The Overland Track in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park will remain closed for an extended period as bushfires continue to burn in the area. Authorities have confirmed that the closure, which was initially set to last for a shorter period, has now been extended due to ongoing fire activity and safety concerns. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has stated that conditions remain hazardous, and reopening the popular hiking track is not yet safe.
The bushfire threat has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety. Firefighters have been working to contain blazes in several areas, with dry conditions and strong winds contributing to the fire’s spread. The affected regions include remote parts of the national park, which remain difficult to access for firefighting efforts. Officials have warned that the situation is being closely monitored, but as conditions fluctuate, re-opening timelines remain uncertain.
The Overland Track, a globally recognised multi-day hiking route, typically attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, authorities have stressed that keeping the track closed is necessary to reduce risks to both hikers and emergency personnel. Parks and Wildlife Service staff have been evaluating conditions and working with fire crews to manage the situation. Updates will continue to be provided as new information emerges regarding fire containment and safety assessments.
According to the Tasmania Fire Service, several fires in the state have been exacerbated by persistent dry conditions. Official reports indicate that the fires have affected significant landscapes and continue to burn despite ongoing suppression efforts. The impact of the fires on wildlife and vegetation in the national park has not yet been fully measured, but conservation teams have raised concerns about potential long-term damage to the area’s unique ecosystems.
Authorities have urged the public to follow all safety advisories and respect track closures. People with bookings for Overland Track hikes are being advised to contact relevant agencies for further information on cancellations or rescheduling. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has indicated that hikers will be notified when conditions improve and when reopening becomes possible. Emergency personnel are continuing efforts to safeguard affected areas and prevent the fire from escalating further.
Tourism operators reliant on park visitation have expressed concerns about the ongoing disruptions. While bushfires are not uncommon in Tasmania during the warmer months, the persistence of dry conditions this season has intensified risks in many locations. The track closure is part of wider precautionary measures throughout the region, as authorities manage multiple fire outbreaks.
The Tasmania Fire Service has deployed additional resources to bushfire-affected areas and is working alongside other emergency management agencies to contain active blazes. The exact timeline for when fires will be brought under full control is unclear, as variables such as wind speed, temperature, and fuel load influence fire behaviour. Crews on the ground are using water bombing aircraft and other suppression tactics to slow fire spread in various locations, including within the threatened national park.
Experts have noted that Tasmania has experienced an increase in dry conditions over recent years, contributing to heightened fire risks. While controlled burns and fire prevention strategies are used as mitigation measures, unplanned bushfires continue to pose challenges. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, with its dense vegetation and rugged landscapes, remains particularly vulnerable to fires during hot and dry periods.
As the situation develops, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service will be monitoring fire activity closely. Officials are urging visitors to follow official announcements and remain aware of changing conditions. Hikers and tourists planning visits to Tasmania’s national parks should stay informed about park alerts and potential disruptions.
Emergency services have reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any fire incidents. Authorities have also reiterated the importance of fire safety and compliance with restrictions during periods of elevated fire danger. The community is encouraged to check for updates from local emergency management agencies, as conditions can evolve rapidly.
The extended closure of the Overland Track is expected to remain in place until authorities determine that conditions are safe for hikers. Updates from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania Fire Service, and emergency agencies will guide future decisions regarding reopening the track and surrounding park areas.
For those affected by the closures, further information can be accessed through official parks and emergency service websites. Authorities continue to assess fire conditions and prioritise safety measures in bushfire-affected regions across Tasmania.
### References:
Pulse Tasmania – “Overland Track closure extended as bushfires continue to burn”
Tasmania Fire Service – www.fire.tas.gov.au
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service – www.parks.tas.gov.au
ABC News – www.abc.net.au