Parks Victoria and VicRoads have announced that the temporary access granted into Tidal River for the Easter period ceased at 6.00pm April 26. The Easter weekend access was deemed successful with 1200 day vehicles heading into the park, as well as over 200 campsites at Tidal River being full.
Parks Victoria Chief Ranger Wilsons Promontory Craig Stubbings said following discussions with VicRoads it became evident that access into the southern area of the park needs to be limited to undertake bridge and road repairs without any interruptions. During this time more repair works can also be carried out to other facilities in the area such as cabins and the information centre.
“Additionally, I am pleased to advise that all stranded vehicles have now been extracted from the park, with the last remaining vehicles being three cars and one bus in the Telegraph Saddle carpark, and the car and caravan on Mt Oberon road were successfully removed over the Easter weekend”, said Mr Stubbings.
VicRoads Regional Director Patricia Liew said the road was reopened under very temporary conditions over Easter to allow campers into Tidal River.
“While we understand the re-closure of the road may cause some short-term inconvenience, it will allow crews on site to carry out longer-term repair works.
“Without traffic in the area, crews can really fast track these works, which means the southern area of the Park can reopen much sooner, said Ms Liew.”
The southern area of the park (south of Darby River Bridge) including Tidal River will remain closed until around mid-year. The northern section of the park will remain open including the Stockyard campsite with visitors able to access areas such as Millers Landing, Vereker Ranges, Hourigan Camp Lane, Big Drift, Cotters Lake Track and the Wildlife viewing area.
Mr Stubbings advised that campsite and cabin bookings in Tidal River up to 30 June 2011 will now be suspended. Parks Victoria is in the process of issuing full refunds to those affected.
“We acknowledge that this disruption will be an inconvenience to a number of visitors to the Park and would like to thank them for their patience as we continue to undertake these vital works,” Mr Stubbings said.
Alternative accommodation arrangements are also available within nearby townships located throughout South Gippsland. For information regarding touring, accommodation and what’s on within South Gippsland, please contact Prom Country Tourism on 1800 630 704 or visit visitpromcountry.com.au
For further information, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au
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