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.
Fires and Floods can be testing for locals, let alone visitors unprepared for a natural weather event. Our creepy crawlies are renowned the world over, and often irrationally feared, while the beach, with our sun, sand and surf, has its own way of dealing with the unwary.
Public service announcements regarding weather conditions are usually broadcast on local radio and television, and our emergency services provide a range of emergency responses.
Global location map (right) by Wikipedia
Emergency Services
Australia has one of the best civil emergency systems in the world. Each state has the State Emergency Services (SES) or equivalent, with coastal waters (Coast guard) and Beach (surf lifesaving) Patrols, Rural Bush Fire Brigades and Rescue Helicopter services, while the Royal Flying Doctor Service serves the more remote and outback areas.
A good percentage of the funding, sometimes most of it, and much of the people power for these services comes from the local communities they serve. If you are involved in an emergency and get instructions from a member of these services, please listen to them.
Even in populated areas, people can get lost or come to harm. Our volunteer civil emergency services don't enjoy rescuing ill prepared visitors (even fellow Aussies!), who have failed to make adequate preparations for their excusions, or ignored warnings, whether it's a day trip climbing Mount Warning or a safari into the Great Sandy Desert.
If you intend to go to a remote area, drive off the beaten track or go bushwalking without a knowledgeable local guide, please make sure that at the very least, you let someone know where you are headed and when you are expected back. Make sure a schedule detailing your expected route with approximate departure and arrival times, is left with your accommodation or another reliable contact.
If you do require emergency service, dial 000 (triple zero), ask for Ambulance, Fire or Police, and follow instructions. See also Medical Services.
Fire and Flood
"Bush Fire Season"
"Bush fire season" runs from October to March (Spring and Summer) in south eastern Australia (NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and southern WA). Ironically, it's are a major hazard in rainforest country too, 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 anywhere in Australia, even during "the wet" season in northern Australia.
In our national parks, state forests and reserves, 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!
"Wet Season"
"The wet season" runs from December to March (Summer) in northern NSW, QLD, the NT and northern WA. While tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons) are uncommon in New South Wales, they can make landfall as far south as Coffs Harbour. They have caused flooding, destructive winds, storm surges and loss of life.
If you head into our tropical and subtropical rainforest regions during the traditional "wet season", then be prepared for ... RAIN!
River and creek crossings will have designated markers, showing in metres, the depth of the water that can flow across the road at that point. Don't attempt to cross a flooding water course; depths and current speed can be deceptive. People (even "locals") have been trapped and drowned in their vehicles attempting to cross a flooded roadway. Also stay clear of storm water drains and culverts.
"East Coast Low"
Autumn and winter is the major storm season in south eastern Australia, from the NSW mid north coast/Hunter region south to TAS, VIC, SA and southern WA. Unsettled conditions including strong winds, rain and snow, are driven north from Antarctica across the "Roaring Forties" in the Great Southern Ocean, into the Great Australian Bight and make landfall in SA and VIC.
From Mid Autumn to late winter an infrequent phenomeom known as an "east coast low" (similar to a cyclone), off the east coast from southern QLD to TAS, can create havoc for shipping and cause a heavy rain event on land.
Local media will issue alerts, and the SES provides advise on how to prepare for and manage emergency weather events.
Creepy Crawlies
Snakes, spiders, ants and other insects are busy during the Summer months, but may be encountered at anytime of year, especially during warmer 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.
When 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 can range from a mild skin irritation where the animal is attached, through to headaches, 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 from this region to tropical northern Australia), so take precautions and use insect repellent when outdoors, on our waterways or down at the beach.
The Beach
Aahh ... the beach. Most beaches in popular tourist areas have volunteer life guard patrols during school 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.
Australia's light is like no other, be
Sunsmart and 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.
Photo © courtesy of Northern Rivers Tourism
You can still get that enviable tan without spending your holiday feeling hot and painfully uncomfortable from sunburn. Just exercise some Sun Safety, be sensible about exposure - especially between 11am and 3pm, and pay heed to public service announcements.
Many beaches, especially in QLD, have "shark nets", ostensibly to keep sharks away from swimming areas. These can result in the ensnaring of whales during their migration to and from Antartica, and drowning of other sea life like dophins, turtles and manta rays. Species of sharks are also known to inhabit estuaries and rivers in this region.
In northern Australia (QLD, NT, WA), watch out for "croc's", especially "freshies" and "salties" (fresh water and salt water 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. Just check local public service advise.
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