Forest Access Safety Requirements

Weather Conditions

• Never enter forests during strong winds - trees can uproot, branches and cones may fall and you may become trapped or injured.
• Forests close as a precaution during high fire risk periods. Help us protect our forests from fire.
• Do not enter operational work areas. Significant hazards exist from tree felling and / or heavy machinery and trucks.
• Check signage and / or website updates before visiting.

Operational Area Safety

• Strictly obey all warning signs and stay away from "Operational Areas."
• No access to active harvesting areas, even during weekends and holidays.
• When in doubt, do not enter - your safety is paramount.

Recreational Access Guidelines

General Access for Personal Recreational (No Permit Required)

This applies to: walking and Mountain biking;
and excludes:

• all motorised access, including motorbikes and hunting, which is access by permit only.
• commercial access i.e. commercial dog walking, possum trapping, events, tour group, etc, which is access by permit only.

Ross Creek Forest walking tracks: Open – check for fire danger or operational restrictions

Flagstaff Forest walking and mountain bike tracks: Open – check for fire danger or operational restrictions

Purpose-built mountain bike tracks in Ross Creek and Flagstaff Forests

Permitted Access Areas

Other forest areas: weekends, public holidays, and weekdays 6pm-dusk (daylight saving period)

All access is subject to operational requirements, fire danger and safety conditions

Specialised Activity Safety

Commercial Forest Access

All commercial activities such as professional dog walking, possum trapping, tour groups or organised events require a specific forest access permit.

The commercial activity or event operator must have:

• A business or event plan including a health and safety plan
• An emergency plan.
• Liability insurance (to a level specified by City Forests)

Hunting Access & Safety Protocol

• Hunting access is “Walk-in” access only to designated hunting blocks unless otherwise agreed.
• The permit holder is responsible for all members of the hunting party.
• Two additional people may accompany the permit holder only if listed on the permit by name.
• Hunting permits are for weekend hunting during daylight hours only in your designated block.
• Firearms must be unloaded until the party is in the specific hunting block area
• Permits may be cancelled at short notice and the forest closed during high fire risk and high winds
• Named permits required – a regular ballot system is used for applications, waiting lists are common.

Horse Riding Safety

• Flagstaff Forest access outside operational hours
• Other areas require permits
• Prohibited on walking and mountain bike tracks

Mountain Biking Safety

• Dedicated tracks in Flagstaff and Ross Creek Forests welcome all skill levels
• Hi-vis clothing strongly recommended
• Respect shared track usage with walkers

Environmental Safety & Protection

Poison & Trap Safety

• Do not touch baits, lures, carcasses, or traps
• Observe contractor warning signs at forest entrances
• Dogs prohibited during pest control operations

Fire Prevention

• Absolutely no fires or smoking in forests at any time
• Report any smoke or fire: Dial 111 immediately
• Forests close during high fire danger periods

Emergency Contact

• Fire or Medical Emergency: Dial 111
• Safety concerns or suspicious activities: (03) 467-7730
• Online safety reporting of hazards or issues is available through the City Forests website

Report a hazard online form