Updated 27 July 2020:

The outdoors can provide many people with a place to get away from feelings of anxiety, stress and concern. These are all feelings which may become elevated as the country navigates its way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Western Australia entered Phase 4 easing of restrictions on 26 June.

• See details of Phase 4 here, and FAQs here.
• See here to read the latest from the Prime Minister on entering the recovery phase.

Where can I find information about the COVID-19 situation?

You can find the most up to date advice on COVID-19 on the Western Australian Government website and the Federal Department of Health website.

Can I continue to take part in outdoor recreation?

Yes, you can continue to take part in Outdoor Recreation, and you should keep doing it. It has positive influences on mind and body. You should keep in mind that while the spread of COVID-19 infection seems to have been controlled in WA, it’s still sensible to maintain good personal hygiene and keep your distance from others in public spaces where practical.

What restrictions are in place for outdoor recreation?

• Public playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment are now open for use. See a guide to local playgrounds here.
• Exercise commonsense when recreating outdoors. If you go to a park, reserve or beach, give others space and maintain your hand hygiene when using public facilities (doors, taps, handles).
• Do not to leave your home if you are in self-isolation or have cold or flu-like symptoms.

Where can I get specific advice about my recreation activity?

We recommend that you follow the specific advice of your club’s state sporting association or peak body.

• Paddling and Watersports activities – Paddle Australia
• Cycling – WestCycle
• Bushwalking – HikeWest
• Outdoors WA
• Climbing – Climbing Association of WA
• Recreational Fishing – RecFishWest
• Recreational Boating – Department of Transport (WA)

GSCORE will provide more information as it is received from other associations. If you have any further enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Should I go on a long-distance hike or bike ride?

Yes. Restrictions on this kind of activity have now been removed. Exercise good personal hygiene when using public facilities.

Can I go on an overnight hike or ride on the Bibbulmun Track or the Munda Biddi Trail?

• Bibbulmun Track Huts have re-opened. Please read this advice from the Bibbulman Track Foundation.
• Munda Biddi Trail Huts are open. The huts will be signposted by Parks and Wildlife to indicate the maximum occupancy.
• Please be prepared and take a tent with you to the campsites as huts may be full.

Where can I go?

Most DBCA managed national parks and reserves are currently open for use by visitors, aside from William Bay National Park which is closed for refurbishment and expected to open in August. 

The City of Albany’s nature-based campsites now open include:

• Cosy Corner
• Torbay Inlet
• East Bay
• Betty’s Beach
• Normans Beach
• Cape Riche

For more information, visit the City of Albany’s camping page.