Bushfires have led to an extension of the Overland Track closure in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The popular multi-day hiking trail, which was initially closed due to the threat of wildfire, will now remain inaccessible to visitors for an additional two weeks.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed that the track, which attracts thousands of hikers annually, will stay closed until at least mid-February. The decision follows ongoing bushfires in the region that have made conditions unsafe for trekkers and emergency responders. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as firefighters continue their efforts to control the blazes.
The closure was first announced in January when fires, sparked by lightning strikes, spread across remote parts of the park. The Tasmanian Fire Service has been working to suppress the fires, but unpredictable weather and dry conditions have made the situation complex. Emergency services have indicated that containment efforts are continuing, but the risk remains significant due to changing wind patterns and drought-affected terrain.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s most visited natural attractions, and the Overland Track is a key draw for hikers from across Australia and abroad. The 65-kilometre trail, which generally takes hikers around six days to complete, passes through varied landscapes including alpine plateaus, dense rainforests, and glacial valleys. It is officially managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, which issues permits to limit foot traffic and preserve the area’s delicate ecosystem.
With the escalating fire risk, authorities have reinforced the need for strict safety precautions. Parks and Wildlife Service personnel, along with emergency response teams, have been actively assessing the conditions on a daily basis. While the current fire threat is largely affecting remote sections of the park, the possibility of embers travelling long distances has necessitated precautions extending to the Overland Track.
Authorities have also urged visitors to adhere to closure notices. Remote rescue operations in such rugged terrain can be challenging, and unauthorised access to fire-affected areas could put both individuals and emergency personnel at risk. Warnings are in place, and penalties may apply for those who attempt to enter restricted zones.
The Tasmanian Fire Service has been deploying aerial resources alongside ground crews to manage the fires. Helicopters have been used for water bombing efforts in efforts to slow the advance of the flames. While some containment lines have been established, officials note that extreme heat and shifting wind directions have been complicating progress.
Meteorologists have indicated that Tasmania’s recent hot and dry conditions have increased the fire risk across multiple regions. Bushfire activity in the western and central parts of the state has prompted warnings from fire services, and authorities continue to stress the importance of fire preparedness. With little rainfall forecast in the near future, conditions are expected to remain hazardous.
The impact of the Overland Track’s closure extends to local tourism operators, who rely on seasonal trekkers visiting the region. Guided tour providers and accommodation services in the Cradle Mountain area have been affected, with cancellations and itinerary changes occurring as a result of the extended closure. While safety remains the top priority, tourism operators are closely watching developments to assess when conditions might allow for a safe reopening.
Parks and Wildlife Service will provide further updates as the situation evolves. Authorities are continuing their fire management efforts, and decisions regarding public access will be made in line with safety assessments. Hikers who have obtained permits for the affected period have been advised to contact service providers for updates regarding refunds or alternative arrangements.
At present, it is unclear when conditions will improve enough to allow full access to the track. Authorities remain cautious, given the unpredictable nature of bushfires in remote wilderness areas. Visitors to Tasmania’s national parks are encouraged to remain informed through official channels, including Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and the Tasmanian Fire Service, for the latest advisories.
The safety of both visitors and emergency response crews continues to be the primary concern as authorities work to manage the bushfire situation. Further announcements regarding the reopening of the Overland Track will depend on ongoing fire activity and containment efforts.
References:
– Pulse Tasmania, “Bushfires force extension of Overland Track closure by two weeks”
[https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/bushfires-force-extension-of-overland-track-closure-by-two-weeks/]
– Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
[https://parks.tas.gov.au/]
– Tasmanian Fire Service
[https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/]
– ABC News, “Bushfires continue to burn across Tasmania as authorities extend park closures”
[https://www.abc.net.au/news/]