Safety Tips for Backpackers: Australia

In this advice guide to Backpackers (Australia edition), you'll learn about the main concerns for their safety when traveling down under.

Emergency

In Australia, dial 000 for all immediate emergencies (fire, ambulance, police). Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, so you'll always have access to the emergency number from your cell phone.

personal security

In general, Australia is a very safe country to live and travel around. But as with any unfamiliar place, be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense.

S backpacking, your biggest threat is probably loss of personal property. When you share your accommodation in hostels, or store your backpack in a camper van, your personal assets at risk.

to secure your items while staying in Australia backpacker homes, wear padlocks for some piece of mind. Use the hostel lockers and / or lock the zippers on the bag as a theft deterrent.

Keep your valuables hidden when you parked your car. If possible, always carry the most important documents (passports, credit cards) or leave them in a safe at the reception of your accommodation.

health insurance

international health insurance is a must when traveling outside their country. Make sure your coverage will cover the activities that backpackers tend to be, such as skiing and bungee jumping. Australia has a large hospital, but they can be costly if not properly prepared!

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While in the past, hitchhiking is quite common in Australia and New Zealand, most guides are now officially discouraged. Personally, I hitchhiked and known others who have done the same, with varying degrees of success. Do so at your own risk.

I met a German couple who had everything stolen from the driver who dropped off in the middle of nowhere. He took off with their backpacks in the trunk, leaving the couple with only the clothes on their backs.

sunscreen

There is a reason why so many Australians wear hats Sun: Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Slip on a long-sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hat, to be generous with the sunscreen, and try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Swimming

Try to swim only at guarded areas that are marked. Australia has some wicked RIP tide that can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard. There are also poisonous jellyfish from October to May in northern Australia. Only swim in protected enclosures at this time of year.

Shark attacks are quite rare, despite all the media attention they get.

Vaccination

Normally, no vaccinations are required prior to arrival in Australia. If you are coming from yellow fever infected area, you will have a vaccine within six days prior to arrival in Australia.