Four friends at a campsite with tents and a car with the text overlay 'pack your summer smarts'.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Summer safety

Summer is a popular time to venture into parks. Many of us use this time to connect with friends and family in the great outdoors, enjoying activities such as camping, hiking, bushwalking, picnicking or swimming.

This summer, we expect hotter and drier conditions in Victoria.

Heat is one of the biggest risks this year that we all need to be mindful of before heading out to our favourite holiday, camping, and day-trip spots during the warmer weather.

You can still get out and enjoy nature, but before you leave home, you plan ahead, stay informed, and remain mindful. Don’t be that person that takes unnecessary risks and puts a dampener on summer.

We want you to stay safe and enjoy the warmer months outdoors. So have fun, and don't forget to Pack Your Summer Smarts!

Things to know before you leave home

Campfire at Lake Elizabeth Great Otway National Park

Campfire safety

Sitting around a glowing campfire is one of the joys of camping, but with around ten per cent of bushfires caused by escaped campfires, it’s essential to follow the rules and do the right thing.
Two women on the porch of the communal shelter at Djardji-Djawara Hiker camp on southern section 2 of the GPT

Hiking safety

To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. A bit of planning and foresight can make all the difference.

Stay safe in nature

Check out our water, land and bushfire safety tips when planning your next road trip, camping, or day trip this summer. For more information, visit the safety in nature page.
An extreme close-up of a mosquito resting on skin

Protect yourself - mosquito checklist

Before you go on holidays make plans on how you can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Mozzie-proof your holiday with this checklist from the Department of Health.
Forest Fire Management team

Be bushfire aware

The warmer months are the perfect time to experience regional Victoria. However, Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world. Be bushfire aware to ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable.
Snorkelling at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

Water safety

When the weather gets hot, our beaches, lakes and rivers across the state become popular places to swim, paddle and have fun in the water. However, it's important to be aware of the risks of swimming in nature.
A person in safety attire surveys a tree that has been snapped in half

Be aware of tree risks

Victoria’s recent flood and storm events have saturated the ground, loosened the soil and weakened the stability of trees. Learn about how you can protect yourself from increased risk of falling trees.

Get ready for nature

Ensure you plan for your next road trip, camping trip, or daytrip. Here’s a couple of ways you can make sure you stay safe in nature.
A couple camping along the Glenelg River at Lower Glenelg National Park

Going Camping? Our rangers give us the low down

To help you, your friends and your family have a safe, stress-free, and well-planned stay in Victoria’s incredible parks and natural landscapes our rangers have shared their know-how in these handy tips. 
A couple enjoy a coffee at Bay of Islands, Port Campbell National Park

How to plan the perfect day trip

Day trips can be a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of our state without breaking the bank or expending too much time or energy planning a big getaway. Our park rangers have compiled a set of insider tips to get visitors #ReadyForNature while day tripping this summer.
A couple walk out into a coastal lake at Croajingalong National Park.

Stay cool, stay safe

Whether you're a white-water adventure-seeker, casual canoe day-tripper or you want a family-friendly swimming hole, Victoria’s parks are the perfect place to make a splash this summer. However you’re cooling off this summer, make sure you’re ready for nature by planning ahead.

Try somewhere different

Many coastal destinations will be very busy with visitors over the summer – but there are plenty of alternatives so you can skip the crowds!
A couple looks out of the mountains from The Horn, Mount Buffalo National Park

Five reasons to choose mountains this summer

Are you still pondering what to do this upcoming summer? We’re here to tell you why Victoria’s mountain peaks – those alpine landscapes, escarpments and grassy high plains across our state– should be top of your list, even once the snow has melted.
A young couple walk through a cave in Budj Bim National Park

Top places to escape the summer crowds

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Victoria, then these places are a must-see this summer.
Three friends canoe through Lake Elizabeth infront of a back drop of ferns and old growth forest.

Best places to cool off this summer — that aren’t the beach!

If you’re looking to avoid the beach crowds this summer, but still want to jump in a body of cool water, check out these great spots.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm