The outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has reached Australia.

Cases have been confirmed across Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, France, Malaysia, United States and Hong Kong, with the latter country declaring a virus emergency.

In Australia, at least five people are known have contracted the virus.

The Federal Government has told people not to travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - or the province of Hubei.

Passengers arriving in Australia on any flights from China are being stopped and provided with health information including what to do if they become unwell.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne says the Federal Government is working with Chinese authorities to extricate Australians trapped in the city dubbed 'ground zero' of the outbreak.

Hundreds of Australian nationals are trapped in Wuhan and the wider Hubei province, where thousands of cases have been confirmed.

China has created a lockdown of 16 cities around Wuhan, with a combined population of more than 50 million.

The outbreak has been linked to a live wildlife market known that experts describe as a perfect incubator for new pathogens.