Is everything in Australia trying to Kill You?
The short answer is NO.
People are usually killed because they ignore signs, swim where they shouldn't or are not prepared for our harsh environment.
Saltwater & Freshwater Crocodiles, jellyfish, blue ringed octopus, sharks, scorpions, stonefish, spiders and snakes - yep, we share our wonderful country with them all. I am not saying that these things are not dangerous, but you can take steps to avoid them all.
Keep some perspective about those "Aussie things that will kill you". In reality those things will, on the whole, leave you alone if you leave them alone and respect their territory. Also remember, some of the scariest looking things that creep, crawl and slither are not dangerous and just want to live their life happily and want nothing to do with us.
Below I will tell you about some of the real dangers, and also how to avoid those well known dangers.
We do have a sense of humour about our deadly creatures. The "Scared Weird Little Guys" (Australian Comedy Duo) have a song about our reputation for being a hostile environment - Come to Australia [See below]
The Real Dangers - What is likely to kill you in Australia
1. Beware our Beautiful Beaches
Whilst we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, they are often dangerous.
Don't just think the sharks, crocodiles, octopus and jellyfish - they are there, but you get fair warning about their presence. If you obey warning signs and swim in designated safe swim areas then you can avoid most predators.
So what is the real danger?
Rip Currents
The thing most likely to kill you at our beaches is not some biting or stinging critter, but rather a rip current. Rip currents have the potential to pull swimmers out to sea and are typically found in areas with underwater sand banks that obstruct the free flow of water back to the shore.
Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. Rips can change shape and location quickly and may be difficult to see
Best Advice
Avoid rips by swimming at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. Look out for warning signage and don’t wade or swim in these areas. If there is no signage, play it safe and stay out of the water. Obey the warning signs and never go swimming alone.
How to survive a rip current
If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm, conserve your energy and consider these options:
- Stay calm
- Seek help. Raise your arm and call out. You may be rescued
- Float with the current. It may return you to a shallow sandbank
- Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves. You may escape the rip current
2. The Australian Outback
Don't underestimate the harshness of the Australian Outback. Although it covers roughly 70% of the Australian continent, only around 5% of the population lives there. For those unprepared for its harsh and remote conditions, it can also present danger.
Isolation & Remoteness
The remoteness of almost 70 percent of our continent should be respected. Australia is much bigger than you think. It's the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, spanning 7,688,287 square kilometers. As an example here are the distances between some of our major cities:
| Melbourne -> Perth | 3319km |
| Brisbane -> Melbourne | 1778km |
| Brisbane -> Cairns | 1696km |
| Sydney -> Adelaide | 1375km |
| Adelaide -> Darwin | 3030km |
| Perth -> Broome | 2222km |
Be Prepared
Fuel Stops (Petrol Stations) are often few and far between once you reach remote areas. Check the locations of local food and fuel supplies before you go.
Be prepared for unsealed roads that may be impassable after rain. Many outback roads are unsuitable for 2WD vehicles.
Let someone know your plans and if possible carry a personal locator beacon (EPERB).
Huge sections of Australia have no Mobile Network Coverage. Do NOT rely on a mobile phone to get you out of trouble.
Before you Travel each day:
- Check the weather forecast
Check for alerts and road conditions
The remote parts of Australia are beautiful, but to visit them requires some serious planning and preparation.
What to Carry
- First aid kit.
- Water. 20 litres for emergency use and 4 litres per person per day.
- Communication equipment. Your mobile phone may not work in the outback.
- Food for all days of the trip and extra to cover unexpected delays.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Tool kit suitable for the vehicle and trailer if you're towing one including tyre changing equipment.
- Depending on your trip you may need 2 spare wheels.
- Recovery equipment if you plan to go off road.
- Shovel in case you get bogged.
- Compass or global positioning system (GPS).
- Tarpaulin or other shade device.
- Cooler or fridge.
- Rubbish bags.
- Matches or lighter.
3. Bushfires, Floods and Cyclones
Australia's tropical regions, including the Northern Territory and Queensland, are particularly vulnerable to cyclones.
Bushfires are a common occurrence in Australia, particularly during the summer months.
Flooding is another common natural disaster in Australia, with varying types including riverine flooding and coastal inundation.
