The Overland Track will stay closed until next week as a precaution while bushfires continue to burn through Tasmania’s remote West Coast wilderness.
The renowned track was shut on Wednesday for an initial period of three days after a bushfire came within five kilometres. It will now reopen on Monday morning.
Parks and Wildlife Incident Controller Nic Deka said extending the closure by 24 hours is a “precautionary measure”.
“Extending the track closure [from Saturday] to Sunday will allow fire crews to strengthen containment lines and consolidate operations,” he said.
“It also provides greater certainty for those booked to walk the track in the coming days.”
The decision was made due to ongoing containment and backburning efforts, combined with a forecast weather shift, Deka said.
“On Sunday, the weather shifts around to the east and this will reduce the risk to walkers and assets.”
The closure only affects Overland Track walkers, as both Cradle Mountain and the mountain shuttle bus remain open and running as usual.
Anyone booked to walk the track during the closure will receive a full refund.
