Travel safe with AusAlert

You may receive an AusAlert while driving, riding or using public transport. 

AusAlerts use vibration, sound and on-screen messages to get your attention. They may alert you even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

Drivers and riders

If you receive an AusAlert while driving or riding, stay calm and don’t touch your device. Mobile phone laws still apply – don't read or respond to the alert while moving. Only check the message when your vehicle is turned off and it is safe and legal to do so. 

Public transport users

If you receive an alert while on public transport, stay calm. 

  • Read the AusAlert. 
  • Follow instructions or announcements from public transport staff.
  • Don't approach the driver about the alert.
  • When you leave the vehicle, follow the instructions in the AusAlert.

Receiving an alert

AusAlert sends near‑instant emergency messages to compatible mobile devices like phones, tablets and smartwatches. 

The alert may play through your vehicle’s speakers using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth. It may interrupt any navigation or media like music or podcasts. 

An AusAlert looks something like this:

Mockup of a phone with message: CRITICAL AUSALERT. An Emergency Warning message has been issued for the Gumtree Crossing bushfire. Leave now if you receive this message. Visit nema.gov.au for more information.

An AusAlert sounds like this:

Alert sound

0.00 0.00

Other ways to get emergency information

AusAlert is just one way to stay safe in an emergency. 

For more information about an emergency while driving or riding, use your car radio for news and traffic updates, and pay attention to any road signs.

Get ready for AusAlert on the road

AusAlert community testing was successfully completed in June 2026. A national test of a Critical Alert is coming up on 27 July 2026.

You may receive a test alert while driving or riding.

National test

A national test of AusAlert will happen on Monday 27 July 2026. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert at the same time. Find the test time in your location:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)

New South Wales (NSW)

2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)

Queensland (Qld)

2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)

Tasmania (Tas)

2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)

Victoria (Vic)

2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)

Northern Territory (NT)

1:30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30)

South Australia (SA, incl. Broken Hill)

1:30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30)

Western Australia (WA)

12:00 pm (AWST – UTC+8:00)

National test

Details about the Australia-wide test on 27 July 2026.

During the AusAlert national test:

  • a message will appear on your screen
  • you will hear a loud siren sound for about 10 seconds
  • you do not need to do anything.

Safe testing

If receiving a Critical Alert test may cause stress or harm, you can turn off your device or switch it to aeroplane mode before the test time in your location. Leave your device off for at least one hour.

Important: you will still receive the AusAlert national test if your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.