Australia Travel Guide: Australia Travel Safety Tips

Travelers visiting Australia have the peace of mind that they are visiting a country that is considered generally safe and highly developed. There are many wide-open spaces, pristine beaches, friendly people, low crime rates and year round pleasant climate. Also, tourist facilities are well developed in the country, so travelers have many resources at their fingertips.

Travelers going to Australia should first secure the proper travel documents. A passport valid for at least six months is a must. Also, determine if you need a visa to enter Australia. U.S. citizens who plan to stay in the country for less than 90 days will only need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is an electronic visa. This could easily be obtained online for a small fee, or arranged by your travel agent.

Make photocopies of your travel documents and put your originals in a secure location, such as your locked luggage or hotel safe. There’s no need to carry your original passport as you go around. Photo identification would suffice when touring, or as a safety precaution, a photocopy of your travel documents.

Australia has very strict health guidelines and may sometimes require a medical examination before being issued a visa. Those with HIV, cancer or tuberculosis and other pre-existing medical conditions might find some difficulty in getting a visa approval, especially for those who wish to reside in Australia.
The country has strict quarantine law meant to prevent the entry and spread of communicable diseases in the country. This quarantine restriction also applies to the importation of various products as well as animals and pets. Avoid bringing in food items to Australia, or be ready to declare any food items, plant and animal products and animals that you have with you. Otherwise, you might be subject to heavy fines.

Also, it’s a good idea to get a medical checkup to ensure that you are in the best physical health to travel to Australia. The rigors of travel could be too taxing for some visitors so consult your doctor before leaving your country.

Travelers should bring their own supply of prescription medication before heading out to Australia. This should be packed in the carryon luggage so that medical complications need not arise in case of lost or delayed luggage. Carrying copies of your doctor’s prescription would help in case you are questioned. Over the counter medication such as pain relievers are readily available. However, you may want to pack a small supply, especially if you plan to head to the outback. Small bandages and other items needed for first aid might also be useful.

Fortunately, excellent medical facilities are widely available in Australia. However, make sure that you still have travel medical insurance before you leave your country, as many insurance companies do not extend coverage outside of your home country. These policies will often work on a reimbursement basis, so be sure to keep all copies of your receipts, prescriptions, test results and other medical services documents so you can get your claim processed for reimbursement upon your return.

Exercising a few basic safety precautions and these Australia travel safety tips should be practiced while going around Australia. Do not hitchhike, pick up hitchhikers and stay away from unfamiliar areas that are poorly lit. Avoid staying out too late at night when in an unfamiliar city. It’s best to get directions from your hotel concierge before heading out so you have an idea on what to do as well as how to get around the country.

Violent crime is not prevalent in Australia, although travelers should still exercise vigilance. Weapons are used by some perpetrators. Be wary of pickpockets, purse-snatchers and other petty thieves, especially when going to crowded places. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. When going out, do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking has been known to happen.

Victims of crime should report the incident to local authorities right away. If you need to get your travel documents replaced, contact your country’s embassy at the soonest possible time. For emergencies, have your hotel concierge contact the Australian emergency hotline, which is 000.

One of the hazards of going to Australia is the high exposure to the sun. Although the country of Australia is nice and sunny year round, the ozone layer that protects the earth from the harmful rays of the sun has been depleted over much of the continent. This places travelers and residents at an increased risk for skin cancer. Those who wish to enjoy the outdoors should be vigilant about applying a liberal amount of high SPF sunscreen. Use at least SPF 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day, especially after exposure to water, rubbing or excessive sweating. Using a wide brimmed hat or clothes treated with SPF would also be of great help.

Travelers looking for adventure should keep in mind that traveling to some parts of Australia could be quite dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken. About 400 tourists die annually in Australia, usually due to exposure to the harsh elements in the Outback, car crashes, drowning, while some senior tourists die from heart attacks and strokes. Travelers should also remember that several animals in Australia could cause serious injury. These include such as animals as crocodiles, jellyfish, snakes, spiders and sharks. The wildlife in Australia should be approached with caution.

Enjoying the waters of the Australian coast is one of the main draws to travelers visiting the country. When swimming or diving, be mindful of the restricted areas. Safe swimming areas are designated with flags. The safe areas for swimming are those between the yellow and red flags. Ensure that a lifeguard is present and avoid swimming by yourself. Follow the swimming and surfing advisories posted around the beach.

Another safety precaution to practice is to swim parallel to the shore to avoid rips and strong currents. Even good swimmers could be taken by surprise by the strong water current. Also, if you encounter sea creatures, do not attempt to touch or go near these as they can sting, bite and cause serious to fatal injuries. Between October and May, the waters of Northern Australia and around the Queensland islands are full of box jellyfish. These are venomous so avoid these sea wasps. Fortunately, these are rare on the Barrier Reef. Travelers should keep an eye out for warning signs.

Stay hydrated throughout the day. Pack a bottle of water and drink at regular intervals when outdoors. For those going to the Outback, it is recommended to carry a liter of water for every hour you plan to be outdoors. Heatstroke is a common occurrence. Wear the appropriate clothing when heading out. If you plan to go hiking, wear good and comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Pants are ideal even when it is hot since these could help protect against snakebites when walking on long grass or in the bush. Also, avoid starting any fires since these could easily get out of control and quickly spread into a wild bushfire.

When outdoors, check your footwear and folded articles of clothing before putting it on. Snakes and spiders could inadvertently crawl in and bite when surprised. Some spiders get trapped in folded clothing so check your garments before wearing it, especially when you have spent some time outdoors. Travelers should also bring some strong mosquito and insect repellant before heading outdoors.

Travelers who wish to drive in Australia must determine if they need an international driver’s license or if their foreign driver’s license will suffice. Each state in Australia has its own policies. Travelers planning to drive in Australia should remember that driving is done on the left side of the road. Automobiles are right hand drive, which could be disorientating for some drivers. Be sure to head out with a full tank of gas and ensure that your vehicle is in proper working condition. Also, check that you have the appropriate liability insurance when you rent a vehicle.

You must wear your seatbelt, as this is mandatory by law. Sending messages and making a call using a cellular phone without a hands-free set is also illegal. Australian authorities also impose heavy fines on speeding, driving while intoxicated and performing other driving violations. Drivers should keep in mind that the speed limits posted are in kilometers instead of miles. The legal drinking limit is at a low 0.05.

When driving outside of the cities, roaming animals such as kangaroos and wombats might pose a road hazard. Another road hazards are the road trains, which are semi-truck trailers that are linked together. Drivers of these vehicles have many blind spots so proceed with caution when overtaking these vehicles. Travelers who wish to explore the outback might want to hire a guide, or rent a satellite phone, GPS system or radio beacon. Drivers are also instructed to drive with low beam lights during the daytime.

Travelers should keep these Australia travel safety tips in mind to ensure a safe and stress-free vacation. It’s very easy to throw safety precautions to the wind when you are out having fun, but smart travelers will always make their safety a priority. Our Travel Guide Australia is an excellent resource to use during your stay in Australia, so keep it accessible.

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