Parks Victoria rangers are busy welcoming visitors back to You Yangs Regional Park, following the completion of the first stage of extensive flood recovery works. Parks Victoria Chief Ranger Siobhan Rogan said visitors were keen to get back into the park and see the benefits of a $1.5 million restoration plan.
“The You Yangs Regional Park has improved roads, tracks and trails, landscaping, toilets, car parking and picnic facilities.

“They are part of a plan to repair infrastructure and improve visitor facilities following wide-spread storm damage and heavy rains late last year and early this year.”

You Yangs Regional Park Ranger in Charge Gary Learmonth said visitors flocked to the park when the gates re-opened at 8am last Sunday.

“It was great to see such an enthusiastic response. Visitors arrived early to take advantage of the excellent facilities on offer for bushwalking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain bike riding and horse-riding.

“The Kurrajong Mountain Bike Area and The Stockyards were among the busiest with people travelling from far and wide to get back and test their skills on the mountain bike trails.”

Parks Victoria thanks everyone for their support during the closure, and assistance with the park clean up.

“We appreciate the support from the local community, clubs, Conservation Volunteers, friends groups and students that worked with staff to help get the park gates open again,” said Ms Rogan.

“Their assistance in track clearing, planting, re-working trails, installing new signage, tracks, steps and boardwalks has been invaluable.”

“Staff are now focusing on preparing for a busy spring and summer as works to restore other areas in the park continue,” she said.

Rockwell Run (Track 4) and Link Track (Track 11) in the Stockyards Mountain Bike Area are closed, and Flinders Peak is expected to remain closed until stage 2 is completed later in the year.

“The park closure has truly demonstrated how much people appreciate the You Yangs as a fantastic outdoor destination. It’s wonderful to see the park busy with visitors and tourists again,” said Ms Rogan.

For more information or a snap shot of the recovery works please see www.parks.vic.gov.au  or call 13 1963.

Buchan Caves reserve is unaffected by the heavy rains in East Gippsland and is open but many parks and reserves in East Gippsland will be closed due to past heavy rain, so check before visiting them, this weekend or wait until it dries out a bit.

Take care when travelling through East Gippsland parks and reserves this weekend

www.gray-nomad.com Gray with an a for active, ageing well, fitness, exercise, motivated, nomad, seniors, travelling Australia in caravan, travelling with a dog and downsizing.

Kathy Shell