Sheep, cattle, horses (brumbys) and kangaroos have no concept whatsoever of modern motor vehicles. They have absolutely no way of gauging speed – try this: have someone shine a powerful light into your eyes in the dark and see what you can see… Nothing. A 1,000kg wild Brahman bull is not afraid of you or…
Always wear protective footwear on all tropical reefs, preferably high sided to cover the ankle, in and out of the water, as one small coral shell can create serious infection. Tiny shellfish have barbs that can inflict painful stings. A quantity of vinegar applied to stings will soothe the irritation.
Australia has thousands of kilometres of wide-open spaces, totally isolated from civilisation for most of the country. NEVER accept a lift with a stranger, not even if travelling with a friend. Most backpack hostels display, share-expense notice boards for you to select a suitable and compatible travelling companion.
Australian summers are generally long, and even the most carefully made and smallest of fires can erupt into a full scale bushfire, a simple gust of wind, willy-willy (type of mini tornado) or stray cinders can, and have, burnt out towns. Prevention is far better than you having to try in heat conditions to extinguish…
Surfing in Australia is like snow skiing in Switzerland – nearly everybody enjoys swimming at the beach, and a common sight in summer is the multi-coloured surf teams patrolling our beaches. They are mostly volunteers, doing a service to many thousands of beach goers every week as the safe swimming conditions can alter in a…
Croc’s have been found in areas well away from the known habitats. NEVER venture into rivers with mud banks, as crocodiles can slide over mud up to 30km/hr – CAN YOU? Always fish from ledges at least one metre above the water, and remember – crocs can see you through muddy waters.
Travelling into unknown north coastal or Top End wilderness regions of Australia without backup or support vehicles is a dangerous practice. As many have discovered, rapid tidal changes and sink holes are easily camouflaged, and soft sandy flat beaches can trap unwary four wheel drivers. Caution must be taken when traversing coastal dunes. Crawl throughs…
Mosquitoes and sand flies live in most countries in the world and Australia is one of them – not just in the tropics, they are everywhere Most repellents work, some more than others. Wear loose-fitting clothes especially in the evenings, protect covered skin areas. Ross River or Dengue fever is a very debilitating disease and…
Aussie summers are extremely severe – 40°C in cities and much higher in outback and northern areas. Hats with a wide brim are best, a long sleeved thin shirt will protect most body areas, and a good quality sun cream will offer some protection, however extended periods in the heat will cause rapid dehydration. Always…
Snorkelling and diving off islands requires care and attention to exact position due to strong tides and currents circling the island, even in shallow water. Constant distance checks from boats or beach will ensure you are always able to stand in shallow water or retain sufficient energy to return safely.