Gardens closed in fire weather

THE Royal Botanic Gardens will close Stringybark Picnic Area at times of very high and extreme fire danger this summer.
Director Chris Russell said the decision to close the picnic area was taken to reduce the risk of danger to visitors, staff and wildlife.
“We will be guided by the Bureau of Meteorology’s assessment of fire danger,” Mr Russell said.
But the new Woodland Picnic Area, the Australian Garden and the remainder of the bushland would remain open during days of extreme fire danger, he said.
On declared total fire ban days, all areas of the gardens, excluding the Australian Garden, would close.