As authorities race to prepare for horror bushfire conditions along the NSW South Coast on Saturday, the message being sent to tourists stranded in the area since New Year's Eve is clear: get out now.

Key points: Fuel shortages have caused delays, but more is being shipped in to help people get on the road

Fuel shortages have caused delays, but more is being shipped in to help people get on the road People planning to head north from Batemans Bay are being urged to delay their departure, due to road closures

People planning to head north from Batemans Bay are being urged to delay their departure, due to road closures Follow NSW Live Traffic for the latest road updates

A "tourist leave zone" has been designated from Batemans Bay down to the Victorian Border, and a state of emergency will be in force from tomorrow.

"We don't take these decisions lightly but we also want to make sure we're taking every single precaution to be prepared for what could be a horrible day on Saturday," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, urging anybody who could leave the area to do so as soon as possible.

But leaving a disaster zone requires patience, care and awareness.

Here's what you need to know:

Know where you're going

Escape routes depend on where you are, and you can monitor the latest information at the NSW Live Traffic website.

Loading

As has been the case for weeks, the Kings Highway, which connects Batemans Bay to Canberra, remains closed.

No matter your route, authorities have emphasised the need for safe driving on the roads.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 1 minute 11 seconds 1 m 11 s People passing through Bega stop to fuel up for the drive away from the fire threat.

Find petrol, or wait for supplies

Before making the trip, make sure you have enough fuel.

Dwindling supplies have been reported in some parts of the area, including at Tarthra and Bega, which at one point ran out of diesel fuel.

You may not be able to stop along the way to fill up.

Even when there is fuel in stock, power outages have left some petrol stations unable to sell fuel.

Listen to ABC South East NSW Around Batemans Bay, Moruya and Bega, you can tune in to 103.5FM or listen online here.

Massive queues have been spotted outside some service stations, but authorities are urging patience.

NSW Member for Bega Andrew Constance said supplies were being brought in to ensure more people could get away.

"It's the largest relocation out of the region ever," he said.

"Fuel is coming into the region, which is great.

"More fuel will come in now the roads are open. Get stocked up in preparation for what is going to be another terrible day on Saturday."

Loading

Murrays Buses, which usually runs daily services between Canberra and Batemans Bay, and Narooma, has cancelled the service until January 23.

Drive carefully

The roads are busy with traffic, and thick smoke means conditions could be difficult.

Evacuees are being urged to take care on the roads as they make the journey to safety.

Use your headlights and do not rush.

If you are concerned about fire activity on your journey you can monitor the NSW Fires Near Me page, if you are not driving and it's safe to do so.