POLICE have closed Mt William Road in Halls Gap due to unsafe conditions.

Stawell State Emergency Service controller Alan Blight said visitors and residents should exercise caution in the snow-covered area. 

“The snow’s been pretty heavy,” he said. 

“We’ve had a fair bit fall, and quite low. 

“It’s not quite at Halls Gap but it’s below Boroka Lookout.

“Police have closed Mt William Road.”

Mr Blight estimated snowfall was about three to five centimetres deep.

“Really be careful on the roads today,” he said.

“Especially in alpine or sub-alpine areas, it’s very slippery.

“If you’re going to look at the snow, take your time.”

Mr Blight said SES were called to three fallen tree hazards on Wednesday morning, and 11 on Tuesday. 

SES cleared two section of Northern Grampians Road and another hazard near the Boroka Lookout.

Wimmera residents and tourists flocked to the Grampians to experience the second snowfall of the season. 

Grampians Tourism chief executive Will Flamsteed said the the snow was a great boost to visitor numbers and businesses in nearby towns.

“It’s quite pretty here today,” he said. 

“We had a significant dumping of snow across the ranges.

“It’s fantastic, we’re seeing a lot of visitors from as far away as Mount Gambier some to see the snow.

“People are getting coffees, hot chocolates and children are playing in the snow.

“It’s a great burst of energy from the cold days we’ve been having.”

Mr Flamsteed said the second snowfall was an added bonus to the region. 

“Usually we get a burst of snow once a year, to have two reasonable falls a year is really exciting,” he said.

“The weather pattern across the whole south-east Australia has been pretty amazing.

“It’s been a great boost to the town.

“I’ve even see people buying ice cream but each to their own. 

“Tourism is a very important part of our region, it employs thousands of people, and brings millions to the economy. 

“Anything that attracts more people is really important for the region.”