As Australia began to re-open and we all embarked on our slow journey back to normality after months of self-isolating, many Victorians were looking for things to do outside the four walls of their home, and exploring the amazing hikes, waterfalls, and natural beauties were at the top of the to-do list for most.
From 11:59pm on Sunday May 31, Victorians were not only allowed to start having small gatherings at home, with 20 people being able to congregate in the one place, but every national park in Victoria also opened its gates (bar a few exceptions).
Unfortunately it seems everyone had the same idea for their first weekend out of isolation and a couple of Victoria’s natural destinations were overwhelmed with visitors, triggering Parks Victoria to make the decision to close both the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps), and Warburton’s Redwood Forest until 11:59pm on Sunday 21 June due to physical distancing concerns.
A statement from Parks Victoria revealed that despite interventions by the park and Victoria Police to manage physical distancing, vehicle traffic and public safety concerns at these two sites, visitation has continued to be unprecedented necessitating the need to close.
This follows a recent announcement by Parks Victoria which saw them close the 1,000 Steps, Redwood Forest Warburton and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden due to concerns over physical distancing on the last weekend of May until June 1.
Photo via Parks Victoria
