Is it safe to travel to Australia? The latest FCO advice as bushfires force thousands to flee to coastline

Bushfires are continuing to ravage Australia, with thousands being forced to flee to beaches and the sea.

While there are currently no travel warnings from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) against visiting Australia, you should check whether the area you're travelling to is affected.

The advice on the FCO website states:

"Australia continues to battle serious bushfires across multiple regions with authorities in some regions declaring a State of Emergency and ordering road closures and evacuations.

"If you are in or near an affected area or planning any travel, stay safe, monitor TV news, radio and social media channels for updates, and follow the instructions and advice of local authorities."

The worst hit areas are the eastern states, particularly New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.

The main street of the New South Wales town of Bombala is pictured shrouded in smoke from nearby bushfires (Getty)

Death toll rises

Two more people have died in bushfires in NSW, taking the total death toll to 12.

Authorities say four people are missing in Victoria and another in NSW, while up to 4,000 locals in Mallacoota had to camp on wharves and take to the sea under red skies as the fires raged inland.

This picture just in from family boarding boat in #Mallacoota #MallacootaFires approx time of photo 9:45am pic.twitter.com/WJEQScDp9f

— Bradley Deacon 🇦🇺 (@BradleyWDeacon) December 30, 2019

The bodies of the latest victims were found in the town of Corbargo in NSW.

There have been hundreds of massive blazes in the eastern states of Australia since September, causing widespread devastation to the natural habitat and wildlife.

The FCO guidance adds:

"In the event of emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000).