The complex process of recovery in the Mount Buangor State Park is underway, after storms also hit the fire-damaged area.

In February a large bushfire (known as the Bayindeen-Rocky Road fire) tore through the Mount Buangor State Park.

Driven by extreme heat and hot winds, the fire burnt through the park, causing significant environmental and cultural damage and destroying all visitor sites. The Middle Creek, Ferntree and Bailes camping areas were destroyed; and severe damage caused to all walking tracks and roads, signs, shelters, toilets, picnic tables, bridges and stairs.

In April, a severe storm compounded the damage, with heavy rains eroding the landscape and pushing thick layers of ash and sediment across vegetation, roads and walking tracks.

The extensive damage caused by the bushfire and storm, the condition of the environment, and the safety risk to visitors and contractors, forced the park to be closed.

Parks Victoria is leading a recovery program, which is currently focused on completing impact assessments, clearing debris from camping areas, roads and tracks, and planning the eventual rebuild of park infrastructure.

Due to the scale of damage, the park will remain closed for some time, including to allow the natural recovery of the environment to begin.  

During this time, the local community and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of other parks in the area, including for camping and walking. These include Langi Ghiran State Park, Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve, Kara Kara National Park, Enfield State Park, Creswick Regional Park, and Lake Bolac Lake Reserve.

A detailed timeline for Mount Buangor State Park to re-open will be determined as planning and assessments are completed during the year.  Parks Victoria is aiming to provide opportunities in the coming months for interested members of the community to visit the park and to hear about the recovery program.

An eventual staged opening is expected during 2025, subject to assessments of the landscape, on-ground conditions and insurance funding. People can stay up-to-date with the recovery project at www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria District Manager David Petty

 “The intensity and scale of the fire that hit Mount Buangor State Park was significant.”

“Fire and flood recovery projects are complex and can be lengthy. We ask for the community to be patient as we work through a well-considered recovery and reopening plan.”.

“As part of this, and in the interests of safety, we ask that people don’t enter the park.”

Fire damage at Mt Buangor State Park. Credit: Parks Victoria

Destroyed visitor facilities at Mt Buangor State Park. Credit: Parks Victoria