The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) advises that Purnululu National Park will remain closed following a recent bushfire.
DPaW East Kimberley District Manager Luke Bentley said significant damage to visitor facilities, including important trail markers and toilets, meant that the park could not be reopened before the wet season closure, which occurs annually on 1 December.
“This decision has been made in the interests of visitor safety and amenity,” Mr Bentley said.
“We have started repairing damaged infrastructure in Purnululu, but this will take some time, so we’re going to keep the park closed for the time being.
“Purnululu National Park is scheduled to reopen on 1 April 2014.”
Mr Bentley said the fire, which burnt through 24,000 hectares of the park from 24 to 30 October, damaged facilities in the Piccaninny day use area, Cathedral Gorge and Domes walk trails.
“Up to 60 signs that help visitors to navigate safely around these areas have been destroyed,” he said.
“With burnt toilet facilities and surrounding landscape as well, Purnululu is not a place for visitors at the moment.
“There are no commercial tour operators using the park at this time of year and relatively few self-drive users so we believe this early closure will not cause significant disruption for visitors to the East Kimberley.”
For more information about the Purnululu National Park closure, contact the DPaW Kununurra office on 9168 4200.
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