When travellers come to Australia, in a lot of cases it is to experience the great Australian lifestyle from the cities to the outback. Not to scare anyone out of visiting any place in Australia, but Australia has some dangerous wildlife big and small, but with a few small precautions and basic knowledge there is no reason to be fearful.

Snakes

Australia has a lot of venomous snakes, tiger snakes, copperheads, taipans and death adders to name a few but in a whole not a lot of people come across them. The best thing to do if one is located is to leave it alone. Most people are bitten by snakes when they try to handle or kill them. Take a different route or turn around if walking in the bush. If you are bitten by a snake employ first aid and call 000 to get energency assistance.

Spiders:

There are a number of Australian spiders which you may come accross on your travels. The Redback spider is one which is common throughout Australia. Characteristically the female spiders are most recognisable as they are small, black and have a red splash on their rear. They are most likely found in outside toilets (dunny) sheds and gardens. If bitten seek medical attention as there is an antivenom. Other spider so to be wary of are funnel web spiders and white tailed spiders. In any case if unsure seek medical advice if required.

Ocean Hazards

Australia has a beach culture and as such certain hazards from marine creatures can be encountered. Sure there are the big ones like great white sharks and tiger sharks but in the animal kingdom it is the small ones we are much more likely to come across.

Jelly fish in Australia particularly in the tropics can be deadly. The Box Jelly Fish is about 30 cm and if stung can cause the victim to stop breathing. Apply vinegar and get medical attention. In the same vane the Irukandji is only 1-2 cm, about the size of a thumb nail, but can also be fatal so medical attention needs to be sought immediately if stung. Bluebottles are up to 10 cm long and found in all water in Australia. Remove tentacles with tweezers apply hot water (not scalding) and seek medical attention.

• Swimming enclosures on some beaches in the tropics are set up to make a safe swimming area and exclude box jelly fish.
• Patrolled beaches usually conduct patrols where the water is dragged looking for jelly fish. If they are found the beach is closed down so heed warnings.
• Some more remote beaches have vinegar bottles left in boxes at the beach for treatment.

Stone fish and blue ringed octopus rate a mention as well. The Blue ringed octopus is found in all Australian ocean waters and usually are only a problem when handled. The octopus has vivid blue rings when disturbed as a warning, so be warned. If bitten death can occur so seek medical attentions straight away. The Stone fish is the most venomous fish known to man. They burrow into sand where it is perfectly camouflaged. It is found in tropical waters. If stood on the dorsal fin spines pierce the skin and inject the venom. This may result in death so get help quickly.

Crocodiles are a hazard in the tropics of Australia. There are two types, the Estuarine Crocodile (Saltwater Crocodile) and the Freshwater Crocodile. The saltwater crocodile or salties are the most dangerous as they are big and inhabit areas where people visit. They swim in the ocean as well as fresh water. Generally they lie in wait and lunge to seize their prey. Many areas that are inhabited by salties are signed by local government so take heed of warning signs. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they are not there.

Insects

Insect are the less glamorous of things to be wary of, however aside from ticks, bees and wasps the mosquito should be the one to watch out for. Mosquito’s in the tropics can carry Ross River or Barmah Forest virus. This debilitating virus attacks the joints with arthritis and saps the energy of the infected. The virus can last for 3 months or longer. Tropical insect repellent should be used around dawn and dusk, long sleeve shirts and pants should also be worn in areas with high populations of mosquito’s.

So when in the great outdoor take a few precautions to stay safe and your travels will be memorable for the right reasons.

Note: This article does not provide first aid advice in any detail and in all instances where a bite or sting has occurred seek the appropriate medical attention.