Bushfires
The worst bushfires in Australian history, based on fatalities and property damage, include Black Saturday (2009), Ash Wednesday (1983), Black Friday (1939), Black Tuesday (1967), and the Black Summer fires (2019-2020). These events resulted in significant loss of life, widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and extensive environmental damage. Bushfires have killed approximately 800 people in Australia
How to stay Safe
When traveling in bushfire-prone areas of Australia, prioritize safety by staying informed about fire conditions, having an emergency plan, and packing essential supplies. Be prepared to adjust travel plans if necessary, and always heed the advice of emergency authorities.
Check for fire danger ratings
Monitor weather conditions and fire danger ratings for your destination and routes, using resources like the Bureau of Meteorology website and state Emergency Apps.
Listen to emergency broadcasters
ABC Radio provides regular updates during emergencies. Find the local frequency using the link below.
Cyclones
Australia's most cyclone-prone area is the north-west coast between Broome and Exmouth. Tropical cyclones cross this coast more often than anywhere else around the continent. Other areas such as north Queensland and the Top End also get a high number of tropical cyclones. On average, about 11 tropical cyclones form in the Australian region each season.
Australia's tropical cyclone season
Australia's tropical cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April. They can happen at other times in our region but this is rare.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issue a Tropical Cyclone Information Bulletin when a tropical cyclone (or developing tropical low) is:
- active in our region
- not expected to cause winds of 63 km/h or greater (gale force) in Australian communities within the next 48 hours.
How to stay Safe
To stay safe during a cyclone while traveling in Australia, stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings, seek shelter in sturdy buildings, and heed evacuation orders from authorities. If you are traveling during cyclone season (November to March), it's crucial to monitor conditions and have a plan for where to go if a cyclone threatens.
Avoid driving:
If a cyclone is imminent, avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, and never drive through floodwaters
Floods
Riverine flooding occurs in relatively low-lying areas adjacent to streams and rivers. In the extensive flat inland regions of Australia, floods may spread over thousands of square kilometres and last several weeks, with flood warnings sometimes issued months in advance. Flooding can happen rapidly with a warning of only a few hours in some cases.
Flash flooding, otherwise known as overland flooding, can occur almost anywhere there is a relatively short, intense burst of rainfall such as during a thunderstorm. Although flash floods are generally localised, they pose a significant threat because of their unpredictability and normally short duration.
How to stay Safe
When travelling in Australia, especially during times of flooding, prioritize safety by avoiding driving through floodwaters, staying informed about weather conditions, and having an emergency plan. It's crucial to heed warnings from authorities and be prepared to adjust travel plans or seek shelter if necessary.
Our Deadly Creatures - How to Stay Safe Tips
Crocodile Safety
Queensland
In Queensland Crocodile habitat starts at Gladstone and extends north to the Torres Strait, across Cape York Peninsula and into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Estuarine crocodiles can be found in any waterways and the sea in this area.
Saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles can also live in freshwater, it’s just that they generally prefer the saltwater environment where’s there’s more food sources.They can attack from any depth of water, including while underwater.
Crocodiles are highly mobile at any time, especially after heavy rain and floods. They can travel hundreds of kilometres in water and can be found in all waterways and oceans within crocodile habitat.
Crocodiles are apex predators that capture their prey using stealth and camouflage. Even very large crocodiles can remain unseen in shallow water.
Their extraordinary sight, smell and other sensory organs alert them to the presence of potential prey.
Northern Territory
Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. Most Territory towns and urban areas including Darwin and the Darwin rural area are located on the coast, harbours or rivers. These are all places where saltwater crocodiles live.
Saltwater Crocodiles are dangerous. You should never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat.
Warning!
In areas with crocodiles in Australia, you'll find warning signs indicating the presence of crocodiles and advising caution. Obey all warning signs and be vigilant, especially during dawn, dusk, and night when crocodiles are most active. Never feed crocodiles — it is illegal and dangerous.
Never swim in water where crocodiles may live even if there is no warning sign. Only swim in designated safe swimming areas. Camp at least 2 metres above the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the water's edge.
Marine Stingers (Box & Irukandji Jellyfish) Safety
Habitat & Season
In Australia, dangerous marine stingers like box jellyfish and Irukandji are primarily found in the shallow, tropical waters north of Agnes Water in Queensland, throughout the Northern Territory, and in Western Australia down to Exmouth. They are most active during the warmer months, typically from October to May, which is often referred to as "stinger season".
