Summer safety
Summer is a great time to connect with friends and family outdoors and enjoy activities like camping, swimming, hiking, or picnicking.
This year, Victoria is expecting hotter and drier conditions, making it essential to be well-prepared before visiting your favorite spots. Heat increases risks, especially when spending time outdoors, so staying informed and ready is more important than ever.
Many parks and campgrounds will also be at their busiest during this time, and especially over the school holidays period.
If you’re planning to have a good time in nature with your favorite people – take the time to plan ahead, keep informed and don’t forget to Pack Your Summer Smarts to ensure everyone returns home safe after spending time in nature.
Plan ahead
Things to know before you leave home
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Check the latest conditions and park closures
Follow our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Search for the park you want to visit and check the latest conditions on the park page.
Download the visitor guide for the park you plan to visit. They contain maps and information on activities, safety and regulations, and facilities available.
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Download the VicEmergency app
The VicEmergency website (external link) and app provides Victorians with access to information and warnings about incidents including:
- fires
- storms
- floods
- earthquakes
- tsunamis
- shark sightings and more.
The VicEmergency app can be downloaded from the App Store (external link) or Google Play (external link).
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Check Fire Danger Ratings
Fire Danger Ratings (external link) are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.
There are four levels in the Australian Fire Danger Rating System:
- Moderate - Plan and prepare
- High - Be ready to act
- Extreme - Take action now to protect your life and property
- Catastrophic - For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas
Check the 4 Day Forecast for Total Fire Bans & Fire Danger Ratings (external link).
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Planning to camp overnight?
Stays at 131 of Parks Victoria’s bookable campgrounds will be free this summer, and beyond! Here’s your guide to free camping in Victoria this summer.
Remember to:
- Make sure you book before you go.
- If you can’t make it, cancel your booking online.
- Check you’ve packed the essentials before you leave home.
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Download the Emergency Plus app
The Emergency+ app is a free app that uses GPS functionality built into smart phones to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide critical location details required to mobilize emergency services.
The Emergency Plus app can be downloaded from the App Store (external link) or Google Play (external link).
Find information in your language
Read more safety information in Easy English or your language below:
Arabic | العربية | Farsi (Persian) | فارسی | Hindi | हिन्दी |
Karen | ကညီကျိ | Punjabi | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Simplified Chinese | 简体中文 |
Traditional Chinese | 繁體中文 | Turkish | Türkçe | Vietnamese | Tiếng Việt |
Stay safe in nature
Safety in nature
Be bushfire aware
Protect yourself - mosquito checklist
Safety tips
Be aware of tree risks
Camping safety and etiquette
Campfire safety
Packing list
Guide to free camping in Victoria this summer
Top tips for your first camping trip
Ranger tips
Camping in Victoria
Swim smart, stay safe
Water safety
Summer by the water
Stay cool, stay safe
Get into nature
Hiking and bushwalking
Step into nature with confidence. Smart planning leads to better adventures.
Top tips for enjoying a safe hike
Top tips for enjoying a safe summer hike
Hiking with kids
Summer in nature done better
Turn your summer into something unforgettable with fresh ideas for your next adventure.