The Overland Track in Tasmania has been temporarily closed due to bushfires, with multiple walkers being evacuated from the popular hiking route. Authorities have confirmed that emergency response teams initiated evacuations as fires approached certain sections of the track.
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) stated that the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and personnel. Emergency services, including the Tasmania Fire Service and other relevant agencies, have been actively monitoring the situation. Reports indicate that walkers who were on the track were safely removed via helicopters after conditions worsened.
Bushfires have been affecting various regions of Tasmania due to dry conditions and strong winds. Authorities have cited ongoing high temperatures and reduced rainfall as contributing factors in fire activity across the state. Fire crews have been working to contain the blazes, prioritising areas near visitor hotspots and vulnerable landscapes. Officials have urged people to stay informed about changing fire conditions and follow emergency warnings.
According to Tasmania Police, there have been no reports of injuries among the evacuated walkers. Some individuals were transported to staging areas while others returned to their original departure points under the guidance of emergency responders. The exact number of evacuations has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Local firefighting crews, alongside aerial support teams, have been working to contain the fires. Due to unpredictable wind patterns, efforts have focused on preventing the fire from spreading further rather than full extinguishment at this stage. The Tasmania Fire Service has advised that conditions remain volatile, and further changes in fire behaviour are possible.
The Overland Track is one of Australia’s most well-known long-distance hikes, attracting thousands of trekkers each year. Spanning approximately 65 kilometres through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the track passes through varied terrain, including alpine plateaus, rainforests, and lakes. Given its popularity, any closure significantly impacts tourism in the region, though safety remains the primary concern for authorities.
Tourism operators and local businesses have acknowledged the temporary closure of the Overland Track as a necessary precaution. Some guided tour companies have adjusted their itineraries based on the situation, ensuring customers are not placed at risk. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has advised that updates will be issued as conditions change, with reopening timelines reliant on fire containment progress.
Emergency authorities have reminded residents and visitors to monitor official fire warnings through sources such as Tasmania Fire Service updates and the Bureau of Meteorology. They stress that bushfire threats can escalate quickly, and people should stay prepared for any evacuation orders if required.
At this stage, it remains unclear how much of the Overland Track has been directly affected by fire damage. Authorities will assess any impacts once conditions stabilise. Vegetation loss, infrastructure damage, and post-fire recovery measures will be examined in due course.
Tasmania experiences bushfire risks during the warmer months, with fire danger heightened by environmental factors such as extended dry periods and wind activity. Climate conditions in recent years have contributed to fluctuating fire risks, with emergency services regularly responding to evolving situations.
Firefighters and park rangers continue to monitor the affected areas, with containment measures ongoing. It is not yet known when full access to the Overland Track will be reinstated, with decisions based on the threat level and safety assessments.
Authorities urge visitors with upcoming bookings to check with PWS for the latest information. Refund policies and alternative options may be available for those impacted by closures. Further updates will be provided as official sources release additional details on the situation.
References:
– ABC News article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-05/overland-track-closed-by-bushfires-walkers-evacuate/104899318
– Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service: www.parks.tas.gov.au
– Tasmania Fire Service: www.fire.tas.gov.au
– Bureau of Meteorology: www.bom.gov.au