gate and why after a few 100 metres, we couldn’t drive any further.
Rosea Track near Bundaleer
To say that there was some rutting in the road would be a serious understatement. More like there was a road attempting to travel through the rutting- as you can see by the photos. After a bit of discussion about repair progress and insurance coverage for such events – interestingly, the Insurance will only pay for the top orange layer of construction added soil. The rest of the damage in the soil below this is up to PV to find the funds for. Insurance companies – you gotta love em! We then headed up the climbers access track to Bundaleer. The same track where in 2008, we spent a day building and repairing the track following the fires.
Bundaleer access track- previous work still going strong
Well, we obviously did something right as the track is still holding court. Bar a few areas that have had a little wash down and were troublesome areas from the start. But definitely gets the tick of approval and can’t see any reason why this track can’t be used.
Once we were finished with Bundaleer it was off to Rosea – reversing back up the section of road we travelled on to the intersection. We then travelled down the Silverband Road to finally arrive at the Rosea carpark. Have to say it was lovely to be back at Rosea after quite a long time since my last visit and the low lying mist gave Rosea its usual atmospheric feel. The official walking track was good for the most part, with just a few sections that were rutted. We then veered off left at the signage intersection to travel along the climbers access track. Besides the usual abundance of bracken along the track all looked good and was holding up well. Some of the work we had undertaken following the fires had definitely done its job. The stabilizing work we had done on a small collapsed section of track would definitely have prevented that whole section from collapsing and being washed away. Various landslips along the way seemed to have missed our track – but of course, they were only the babies! ,A little further along, the track wasn’t so lucky, as was a huge swathe of land.
Mt Rosea - the newly created gully that crosses our access track
Basically, the track just suddenly ended as did all the vegetation. Huge, bare new gully from very, very top all the way down cutting through to Silverband. While these photos give you an idea it still doesn’t do it justice. The power that must have been behind all that water and moving earth! After much oohing and aahing, we travelled across the new gully to where the track began again and continued on our way. Again for the most part the track is fine and stable. Just before the last switchback to the cliff base a massive tree has come down over the track. It is possible to scramble underneath this. On the other side of it there has been some smaller trees come down, lots of branches covering the track and some slip and wash away of the track.
Damaged track section before last switchback.
After this the switchback itself is fine and the track continues up to the base. We travelled to the top of the Giant Staircase which has held up brilliantly and doesn’t really appear to have suffered much in the way of wash away and erosion. Possibly a few loose base stones here and there but certainly nothing that you wouldn’t expect from a rocky track.
So, the question is where, what and how does this leave us, the climbing community. Well despite the awesomeness(cos that’s the only word that describes it!) of the landslide damage to Rosea, not too bad really. There will be no repair to the newly created gully. That’s nature creating something new and will become just another part of the Grampians environment. Over years it will revegetate and generations from now will only see it as we currently see treed gullies. And probably none the wiser to the event that created it. After discussion with Dave, we will delineate a new track from one side to the other giving it a little stabilizing work. And with Nature having done most of the work of clearing everything, this really shouldn’t be a big job. The trees down on the track will make access along the track a little more difficult but even if nothing was done, you could still travel along it. The larger tree will need serious cutting equipment to move it and Dave has indicated that this is something he could help out with, along with another tree a little further before this. We are more than capable to cut, remove and clear the track immediately after the large treefall…and for the most part, that’s it for Rosea. As the access track to the cliff base is a climbers access track, the climbing community will take responsibility for maintaining this track and take care of any erosion issues that occur on the Giant Staircase. Time frames for opening are dependant on a few things. The main issue is the road access. Dependant on Vicroads plan of attack for their work on the lower Silverband road, there is the possibility that we may be able to access and use the Rosea carpark on weekends. This decision does rest with Vicroads though and their contractors work plan. The Rosea carpark will be used by them for their vehicles and materials etc. Possibly we can access it via a walk in from the Sundial carpark if the reopening of that section is not possible. Alternatively the access would be via the Stony Creek Road. It would mean having to access it via the longer way around – Mt Victory is now completely open. Would be great before Christmas but probably not likely – stay tuned as I will have some better timelines shortly.
