Erskine Falls to close during days of high fire danger periods

PARKS Victoria has announced it will close Erskine Falls on days of extreme fire weather to protect the safety of visitors at the popular site.

The visitor area of the waterfall near Lorne will be closed when an Extreme or Code Red Fire Danger Rating is forecast for the Central District.

Parks Victoria will re-open the visitor area to the public the following day.

Emergency services have identified Erskine Falls as a very high bushfire risk area, due to the heavily forested area, difficult access and location of the falls.

If extreme weather prompts a closure, Parks Victoria will close the access road leading into the visitor area, place Variable Message Board signs at key locations nearby, alert local media, and inform the Lorne Visitor Information Centre.

Parks Victoria chief ranger for the Surf Coast area Michelle Anstee said despite the site’s popularity, the site needed to be closed the site on days of extreme fire weather “as our first priority is the safety of our visitors and staff”.

“Access to the visitor carpark is on a single access road through dense forest. The waterfall viewing area at the base of the falls can only be reached a set of steep stairs.

“There is also limited phone reception at the site, meaning it would be difficult for the public to call emergency services for help during an incident.

“Closures will be kept to a minimum as days of Extreme or Code Red fire danger do not occur frequently in the Lorne area.

“We urge the public to keep themselves – and emergency services personnel – safe by staying out of closed areas of parks.”

Visitors are encouraged to check the Central District Fire Danger Rating before their visit by going to emergency.vic.gov.au.

To receive real-time emergency warnings and alerts, visitors should download the VicEmergency app to their smartphone.