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

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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

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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).

  • 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:

    1. Make sure you book before you go.
    2. If you can’t make it, cancel your booking online.
    3. Check you’ve packed the essentials before you leave home.
  • 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

Prepare and plan your summer adventures before leaving home.
Three friends canoe through Lake Elizabeth infront of a back drop of ferns and old growth forest.

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Forest Fire Management team

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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.
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Campfire at Lake Elizabeth Great Otway National Park

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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.

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