Many parks across the state will be closed due to Catastrophic and Extreme Fire Danger Ratings. Stay home and stay safe.
Friday 9 January, is forecast to be a day of Catastrophic Fire Danger in the Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central and South West fire weather districts, and Extreme Fire Danger for the rest of Victoria.
Parks Victoria has announced it will be closing these parks in Greater Melbourne, among others: Dandenong Ranges National Park, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens and Warrandyte State Park (partial closure).
All parks in Catastrophic Fire Danger areas will be closed to visitors Friday 9 January for public safety. Parks in some other areas have also been closed due to high risks.
This means that if you are in one of these parks, you should leave today (Thursday 8 January 2026). If you were planning to visit on Friday, you should change your plans.
If you are camping, your camping booking will be cancelled and refunded. If your camping booking started on Friday 9 January 2026, it will be refunded for that day. Parks Victoria will contact you with additional information if required.
The message is clear – stay home and stay safe. It is too dangerous to enter or camp in parks in these conditions.
