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Easter campers urged to plan for safety and environment care

Mar 31, 2026

To prepare for a camping getaway, three essentials should be added to packing lists. Photo by Megan Fisher

Campers heading into state forests this Easter weekend are being encouraged to pack often overlooked essentials, to help ensure a safe and responsible getaway.

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The Conservation Regulator is reminding campers to think beyond tents, food and sleeping gear, and arrive at campgrounds with a plan for firewood, campfire safety and rubbish.

“Easter is one of the busiest times of year in Victoria’s forests, and the right planning before you go camping helps keep these special places safe and enjoyable for everyone,” Conservation Regulator director of regulatory operations David McIlroy said.

To prepare for a camping getaway, three essentials should be added to packing lists; firewood for campfires, water to extinguish campfires, and bin bags to take rubbish home.

Campers should ensure any firewood used for campfires is sourced from home, a trusted supplier, or collected from a designated firewood collection area.

Leaving trees and fallen wood undisturbed around campgrounds helps protect wildlife habitat, with firewood collection not permitted in these areas.

As no rubbish bins are provided in state forests, campers should bring bin bags or another way of collecting their rubbish to take home.

Rubbish must never be burned in campfires, as it can release toxic chemicals and contaminate soil, waterways and wildlife habitat.

Campers should bring enough water to fully extinguish their campfire each time they leave the campground.

“Having a clear plan for your campfire, firewood and rubbish helps set up a responsible stay, while reducing your impact on the environment,” Mr McIlroy said.

Under Victoria’s campfire safety rules, campfires must not be left unattended, and water is the only safe way to put out a campfire.

As many campgrounds do not have water available, arriving prepared is essential.

Conservation Regulator patrols will be visiting campgrounds across the state over the Easter break, reminding campers of their responsibilities and enforcing the rules where required.

“Our patrols will be at campgrounds across Victoria over the long weekend, supporting campers to understand the rules while enjoying their time outdoors,” Mr McIlroy said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report rubbish dumping, illegal campfires and illegal firewood collection in Victoria’s forests to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.