The works mark the first of a four stage recovery program to restore access on the northern side of Stony Creek, beginning at the Botanical Gardens in Halls Gap.

Later phases of repair work will see the Venus Baths Loop Walk reinstated and walking access returned to Splitters Falls and the Wonderland Carpark.

Liberal Member for Western Victoria, Simon Ramsay, said the $200,000 Venus Baths project is part of the Victorian State Government’s $19.7 million Flood Recovery Program.

“The January 2011 storm event led to significant flooding of Stony Creek and several major landslides in the area surrounding Venus Baths,” Mr Ramsay said.

“The flooding and accumulation of rubble from the landslides damaged the Mount Victory Road, the walking tracks into Venus Baths and destroyed two footbridges.”

Mr Ramsay said the extent of flooding and its impact in the area was so intense that it changed the direction of the creek.

Access should be restored to the area in early October, weather depending.

Parks Victoria rangers said the rock pools at Venus Baths have been a popular place for people for more than a hundred years.

The short walk from Halls Gap takes visitors along Stony Creek, through a tranquil forest, before reaching the rock pools of Venus Baths.

Visitors are asked to respect any closures. Gates and signage will be erected around work areas to ensure public safety.

For further information on walking in the Grampians National Park call into Brambuk the National Park and Culture Centre in Halls Gap, visit Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.