LOCATION & MAPS:
- Where is Victoria?
- Distance guide
- Map of Victoria
- Street directories
FACTS & FIGURES:
- History timeline
- The land
- Population
- State symbols
- Time zone
WEATHER:
- Forecasts
- Current conditions
- Live web cams
- Sunrise & sunset
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
- Airports
- Land transport
- Water transport
DRIVING:
- Using the roads
- Types of roads
- Fruit fly exclusion zone
VISITOR INFO:
- Information centres
- Your safety
- Overseas visitors
SHOPPING:
- Shopping
- Money & banking
- Public holidays
COMMUNICATIONS:
- Telephone
- Post
- Newspapers
- Radio
- Television
EDUCATION:
- Education system
- School holidays
GOVERNMENT:
- State government
- Local government
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Emergencies
If there is a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, telephone triple zero (000). It is the quickest way to get help from either the police, fire brigade or ambulance service. Calls to triple zero (000) are free and can be made from fixed line phones, mobile phones and public pay phones.
For help in situations of floods, severe storms and earthquakes, telephone the SES (State Emergency Service) on 132 500.
For emergency help with poisonings and suspected poisonings, telephone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
A handy general portal for safety and emergency information is available from the Safety Victoria web site.
Bushfires
The Victorian countryside is prone to bushfires during the warmer months of the year, particularly on days of extreme heat, low humidity and strong wind. Such conditions often result in the declaration of days of total fire ban which prohibits the lighting of fires in the open air and other activities that could cause a fire to spread.
For current bushfire warnings and information:
- Listen to ABC Local Radio which broadcasts emergency warnings (a number of commercial radio stations in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria also broadcast warnings)
- Telephone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
- Visit the CFA (Country Fire Authority) web site
Weather conditions
Victoria's weather can be quite changeable. Before planning outdoor activities, it is worthwhile to check for any relevant weather warnings. See the Bureau of Meteorology's Victorian Weather & Warnings page which has current information and forecasts for extreme weather conditions including strong winds, floods and storms.
Dangerous animals
Victoria has only a few animals that may be of danger to people, and the risk they pose is reasonably low.
Australian Magpies:
This native bird, loved by many, is common throughout Victoria, especially in suburban areas and farmland. During their breeding season from August to October, a very small number of these birds may regard people as a threat to their eggs or young and swoop upon those who pass by close to their nest. These swooping actions are usually just a bluff to scare people away, however on rare occasions particularly aggressive magpies can make physical contact and cause injuries with their beak or claws. Try to avoid areas magpies are known to swoop in, otherwise wear a hat or use an umbrella for protection. Swooping magpies will generally not to target people in a group or if you are facing them.
Kangaroos:
Kangaroos are usually shy animals by nature and in normal circumstances present no threat to people. However in certain situations if they feel threatened or are cornered, they may stand upright to defend themselves using their sharp claws and powerful hind legs.
Sharks:
Within Victorian waters there are several species of sharks that are known to be dangerous to humans, however attacks are rare. To minimise the risk of attack, swim at patrolled beaches or protected swimming areas, don't swim at night, and avoid swimming in deep waters or areas where dangerous sharks are known to congregate.
Snakes:
A number of venomous snake varieties are found in Victoria including the tiger, copperhead, brown and red-bellied black snake. While seeing a snake may be an intimidating experience, they are typically shy creatures and most will try to avoid confrontation with humans. Most bites tend to occur if people attempt to catch or kill them, corner them, or accidentally stand on one of them. If bitten, call an ambulance, try to stay calm and remain still. In order to slow down the flow of venom, apply a pressure bandage (improvise if required) over the bite and up the limb.
Spiders:
The redback spider and white-tailed spider live throughout Victoria. Outdoors, they may typically be found in sheltered areas such as under logs and rocks. They can are also found in urban environments, such as inside buildings. A redback spider bite is poisonous and anyone bitten should seek medical attention. While not as poisonous, the white-tailed spider is known to cause localised pain and swelling, however in a small number of cases, there may be more severe symptoms.
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