Bundaleer is on the cards to open before Christmas. Work on the Rosea Track is targeted to begin start of December. Regardless of this, there are still some options to be able to access the area. Just might mean a little more of a walk with access stopping up towards the intersection of Rosea Track and Stony Creek. With regards to any work we may need to do at Bundaleer – well that is minimal and the opening is certainly not dependant on that.
All in all it was a very positive visit and day not only from the Bundaleer and Rosea aspect but also from a relationship perspective between the climbing community and the land managers, Parks Victoria. David Roberts is keen to continue moving forward in developing the relationship we have with them in a positive way. Many thanks to Dave for making time in his schedule.
Lower section of Silverband Road or where it used to be
Been a busy last two weeks with all sorts of events, news and tasks to do, coming to the fore.
I visited the You Yangs on Saturday 5th November to have a look at the work that had taken place due to the floods.
The park is still very heavily rutted in many areas but the climbing areas that CliffCare was originally going to work on have had quite a bit of work done. We will be heading into the You Yangs sometime in the new year to look at doing some work with the grant money CliffCare was awarded with.
work at Urinal Wall area
work at Royalty Wall area
work at Gravel Pit Tor area
I will be starting work on Rosea and Bundaleer openings in the next couple of weeks (That doesn’t mean it will be open in the next few weeks, just starting the process) I will be looking at the sites and our climber access tracks and determining if and what work will need to be done due to flood damage. Besides my initial visits to the area, I am looking at setting up a small group of people to be involved in these areas in the longer term . In a sense, climbing custodians. To work with me, if and when works need to be done and importantly to keep an eye on the area so any issues can be reported to me and we can resolve them sooner rather than later.
Recently I was nominated for a Parks Victoria Kookaburra Award. Parks Victoria’s Kookaburra Awards recognise and honour individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to Victoria’s parks The awards are held bi-annually.The Awards are open to all volunteers, both individuals and groups, who participate in activities across the Parks Victoria estate.
This award belongs to all the volunteers who have happily(?) hauled rocks for me up and down the steep track of the Pharos Gully. This is really hard work and never ceases to amaze me how the volunteers push themselves and carry just a little bit more than they are asked to. Well done all and thanks so very much. Be seeing you again soon???
Award recipients
Looks like we are finally back to the standard and regular road and track report for the Grampians.Next week, Parks Victoria will be opening eight seasonal 4WD tracks in time for the Long Weekend. Some seasonal roads will stay closed due to flood damage. See below for the list of roads, openings and conditions.
While we are on the subject of the Grampians, a little more info on Rosea and Bundaleer. With perfect climbing time coming up for those areas, the questions are on everyones lips. Things are finally on the move towards accessing Rosea and Bundaleer. One of the main problems is the road access with both Silverband and Mt Victory Road receiving the worst damage. The two roads fall under the care of VicRoads so gaining access means not only working in with PV and their schedule, but more importantly fitting in with the VicRoads schedule.
From what I understand now, VicRoads will be finalising their contractor for work on the Silverband Road by the end of October. Access is currently only open to the Sundial Carpark. While there could be a possibility of opening up the next section, VicRoads will be using the Rosea carpark for their trucks and equipment as well as moving up and down the roads,so access via here might not be an option. I have a number of thoughts and proposals on the possibility of us accessing it via here but the end decision will lie with VicRoads. As we are not looking at just climbers accessing this. the possibility of too many cars and not enough carparking might be an issue.
