LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Dangers & annoyances
Animal Hazards
Judging by Australia's remarkable profusion of dangerous creatures, Mother Nature must have been really pissed off when she concocted the wildlife. Apart from the presence of poisonous snakes and spiders, the country has also had its share of shark and crocodile attacks and, to top it off, is home to the world's deadliest creature, the box jellyfish. Travellers don't need to be constantly alarmed, however - you're unlikely to see many of these creatures in the wild, much less be attacked by one.
Hospitals have antivenin on hand for all common snake and spider bites, but it helps to know what it was that bit you.
BOX JELLYFISH
There have been numerous fatal encounters between swimmers and these large jellyfish on the northern coast. Also known as the sea wasp or 'stinger', their venomous tentacles can grow up to 3m long. You can be stung during any month, but the worst time is from November to the end of April, when you should stay out of the water unless you're wearing protective clothing such as a 'stinger suit', available from swimwear and sporting shops in the stinger zone. The box jellyfish also has a tiny, lethal relative called an irukandji, though to date only one north-coast death has been directly attributed to it.
CROCODILES
In northern Australia, saltwater crocodiles ('salties') are a real danger. As well as living around the coast they can be found in estuaries, creeks and rivers, sometimes a long way inland. Observe safety signs or ask locals whether an inviting water hole or river is croc-free before plunging in - these precautions have been fatally ignored in the past.
INSECTS
For four to six months of the year you'll have to cope with those two banes of the Australian outdoors: the fly and the mosquito ('mozzie'). Flies aren't too bad in the cities but they start getting out of hand in the outback. In central Australia the flies emerge with the warmer spring weather (late August), particularly if there has been good winter rain, and last until the next frosts kill them off. Flies also tend to be bad in various coastal areas. The humble fly net fits on a hat and is very effective (albeit utterly unfashionable). Widely available repellents such as Aerogard and Rid may also help to deter the little bastards, but don't count on it.
Mozzies are a problem in summer, especially near wetlands in tropical areas, and some species are carriers of viral infections. Try to keep your arms and legs covered as soon as the sun goes down and make liberal use of insect repellent.
SNAKES
There are many venomous snakes in the Australian bush, the most common being the brown and tiger snakes, but few are aggressive - unless you're interfering with one, or have the misfortune to stand on one, it's extremely unlikely that you'll be bitten. The golden rule if you see a snake is to do a Beatles and let it be.
SPIDERS
The deadly funnel-web spider is found in NSW (including Sydney) and its bite is treated in the same way as a snake bite. Another eight-legged critter to stay away from is the black one with a distinctive red stripe on its body, called the redback spider for obvious reasons; for bites, apply ice and seek medical attention. The white tail is a long, thin black spider with, you guessed it, a white tail, and has a fierce bite that can lead to local inflammation and ulceration. The disturbingly large huntsman spider, which often enters homes, is harmless, though seeing one for the first time can affect your blood pressure.
Bushfires & Blizzards
Bushfires are a regular occurrence in Australia. In hot, dry and windy weather, be extremely careful with any naked flame - cigarette butts thrown out of car windows have started many a fire. On a total fire ban day it's forbidden even to use a camping stove in the open; the penalties are severe.
When a total fire ban is in place, bushwalkers should delay their trip until the weather improves. If you're out in the bush and you see smoke, even a long way away, take it seriously - bushfires move quickly and change direction with the wind. Go to the nearest open space, downhill if possible. A forested ridge, on the other hand, is the most dangerous place to be.
More bushwalkers actually die of cold than in bushfires. Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing at night in the mountains and the weather can change very quickly. Blizzards in the mountains of Tasmania, Victoria and NSW can occur at almost any time of the year, even January. Exposure in even moderately cool temperatures can sometimes result in hypothermia.
Crime
Australia is a relatively safe place to visit but you should still take reasonable precautions. Don't leave hotel rooms or cars unlocked, and don't leave your valuables unattended or visible through a car window. Sydney, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Byron Bay all get a dishonourable mention when it comes to theft, so keep a careful eye on your belongings in these areas.
Some pubs in Sydney and other major cities carry posted warnings about drugged drinks, after several reported cases in the past few years of women accepting a drink from a stranger only to later fall unconscious and be sexually assaulted. Women are advised to refuse drinks offered by strangers in bars and to drink bottled alcohol rather than from a glass.
On the Road
Australian drivers are generally a courteous bunch, but risks can be posed by rural petrol heads, inner-city speedsters and, particularly, drunk drivers. Potential dangers on the open road include animals, such as kangaroos, which can leap out in front of your vehicle (mainly at dusk); fatigue, caused by travelling long distances without the necessary breaks; and excessive speed. Driving on dirt roads can also be tricky if you're not used to them.
Swimming
Popular beaches are patrolled by surf life savers and patrolled areas are marked off by flags. Even so, surf beaches can be dangerous places to swim if you aren't used to the conditions. Undertows (or 'rips') are the main problem. If you find yourself being carried out by a rip, the important thing to do is just keep afloat; don't panic or try to swim against the rip, which will exhaust you. In most cases the current stops within a couple of hundred metres of the shore and you can then swim parallel to the shore for a short way to get out of the rip and make your way back to land.
A number of people are also paralysed every year by diving into waves in shallow water and hitting a sand bar; check the depth of the water before you leap.
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