Winter road and track closures across public land are set to take effect this month, and visitors to Victoria’s parks and forests are being reminded that the majority of seasonal closures will begin on June 11, following the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The temporary closures are designed to ensure motorist safety and reduce damage to remote roads and tracks that are highly vulnerable to winter conditions, including heavy rain and snow.
Each year, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Parks Victoria, and the Conservation Regulator enforce road and track closures across public land from May through to November.
Authorised officers will be educating visitors about the upcoming changes in busy parks and forests during the King’s Birthday long weekend, followed by increased patrols and surveillance over the 2026 closure period.
In 2025, Parks Victoria authorised officers issued 200 infringement notices under the Conservation (Vehicle Control) Regulations, including for driving cars or riding trail bikes illegally off-road or in restricted areas.
Anyone caught driving or riding on a closed road in Victoria’s parks and forests faces a maximum penalty of up to $4070 if prosecuted in court.
Before heading out, visitors are advised to check local road and track closures alongside current weather conditions. Further information about public land road closures can be found on the FFMVic website, while the VicEmergency app provides up-to-date severe weather warnings. Environmental crime can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
“Winter is a great time to experience our parks and forests, but road closures are in place for a reason,” FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said.
“Respecting closed roads and tracks helps keep visitors and emergency services workers safe and prevents unnecessary damage.”
Acting chief conservation regulator Callie Donaldson echoed the sentiment, noting that driving on closed roads in wet conditions can severely damage both the tracks and the surrounding sensitive environments.
“Our authorised officers patrol forests during the closure period to make sure drivers and riders follow vehicle rules and stay off closed roads,” Ms Donaldson said.
Parks Victoria enforcement capability manager Chris Mercier said seasonal road closures are ultimately needed to protect both park users and the environment when conditions become slippery and unsafe.
“Respecting road closures helps to keep our tracks in better condition for all users when they are reopened in drier weather,” Mr Mercier said.
