Scores of fires are still burning in New South Wales amid temperatures of 35C (95F) and winds of 80km/h (50mph).
A feared southerly wind change has now occurred but the "catastrophic" day feared has largely been avoided.
No deaths were reported on Tuesday but fire chiefs warned that conditions meant the dangers facing the state were far from over.
About six million people live in New South Wales (NSW) state.
The number of fires still afflicting NSW ranged from 100 to 300 in Australian media reports.