Mount Buffalo is expected to be a popular option for families seeking snow this winter, but numbers will be limited at the national park.
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With free entry and easy access, the park is always attractive for tobogganing, snow-play and cross-country skiing, but will also provide an alternative when ski resorts hit capacity.
Vehicle numbers will also be monitored and restricted at Mount Buffalo, with Parks Victoria to halt entry when the maximum is reached.
This maximum capacity has not been stated, but there will be regular monitoring of popular sites such as Dingo Dell to ensure social distancing is maintained in popular areas.
David Chitty of Adventure Guides Australia believed arrangements would be flexible and said his customers would be able to access the mountain.
"If they reach capacity, whatever that might be, it will probably be more about how many people are parking in certain locations, rather than how many people are actually on the mountain," he said.
"The gates will allow 'x' amount of cars in, but up on the mountain the rangers will be looking at spots such as the Gorge or Dingo Dell.
"I think there will be quite a demand for access to places like Mount Buffalo and Dinner Plain.
"Buffalo is really a great family winter playground, it's just unfortunate we have to look at how we meet the challenges."
The main car park with about 300 spaces on Mount Buffalo Road will be closed, restricting parking to the access road into Dingo Dell, and rangers will ask people to continue to Cresta Valley if the road is full.
"The access road is about 400 metres, which we think will take about 30 cars," Mr Chitty said.
"You may have 150 cars at Cresta simply because people can spread themselves out more.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"We're not going to be running lessons at Dingo Dell - we're going to run all our activities at Cresta.
"At the moment, we're only allowed to have groups of 10, we were going to 50."
Despite being impacted by the Victorian government holding back on larger outdoor gatherings, Mr Chitty said he was able to offer tours and other activities with the right precautions.
"We really need to follow the government rules and do the right thing, and be friendly to the people who are trying to manage this," Mr Chitty said.
The full Parks Victoria advice for Mount Buffalo is as follows:
- Observe physical distancing of 1.5 metres at all times
- Do not gather in groups of more than 20 people
- Check that the park is open before travelling
- We recommend visiting the snowplay areas mid-week rather than on busy weekends
- Bring your own hand sanitiser
- If a car park is full, no more people can visit that site. Do not join vehicle queues or park illegally.
- Be self-sufficient with extra warm clothing, spare dry clothing, food and water.
At Dingo Dell:
- Parking will only be permitted along the access road into Dingo Dell. This will be monitored throughout the day and vehicles will be allowed to enter as other vehicles leave.
- The main car park on Mount Buffalo Road will be closed. Please continue to Cresta Valley if the access road is full.
- The café and day visitor centre in Keown Lodge is open. They will be offering a takeaway café service only with limited operating hours and menu options. Toilets will be available.
- There will be no indoor shelter available.
- Homemade toboggans will not be permitted.
At Cresta Valley:
- There is no indoor shelter available.
- Toilets are available, please ensure physical distancing of 1.5m when queuing. Hand sanitiser is supplied in the toilets.
- There is no water supply at Cresta. Please be self-sufficient by bringing your own food and drinks.
- Homemade toboggans will not be permitted.
