Australia is a safe country to visit, even though it’s home to sharks, jellyfish and jellyfish, as well as crocodiles, crocodiles, crocodiles, and more spiders than you can imagine if you follow these six simple tips to ensure your safety while travelling around Australia.
Slip, slip, slop, slap
Sid the Seagull introduced Australians in 1981 to the three-step sun safety campaign. It’s a message all visitors to Down Under should hear: wear a shirt, apply sunscreen, and put on a hat. While Australia’s greatest drawcard is its sunshine, it can also burn you. Protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking lots of water.
Swim between the flags
Red and yellow flags are used to mark the best area to swim and are also patrolled by lifesavers, who wear yellow and red. They won’t be of any assistance if you swim between the flags. Even experienced swimmers can be at risk from strong currents known as rips.
Take care of the animals.
Although drop bears may not be real, there are many other Australian native animals you should know. Shark attacks are rare. Many beaches at high risk are protected with netting. However, it is important to heed warning signs before diving in. The northern Australian tropics are home to tiny jellyfish called stingers. To avoid them, use stinger-resistant enclosures at beaches or wear protective clothing when you’re in open water. To avoid a run-in with a Croc, be aware of signs around crocodile habitats such as rivers and swimming holes within tropical national parks. These national parks also have spiders and snakes. To avoid getting bitten, wear appropriate footwear and stick to the worn paths.
Be smart
Are you planning a road trip through the beautiful landscapes of the Australian Outback? Preparation is key for long distances, unforgiving terrain and extreme temperatures. A sturdy four-wheel drive equipped with a GPS, spare tyres and an emergency plan, a fully-stocked first aid kit, at minimum five litres per person per day, and plenty of non-perishable food, is essential. Don’t forget to take a break every few hours to stop. Revive. Survive’. Look out for Driver Reviver road stops along major routes.
Respect the bush
Many world-class walking tracks run through Australia’s national parks, including the Great Ocean Track in Victoria and the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. The Heysen Trail in South Australia is also worth a look. But don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path like Bear Grylls. To protect yourself from the sun, remember to “slip, slop, slap”, carry lots of water, keep away from animals, respect safety barriers, and read maps thoroughly to understand the difficulties of bushwalks before you begin. Bushfires pose a risk during the hotter, dryer months. If you light one, please follow any fire bans.
Take care of you
Australia is generally safe if you can protect yourself from the sun, ocean, and native animals. But you should still be vigilant. Although you are unlikely to be pickpocketed, you must keep your personal belongings safe. Pay attention to any ATMs and credit card machines that smell suspicious. In case of misplacement, make digital copies. Take care when you’re out at night, especially in large cities with a lot of nightlife.