4 March 2009
Much of Victoria was not affected by the recent bushfire.
Visitors are encouraged to make informed decisions before traveling and to check the appropriate websites/call centres for the latest bushfire updates.
Melbourne has not been affected by bushfires neither has the iconic Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, the Bellarine Peninsula, Geelong, the Goldfields, the Grampians, East Gippsland and the Murray.
Travellers can return to the High Country region in particular to the Beechworth township which was not fire-affected. Other destinations in the High Country that can be experienced include Milawa, Yackandadah, Bright, Porepunkah, Myrtleford, Mansfield, King Valley, Mt Buller, Mt Beauty, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Omeo.
Towns in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges are not fire-affected and are ready to welcome visitors.
Likewise travellers can return to the townships of Yarra Glen and Healesville in the Yarra Valley region, but it is recommended that they check the latest bushfire information before traveling.
Key unaffected tourism offerings in Gippsland include the historic village of Walhalla, Metung, Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Sale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Mallacoota. The Gippsland Lakes, Buchan Caves, Cape Conran Coastal Park and Croajingolong National Park are also open.
Please note that the Wilson Promontory National Park is currently closed.
Through the summer period visitors should remain vigilant about prevailing weather conditions and keep aware of changing fire conditions and potential total fire ban declarations.
A brochure Travelling in the Great Outdoors: Bushfire Safety Tips is being distributed to travellers via Visitor Information Centres.
For the latest bushfire information, listen to ABC Local Radio or community radio stations, call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667, or visit the Country Fire Authority and Department of Sustainability and Environment websites.
For a full list of parks and reserves that are currently closed please call the please call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au .
When traveling in regional Victoria or areas which have been affected by fire take extra care. These areas could have branches across roads, flying debris, reduced visibility with raised dust, ash or smoke, fleeing wildlife and fast-moving emergency vehicles. This danger could remain for many weeks to come.
Check with VicRoads for road closures information. Visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 13 11 70.
All road users need to take care. Road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility caused by smoke or road blocks due to fallen trees.
In some cases, road blocks remain in place to protect residents and visitors from potential injuries.
