The Black Summer bushfires of 2019–20 burnt through vast areas of land and destroyed many park facilities in east Gippsland. While many locations re-opened soon after the fires, projects in some areas continue as we rebuild infrastructure and facilities to help rejuvenate the visitor experience, support tourism, and build back better.
At areas around Buchan, Mallacoota and Cape Conran, we’re continuing to work through complex assessments, permits and approvals. These activities take time but are essential to delivering works in the right way on these diverse and precious landscapes.
Buchan Caves Reserve
Cave tours began operating again soon after the fires and are now as popular as ever. Visitors and locals have also been enjoying the pool since it reopened earlier this year. Daily monitoring of the pool and flow rates is occurring to keep the pool open and safe. Meanwhile, tenders are being evaluated for a consultant to develop designs for the replacement of roofed accommodation and the camp kitchen which were lost in the fires. Visit Buchan Caves Reserve bushfire recovery for more updates.
Cape Conran Coastal Park
Projects at Cape Conran are progressing through the approvals and permits process to replace infrastructure that was damaged or destroyed by fire and floods. At Banksia Bluff, 10 cabins, the Parks Victoria office and activity centre are being rebuilt, and services including power, water and sewage are being upgraded. Flood damage around the Yeerung Bridge and Lookout is progressing. The bridge is only open to pedestrians while designs for a new bridge are developed. The old Yeerung Lookout has been removed and a new lookout will be rebuilt. Visit Cape Conran bushfire recovery for more updates.
Mallacoota and surrounds
Concept designs have been completed to replace or upgrade up to six jetties around Mallacoota Inlet. This project will also upgrade day visitor areas around the inlet with facilities like picnic tables, fire pits, access tracks, barbeques, and toilets.
Thurra River Bridge, which was destroyed by fire and then heavily impacted by flood and storm events, will be rebuilt by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), with a current completion date of late 2025. The tender has just closed for the construction of the new bridge. The bridge will restore access and allow additional projects to progress, such as upgrades for the Point Hicks Visitor Precinct and lighthouse. In the meantime, works will proceed in parallel on rebuilding the Thurra River Campground so that it can reopen to the public once the bridge is complete. Visit Mallacoota and surrounds bushfire recovery for more updates.
