Victoria is a remarkable place to explore, known for its diverse landscapes, lush forests, charming regional towns, dramatic coastlines and productive farmland. With this natural beauty comes the reality that bushfires, severe storms and other natural events can occur, particularly during the warmer summer months.
With good planning and reliable information, you can travel with confidence and enjoy your visit safely. If you are travelling with us during a bushfire, severe weather event or other emergency, the information below will help you stay informed and prepared.
Being prepared
We understand that thinking about emergencies is not the most enjoyable part of planning a trip. However, a little preparation goes a long way in giving you peace of mind, allowing you to relax and make the most of your experience.
Plan before you travel
Check current conditions
Before travelling—especially during the bushfire season (typically November to April)—check the fire danger rating and any active warnings for your destination. Conditions can change quickly, even if you have already booked tickets or accommodation.
We recommend visiting the Emergency Victoria website or downloading the VicEmergency app to check for current warnings, advice and Watch and Act alerts.On days of Extreme or above fire danger, some National Trust properties may close to ensure the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff. If there are changes to opening hours or closures, ticket holders will be notified by email or SMS, and updates will be published on our website.
Accommodation at Mooramong
- On Catastrophic fire danger days, or if there is an active bushfire within the outer watch zone of the area, Mooramong Estate and its accommodation will close. All guests will be contacted and asked to leave the site for their safety.
- On Extreme Fire Danger Days, access to the site will be restricted.
Key information sources
During any emergency, accurate and up-to-date information is essential.
Emergency Victoria (primary source)
- Website: emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency app (iOS and Android)
- Hotline: 1800 226 226
Emergency Victoria provides real-time warnings, incident updates and official advice for all emergencies across Victoria.
Other important emergency contacts
Please keep these numbers accessible during your travels:
- Emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000
- SES (floods, storms, fallen trees): 132 500
- VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226
- Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is Australia’s National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service, providing free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
Local councils
Local councils may provide area-specific information and emergency updates.
To find your local council area in Victoria, visit here.
Bureau of Meteorology
- Website: bom.gov.au
The Bureau of Meteorology provides weather warnings, fire danger ratings and severe weather alerts.
ABC Local Radio
- ABC Radio Melbourne (774 AM)
- ABC Radio Victoria
During emergencies, ABC radio stations act as official emergency broadcasters and are a reliable source of information when power or internet access may be limited.
What to do during a bushfire emergency
If you encounter a bushfire while travelling, the following guidance may help.
If a warning is issued
- Stay calm and stay informed: Monitor VicEmergency regularly, as warnings can escalate quickly.
- Follow official advice immediately: If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave straight away. Do not wait to see how conditions develop.
- Know your route: Identify an evacuation route in advance. Main roads are generally safer than back roads during bushfire conditions.
- Do not return until it is safe: Even after the immediate danger has passed, only return when authorities advise it is safe to do so. Hazards such as fallen trees, damaged powerlines and unstable structures may remain.
If you are caught in a fire and cannot leave safely
- Shelter inside a solid building if possible
- Close all doors and windows and block gaps with wet towels
- Fill sinks and baths with water
- Stay well away from windows
- Monitor VicEmergency updates and ABC radio
- Call 000 if you are in immediate danger
Never attempt to outrun a fire on foot. Bushfires can travel faster than a person can run.
Other natural disasters
Victoria can also experience severe storms and flooding. For your safety, always follow closure signs and barriers, even if the risk is not immediately obvious.
During severe storms
- Stay indoors and away from windows
- Avoid travel where possible
- Never drive through floodwater
- Watch for falling trees and branches
- Report fallen powerlines to 000, or contact your electricity distributor:
- CitiPower: 13 12 80
- Powercor: 13 24 12
- AusNet Services: 13 17 99
- Jemena: 13 16 26
- United Energy: 13 20 99
During floods
- Never enter floodwater on foot or by car
- If trapped by rising water, move to higher ground
- Follow evacuation orders immediately
With the right preparation and reliable information, you can explore Victoria safely and confidently. We encourage all visitors to stay informed, plan ahead and prioritise safety so you can enjoy everything our state has to offer.
