It’s that time of year again. The snow’s melted, the sun’s out, and across Victoria, some of our favourite seasonal tracks are finally shaking off the winter shackles. After months of closure to protect the tracks from damage, the gates are creaking back open across the High Country and beyond. But (and there’s always a “but”, isn’t there?) a handful are staying shut a little longer.
Why the Closures Happen
Every year, Parks Victoria and Four Wheel Drive Victoria team up to close down heaps of tracks from the King’s Birthday long weekend (yep, back in June) through to the end of October. That covers the muddy, slushy, snow-blanketed months when even the best muddies won’t save you from chewing up sensitive ground.
It’s not bureaucracy for the sake of it either. It protects the tracks so they’re actually passable come summer, safeguards water quality, and prevents ecosystems getting torn apart. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, these seasonal closures mean we still get a golden window every year to explore the alpine regions in top condition.
What’s Open And What’s Not
As of now, most of the big-name routes are back open for business. Want to take the rigs into the Alpine National Park? Fancy a crack at Wonnangatta? Planning a summer trip through Snowy River National Park? You’re pretty much good to go. Dust off the swag. Top up the long-range tank. It’s time to hit the hills.
However…
These Tracks Are Still Closed
A few key tracks are staying locked up while Parks Vic finish repairs or wait out the worst of the wet:
- Mt Pinnibar Track & Stony Creek Track (Alpine National Park – East)
Sections of this iconic track are still closed due to ongoing maintenance, though you can access the summit via the central section.
New opening date: 31 December 2025 - Betts Creek Track (Snowy River National Park – East)
Still under repair and staying closed a little while longer.
New opening date: 5 December 2025 - Rifle Range Road and surrounds (Narrawong Flora Reserve – West)
These roads are locked up to prevent the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomic, a nasty plant root fungus that turns wet ground into a death zone for local vegetation.
New opening date: 30 November 2025
Plus, there are a dozen other tracks still set to reopen in mid-November so if your plans depend on one of those, keep refreshing the Parks Vic page before you throw the swag in the tub.
Before You Go
It’s still spring in the High Country, and conditions can go from hard-packed to slop real quick. Before setting off:
- Check the latest updates via the Parks Victoria closures page or MapshareVic.
- Be ready for lingering bog and sloppy patches on higher tracks.
- Have recovery gear.
- Respect any gates that are locked. They’re shut for a reason.
