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Rejuvenation after bushfire


At the start of January 2018, a deliberately lit fire near the Helena Valley swept through and destroyed the Helena Campsite.

The area near the campsite in January
The area near the campsite in January

While the Track is now open, Helena Campsite remains closed and will be for many more months while the site is rehabilitated and the campsite eventually rebuilt.

Helena campsite destroyed in 2018
Helena campsite destroyed in 2018

The fire was severe and many plants and trees have died.

A section of pine planation through which the Track passes, was completely destroyed and it is not a pleasant sight, for the time being at least.

For those plants and trees that did survive, recovery is slow but nature is doing its thing at its own pace.

Eight months on the bush starts to regenerate
Eight months on the bush starts to regenerate

Some areas were burnt hotter than others and this is indicated in the speed of recovery.

The fire was particularly hot here
The fire was particularly hot here

It is a good time to get out there and see first-hand how the bush is regenerating.

And right now, the waterfalls are fabulous!

Waterfall near Manns Gully
Waterfall near Manns Gully

Another waterfall near Manns Gully
Another waterfall near Manns Gully
Leaping Spider Orchid
Leaping Spider Orchid

On a walk last weekend, many wildflowers were spotted including some favourite orchids (Leaping Spider, Cowslips, Donkey, Bird, Pink Fairy, Jug, Blue China and Silky Blue orchids).

When we have more news about the rebuild of the campsite, we will post it on our Track conditions in the Section By Section Guide.