Australia's record-breaking heatwave has left wildlife struggling for water.

A group of kangaroos and various birds were seen drinking from a basin in a park as temperatures soared to a scorching 49 degrees Celsius on January 22.

Footage shows parched joeys enjoying the refreshing water while a duck floats in the small pool.

A magpie was also seen perched on the edge of the basin, taking a drink to escape the heat.

As extreme temperatures grip the country, both wild and domestic animals are facing life-threatening conditions. This has prompted a nationwide coordinated effort from vets, wildlife carers, and the public to combat the effects of heatstroke and dehydration.

Emergency measures currently in place include installing makeshift water stations, rescuing animals that have collapsed, and distributing frozen treats to keep pets cool.

In the most severe cases, specialists are treating animals for significant burns and heat exhaustion.

The organisation Humane World for Animals Australia, based in Melbourne, has deployed an emergency team to Victoria to support local carers who have been inundated with distressed animals following the recent heatwave and bushfire combination.

The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded temperatures near 50 degrees Celsius in several states, marking an eight-day stretch in which the temperature stayed above 40 degrees Celsius across a vast portion of the inland. This is the longest such heatwave in parts of New South Wales since the 1930s.

Meteorologists said that a stationary high-pressure system has anchored itself above New South Wales. This forces air downwards, causing the air mass to warm rapidly and creating a heat dome over the surface.

The risk of wildfires has also escalated rapidly, raising the fire danger to extreme across 14 districts and prompting authorities to remain on high alert.