Safety Tips for Travelling in Australia

By Richard Moore

Holidays in Australia

Australia is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations with everything travellers want from a holiday spot. Spectacular landscapes, some of Nature's greatest creations, sun, surf, beaches, great food and wine, friendly people and relative safety.

However, Australia is also one of the harshest of lands with a climate that can be unforgiving for those who are careless, or who don't prepare themselves well.

And if you think we're exaggerating then keep this in mind - almost 400 tourists die each year in Australia.

There were 363 deaths in 2002 and over the previous six years the annual average is around the 370.

Okay, almost 40 per cent of those were for people older than 55 who had heart attacks or strokes, but that still leaves some 240 people a year who meet their ends in other ways.

It seems that car crashes and drowning account for at least 60 tourists annually, almost four a year die after being assaulted and eight a year kill themselves while here.

But when you consider that more than 400,000 visitors hit Australian shores every month the death rate - a miniscule 0.01% - is statistically harmless.

Still, Australian has more poisonous and bitey nasties than any other nation in both the sea and on land - crocodiles, jellyfish, snakes, sharks and spiders, to name but a few - as well as the occasional felons who set fire to backpacker hostels or ambush tourists on lonely outback roads.

The main thing about travelling around this Great Southern Land is to think about what you are doing and be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Driving Safely

Australia is a big country and there is usually a large distance between places you want to visit. Driving around is relatively affordable, but it is important to take regular breaks from being behind the wheel. Authorities recommend that you stop and have a breather every two hours or so.

Always travel with a good supply of water in case you break down on the road. This is exceptionally important in summer, or if you are in the bush or Outback. Summer temperatures can reach 45° Celsius. If you do strike trouble stay with your vehicle as it will not only be found faster than someone on foot, but will also provide shelter.

You should always tell people where you are going and how long you expect to be.

• Drive on the left of the road
  
• Always wear seatbelts - both in the front and rear of cars
  
• Do not drink and drive - the limit is 0.05 and police are tough on offenders
  
• Do not pick up hitch-hikers (do not hitch-hike)
  
• Plan your trip
  
• Keep an eye on your gauges and remember to keep your petrol tank well filled and your water topped up
  
• Do not use mobile phones while driving
  
• Make sure you have a spare tyre and digging tools
  
• Have a map
  
• In country areas take a mobile phone, in the Outback look to hire a satellite phone or radio beacon
  
• Watch out for wildlife - wombats, kangaroos and bigger creatures can wreck your car
  
• In the outback drive with lights on low beam during the day

Beach Sense

The glorious beaches of Australia are something to revel in, but there are a few things to remember. Always take a hat and sunscreen with you (Factor 30+ is a must) and a good supply of drinking water. The Australian sun is unforgiving and sunstroke is not a pleasant experience.

In northern Australia ask about stinger season and when it is safe to swim.

• Swim between the red and yellow flags
  (Lifeguards patrol these areas and will quickly respond if you get into trouble)
  
• Listen to lifeguards if they warn you against swimming in dangerous surf conditions
  
• Don't touch any sea creatures you may see - they can bite, sting and, on occasions, can be fatal

Outdoors Sense

Dress appropriately for the area you are going to visit and make sure you always take warm clothing - even the hot deserts get very cold at night.

Australia has some of the world's deadliest snakes and so you need to be careful when in areas they like such as long grass, rocks and near water. Even urban areas have the reptiles so just because you are near a house that doesn't mean to forget safety.

• Wear long trousers and boots if walking in bush or long grass
  
• If bitten by a poisonous reptile, insect or spider, tie a tight bandage around the affected limb and keep the victim still. Call a doctor if you have a mobile
  
• In northern Australia be aware there are crocodiles in the water. Watch for warning signs
  
• Never dive into rivers or lakes without checking to make sure there are no hidden rocks or submerged trees
  
• Drink plenty of water and carry at least one litre for every hour you expect to be walking or hiking
  
• Be careful lighting fires - be aware of how easily bushfires start. Never leave a fire untended and always extinguish it when you leave an area