VICSES volunteers urge holiday hiking and bushwalking caution ahead of tourism uptick

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers are urging Victorians to exercise caution when exploring the great outdoors this holiday period, in the wake of another busy year of aiding those injured or lost in remote bushland.

As the weather warms and Victoria’s natural beauty draws locals and visitors outdoors, VICSES volunteers are reminding everyone to plan ahead and know their limits before heading out on a bushwalk or hike this summer. Being prepared helps keep you safe and reduces the chance of getting into a dangerous situation.

Since January this year, VICSES volunteers across the state have received more than 500 requests for assistance (RFAs) to support paramedics in accessing hard-to-reach patients, many of whom have been injured or incapacitated while exploring challenging landscapes on foot or while cycling and mountain bike riding.

VICSES volunteers have also been called to more than 150 technical rescues, often supporting intricate, multi-agency rope rescues in some of Victoria’s most unforgiving terrain.

Hotspots such as the You Yangs Regional Park, Lerderderg State Park, Cathedral Ranges National Park and Werribee Gorge State Park have proved popular sites for tourists and locals to find themselves in trouble, while the further afield Grampians and Mount Buffalo national parks continue to keep volunteers busy year-round.

Responsible for turning out to emergencies in some of Melbourne’s most popular day-trip locations, VICSES Bacchus Marsh Unit volunteers have spent countless hours traversing difficult terrain this year, called to assist paramedics and Victoria Police with strenuous rescues on 27 occasions so far in 2025.

Utilising their trusty single-wheel ‘mule’ stretcher to transport patients safely across uneven surfaces, local volunteers have ensured visitors can receive timely medical attention and further transport from the most isolated of locations.

With a significant spike in tourism anticipated throughout the holiday season, volunteers are preparing for an accompanying increase in rescue callouts and time away from families, having spent the equivalent of more than a week assisting ambulance crews with rescue-related callouts already this financial year.

VICSES Volunteers across the state have spent more than 3,000 hours responding to similar RFAs in 2025/26, the equivalent of more than four months and a figure which does not reflect the vital work undertaken by Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police Search and Rescue personnel during these same incidents.

Prior to embarking on a bushwalk or hike this summer, community members can ensure they’re prepared by using the Parks Victoria website to understand the terrain and estimated duration of their planned walk, with ratings assigned using the Australian Walking Track Grading System.

Packing and consuming ample food and water and limiting over-exertion can also limit your risk of requiring emergency extrication.

Hikers should also consider packing a map or compass and make sure to familiarise themselves with emergency markers along their trail to pinpoint their location should an emergency response be required.

Other tips to stay safe this summer include:

• Choose the right hike – based on your fitness, the time you have available, and what you want to see. Make sure you allow enough time to complete your hike in daylight;
• Plan ahead – check the weather forecast and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Avoid walking alone;
• Dress and pack appropriately – wear the right clothes for the conditions (eg. Sturdy footwear, weather-proof jacket), take plenty of food, water and spare clothing, have a fully charged smartphone, torch, local map and first aid kit.

Community members should also download the VicEmergency mobile app and establish a watch-zone for their hike location and monitor emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio and select commercial radio stations to remain aware of any warnings in their area.

If you require VICSES emergency assistance, call 132 500, or call 000 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

Quotes attributable to Mick Schembri, VICSES Bacchus Marsh Unit Controller:

“Our volunteers have seen first-hand the challenge our incredible landscape can pose to those underprepared and have spent countless hours responding and supporting community members injured or incapacitated as a result.

“Understand your capabilities and take necessary precautions to ensure you can safely enjoy the natural beauty our state has to offer and limit your risk of requiring an emergency response.”

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Regional Director Southwest Victoria, Clare Purcell:

“This summer, we’re urging all hikers and bushwalkers to take extra care. Despite increased signage, and ongoing education and patrols in high risk areas, Parks Victoria has seen a rise in injuries and rescue callouts across the state. Preparation is key: choose a hike that matches your fitness level, check the weather, and carry essentials like food, water and a first-aid kit.

“Nature is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable. A little planning and common sense can make all the difference. With a bit of foresight, you might not need to make that call to the SES, and everyone can enjoy a safe and memorable experience in Victoria’s great outdoors.”