Mt Stirling, which has been closed since December 2006 due to the bushfires, re-opened to the general public on 21st February 2007.

For further information about the status of the tracks, trails and roads on Mt Stirling,
please contact

Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort Management
Tel: (03) 5777 6077
Mob: 0408 576 785

Come and see the bush re-generating
"Mountain bikers, horse riders, 4-wheel drivers and bushwalkers are now able to access Mt Stirling and take a look at the effect that fire has had on the region," said Phil Nunn, CEO, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board (ARMB). "Regeneration has already begun and people will enjoy seeing the Resort rejuvenate."

"Commercial operators who conduct activities on Mt Stirling will also be greatly relieved that they can again access the mountain to commence operations and try and return to some normality."

Even though the immediate fire threat to Mt Stirling had passed by early January, the Resort has remained closed due to the amount of fire damaged vegetation present which potentially posed a risk to people accessing the mountain.

Making the bush safe again
While the clearing of dangerous vegetation and assessment of fire affected areas is traditionally a DSE task; faced with limited resources, DSE gave the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board (ARMB) authority to determine when Mt Stirling's roads would be safe in early February. The ARMB immediately commissioned a qualified tree specialist to assess the area, and proceeded to remove any trees identified as potentially dangerous - re-opening Mt Stirling a week and half later.

"The completion of the assessment of damage and potential heightened risk caused by the recent fires has enabled the ARMB to carry out the necessary remedial work and removal of trees that were identified as having their stability and integrity impacted by fire," said Nunn. "As a result of our efforts, we have been advised by specialists that the tracks and trails at Mt Stirling are now safe to use, by which we mean that the trees adjacent to the roads, tracks and trails appear to be in a similar structural condition to that which existed prior to the fires."

Stay on defined roads, tracks and trails
Mt Stirling Road, the main access road into the Resort, is open from Mirimbah to Telephone Box Junction (TBJ), and the Circuit Road is open from TBJ to the No.3 turn Off and to Howqua Gap.

"Visitors and commercial operators now accessing Mt Stirling are asked to stay on defined roads, tracks and trails, and to not venture into State Forest or National Park land as these areas have not yet been assessed or cleared for public use," said Nunn. "Parks Victoria and the DSE have indicated that they will be placing signs at various points around Mt Stirling to warn the public that they should not proceed beyond those points until clearance is given to do so."

Be aware of the risks
The road over the summit of Mt Stirling will remain closed until the Parks Victoria and DSE land located next to Mt Stirling is risk assessed and re-opened. The DSE will be erecting signs indicating these road closures at Kings Saddle and Howqua Gap to signify the on-going closure of the National Parks and State Forests.

"Even though Mt Stirling has re-opened to the public, people using the Resort must be aware of the heightened risk resulting from the fires," said Nunn. "Heavy rain may lead to burnt logs and trees close to the embankments moving and land slips may also occur."

"Vic Forests will also be conducting logging in the area, so people should be aware that there may be logging vehicles using the roads and tracks."