David Roberts, Head ranger at Grampians is keen though to help work on a solution to get the areas of Rosea and Bundaleer open whilst work is continuing on the roads.The other option which may be a more viable one is accessing it via a section of Stony Creek Road off Glenelg Road. Repairs can be undertaken to fix this section of road so as to allow access. Parking will bestill be an issue along Stony Creek Road so this is something we will need to tackle for a temporary solution. As work would begin on the start of this section, Bundaleer is the obvious first site. I have an inspection visit to the area lined up for mid November. I am really keen to see if there was any impact from the floods to the climbers access track and climbing areas in both Rosea and Bundaleer and this will give us a much better idea of how soon we may be able to get in there and if there is any work that we need to do on our tracks.
Seasonal Road openings:
· Goat Track
· Victoria Range Track
· Link Track
· Flagstaff Track
· Briggs Track
· Bellfield Track
· Muirfoot Track
· Burnt Hut Creek Track
Grampians National Park
Road and Track Report
Date: 21/10/2011
Asses Ears Road Public 2WD Gravel / Rock Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Billywing Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Brimpaen Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Bullawin Road Public 2WD CLOSED Very Wet
Emmett Road Public 2WD CLOSED
Flatrock Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Glenelg River Road Mt Victory Rd – Flat Rock Public 2WD Gravel CLOSED
Glenelg River Road Flat Rock – Lodge Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Glenelg River Road Lodge Rd – Greens Creek Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Glenelg River Road Greens Creek Rd – Jensens Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Glenelg River Road Jensens Rd – Henty Highway Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Greens Creek Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Halls Gap – Mt Zero Road Halls Gap – Pines Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Halls Gap – Mt Zero Road Pines Rd – Roses Gap Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Halls Gap – Mt Zero Road Roses Gap Rd – Mt Zero Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Harrops Track Red Rock Rd – Glenelg River Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Jensens Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Jimmy Creek Road Public 2WD CLOSED
Lodge Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
MacKenzie Falls Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open No Issue
Mafeking Road Public 2WD CLOSED
Mitchell Road Public 2WD CLOSED
Mt Difficult Road Mt Victory Rd – Boroka Lookout Public 2WD Open No Issue
Mt William Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open
Mt William Picnic Ground Track Public 2WD CLOSED Watch for Fallen Trees
Olive Plantation Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Pohlner Road Public 2WD Open Wet / Slippery in Sections
Red Hill Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Red Rock Road Public 2WD Open Water across road in sections
Redman Track Public 2WD CLOSED
Reed Lookout Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open No Issue
Rose Creek Road Public 2WD Gravel Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Serra Road Glenelg River Rd – Grampians Rd Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Stapylton Campground Road Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Sundial Road Public 2WD Open Good Condition
Syphon Road Public 2WD CLOSED
Wonderland Road Public 2WD Bitumen CLOSED
Yarram Gap Road Public 2WD Bitumen Open No Issue
Zumstein Track (Shortcut) Public 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Beehive Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Black Range Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Boundary Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Brim Springs Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Burrong Track (Shortcut) Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Cassidy Gap Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Cooinda Burrong Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open No Issue
Coppermine Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open No Issue
Glenisla Crossing Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open
Golton South Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Henham Track North Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Henham Track South Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Hines Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Wet / Slippery in Sections
Mt Difficult Road Boroka Lookout – Lake Wartook Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Old Mill Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD CLOSED See Notes
Oslers Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Phillip Island Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open Wet / Slippery in Sections
Pines Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open Good, but will be slippery after rain
Rosea Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Sand / Gravel CLOSED
Sawmill Track Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open
Spears Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD CLOSED
Stony Creek Track Operational – Open All Year 2WD CLOSED
Taylors Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Wallaby Rocks Road Operational – Open All Year 4WD Open
Yanganaginj Njawi Track Operational – Open All Year 4WD CLOSED
Yarram Park Road Operational – Open All Year 2WD Open
