Pack Your Summer Smarts

Summer is a wonderful time to get into nature. The weather has finally warmed up, the sun is shining, and we can’t wait for you to get outdoors and enjoy your favourite activities. But this summer is different.

Some of Victoria’s most popular parks have been significantly impacted by recent storms and floods. This could mean flooded or boggy campgrounds, muddy roads, unpredictable waterways or slippery hiking trails.

With high levels of water lying across much of the state, we have seen extremely high numbers of mosquitos, so be sure to pack extra mosquito repellent. After storms, there is also an increased risk of falling trees and branches and we’ve had an increase in snake sightings.

You can still get out and enjoy nature this summer, but make sure you plan ahead, stay informed and be mindful. Your favourite holiday, camping and day-trip spots may be closed or operating differently, particularly along the Murray River, so make sure you’re up to date with the latest information.

We want you to stay safe and enjoy the best of nature. So have fun, and don’t forget to Pack Your Summer Smarts!

Find information in Easy English, हिन्दी, ကညီကျိ, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, 简体中文, 繁體中文, Türkçe, Tiếng Việt, فارسی ,العربية.

Before you leave home

Check the flood and storm affected parks page for the latest information on park closures
Search for the park you want to visit and check the latest conditions on the park page

The car park at Yarra Valley Parklands is submerged in floodwaters

Flood and storms in Victoria's parks and reserves

Victorians getting into nature this summer must plan ahead as access to some favourite destinations may be restricted.

At Kooyoora State Park (above) Djaara Country, ground saturation has caused an ongoing sinkhole risk.

Stay safe in nature this summer

The severe weather has created hazards and risks that many Victorians aren’t familiar with. All visitors are encouraged to plan their visit before leaving home and be prepared when heading out into nature this summer.

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.

A four-wheel drive climbs to the top of the Blue Rag Range Track.

4WDing safety

Victoria has some of the best four-wheel driving in Australia, with tracks in alpine, desert, coastal and lush wilderness landscapes. Many of these routes offer an adventurous driving experience; but, it's essential to be aware of the risks and responsibilities of 4WDing.

Storms and floods

We don’t want a little rain to dampen your enthusiasm for nature but planning appropriately for conditions (including having multiple options) will mean a safer and more enjoyable time.

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. Not all parks or campgrounds allow campfires. Make sure you check the park signs in the campground before you light a campfire.

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.

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.

Protect yourself - water quality

The recent heavy rain, floods and storms over the past days may carry pollution into waterways. Waterways and beaches can be contaminated and pose health risks to swimmers. Find safety advice and information from Vic Emergency.

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.

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.

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 your 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.

Discover a range of activities

Did you know you can do much more than just go for a walk in a park? Why not book an experience, discover amazing marine life, go camping somewhere you’ve never been or learn about the park’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.

There are many more ways you can get into nature and enjoy your favourite activities this summer. Visit our Things to do page for more inspiration.

Still image from video of people pulling kayaks across grass with play icon overlay

Discover Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways

One of the best ways to explore Victoria’s spectacular parks waterways is by booking a nature-based experience with a Licensed Tour Operator. Licensed Tour Operators are ready to help you explore, discover and experience our magnificent parks and waterways.

Discover an underwater world

If you’re looking for the best places to see underwater ecosystems and encounter marine wildlife, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore marine protected areas. So, pack your togs, wetsuit, a mask and snorkel and head to the coast!

Family kicking a football outside their tent

Choose your adventure at these camping spots

This summer is the perfect time to get out and camp under the stars. Before you pitch your tent, spend the day exploring the nature around you.