General Information about Australia for Visitors

Hazards

You may encounter hazards of the climatic and animal kind, even in the parks and reserves of towns and cities, but especially if you go bush or head off the beaten track.

If you head into our rainforest country, then be prepared for .. RAIN!

Ironically, bush fires are also a major hazard during summer, especially if the ground litter has accumulated and it's been dry for a week or two.  Dry, gusty winds, warm from crossing the Great Australian Desert can fan a small ember into a major bush fire in minutes.

Please use designated fire places or bring your own gas cookers, and refrain from tossing soft drink bottles, matches or cigarette butts out the window while driving!

Snakes, spiders, ants and other insects are busy during the warmer months, but may be encountered at anytime of year especially during wet weather.

Australia has the world's most venomous snakes and spiders. However, we also have the world's most comprehensive anti-venom treatments. Like their brethren the world over, Australia's snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them (thank goodness), and will generally only attack if surprised and unable to escape, or if they have been cornered and provoked.

While it still pays to be vigilant and aware, the chances are they'll disappear before you even realize they've been there.

If heading into the bush, be prepared for the usual hitchhikers like leeches during "the wet" (Summer and Autumn for subtropical and tropical Australia), and bush ticks during "the dry".  Bush ticks can be especially nasty if not recognized and removed. People react differently, but symptoms range from nothing to mild headaches through to nausea, aching bones and being quite ill, if not spotted and removed.

Some species of ants are aggressive, and you may find your ankles and legs being quite savagely bitten by these small warriors (avoid their nests and trails). Thick socks and sturdy footwear usually reduce risks. Some people may also react badly to sandfly and mosquito bites (Barma River Fever and Ross River Virus occur in this region), so take precautions and use insect repellent when on our waterways, bushwalking or down at the beach.

Aahh .. the beach.  Most beaches in popular tourist areas have volunteer life guard patrols during holidays, and throughout summer.  Please swim between the red and yellow flags, or discuss the conditions with the life guard on duty if you are unsure of them.

In northern Australia, watch out for fresh and salt water "croc's" (crocodiles), although popular affected billabongs (water holes), rivers and beaches will be sign posted.  Various stinging jellyfish are also water hazards at various times of year, depending where your are.

Australia's light is like no other, so slip on a shirt, slop on sun screen and slap on a hat.  Even in the bush or on overcast days, Australian sunlight can be harsh, especially if you're coming from a cooler climate.

You can still get that enviable tan without spending half your holiday feeling hot and painfully uncomfortable from sunburn.  Just be sensible about exposure and pay heed to public service announcements.

Driving in Australia

We drive on the left hand side of the road here.

International visitors often under estimate the distances between towns and cities, and the amount of time it takes to travel by road around Australia, which is almost as big as the United States.

The relatively small population (19 million) lives predominently on the coastal fringes, with distances of 200 klm or more common between regional and rural towns, sometimes connected by poorly engineered and maintained roads.

We have had our share of serious and fatal accidents involving overseas visitors.  If you intend to stay in the major towns and drive only on highways, an automatic shift vehicle will be sufficient for most people.

If you intend to do a self drive holiday off the beaten track or through more than one state, you will need to be a competent and confident driver, especially if you are inexperienced with distance driving.

It is highly advised to "Stop, Revive, Survive" evey two hours when driving.  During school holidays and long weekends, volunteer organisations (usually the local Lions, Apex or Service Club) provide free refreshments at designated "Driver Reviver" stations, but whenever you travel in Australia, you should schedule regular stops, especially if you are doing a long trip, like Sydney-Brisbane-Cairns, or similar driving tour.

In rural areas, narrow paved or gravel (dirt) roads are common, and you may find yourself driving on the road shoulder approaching a blind bend or hill crest to ensure sufficient passing space should a vehicle be coming from the opposite direction.

A 50 klm per hour speed limit applies in many residential areas in towns in our region, with 60 klm per hour in other residential/commercial zones.  A 100 klm (or indicated) speed limit applies on most open roads and highways.

It is compulsory for every person in a vehicle to wear a seat beat. If you are stopped by a police or highway patrol, and not wearing a seat beat, the driver will receive an "on the spot" fine.

It is a criminal offence in all Australian states and territories to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The maximum legal blood alcohol level is .05% for private sedans drivers, and zero percent (0%) if you are driving a coach or multi passenger vehicle.  Australian police in all states frequently conduct "drink/drive" road blocks where you must stop if directed, and be breathalized.  If you are over the limit, you will be charged.

This link to the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority Holiday Driving resources page, has additional information, tips and links to Pacific Highway information, roadside rest area and driver reviver stop map, traffic reports and speed camera locations.