Bellfield Fireline Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Briggs Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Burnt Hut Creek Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Chinaman Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Fields Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Flagstaff Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Geerack Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Goat Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Homestead Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Launders Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Link Track Pohlner Rd – Smiths Rd Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Lynches Crossing Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Matthews Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Moora Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Mt Cassell Fireline Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Muirfoot Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Sanders Track Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Victoria Range Road Operational – Seasonal Closure 4WD CLOSED
Billywing Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Bomjinna Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Burma Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Carter Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Castle Rock Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Cranages Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Crute Link Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Crute Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
East Wartook Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Golton Link Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Griffin Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Happy Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Heatherlie Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Hut Creek Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Ingleton Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Kaylmna Falls Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Link Track Serra Rd – Henham Tk Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Long Point Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Lynchs Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Mair Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Pomonal Fireline Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Ricky North Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Serra Range Track Glenelg River Rd – Syphon Rd Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Serra Range Track South of Cassidy Gap Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Seven Dials Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Shilcock Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Stockyard Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Terraces Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Victoria Range Track South Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Waterworks Track Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Zumstein Track Zumstein – Chinaman Tk Operational – MVO 4WD CLOSED
Please Note:
The Mt Zero Rd has been resurfaced in some areas between Halls Gap and Plantation Campground, drivers are urged to take care particularly after rain. Most roads in the Victoria Valley area are open but can be wet in places. The parks roads are still quite wet and slippery particularly along the edges, A four wheel drive vehicle is recomended if travelling on unsealed roads within the park. Old Mill Rd is closed between Roses Crk Rd and Boroka Lookout Rd. Bullawin Rd is closed.
For those who have been hanging out to get back into the Victoria Range, looks like today is the lucky day. Just received official confimation from Parks Victoria that the following areas are now open. All of this will also be on the Grampians page along with a downloadable update and map.
Parks Victoria staff have been working hard on flood and storm damage in the Western area of the Grampians National Park to open areas for local communities and visitors to the region. While many of the roads and visitor sites are now open in this area, some areas will stay closed. Parks Victoria asks visitors to comply to any closures until they are reopen as these roads or sites are still unsafe for visitor access.
The following roads and visitor sites in the Victoria Valley and the Western side of the Grampians are now open:
Roads
Harrops Track
Glenelg River Road (Boreang Campground to Mt Victory will remain closed)
Rose Creek Road
Billywing Road
Lodge Road
Red Rock Road
Asses Ears Road
Bullawin Road
Jensens Road
Red Hill Road
Greens Creek Road
Geerak Track
Zumstein Shortcut
Taylors Track
Brimpaen Road
Glenisla Crossing Road
Boundary Track
Hines Track
Wallaby Rocks
Visitor Sites
Buandik Picnic Area
Red Rock Picnic Area
Brim Springs Picnic Area
Art Shelters
Billimina
Manja
Campgrounds
Strachans
Boreang
Walking Tracks
Billimina Walking Track
Manja Walking Track
Chimney Pots Walking Track
Other
Access to the Moora Moora Reservoir will be available from Glenelg River Road
“Be safe be prepared” while travelling in this area:
While many roads in the Victoria Valley and the western side of the Park will be open, visitors are advised that traffic hazards still exist and road conditions may be below the usually accepted standard. Park staff have taken much care to ensure that risk issues have been minimised and that road conditions comply with our road management obligations, however hazards may still be present especially after wet weather. Road edges will be of particular concern. Please avoid driving on road edges as they may be soft in places.
Four wheel drive vehicles only are recommended after rain as roads will be slippery with uneven surfaces and fallen rocks. Please drive to the conditions and obey road signage and road closures at all times.
While great effort has been made to open roads in the Victoria Valley and the western side of the park, there are still areas affected by storm and flood damage.
The following roads, walking track and visitor sites will remain CLOSED until further notice:
Roads
Syphon Road
Serra Road
Glenelg River Road (Boreang Campground to Mt Victory Road)
Phillip Island Track
Henham Track
Sawmill Track
Beehive Track
Cassidy Gap Road
Stony Creek Road
All Seasonal Roads and Tracks
Campgrounds
Buandik
Walking Trails
Red Gum Walk
The Fortress
Paddys Castle
