6 Common Tips to Stay Safe When Travelling To Australia
Slip, Slop, Slap
The intensity of the sun
in Australia seems to be very high compared to most parts of the world. This
sunshine is one of the Australian draw-cards but it also has the power to burn
to a crisp. Sid the Seagull in the campaign of 1981 introduced Australians to the
three-step sun safety, its message was slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and
slap on a hat. It is always important that you protect your body from the sun
while in Australian, also drink plenty of water every couple of hours to avoid
dehydration.
Look out for flags
The sun is not the only
threat traveling to Australia, you need to be mindful of the waters as well.
When you swim in Australia be mindful of the flags, they serve as warning signs
to keep you from harm. Strong currents called rips also pose a risk even to
experienced swimmers so be careful to always swim at safe zones. Resist the
urge to swim at night and don’t paddle out beyond your depth.
Be mindful of the animals
There are many native
Australian animals you need to be mindful of while in the country. Attacks from
sharks are very common and so many at-risk beaches are protected by netting,
but always heed to warning signs before making any move. The northern
Australian tropics are mostly occupied by Stingers (tiny jellyfish) during
summer, so stick to stinger-resistant enclosures found at some beaches and wear
protective clothing in open waters. Take careful notice of signs around
crocodile habitats like rivers and swimming holes in tropical national parks to
avoid an unwanted run-in with a crocodile.
Drive Smart
Make all the necessary
preparations before going on a road trip in Australia. Long distances, very
high temperatures, and unforgiving terrain are common with road trips in
Australia and as such require good preparation. That means a sturdy
four-wheel-drive fitted with a GPS and spare tires, an emergency plan, and a
well-stocked first-aid kit, at least five liters of water per person per day as
well as ample non-perishable food. Never neglect the “stop, revive, and
survive” slogan, you need to have a break every couple of hours to refresh
yourself.
Be careful of the bush
While in Australia,
remember to ’slip, slop, slap’ to protect yourself from the sun, carry plenty
of water, keep your distance from animals, respect safety barriers, read maps
carefully, and consider the difficulty of the bushwalk before you embark on it.
There are lots of bushes of in Australia with plenty of animals in them, it is
wise to always consider the bush you are walking into, look out for warnings,
and try to stay safe. Bushfires are a constant risk in the warmer, dryer months
so obey any fire bans and stick to designated camp fireplaces if you do light
up.
Take good care of
yourself
It is very unlikely that
you will get pick-pocketed in Australia especially with the high minimum wage
in the country, but always keep an eye on personal properties. If you keep to
all the warnings of the environment, then Australia is entirely a safe place to
be. Be on the lookout for any ATMs or credit card machines that smell a little
fishy and make digital copies of your important documents in case you misplace
them. Remember to always call emergency 000 in case of any emergency.
Australia is a lovely place to be and have lots of fun
but you have to adhere to the rules otherwise you might hurt yourself. Share with
us some of your beautiful experiences in the comment box below.
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