A cool change is bringing relief to parts of Australia's southeast after fire crews braced for potential new blazes amid a spell of hot weather.
A total fire ban declaration in Tasmania expired at 2am on Monday as a cool change swept through the state.
Bushfires along the west coast have scorched more than 97,000 hectares, with more than 140 firefighters, eight bulldozers and 14 aircraft tackling the complex blazes.
A popular hiking track will reopen to bushwalkers on Monday after it was shut for more than two weeks due to a nearby bushfire on Canning Peak, in the state's west.
Authorities declared the Overland Track safe following assessments and repairs after fires destroyed a hut, a bridge and about one kilometre of boardwalk.
The Parks and Wildlife Service's Nic Deka said the team was looking forward to seeing walkers undertaking the trek again but reminded them to be alert for changing conditions.
“We can assure you that the conditions are now safe from fire activity and anyone who has had to cancel the Overland Track walk during this closure period has been added to a priority list to re-book and will be provided a full refund," Mr Deka said.
Conditions in Victoria also eased after a band of thunderstorms helped cool temperatures.
The storms also brought gusty winds that fanned out-of-control grassfires in central Victoria and on the western outskirts of Melbourne before they were contained.
Fire conditions return to moderate risks across much of the state on Monday, with high fire dangers in central and northern Victoria.
Another high-pressure system is forecast to move across southeast Australia on Monday, bringing warmer conditions mid-week.
