Warburton Water World to reopen, 1000 Steps closed until 2022

Fitness fanatics face a long wait to visit the 1000 Steps, but it’s better news for Warburton’s Redwood Forest.

The huge crowd at Warburton Water World on January 10.

A popular tourist attraction is reopening as the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs prepare to welcome back Melbourne visitors after lockdown.

Yarra Ranges Council has announced splash parks across the Shire, including the hugely popular Warburton Water World, will open to the public from Friday.

Leader previously reported families from across Melbourne flocked to the park when it opened in January, creating traffic and parking chaos.

The parking pain could continue, with the council advising due to the ongoing construction of a new parking area at the park, visitors are advised to instead park at Warburton Recreation Reserve, or use the drop-off point at Warburton Holiday Park.

Warburton’s popular Redwood Forest will also be open this weekend, with a Covid Safe plan in place for the site.

Parks Victoria is working collaboratively with Victoria Police and Yarra Ranges Council in anticipation of increased visitation in the region.

But fitness fanatics hoping to head back to the 1000 Steps will need to make other plans, with the popular spot closed until next year due to the devastating impact of June’s storms.

The water park has been a huge hit.

Parks Victoria district manager Victoria Purdue said closures and essential works at key locations including the 1000 Steps and William Ricketts Sanctuary would need to continue into 2022 as debris was cleared and hazardous trees were assessed and made safe.

“People need to observe site closures, signage and fenced-off areas as trees, rocks and soil may continue to move – especially during or after rain,” Ms Purdue said.

“Rangers will continue regular patrols across our parks to make sure people stay safe.”

She said rangers had already cleared more than 100km of roads, walking trails and picnic grounds throughout the district after the storm.

Storm damage at the 1000 Steps.

Hundreds of trees fell across the Steps during the storm and several large mountain ash trees also fell in William Ricketts Sanctuary in Mt Dandenong, damaging several buildings and sculptures.

The popular park is home to 92 sculptures created by the famous artist William Ricketts.

The O’Shannassy’s Aqueduct Trail between Mount Donna Buang Rd and Cement Creek Rd in the Yarra Ranges National Park has reopened, as well as the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens.

R.J Hammer Arboretum and Eagle’s Nest Picnic Ground will also reopen on Saturday.

Details: parks.vic.gov.au