A Guide to Visiting Australia's Bushfire-Affected Regions

Australia is currently experiencing one of the worst bushfire seasons on record. More than ten-million hectares, thousands of homes and an estimated one billion animals have been destroyed by bushfires so far. To help the communities and animals affected, you can donate directly to charities and organisations — including local RFS NSW brigades, local Victorian CFA brigades, the Queensland RFS and SES, the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, WIRES, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and the Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities — but, you can also go and visit the affected regions and local businesses.

With tourism rates down significantly during one of the busiest time of year — summer holidays — many businesses have taken a big hit financially. So, pick a destination, grab some mates and head on a road trip with hungry stomachs, an empty boot and money to spend. As well as following one of our guides below, check out Spend with Them and Empty Esky: two Instagram pages showcasing small businesses affected by the fires.

Before you head off on an adventure, check with your local emergency services and heed any warnings or alerts. In NSW, download the Fires Near Me app, Live Traffic app and check the NSW National Parks and Visit NSW websites; for Queensland, see the RFS website and QLD Traffic; and in Victoria, Vic Roads and Vic Emergency have you covered.

Image: Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park by Tourism Snowy Mountains