Warburton’s Redwood Forest and Upper Ferntree Gully’s 1000 Steps closed
Two popular Yarra Ranges tourist attractions will be under lock and key for the long weekend, with authorities taking the drastic move to close the scenic spots after chaotic scenes which saw police called to manage crowds.
Outer East
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Fitness fanatics and nature-lovers won’t be visiting the 1000 Steps or the Redwood Forest anytime soon after authorities decided it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Parks Victoria will lock the gates to the popular areas from tomorrow because of physical distancing concerns following two weekends of mayhem with police called in to manage the hordes of people flocking to the tourist attractions.
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said both parks would be shut from Friday, June 5, until 11.59pm on Sunday, June 21.
“Despite interventions by Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to manage physical distancing, vehicle traffic and public safety concerns at these two sites, visitation has continued to be unprecedented necessitating the need to close,” they said.
“Directions will continue to be enforced through spot checks to ensure compliance with the directions of the Chief Health Officer.”
They said a small number of sites remained closed or had restrictions in place, so visitors were encouraged to check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information.
Mooroolbark police Acting Senior Sergeant Kevin Hogg said there were extra police resources working in the Yarra Valley to monitor the situation.
“Parking on Warburton Highway is strictly prohibited,” Acting Sen-Sgt Hogg said.
“It’s illegal parking and downright ridiculous.”
He said Warburton East residents had contacted police about the situation in the past.
“It’s maintaining social distancing that is the biggest issue at the moment and people abiding by that,” Acting Sen-Sgt Hogg said.
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Last week scenes at the 1000 Steps and Redwood Forest were described by police as “bedlam” who had to control huge crowds and traffic.
Parking fines were handed out at the 1000 Steps in Upper Ferntree Gully, while video footage was shared on social media of officers turning cars away from the Redwood Forest in Warburton East on Saturday.
A fortnight ago Yarra Ranges councillors made an urgent decision to install no stopping signs on Woods Point and Cement Creek roads, leading up to the Redwood Forest after recent overcrowding at the tourist attraction.