As a Hipcamp Host in Australia, being prepared for emergencies is an important part of hosting safely and responsibly. Many parts of Australia are affected by bushfires and flooding, with risks varying by state, region, and season. Other emergencies—such as severe storms, heatwaves, medical incidents, and power outages—can also occur.
Emergency risks, warnings, and response arrangements differ between states and territories, so it’s important for hosts to understand the specific conditions and guidance that apply to their property. Taking steps to prepare helps Hosts support the safety of their guests, their land, and their local community.
Develop an emergency response plan
We recommend that Hosts have procedures in place for emergency situations that may occur on their property, including (but not limited to) bushfires and flooding. Consider establishing connections with your local fire service, relevant state emergency services (such as the NSW SES), and local police. Where appropriate, you may also choose to invite local first responders to visit your property so they are familiar with access points and conditions ahead of time.
Sharing practical information about your property can support emergency response and guest safety. This may include a simple map showing internal roads and access tracks, water sources (such as creeks or dams), buildings, and potential hazards (for example, power lines), as well as clearly marked evacuation routes.
Identify any flood-prone areas, higher ground suitable for evacuation, and safe locations for shelter during severe weather. For medical emergencies, keep a list of nearby hospitals, medical centres, and emergency contacts available, and ensure campers know where first aid supplies are located.
Make your property easy to find
To help emergency services and campers locate your property quickly, ensure your property name and address are clearly visible from the main road. Reflective or weatherproof signs can make it easier to find in low light or tricky conditions. Provide detailed, up-to-date directions on your Hipcamp listing—these are automatically sent to campers ahead of their trip. The more precise your instructions, the easier it will be for everyone to find your property safely in an emergency.
Keep your property accessible
Make sure emergency services and your Hipcampers can reach your property quickly. Maintain roads and tracks, and ensure there are clear, separate access routes to key areas of your property. Clearing brush, debris, and other obstacles helps prevent blockages during an emergency. Where appropriate, follow local advice on hazard reduction, including controlled burns, to reduce fire risk and improve safe access.
Inform your Hipcampers
Brief your guests on who to contact in an emergency and outline your property’s response plan. Provide key emergency numbers, the location of the nearest hospital, and a copy of your emergency plan. You can send these plans to guests with their booking or share them on site so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Plan ahead
Monitor weather conditions to ensure you’re able to educate your Hipcampers on what fire safety best practices are during their stay. Consider closing your Hipcamp if the fire or flooding risk is high and/or accessing or leaving your property could become unsafe. Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit and training yourself in basic first aid and CPR can be lifesaving in medical emergencies.
Safety comes first
If conditions become unsafe, don’t hesitate to evacuate your property or close your Hipcamp temporarily. Communicate updates with your guests promptly and work with emergency services to ensure the best possible response in a crisis. Let’s work together to keep each other safe!
Further resources
- Preparing for Natural Disasters | Services Australia (state & territory links at the foot of the page).
- Bureau of Meteorology
- Emergency Alert (state & territory links at the foot of the page)
- National Emergency Management Agency
- Australian Disaster Resilience Hub
- Emergency+ App. (free national app to assist calling Triple‑Zero (000) with GPS location)
State and Territory Emergency Resources
(These government links provide bushfire, flood, storm, and other emergency planning info relevant to hosts and communities.)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- ACT Emergency Services Agency – emergency preparedness and hazard planning (bushfire, flood, storms).
New South Wales (NSW)
- Get Ready NSW – comprehensive emergency preparedness guidance (bushfire, flood, storms, heat).
- NSW State Emergency Service (SES) – Plan & Prepare – flood and storm planning tips.
- Hazards Near Me App – real‑time alerts and warnings for floods, fires, and other hazards in NSW.
Queensland (QLD)
- Get Ready Queensland – preparedness info for bushfires, floods, storms, and severe weather.
- Queensland SES – flood, storm, cyclone, tsunami preparedness and planning information.
South Australia (SA)
- SA Country Fire Service – bushfire planning and property safety guidance.
- SA State Emergency Service (SES) – flood and severe weather preparedness.
Victoria (VIC)
- Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) – emergency planning for floods, storms, and other hazards.
- VicEmergency – state incident and warning maps including bushfire and flood alerts.
Western Australia (WA)
- Emergency WA – emergency info and planning tools for floods, bushfires, cyclones, and storms.
- WA Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) – planning and safety guidance.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Tasmanian SES – flood, storm, and severe weather planning resources.
- TasAlert – real‑time warnings and emergency information including bushfire and flood events.
Northern Territory (NT)
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NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services (PFES) – bushfire, flood, and disaster planning.