Is it safe to visit Australia amidst the ongoing fires?

As wildfires rage across Australia, with images of fiery skies and charred landscapes filling social media, travelers planning to visit soon may be questioning whether they should reconsider their trips.

The quick answer? It varies.

Recently, several embassies and governmental organizations have updated their travel advisories for citizens, urging them to stay informed via local media and to be ready for potential evacuation orders.

“Australia is still grappling with severe bushfires in numerous regions,” states the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in its most recent advisory.

Authorities in certain areas have declared a State of Emergency, leading to road closures and evacuations. Poor air quality may extend far from the fire zones, potentially causing respiratory issues.

If you're in or near an affected region, or planning to travel, stay informed through TV news, radio, and social media. Follow the guidance of local authorities for your safety.

Travelers are urged to consult with their insurance providers and review policy details, as certain events—such as a government-declared state of emergency—could void coverage.

Airline policies on cancellations and changes differ, so it's important to check with your carrier if you need more flexibility with your travel plans.

For example, Etihad announced that it will waive flight change fees for Australian residents impacted by the national emergency. Virgin Airlines has a similar policy in place.

Make sure to verify your flight status before leaving, as some cancellations have occurred due to poor visibility. Qantas, the country's flagship airline, canceled all flights to and from Canberra on Sunday because of hazardous weather conditions.

Which regions are most affected?

Tourism Australia has put together a list of popular attractions with updates on whether they’ve been impacted by the fires or are still safe to visit. You can find the list here.

Simon Westaway, Executive Director of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, told Dinogo Travel that although the fires are widespread, “Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef, like much of Australia, remain largely unaffected by the fires.”

On January 3, Tourism Australia issued a statement in a similar tone, assuring that “many areas remain unaffected and the majority of tourism businesses are still open.”

“It’s crucial now more than ever that we come together to support our communities and the tourism industry, which may have been severely impacted,” said Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, in a recent statement.

“We urge all travelers planning to visit Australia to check the latest information before departure and stay updated on changing conditions while on the ground,” she added.

Fires have affected every state in Australia, but New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, home to Sydney and Melbourne respectively, are currently facing the worst conditions.

Victoria is under a state of disaster, while NSW has declared a state of emergency, both giving authorities extraordinary powers and additional resources to fight the fires. However, two of Victoria’s most visited tourist destinations, Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, remain safe to visit, according to Tourism Australia.

Sydney and Melbourne are currently safe from the fires, though the areas between the two cities, especially the South Coast stretching from Sydney to the Victorian border, have been heavily affected. In early January, authorities declared this area a “Tourist Leave Zone” and urged visitors to evacuate. The Blue Mountains have also been impacted by fires.

Air quality remains a significant concern, so travelers heading to areas with poor air quality should consider wearing P2-rated masks, which are designed to filter out harmful PM2.5 particles from bushfire smoke.

The global website Aqicn.org provides real-time updates on air quality. Currently, Sydney’s air quality is categorized as “very unhealthy,” while Melbourne’s is rated as “moderate.”

The Australian Capital Territory is now on high alert. The federal emergency management department in Canberra closed its office on Monday due to poor air quality, although local reports indicate the situation has since improved. Canberra's current AQI rating is “Unhealthy.”

South Australia, known for its vineyards, is also facing intense fires. However, air quality in Adelaide, its capital, is currently rated as “moderate.”

Kangaroo Island, a popular tourist destination off the coast of South Australia, has also been severely impacted by the fires.

Several resorts on the island have either been destroyed or heavily damaged, according to Dinogo affiliate 7 News, along with large sections of Flinders National Park.

Queensland, which recently dealt with its own fires, is reportedly managing the situation well. However, “bushfire warnings are still in effect, and visitors should stay informed through the latest updates from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES),” advises the Queensland Tourism body.

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, currently has an air quality rating of “moderate” according to AQI.

All of Queensland’s key tourist destinations, including Cairns, the Whitsundays, and the Gold Coast, have not been impacted by the fires, as confirmed by Tourism Australia.

Western Australia is currently facing several fires, but they are reportedly under control, and the state – including Perth – is still considered safe for visitors. Air quality in Perth is rated “good.”

Authorities in Northern Territory, home to Kakadu National Park and Uluru, are managing several fires. However, the state remains safe for travelers, and no major tourist sites are affected.

Tasmania is also dealing with a number of wildfires, but these are reportedly under control, and local communities are not currently at risk.

How to stay informed on the situation

Travelers can stay updated through the “Fires Near Me” app, created by the NSW Rural Fire Service.

State-specific information, including real-time fire alerts and maps, can be accessed on the following websites:

– ACT Emergency Services Agency

– New South Wales Rural Fire Service

– Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service

– Queensland Rural Fire Service

– South Australian Country Fire Service

– Tasmania Fire Service

– VicEmergency (Victoria)

– EmergencyWA (Western Australia)

Australia’s primary emergency number is Triple Zero (000), which can be dialed from any landline or mobile phone.

When will the fires come to an end?

Unfortunately, Australia is just beginning its summer season. Typically, temperatures reach their highest in January and February, meaning the country might face months before experiencing any relief.

The fires are unlikely to completely subside as they are a recurring annual event, and may even worsen if recent trends are anything to go by.

To learn how you can assist bushfire victims, check out this Dinogo guide.

Impact on Australia’s tourism sector

Regarding the effects of these destructive fires on the travel industry, Australia Tourism officials tell Dinogo Travel that they are closely monitoring feedback and assessing the impact on future bookings as the situation evolves. For now, their main priority is managing the present crisis.

"The top priority right now is the emergency response to the devastating bushfires and ensuring the safety of both local communities and tourists in the affected areas," says Tourism Australia’s managing director Harrison in an email to Dinogo Travel.

"As we've seen, several regional destinations have been affected, disrupting many travel plans. However, it's still too early to assess the full impact of the bushfires on the tourism sector," she adds.

She points out that past natural disasters and severe weather events have demonstrated the tourism industry’s remarkable resilience.

"Once affected communities are ready to reopen their doors, tourism will play a crucial role in supporting their recovery," Harrison notes.

Earlier this week, Tourism Australia announced it is halting its new "Matesong" digital ad campaign as the ongoing bushfire crisis continues to dominate global news coverage.