General News
20 January, 2025
Visitors return to support recovery
After three weeks of closure due to bushfires, visitors have begun returning to Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park, which reopened last week.
The much-anticipated reopening has brought renewed hope to the local tourism sector, signaling the start of recovery for the fire-affected region.
The development offers more than just a boost in visitors numbers, as it provides a critical economic lifeline for local businesses and communities that rely heavily on tourism.
The return of tourists is seen as a key step in helping the region rebuild its economy.
Day visitors have been quick to take advantage of access to the park's iconic natural attractions. However, challenges remain for businesses that depend on overnight stays and short-term visitors, highlighting the need for continued recovery efforts.
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism CEO Marc Sleeman expressed his excitement about welcoming visitors back, emphasizing the critical role tourism plays in the region’s economy.
“Tourism is a great economic driver of our region, supporting over 1,000 small businesses and 5,000 workers,” he said.
“The reopening is a step towards recovery, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Key attractions, including MacKenzie Falls, Boroka Lookout, and the North Peak Trail, are now fully operational, providing visitors access to some of the Grampians’ most breathtaking landscapes.
While the road between Halls Gap and Dunkeld remains closed, visitors are making the most of reopened areas, helping to restore the region’s vibrancy.
Local businesses are steadily reopening, with many relying on the crucial summer holiday period, which generates approximately 30 percent of their annual income.
“The next three months are always quiet, so some businesses want to make some good money in this holiday season,” Mr Sleeman said.
Day visitors have been strong since the reopening, but the region is still working to attract overnight stays.
Mr Sleeman emphasized the importance of community involvement and government support for long-term recovery.
“I think community will play an important role in the recovery period, as they are the biggest ambassadors of our region,” he said.
“GWM Tourism is coordinating with local and state governments to support recovery of our region, and we welcome any kind of support which is being announced.
“It would be a long-term recovery and we need more support over the next 18 to 24 months.
“We still don’t know the exact financial conditions and it is too early to establish the full economic impact.”
According to Forest Fire Management Victoria the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park bushfire began three weeks ago on December 17, 2024, when dry lightning started multiple fires in the southern part of the park.
The fire claimed four residential properties in Moyston and Mafeking as well as 40 outbuildings in Moyston, Willaura, Willaura North, Mafeking, Pomonal, Glenthompson and Mirranatwa.
Data as of January 5, shows livestock losses include 1,275 sheep, one horse, one beef cattle and 1,285 beehives.
The area of farmland burnt by the fire is 13,538 hectare, with 596 kilometers of fencing, 14 sheds, 4 vehicles and 10,053 hectare of pasture.
