1000 Steps closed: Montrose, Mt Dandenong fire trail warning as walkers substitute popular track
Walkers using dangerous Mt Dandenong trails instead of the 1000 Steps are being told to “go back or be rescued” as calls for help spike, many of them on one particular track.
Outer East
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Walkers looking to substitute their regular jaunts up the 1000 Steps are being urged to take care as they tackle steep Mt Dandenong “goat track” fire trails.
Emergency services have recently been called out to at least eight rescues on Scar, Zig Zag, and nearby tracks involving suspected broken ankles and a dislocated knee cap.
Lilydale SES controller Shaun Caulfield said there had been a spike in incidents where SES volunteers had been called out to help Ambulance Victoria get people out.
He said many of the injuries were happening on The Scar track, which stretches from the end of Glasgow Rd, Mt Dandenong, all the way up to the bottom of the Channel 10 tower.
“It cuts a straight line and is a pretty loose, fairly steep section of trail,” Mr Caulfield said.
“It has a river pebble type surface and is quite challenging terrain.”
He said it was suspect many were heading to these trails while other well-known tracks remained closed by Parks Victoria.
“People who are unfamiliar with the level of difficulty on this track. It’s nothing like the 1000 Steps,” Mr Caulfield said.
“It’s not as well formed and it’s literally a goat track up the side of the mountain.”
He said recent rain had washed some of the soil away, revealing the large rocks.
“It’s quite challenging and we’ve had a few cases of ambition exceeding ability,” Mr Caulfield said.
He warned anyone taking on the track to be mindful of their ability and also the terrain.
Mr Caulfield also advised about wearing the correct, sturdy footwear instead of thongs – as one rescued family were wearing recently.
“If you haven’t done it before and you get a ways in and realise it’s too difficult, don’t be afraid to go back, otherwise we’re have to come get you,” he said.
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