Thread: How careful do we really need to be??

Do you think we've scared Jon from coming to Australia yet?

Originally Posted by Phil633

All the advice above is good.

Also there is a book out called "See Australia and Die" (don't know if it is in the UK) It sounds terrible but it is a collection incidents that have happened mainly to tourists.

If you you can find it, I would recommend a read, so you know what not to do.

Here's a preview: http://www2.skynews.com.au/books/pag...Die_050308.pdf

Originally Posted by dm_td5

Do you think we've scared Jon from coming to Australia yet?

Nah, I'll just live in the car!!!!

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.



See Giant Gippsland Earthworm

Originally Posted by Yorkshire_Jon

Nah, I'll just live in the car!!!!

Seriously though, Im glad I asked the question - gives me (and no doubt others something to think about). Forewarned is forearmed and all that.

at least you wont be constantly bumping into people looking for James Herriot.

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