Multiple bushfires are burning across Victoria, with hundreds of firefighters deployed as inland temperatures soared.
Dry, windy conditions combined with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low-40s hit most of the state.
There is a bushfire in Victoria's alpine region of Lake Eildon which, while not yet under control, has been downgraded to Advice level.
The fire is at Walshs Road in the Delatite Arm Reserve and is travelling in a southerly direction.
About 500 firefighters were on duty across Victoria as the state faced a day of extreme fire danger.
There are three fires under control along the Great Ocean Road at Moggs Creek, Lorne and Kennett River.
There are also fires under control at Hilldene, north of Melbourne, and at Macalister in the alpine region, east of Melbourne.
Total fire bans apply across Victoria and for much of NSW and South Australia, which have also seen soaring temperatures.
High temperatures across the board
Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia have seen unseasonally high temperatures on Saturday, while Queensland's hot spell shows signs of passing.
The Bureau of Meteorology said inland areas of Victoria seeing temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s.
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounding areas saw temperatures above 40 degrees.
Many locations in NSW are expected to break March heat records on Sunday, senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said.
Temperatures are expected to be particularly high in the south-west of NSW, with highs above 40 degrees predicted in some parts.
The weather bureau said heat wave conditions across south-east Queensland should start easing over the weekend.
Heat-related calls in Queensland
Queensland paramedic Jen Kinsela said ambulance services had received more calls than usual for heat-related illness on Saturday.
She said people should look after themselves by staying hydrated, staying cool in air-conditioning, and seeking shade if going outside.
It was also important to watch for vulnerable community members, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, Ms Kinsela said.
"Take care of yourself so you don't become sick whilst we are caring for these vulnerable people," she said.
Signs of heat-related illness include headaches, dehydration, excess sweating, rapid breaths, and vomiting.
If untreated, this can lead to heat stroke, which may include losing consciousness, becoming delirious, and uncontrollable vomiting.
"It can lead to death, which is really terrible, so we need to make sure we can get to those patients in time," Ms Kinsela said.
