Tracks and sites open

Most tracks and camping areas at Girraween National Park will reopen before Easter, following the recent wildfire and water shortage issues.

BIRDS EYE VIEW: An aerial shot of the fire that burnt through Girraween National Park and closed sections to the public. Picture: QFES

MOST walking tracks and camping areas at Girraween National Park south of Stanthorpe will reopen before Easter, following the recent wildfire and water shortage issues.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff have been working hard to assess and repair the park's walking tracks and camping areas after the blaze, which started outside the park on February12, 2019, affected about 70 per cent of the park.

The Bald Rock Creek day-use area and northern walks, including the popular Granite Arch, The Pyramid and The Junction walks, were reopened at the end of February.

Underground Creek and Dr Roberts Waterhole walking tracks were recently reopened; and the Northern Ridge remote camp site, Haydens Flat remote camp site, Castle Rock and Mount Norman walking tracks, along with the Creek and Peak shared trails opened on Sunday.

Castle Rock and Bald Rock Creek camping areas also reopened on Monday for the school holiday period. However, the camping areas will only be operating at half capacity due to water shortages.

The Sphinx, Turtle Rock, Haydens Ridge remote camp site and all other remote camp sites on the southern side of the park, including Wallangarra Ridge, will remain closed until the wildlife service is confident these areas are safe.

Southern Downs Regional Council has advised Mount Norman Road has been reopened following a safety assessment. Visitors can book their camp sites online via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Rangers are hopeful the park will receive substantial rainfall in coming months to help the already drought-stressed landscape recover further from the wildfire.

Locals and tourists are asked to check the latest park alerts at parks.des. qld.gov.au/park-alerts/ before visiting the park.