Printable View
Just a note on vinegar - be careful to identify jellyfish before chucking the stuff about - Man-of-war jellyfish, and some Irikanji('sp?) species will have the opposite reaction to vinegar, and inject much, much more harmful toxins.Quote:
Originally Posted by dm_td5
Pays to be aware :)
Do you think we've scared Jon from coming to Australia yet?
:Rolling:
Here's a preview: http://www2.skynews.com.au/books/pag...Die_050308.pdfQuote:
Originally Posted by Phil633
Nah, I'll just live in the car!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by dm_td5
Seriously though, Im glad I asked the question - gives me (and no doubt others something to think about). Forewarned is forearmed and all that.
Its really quiet simple up North, do not swim in rivers or billabongs, even swimming in the ocean is hazardous crocs are salt water too!, they are far more of a menace now then they were 20 years ago, jellyfish etc, stone fish, banded sea snakes, not to forget sharks, always turn your sleweping bag out before you get into it, spiders and other crawlies!, wear a big brimmed hat, plenty sunscreen, good first aid kit and a local first aid book, always carry plenty water, dont play with snakes poke them with sticks etc its a whole pile of common sense things really, these guys are spread far and wide on AULRO they will soon pass on the local dos and donts
Luckily Oz doesn't have any big predators so it's pretty safe.
No wolves, bears, lions, tigers, hippos, etc.
Just a few snakes, tiny little spiders, and humioungous and vicious drop bears.
Oh, don't dig for worms if you want to fish.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im.../2008/03/5.jpg
See Giant Gippsland Earthworm
at least you wont be constantly bumping into people looking for James Herriot.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Yorkshire_Jon
The only thing I would like to add, as the other posts have covered most things, is the gnats or sand flies. I spent 3 years in Darwin recently and was well aware of the crocs, snakes etc. But the sand flies got me. :( I still have the scars to prove it. The sand flies or midges are VERY small but leave a blister up to one centimeter in diameter which then bleeds for weeks. My legs looked like a pizza on a few occasions. The first time I went fishing on the harbour and up into the mangrove creeks I put the insect repellent on after I had my sandals and hat on(I had long sleeved shirt and jeans on). The areas under the sandal straps, watchband and around the hat rim were covered in bites. If you go near water or mangroves, put your insect repellent on all areas that will be bare before you put your clothes on. I also got done like a dinner when camping at Dalhousie Springs on the Simpson Desert crossing. On arriving at Birdsville the lady at the caravan park said she advises all travellers NOT to camp at Dalhousie. regards
Jon
Don't worry about it. I drove all round aus and camped out every night for 7 months. And i am a pom who grew up with Steve Irwin going on about that anything that moves will kill you in Aus. But i have done all this and been living in Aus for nearly 3 years and i still have not seen a snake yet
As for spiders did not have any problems with them either. Just be carefull and you will be fine. As for mossie you need a good spay and that will sort you out.
But belive me you will be fine. I was . My misses is an Aussie and spent the first couple of weeks taking the pi** out of me and then you forget about the snakes and spiders and other stuff
The biggest danger from wildlife is swerving to miss the blighters in the middle of the road (or in the air) and many beside the road will try to cross at the last second as you approach. Be very careful near dawn or dusk and at night.
This is a real danger, and it is difficult to control natural instincts. Large animals will do much damage if you hit them however, and you wouldn't like some of them inside the cab with you - they have no respect.