Travel Advice

Australia safety    

Australia takes visitors safety and security seriously. There are some important areas where visitors can be endangered. In any emergency dial 000. 

Beach Safety

Surf on beaches kills! Swim between the flags and never swim alone. Surf life savers are on duty at most beaches and will be very pleased to provide advice. If nobody is patrolling the beach do not enter the water. In some areas of the tropical regions are dangerous due to crocodiles and jelly fish. Take local advice in the tropical regions, some beaches will have nets to protect you in the water.

Dangerous animal

Australia has some of the most dangerous creatures in the world but do not panic. The risks are very low indeed and where incidents occur often due to not being sensible.

Snakes do exist and will kill. If bitten do not move and seek help immediately and wrap the wounded area tightly. Spiders such as the funnel-web and redback can cause serious illness and death. Saltwater crocodiles are very dangerous and NEVER swim where they are found, they do kill!

Sharks do kill but the chances are very low indeed. If you swim on patrolled beaches the risk is reduced dramatically as patrols watch for sharks. Dingoes can be aggressive and dangerous for children.

The Irukandji jellyfish is nasty and can be killer. In the tropical areas beaches are netted and you swim inside the nets to avoid being stung. Beaches also have vinegar on them to be used if bitten.

Stingrays do kill but for most people unless provoked they will go away.

Sun

The sun is to be avoided in Australia as it is very strong and can lead to skin canser. Remember the phrase Slip Slap and Slop where you slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on sunscreen .

Australia Weather

Australia is too extensive to have a single climate. It is not necessarily ‘hot and dry’, as it tends to be characterised, although such a description can be applied with moderate accuracy to the interior. It is important to realise that the Tropic of Capricorn runs through Rockhampton, towards the south of Queensland, and that approximately one-third of Australia is tropical.

So it is important for you to check the latest Australia to decide what kinds of clothes to bring with you with the following link. http://www.bom.gov.au/   

Australian customs and etiquette

Australians are friendly and generally informal. Their greetings are casual and relaxed. While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner. You should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?' Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting. Extending your middle finger is very rude. Australians follow rules and expect everyone to do so.  Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed.  

Tipping is not expected in Australia. However due to the large number of visitors tipping does occur and like most places in the world is appreciated. If service in restaurants has been outstanding you might wish to leave 10% but if not then do not feel obliged to tip and if you just want to be generous round up the bill. 

Australian food and drinks

One can find almost any type of food in Australia - and one can find it in all price ranges. Some Australian restaurants are very good indeed, but if you are on a limited budget you can still find tasty food in a diversity of ethnic styles at reasonable prices.

In Australia, each state has its own brands of beer. The most popular brand of beer is probably V.B. (Victoria Bitter), brewed, of course, in Victoria. A superior beer (in taste and price) which is gaining in popularity is Cooper’s, brewed in South Australia. Australia has also become the home of some good quality wines. The Barossa Valley in South Australia has long been the most famous area for wine production.         The legal drinking age is 18 and is enforced very strictly which means that you will need to have identity if you are close to 18 years of age. 

Test yourself

How can you insure your safety on the beach?

What are the most dangerous animals of the world in Australia?

What clothes should you bring if you are going to Tasmania now?

Can you drink if you are under 18 years old in Australia?

 

By Susan