The following update has been provided by of South Gippsland Shire Council.
Wilsons Promontory National Park remains closed south of the Darby River road, due to extensive flood damage and ongoing roadworks being undertaken by VicRoads in order to restore access to Tidal River and southern areas.
Parks Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory webpage will be updated as soon as further information is available.
Successful extraction of stranded vehicles
Many vehicles stranded in the Tidal River floods were extracted this week under a joint operation with Victoria Police, VicRoads and Parks Victoria.
Over 50 visitors travelling from Melbourne on a chartered coach made their way to Tidal River safely, with many more relying on the kindness of family and friends to transport them to the area. We thank the Red Cross who provided catering services for all visitors and staff during the day’s operations.
Under strict police guidance, almost 100 vehicles were successfully moved out of the park as they travelled over the temporary Darby River bridge road. We wish to acknowledge and thank all agencies and visitors for their patience and cooperation during this difficult logistical operation.
Owners of vehicles over 10 tonne such as buses, coaches, caravans and any other remaining vehicles will be retrieved by Tuesday 19 April (inclusive). Though, please be reminded any trucks engaged to transport cars out must be under the 10 tonne weight limit (including load) and less than 2.4 metres in width.
Affected visitors can also call 13 1963 between 9am and 5pm, 7 days per week to confirm details.
Exploring the north
Parks Victoria opened the northern section of the Wilsons Promontory National Park on Monday 4 April enabling visitors to explore and admire the beauty of areas they may have never bushwalked through previously. These areas include HourigansCamp Lane, the Big Drift, Cotters Lake track, the wildlife viewing area, Millers Landing and Vereker Range.
Our team is working tirelessly on finalising plans to provide limiting camping including visitor amenities within the northern section of the park in time for the Easter period. Parks Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory webpage will be updated as soon as further information is available.
An ‘Exploring the North’ parknote has been specially developed providing visitors with more information.
Interpretive Walks – Exploring the north
Parks Victoria will guide interpretive walks this weekend for day visitors to the north of the park. Details are provided at the end of this email.
Camping and accommodation bookings
There will be no camping before the Easter weekend anywhere in the park. All access beyond Tidal River including outstations is also closed and will be until after Easter.
Parks Victoria is continuing the extensive clean-up and repair works within the Tidal River campsite. We are still determined to enable limited camping for the Easter long weekend, which is still subject to the road and bridge being opened enabling access to Tidal River.
We will be advising visitors who did have a ballot booking for camping at Tidal River by Friday 15 April of the outcome.
New bookings (all areas) are temporarily on hold as the current focus is on assessing damage to the park.
Parks Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory webpage will be updated when bookings resume.
Visitors with Easter bookings should review the information below.
Existing bookings (all customers will be notified and refunded where appropriate)
All campsite bookings up to and including Thursday 21 April are cancelled.
All roofed accommodation and outstation bookings up to and including April 30th are cancelled.
Campsite bookings for Easter weekend 2011 cannot be guaranteed. Where limited sites are available, they will be randomly allocated to customers with existing bookings. Confirmation will be made the week before Easter.
Customers can call 13 1963 to arrange a full refund of Easter camping.
Prom Country Visitor Info: To make bookings for accommodation outside the park call 1800 630 704 or visit visitpromcountry.com.au
Interpretive walks – exploring the north
SATURDAY 9 APRIL 2011
11.30 am – 1 pm: Millers Landing
Meet at Five Mile Car Park
Walk to Millers Landing on Corner Inlet, site of the southernmost stand of mangroves in the world. Find out about some of the creatures that live amongst the sea grass beds at this Ramsar listed feeding ground for the world’s migratory birds. (Low tide 12 noon @ Millers Landing)
3 pm – 4.30 pm: Big Drift
Meet at Stockyard Campsite
Walk to Big Drift, an expansive series of sand drifts and a photographers paradise in the north of the park.
SUNDAY 10 APRIL 2011
9.30 am – 11 am: Cotters Lake & Beach
Meet at Cotters Beach Car Park
View receeding flood waters at Cotters Lake and, if accessible, comb amongst the flotsam and jetsam at Cotters Beach. (Low tide 10 am @ Cotters Beach)
12 noon – 1.30 pm: Millers Landing
Meet at Five Mile Car Park
Walk to Millers Landing on Corner Inlet, site of the southernmost stand of mangroves in the world. Find out about some of the creatures that live amongst the sea grass beds at this Ramsar listed feeding ground for the world’s migratory birds. (Low tide 12.30 pm @ Millers Landing)
Essential information:
Free activities. Bookings essential [email protected] or call 13 1963
All participants to bring and wear a sun hat, sunscreen (or alternatively warm clothing and a raincoat) and sturdy covered walking shoes (no thongs). BYO bottled water.
The only toilet facilities are located at Stockyard campsite near the entrance to the park.
Participants need to be reasonably fit. Not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Some maintenance works will still be taking place in this area as part of the overall flood recovery efforts.
Walks may be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or staff reallocation to emergency or risk management requirements.
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