Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places.

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. Always follow directions from park rangers or park signs. If a park or site is closed, entering the area could endanger you and your companions. Keep to marked tracks and designated visitor areas, be aware of your own limitations and supervise children. Always remember that wildlife is just that – wild. If you encounter wildlife, don't approach the animal, keep your distance and ensure children also stay back.

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

Follow our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Plan ahead, check conditions and stay away from closed parks

A number of parks and sites are closed due to extreme weather events including fire, storm and flood damage.

Check the change of conditions listing page which summarises the list of park closures. And check the individual park page for where you want to visit before leaving home.

For closures in state forests, visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forest-and-road-closures

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.

Follow these bushfire safety tips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to fit snow chains

You may need to carry and use snow chains when visiting parks with snow areas during winter. Check out these instructions on how to hire and fit a common type of snow chain to your car tyres.

Find out more about safety in nature

Visitor safety tips in parks

Plan ahead, stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks.

Flood and storm affected parks

Parks Victoria will close parks to protect public safety in response to flooding and storms. Find out about current closures due to severe weather.

Seasonal road closures

Many roads and tracks are seasonally closed to vehicle traffic each year for visitor safety, to maintain water quality and prevent erosion during the wetter months.

Bigger Than You

This video series educates about the importance of not scaling barriers to get a better social media photo. It has long term impacts on the environment, cultural sites as well as being a safety issue for both visitors and the emergency workers rescuing them. We implore people to think about the fact that it's #biggerthanyou