Stay Safe
To stay safe from box jellyfish stings, the primary precaution is to avoid swimming in areas known to have high jellyfish populations, especially during stinger season (typically late spring to early autumn).
Wearing protective clothing is also crucial to minimize exposed skin. The more skin you cover, the greater the protection.
Special stinger suits are also available for those who do coastal water activities.
If you are stung, apply vinegar to the area and try to remove any remaining tentacles.
Box Jellyfish
Size and Appearance
A large but almost transparent jellyfish with a box-shaped bell up to 38cm in diameter. Up to 17 ribbon-like tentacles arise from each of the four corners. These may contract to about 10cm or may extend up to 3m.
Box jellyfish have venom in their tentacles that can sting and kill a person in under five minutes.
Children are also at greater risk because of their smaller body mass.
Irukandji Jellyfish
Size and Appearance
Small transparent box jellyfish, 1-2cm in diameter, usually not seen. Some may be up to 10cm long.
First Aid & Treatment
Its sting causes immediate severe burning pain and whip-like marks, often with tentacles remaining on the stung area. Severe stings may cause the casualty to stop breathing and suffer cardiac arrest.
- Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
- DRSABCD
- If casualty has more than one localised single sting or looks/feels unwell, dial triple zero (000) and seek assistance from a lifeguard if available
- Assess casualty and commence CPR immediately if required
- If possible, treat the sting by pouring vinegar for at least 30 seconds and then pick off the tentacles
- If vinegar is not available, pick off tentacles (this is not harmful to the rescuer) and rinse well with sea water. Apply a cold pack or ice in a bag for analgesia
- Anti venom is available for Chironex fleckeri and other multi-tentacled box jellyfish stings at hospitals and ambulance stations in tropical coastal areas
- Casualties who initially appear stable but experience severe symptoms in the following 30 minutes may be suffering Irukandji syndrome and need urgent medical care
Snake Safety
Staying Safe
To avoid snake bites in Australia, prioritize awareness of your surroundings, wear appropriate clothing like long pants and sturdy boots and gaters, and avoid provoking or handling snakes. Stay calm if you encounter a snake, and give it space to move away. If bitten, apply first aid and seek immediate medical attention.
Habitat & Season
In Australia, snake activity is highly influenced by seasonal changes and specific habitats. Generally, snakes are most active during the warmer months, from September to April, when they emerge to hunt, mate, and bask in the sun. However, some species, like the Tiger Snake, may be found basking on warm winter days. Snakes are also more likely to be encountered in areas near water, such as swamps, lagoons, and creeks. Australian snakes are found in diverse environments, from arid deserts to tropical rainforests, and from coastal areas to mountainous regions.
If you see a Snake
Stand STILL, slowly move away if safe to do so.
If very close keep still and let the snake move away from you, any movement within close range might cause the snake to react
Keep CALM, give the snake a chance to slither away.
Try not to panic if it moves, it may want to pass to escape
Leave the snake ALONE, do not try to catch it
Don’t throw anything, don’t hit it & don’t yell at it
Watch the snake to see where it goes. LOOK with your eyes only!
Wait & monitor action
Call an EXPERT, a professional snake catcher if needed
Please RESTRAIN pets to keep them safe
All our wildlife deserves our RESPECT
While Australia has a high number of venomous snakes, human fatalities from snake bites are rare due to antivenom and medical advances.
Many venomous snakes are reclusive and will not bite unless provoked.
Mostly Harmless
Not all snakes in Australia are venomous, and even among those that are, only a small proportion pose a significant threat to humans. While Australia is known for having a high number of venomous snakes, many species are harmless or have venom that is not considered dangerous.
First Aid & Treatment
- Ensure patient (& others) are no longer at risk
- Contact emergency service – ambulance – dial “000”
- FIRST AID MUST BE STARTED IMMEDIATELY
- Do not interfere with bite in any way
- Keep limb & person still until bandage & splint can be applied
- IMMOBILISATION OF BITTEN LIMB & PERSON IS CRITICAL
- Start bandaging at extremity, no matter where on limb bitten
Remove all jewellery from bitten limb
Include fingers or toes, & splint to immobilise any joints
Bandage over clothing – removing clothing increases movement - If bitten on body or head, immobilisation only
- Do not give food or drink – small sips of water if requested
- Follow instructions of paramedics for patient retrieval
