The 2018/19 bushfires caused extensive damage to a number of walking tracks and the burnt track infrastructure poses a serious safety hazard. Fire damaged boardwalk and steps are also holding the soil in place in many locations, preventing erosion.
Unfortunately, Phytophthora cinnamomi (rootrot fungus) has been confirmed to be spreading along the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse, Cracroft Plains and McKays Track. Illegal access of burnt tracks will increase erosion and cause environmental degradation, such as risking the further spread of Phythophthora within the Eastern and Western Arthur Ranges and adjacent valleys.
The Western Arthur
Range is closed north/east of West Portal. All walkers must exit the traverse
via Kappa Moraine. Walkers can camp at Lake Promontory and access West Portal
as a day walk. Camping beyond Lake Promontory is currently closed due to the
spread of rootrot fungus and fire damage.
Visitor safety and environmental protection are our priorities. Fire affected areas will remain closed while works are being undertaken, and specialists are working out realignments of tracks and camps.
The following tracks are closed:
- Huon Track
- Eastern Arthur Range Traverse (north of Federation Peak)
- Western Arthur Range Traverse (north/east of West Portal)
- McKays Track - east of Moraine Kappa
Tracks that have been re-opened:
Adamsfield Walking Track, Clear Hill Track, The Needles Track and Lake Rhona Track (via Richea Creek and subject to river levels), Tahune Airwalk river loop tracks, Farmhouse Creek (to Hanging Lake campsite), Mount Anne Circuit, Mount Anne, Eliza Plateau and Lake Judd Track, have been reopened to the public. To minimise erosion and so that walkers can remain on existing tracks, some vegetation has been cleared. Some multi-day walks have walker registration in place, please check the Overnight walker registration page.
Walkers must remain on the existing tracks.
Locations affected: Southwest National Park;
Last reviewed 30/6/2022 03:23 PM