Wimmera and Grampians residents can travel to their nearby national parks for exercise, the state government has confirmed.
A government spokeswoman told the Mail-Times people in stage three restrictions, such as the Grampians and Wimmera, should only be travelling a "reasonable distance" to exercise.
"You can leave your (council area) but you shouldn't be driving hours to find a walking track," she said.
Horsham and Ararat Sergeants have also left advice for residents on interpreting restrictions as they relate to shopping and exercise.
On Friday, a Parks Victoria spokesman confirmed only locals exercising could access the Grampians, to reduce the number of people moving around in the community and reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus.
Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park is also open "to local residents in regional Victoria". Parks Victoria's website states "You can use this park for walking, hiking, bike riding... or yoga so long as it is (the park) closest to your home".
"While exercising with a person outside your household, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance from them and others. Some parts of this park are closed to reduce the number of people moving around in the community and reduce the risk of transmission."
Public access to a section of the Around the World Boulder at Mount Arapiles is also restricted, as possible Aboriginal Rock Art has been identified.
During the first wave of stage three restrictions in the Wimmera, locals were defined as those living in the same postcode as Mount Arapiles.
Langi Ghiran and Mount Buangor state parks, east of Ararat, and Lake Albacutya Park north of Rainbow are closed completely according to the Parks Victoria website.
The Department of Health and Human Services website suggests people exercise and use recreational facilities "at the closest available location" to their homes.
The DHHS further states people can travel to the park for exercise by themselves or with one other person or members of their household.
"When you leave home you must wear a face covering. If you are not doing exercise or a physical activity where you are out of breath or puffing then you must wear a face covering," the website states.
Ararat Sergeant Jarrod Chatfield said there were no restrictions on the distances people in stage three lockdown could travel to do any of the four activities.
"The question you need to ask is 'Is it essential?'," he said. "It's about commonsense. For people who live at (places like) Marnoo, it would make sense for them to travel to shop, or if people live near a national park."
Sergeant Chatfield said there had been no fines for COVID-19 breaches on any shift he had worked since stage three restrictions came back in.
"Make sure you are wearing masks and only travel if it is essential," he said.
Horsham Sergeant Jason Harris said exercising in open national parks was permitted, but police would use their discretion on a case-by-case basis.
"I think police generally seek to educate people and make sure they are doing the right thing," he said.
"I'm new to the area, and I was going to check out some of the sights around here but I erred on the side of caution and decided not to."
As of 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 2, face coverings must be worn by all Victorians when they leave home unless they have a lawful exception, including if they are doing exercise, unless they are out of breath or puffing.
The Mail-Times has contacted the DHHS for a statement on how it defines "local" residents.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested then stay home
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
