Victorian families are being torn apart amid a growing statewide bushfire crisis, with parents in Mallacoota sending their children to safety aboard a Navy ship and making the decision to stay behind to defend their town against Saturday's looming threat.

Almost 1000 people were evacuated from the tiny coastal town in the state's far east on the HMAS Choules in a dramatic eight-hour operation on Friday, with some parents farewelling their children and remaining to fight for their community.

People left behind in Mallacoota farewell their loved ones aboard HMAS Choules on Friday. Credit:Justin McManus

Authorities are preparing for a perilous Saturday across the state, with almost 50 fires burning and a forecast change not expected to reach the north-east of the state until late at night.

A state of disaster was declared across six local government regions in Victoria for Friday, granting emergency services unprecedented powers as 100,000 holiday makers were urged to leave high country camping grounds and coastal regions ahead of the weekend.