The Victorian Government is harvesting pine plantation at the Delatite Arm Reserve as part of a long-running program to restore native forest along Lake Eildon. The Delatite Arm Reforestation Project has been underway since 2001 and has already converted more than 1,400 hectares of pine to native forest.
This season's works will harvest six coupes across the reserve between October 2026 and May 2027, the first year of a three-year, 28-coupe program covering the remaining 440 hectares of pine plantation. Harvesting is expected to be completed by May 2029, with the site progressively revegetated with endemic native species following each coupe.
Works are managed by DEECA's Hume Region in partnership with:
The table below lists current campground status. If your preferred campground is listed as open you can visit as normal. If it is listed as closed it is not open for use, but all other designated campgrounds in the reserve remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. The table is updated as operations progress.
Check back before planning your visit or use the More to Explore app for real-time closure information.
| Campground | Status | Closed from | Expected reopening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkers Flat | Closing soon | 21 September 2026 | 18 December 2026 |
| The Island | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 5 March 2027 |
| Wentworths | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Ewarts | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Taylors | Closing soon | 1 February 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| All other campgrounds | Open | - | - |
Walsh's Road will remain open throughout the project. Traffic management will be in place when harvesting is active near the road, including reduced speed limits and strictly managed operating hours. As part of the project, 1.8 kilometres of Walsh's Road will be sealed, improving conditions for visitors and reducing dust and noise for residents.
Some tracks and informal recreation trails may be temporarily closed when works are active nearby. Public Safety Zones declared under the Safety on Public Land Act 2004 restrict access to active harvest areas. Signs will be in place at all entry points to any closed areas.
When harvesting is active, a Public Safety Zone (PSZ) applies to the surrounding area. Access within the PSZ is not permitted while DEECA machinery or staff are present on site.
Residents using State forest roads as the most practical access to their private property retain access within a declared PSZ.
To see current PSZ declarations visit Forest and road closures.
The Delatite Arm Reserve has been progressively returned to native forest since 2001.
Pine trees are introduced species and their removal enables native species to re-establish, restoring habitat for local wildlife and protecting the health of Lake Eildon's catchment.
The project contributes to Victoria's Biodiversity 2037 strategy.
The three-year harvesting program runs from October 2026 to May 2029.
Works pause over winter each year and during peak holiday periods. Revegetation will occur progressively following each coupe, with full restoration expected by the end of the program.
Harvested timber is sold through a competitive tender process and fully utilised — processed into sawn timber, plywood, medium-density fibreboard, or woodchips. No material is left on site.
No. Closures are staged to align with the harvesting schedule.
Only campgrounds immediately adjacent to active harvest areas will be closed. All other campgrounds in the reserve remain open.
Check the closure table above before your visit.
Yes. Walsh's Road will not be closed. Traffic management will be in place at times when harvesting is active near the road.
As part of the project, 1.8 km of Walsh's Road will be sealed.
The Delatite Arm Reserve has 28 designated campgrounds. With only a small number closed at any one time, there are many alternatives within the reserve.
Use the More to Explore app to find open sites nearby.
This page is updated regularly. You can also check:
Page last updated: 14/09/26