Safety Tips for Travelling in Australia
Australia is a vast and beautiful country, offering incredible experiences for travellers. However, it's important to be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide covers essential safety tips, from wildlife encounters to road safety, helping you navigate the unique challenges of travelling in Australia.
Wildlife Safety: Avoiding Dangerous Encounters
Australia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, some of which can be dangerous. Being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions can help you avoid negative encounters.
Snakes
Be aware of your surroundings: When hiking or walking in bushland, stick to marked trails and wear enclosed shoes and long pants. Watch where you step and avoid walking through long grass or dense vegetation.
Make noise: Snakes are more likely to move away if they hear you coming. Stomp your feet or use a walking stick to create vibrations.
Do not approach: If you see a snake, do not approach it. Give it plenty of space and allow it to move away on its own.
First aid: Learn basic snake bite first aid. The key is to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.
Crocodiles
Obey warning signs: Crocodiles inhabit northern Australia. Always heed warning signs near waterways and never swim in areas where crocodiles are known to exist.
Be cautious near water: Stay well back from the water's edge, especially at dawn and dusk when crocodiles are most active.
Never feed crocodiles: Feeding crocodiles is illegal and dangerous, as it encourages them to associate humans with food.
Marine Stingers
Swim in designated areas: During the stinger season (typically November to May in northern Australia), swim only in patrolled areas with stinger nets.
Wear protective clothing: Consider wearing a stinger suit or wetsuit when swimming in areas where marine stingers may be present.
Vinegar: Carry vinegar with you and apply it to the affected area if stung. Seek medical attention immediately.
Spiders
Be cautious around woodpiles and sheds: These are common habitats for spiders. Wear gloves when handling wood or gardening.
Shake out clothing and shoes: Before putting on clothing or shoes that have been left outside, shake them out to dislodge any spiders.
First aid: Learn basic spider bite first aid and seek medical attention if bitten by a venomous spider.
Sun Safety: Protecting Yourself from the Australian Sun
The Australian sun is intense, and sunburn can occur quickly. Protecting yourself from the sun is essential for preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide
Slip: Slip on protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Slop: Slop on a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Slap: Slap on a hat – preferably one with a wide brim – to protect your face, head, and neck.
Seek: Seek shade, especially during the peak sun hours of 10 am to 3 pm.
Slide: Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards to protect your eyes from UV radiation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not applying enough sunscreen: Most people don't apply enough sunscreen. Use at least one ounce (30ml) to cover your entire body.
Forgetting to reapply: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, even on cloudy days.
Ignoring shade: Shade is your friend! Seek it out whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
Thinking a tan is healthy: A tan is a sign of skin damage. There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
Water Safety: Swimming and Surfing Precautions
Australia is surrounded by water, and swimming and surfing are popular activities. However, it's important to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe.
Swimming Safety
Swim at patrolled beaches: Always swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers. Swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate the safest swimming area.
Read the signs: Pay attention to warning signs about rips, currents, and other hazards.
Never swim alone: Always swim with a buddy.
Learn to identify rips: Rips are strong currents that can pull swimmers out to sea. If caught in a rip, stay calm, float, and signal for help. Don't try to swim against the current.
Be aware of your limitations: Don't overestimate your swimming ability. If you're not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water.
Surfing Safety
Learn to surf properly: Take lessons from a qualified surf instructor.
Choose the right board: Use a board that is appropriate for your skill level.
Be aware of the conditions: Check the surf report before heading out and be aware of the tides, currents, and other hazards.
Respect other surfers: Follow surfing etiquette and be mindful of other surfers in the water.
Use a leash: Always use a leash to keep your board attached to your ankle.
General Water Safety Tips
Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Supervise children closely around water.
Learn CPR.
Be aware of marine life, such as sharks and jellyfish.
Emergency Preparedness: What to Do in a Crisis
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial when travelling in Australia, especially in remote areas. Knowing what to do in a crisis can save lives.
Emergency Contacts
Triple Zero (000): This is the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services. Use it only in genuine emergencies.
112: This is an alternative emergency number that can be used on mobile phones.
Local police station: Know the location and contact details of the nearest police station.
Australian embassy or consulate: If you are a foreign national, know the contact details of your embassy or consulate.
Essential Items
First-aid kit: Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit with essential supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Emergency contact information: Carry a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and your doctor.
Copies of important documents: Make copies of your passport, driver's licence, and travel insurance documents and store them separately from the originals.
Cash: Carry some cash in case of emergencies, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere.
Charged mobile phone and portable charger: Keep your mobile phone charged and carry a portable charger to ensure you can make calls in an emergency.
Natural Disasters
Bushfires: Be aware of the bushfire risk, especially during the summer months. Monitor fire danger ratings and follow the advice of local authorities. Learn more about Visitors and how we can help you stay informed.
Floods: Be aware of the flood risk, especially during the wet season. Never drive through floodwaters.
Cyclones: Be aware of the cyclone risk in northern Australia during the cyclone season. Follow the advice of local authorities and evacuate if necessary.
Personal Safety: Protecting Your Belongings
Protecting your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings is important for personal safety.
Theft Prevention
Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, watches, or electronic devices in public.
Use a secure bag: Choose a bag that is difficult to open or cut, such as a cross-body bag or a backpack with hidden zippers.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be wary of suspicious individuals.
Don't leave belongings unattended: Never leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment.
Use hotel safes: Store valuables in the hotel safe when you are not using them.
Scams and Frauds
Be wary of unsolicited offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true.
Protect your personal information: Never give out your personal information, such as your credit card number or bank account details, unless you are sure the recipient is legitimate.
Report suspicious activity: Report any suspicious activity to the police.
Road Safety: Driving in Australia
Driving in Australia can be challenging, especially in rural areas. Be aware of the rules of the road, road conditions, and potential hazards.
Rules of the Road
Drive on the left: In Australia, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
Wear a seatbelt: It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt in all vehicles.
Obey speed limits: Pay attention to speed limits and adjust your speed to suit the conditions.
Do not drink and drive: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Use your indicators: Use your indicators to signal your intentions to other drivers.
Road Conditions
Long distances: Be prepared for long distances, especially in rural areas. Plan your route carefully and allow plenty of time for your journey. Our services can assist with planning your itinerary.
Unsealed roads: Many rural roads are unsealed. Drive slowly and carefully on unsealed roads.
Wildlife: Be aware of wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos, wombats, and other animals can pose a hazard to drivers.
Road trains: Be aware of road trains, which are long trucks that can be difficult to overtake. Give road trains plenty of space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Driving tired: Driving tired is a major cause of accidents. Take regular breaks and get enough sleep.
Underestimating distances: Australia is a vast country, and distances can be deceiving. Plan your route carefully and allow plenty of time for your journey.
Ignoring warning signs: Pay attention to warning signs about road conditions, wildlife, and other hazards.
By following these safety tips, you can minimise risks and enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Australia. Remember to stay informed, be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. For frequently asked questions about travel in Australia, visit our FAQ page.