Plan A Trip In Victoria To Help Bushfire Recovery

Victoria’s bushfire crisis hasn’t just caused unprecedented damage to the natural landscape and personal properties. Tourism is a major industry for many of the towns and regions worst-hit, and local economies can rely on visitors – both international and domestic – to support small businesses throughout the year. Travelling out to these communities is now more important than ever as these regions look to rebuild after the bushfires.

No matter if you travel within Victoria or plan a trip to other bushfire-impacted states, such as New South Wales or South Australia, your visit will help to directly support the hotel you stay in, the restaurants you eat at, and the small producers whose wares you fill an empty esky or picnic hamper with.

Book a tour with a local guide, visit nearby attractions, spend with family-run businesses, and make your next getaway do its bit for bushfire recovery efforts. Be it an overnight stay or a longer getaway for a few nights; any time you can spend in these areas will make a difference. These trips become even more important in the months and years to come as towns and villages recover from lower tourist numbers – the result of domestic and international travellers staying away for fear of being caught up in the fires. And don’t forget to tell your friends and family about what you’re doing and encourage them to do the same!

Plus, we're offering $50* off each local hotel stay booked through Webjet.
Plan a road trip, stay in multiple towns and stack your savings.

The impacted communities and townships below are just some of the destinations to visit in Victoria.

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Where You Should Go in Victoria

It is still essential to follow official travel advice and safety alerts from emergency services when planning your travel to bushfire-affected communities. The most up-to-date travel alerts can be found here. Once an area is given the all-clear, take that as your cue to book a hotel and plan your itinerary!

In the High Country and King Valley

Places to Keep in Mind: Bright, Mansfield, Whitfield

What to Do: Sample a tasting flight at Bright Brewery, see the iconic Cattlemen Huts, take a guided horseback ride in the mountains, dine among the vines on Prosecco Road, stock up on produce and local goods at Mansfield Farmers’ Market, mountain bike on Mount Buller.

In East Gippsland

Places to Keep in Mind: Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Metung

What to Do: Explore the Buchan Caves, rent a stand-up paddleboard in Lakes Entrance, head into the Snowy River National Park, walk along Ninety Mile Beach, swing past East Gippsland Art Gallery, uncover the history of Nyerimilang Heritage Park, stop off at Bullant Brewery, go for a tasting at Lightfoot & Sons Wines.

There are even regional towns, far away from the bushfires, that are also feeling the impact of the crisis – despite not being close to the danger. This knock-on effect is hitting destinations like the Macedon Ranges, Phillip Island and South Gippsland. A visit to these towns should be on your radar too.