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Parks Victoria has announced mass closures across the state’s most iconic 4WD and RV destinations for Friday 9 January, 2026, as ‘Catastrophic’ fire danger ratings loom for multiple regions. If you are currently camping in the Wimmera or South West zones, the advice from authorities is simple: pack up and leave today.
The danger zones: Wimmera and South West under highest alert
The 2026 Victorian fires season has reached a critical point with the Bureau of Meteorology and the CFA elevating the Fire Danger Rating to ‘Catastrophic’ for the Wimmera and South West districts. This is the highest level of fire danger in Australia and signifies that if a fire starts, it will be uncontrollable and fast-moving.
In addition to the Catastrophic ratings, an ‘Extreme’ fire danger rating has been issued for the Mallee, Central, North Central, and Northern Country districts. In these conditions, Parks Victoria does not take chances; they effectively lock the gates to ensure no campers or hikers are caught in high-risk terrain.
Major RV and 4WD parks affected
This isn’t just about small local reserves. The closures impact the “big guns” of Victorian touring. From the sandy tracks of Wyperfeld to the family-favourite campsites at Lake Eildon, major sections of the state will be off-limits to the public on Friday.
| District | Fire Danger Rating | Key Parks Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Wimmera | Catastrophic | Grampians National Park, Little Desert NP, Mt Arapiles |
| South West | Catastrophic | Great Otway NP (West), Lower Glenelg NP, Mt Eccles (Budj Bim) |
| Mallee | Extreme | Wyperfeld NP, Hattah-Kulkyne NP, Murray-Sunset NP |
| Central | Extreme | Werribee Gorge, Lerderderg State Park |
| North Central | Extreme | Lake Eildon National Park, Mt Buffalo NP |
| Northern Country | Extreme | Alpine NP (Wonnangatta/Crooked River areas) |
What to do if you’re already in the bush
Look, the harsh truth is that if you’re in a Catastrophic zone, your life is at risk if a fire breaks out. These ratings aren’t just a suggestion; they are a clear signal that the environment is primed for disaster. If you are currently in the Grampians or the Mallee, do not wait for smoke to appear on the horizon.
Pack your rig today and relocate to a lower-risk area. Remember that during Extreme and Catastrophic days, many forest tracks can be blocked by falling trees or rapid fire spread, meaning your only exit route could be cut off in minutes. Put simply, no campsite is worth the risk to your family or your vehicle.
⚠️ CAUTION: Do not rely on a single source of information. Fires can move faster than a 4WD can travel on a bush track. If you see smoke or fire, leave immediately in the opposite direction.
How to stay informed and track the 2026 Victorian fires
Before you even think about turning the key in the ignition, check the latest updates. The situation can change by the hour. Use the following resources to monitor the 2026 Victorian fires risk:
- VicEmergency App: Set up “watch zones” for your travel route. Use these links to download the iOS and Android links to the app
- Parks Victoria Website: Check the ‘Change of Conditions’ page for specific campground closures or the “incidents and warnings” page.
- Local ABC Radio: Keep your radio tuned to the local frequency for emergency broadcasts.
Change your plans
It’s a massive blow to your weekend plans, but the 2026 Victorian fires danger is real. With nearly 26,000 km of coastline and thousands of parks in Victoria, there are plenty of other spots to explore that aren’t under a Catastrophic alert. If you had your heart set on the West or the Mallee for Friday, it’s time to pivot. Stay safe, stay informed, and we’ll see you back on the tracks when the weather settles.
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