Alerts

From 15/1/2020, last reviewed 25/2/2020

​​​ ​Montezuma Falls Suspension Bridge is currently closed due to a recent tree fall. The walking track to the falls and the 4WD track from Melba Flats remains open, however for safety reasons visitors will not be allowed to cross the bridge. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service are working to have the bridge structure assessed and the trees removed as soon as possible.

​​The West Coast Field Centre can be contacted on PWS.WestCoast@parks.tas.gov.au.​​​

Locations affected: Montezuma Falls;

From 28/11/2019, last reviewed 25/2/2020

​​​​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. Illegal access of burnt tracks will increase erosion and cause environmental degradation. 

Visitor safety and environmental protection are our priorities and fire affected areas will remain closed until they are safe for use.

The following tracks are closed: 

• ​Mt Anne Circuit
  
• Huon Track
  
• Mount Picton Track
• Farmhouse Creek Track
• Eastern Arthur Range Traverse
• Western Arthur Range Traverse - East of Moraine Kappa
• McKays Track - East of Moraine Kappa
  
• Rasselas Track
  
• Adamsfield Track
• Clearhill Track
  

The Lake Rhona Track and The Needles Track are now reopened to the public. As tracks are reopened walkers should expect to encounter burnt vegetation along these tracks, which in some areas hangs over the track, and will require pushing through and will result in charcoal marks on clothing and packs. To prevent erosion, walkers must remain on the existing track. Minor vegetation clearance along the Lake Rhona Track will occur in March.

Locations affected: Southwest National Park; Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park;

From 25/2/2020, last reviewed 25/2/2020

​Maintenance works on the Liawenee Canal carried out by Hydro Tasmania has caused the level of Lake Augusta to rise and flood the James River crossing making it unsafe for vehicles.  

Hydro Tasmania are due to finish the maintenance works by early April.  Pillans Track will reopen once water levels reduce. 

For further information contact the Great Western Tiers Field Centre on 6701 2104.

Locations affected: Central Plateau Conservation Area;

From 17/6/2019, last reviewed 25/2/2020

​​ The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is beginning a three year project to improve facilities on the Overland Track.  The first stage is planned to commence in the 2019-2020 walking season and focuses on the Waterfall Valley site and will see the replacement of the Waterfall Valley Hut, construction of a new toilet, camping platforms, Ranger hut and a realignment of the track.

Construction is planned to start from November 2019 through to May 2020, and as a result the Waterfall Valley Hut will be closed to walkers for the duration of the construction.

The Scott-Kilvert Hut node will be used to accommodate walkers for night one of the Overland Track while construction occurs. For more information please refer to the FAQ under the Overland Track - walk notes. Caution is needed as there is a steep descent and uneven surface from the junction where you turn off to go to Scott-​Kilvert hut.

While construction is underway you may experience some noise from construction activity and see and hear helicopters as they deliver materials to site.   Efforts will be made to limit possible construction and helicopter noise to reasonable hours, however you should consider this information before booking your walk.

As project time frames will be responsive to weather, this period may be subject to change, in which case we will keep you informed as to project updates along the way.

Locations affected: Overland Track;

From 25/6/2019, last reviewed 18/2/2020

​​​The Tahune Airwalk was affected by the January 2019 bushfires and will be closed until repairs can be completed. The expected reopening is end March 2020, however visistors are advised to see the Tahune Adventures website for full details.

Locations affected: Tahune Airwalk;

From 14/2/2020, last reviewed 14/2/2020

​The Meadstone Falls Lookout in the Mt Puzzler Reserve is closed until further notice due to safety issues with the viewing platform.

From 5/2/2020, last reviewed 12/2/2020

​​​Visitors to Maria Island National Park are advised that due to the current drought conditions on the east coast of Tasmania, the public shower at Darlington will be closed until further notice. This is in line with the Stage 2 water restrictions in surrounding towns including Orford, Swansea and Triabunna. Please help us conserve our water supplies. \

Visitors are also asked to bring their drinking water with them to the island. The Maria Island Ferry will waive the freight fares for people bringing their own drinking water to the island for the period of the water restrictions.​

​For further information, contact the PWS Maria-Triabunna Field Centre on (03) 6257 1420.​​​

Locations affected: Maria Island National Park; Maria Island camping - Darlington; Maria Island camping - Encampment Cove; Maria Island camping - Frenchs Farm; Maria Island by bike; Maria Island Marine Reserve; Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation;

From 21/10/2019, last reviewed 23/1/2020

​​​​​​Campfire restrictions are now in place for this site.  This means you will not be able to use campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel stoves. Gas stoves and gas barbecues are still permitted.

Parts of Tasmania are experiencing the driest conditions for the past three years with traditionally wet or damp gullies now dry. An above average fire season has been forecast for the east and south eastern parts of Tasmania due to warmer and drier conditions.

These conditions have increased the risk of unattended or poorly constructed campfires escaping and becoming bushfires. We have a duty of care to our community and want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

See the News Item on Campfire restrictions 2020 containing a map here. ​

Locations affected: Waterhouse Conservation Area; Waterhouse camping; Mount William camping; Mount William National Park; Bay of Fires camping; Bay of Fires Conservation Area; St Columba Falls; St Columba Falls State Reserve; Douglas-Apsley camping; Douglas-Apsley National Park; Freycinet National Park; Freycinet overnight walker camping; Maria Island camping - Darlington; Maria Island camping - Encampment Cove; Maria Island camping - Frenchs Farm; Maria Island National Park; Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation; Lime Bay camping; Lime Bay State Reserve; Tasman National Park; Fortescue Bay camping; Bridport to Bellingham 4WD traverse; Narawntapu National Park; South Bruny camping; South Bruny National Park; Southport Lagoon camping; Huon campground walk; Lake Esperance; Southwest National Park; Southwest camping; Mount Field National Park; Mount Field camping; East Cloudy Head; Labillardiere Peninsula;

From 21/10/2019, last reviewed 21/10/2019

Road works are being undertaken on the Fortescue Bay Road, leading into the Fortescue Bay campground.

The site remains open however there will be reduced speed limits and some lane closures throughout the project. Please slow down and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.

Work is due to be completed by late February 2020, weather permitting.

Please allow a bit of extra time for your trip as work is undertaken on the road.

Locations affected: Fortescue Bay camping; Tasman National Park;