Australia : Safety by City
The famous “land down under”, Australia, is known for its natural wonders, wide-open spaces (filled with new, sometimes scary species of insects), its beaches and deserts, and its size.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world and its characteristics are unseen anywhere else in the world is what makes it such an appealing destination for tourists.
Namely, Australia is extremely popular among tourists: in 2015, over 7.5 million people visited the country.
Of course, everyone knows, it’s not all about the natural wonders, species, spaces, deserts, and beaches in Australia.
No, it is actually one of the world’s most highly urbanized countries, and popular for its contemporary establishments and attractions in its main cities: Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Given that it is so developed and so stable, it’s no wonder that it is completely safe for tourists to travel to.
Warnings & Dangers in Australia
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Australia is, generally, very safe to travel to. Apart from some natural threats to watch out for, you should have no worries about your safety. Crime rates are low and few precaution rules should go a long way.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transportation in Australia is generally very safe and reliable, but driving can be complicated because of wild animals jumping in the middle of open roads and drunk drivers.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
There is almost no pickpocketing in Australia, but you should still remain vigilant in big cities such as Sydney or Melbourne.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Natural threats are probably the only risks for you in Australia. There is a variety of threats, from dangerous animal species, to dangerous waters and currents, UV exposure and riptides. Follow the signs at beaches, roads or any other natural spaces and the advice of authorities.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging and kidnapping is also a very rare occurrence in Australia, so it shouldn't be on your list of worries. Still, avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and if you find yourself in such a situation, hand over your belongings immediately and do not resist.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Australia's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Even though Australia is not known for scams, in tourist destinations you should always be cautious when receiving change, negotiating rides or any kinds of services, and also never pay for anything upfront.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Australia is very safe for women traveling solo, and women usually travel here with no problems whatsoever. Just apply few basic precaution rules and use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
So... How Safe Is Australia Really?
Australia is very safe to visit!
Major threats that Australia is known for are coming from dangerous flora and fauna species, riptides, reptiles, and natural disasters, and they can be fatal so it is important that you follow the advice of authorities and every sign on the streets or in front of natural reserves or other spaces.
First of all, you should be careful in Australia’s waters.
They’re home to several nasty jellyfish species such as the box jellyfish and bluebottles.
If you are told or you see a sign telling you to get out of the water because they have been spotted, do so immediately.
In the Northern Territory, you can encounter another danger: crocodiles.
One of the most dangerous is the saltwater or estuarine crocodile.
Do not underestimate riptides and strong currents at many of the East Coast beaches.
Tamarama Beach near Sydney is especially dangerous.
Another issue in Australia is the, now infamous, scary land creatures.
Australia is home to some of the world’s most dangerous snakes.
Get familiar with how these poisonous snakes look like before you encounter one and do not touch them or get in their way.
Other dangerous Aussie species are the, very well known, spiders that vary in size as well as in how poisonous they are, and in this country, there are actually several species of spiders that are considered to be world’s most fatal.
Funnel spiders are particularly dangerous and come out after periods of rains.
They tend to hide in things such as shoes.
You can get killed from a single sting if you don’t receive the antidote quickly enough.
If you think you’ve been bitten by a spider or a snake, take a picture, and immediately go to the closest medical center.
How Does Australia Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Australia | 86 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Netherlands | 75 |
| Chile | 79 |
| Mongolia | 71 |
| Qatar | 84 |
| United Arab Emirates | 79 |
| Montenegro | 70 |
| Poland | 84 |
Useful Information
Visas
All countries except New Zealand require a visa before entering Australia. In order to check which visa you need (electronic or not) and how much it costs, visit the official site of Australian government. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Australian dollar is the official currency in Australia. ATMs are widely available in larger cities and towns, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments such as hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.
Weather
Since it's such a large country, Australia has several different climate zones and the weather varies depending on the specific area. The northern section of Australia has a more tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, and warm and dry winters, while the southern parts are cooler with mild summers and cool and rainy winters.
Airports
Sydney Airport is the busiest airport in Australia. It is located 8 km (5 mi) south of Sydney city centre. Other busy airports in Australia are located in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Australia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
Australia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 29 | 28 | 25 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 26 |
| Low °C | 14 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 12 |
| High °F | 84 | 82 | 77 | 68 | 61 | 54 | 52 | 57 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 79 |
| Low °F | 57 | 57 | 52 | 45 | 39 | 34 | 32 | 34 | 39 | 45 | 50 | 54 |
Australia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | 88 |
| Brisbane | 90 |
| Cairns | 61 |
| Canberra | 88 |
| Darwin | 70 |
| Gold Coast | 69 |
| Hobart | 90 |
| Melbourne | 80 |
| Perth | 85 |
| Sydney | 80 |
| Townsville | 77 |
| Wollongong | 55 |
Australia a safe "nanny" state
Avoid travelling on country roads at night and especially at dusk and dawn, even close to major towns and cities due to wildlife on the roads. I do not agree with lack of safety on roads, especially drunk or drugged drivers as this is strictly patrolled with Random Breath Testing and drug testing with heavy penalties. Australia has major distortions, mainly lack of public transport and rail transport for goods and passengers, recreational motorcyclists being responsible for 40% of the death and injury stats, very high vehicle ownership and mileage travelled, and remote areas have 3 times the rates of MVAs.
As an Australian resident, I think you need to update this article. Down ‘south’ we are in the midst of a heatwave with a record number of days of 40+ temperatures. I regularly bushwalk and in all my 56 years I have only ever seen a snake out of captivity about three times. The only wild animals that may appear in front of your car is a kangaroo, and yes, this occurs at dusk. I have never yet hit one but roadkill is a regular sight. Temperatures vary greatly so really do your research in terms of when and where you are travelling and bring appropriate clothing.
Be cautious of animals
Sorry but I must say this hasn’t been my experience. I live in Brisbane and have travelled between here, Darwin, Sydney and Broken Hill areas. Animals that I encountered infront of my car – kangaroos, wild goats and pigs, domestic camels, emus and the odd domestic cow.
I live near a creek and regularly encounter red bellies. On my rural property there are eastern browns ive seen a few times. Though they’re not nearly as aggressive as many would believe!
Safest humans on the planet, but bewarned of the nature!
Australia is the safest country I have lived in as far as the people go. People (for the most part) are extremely generous and friendly. Australia is probably safer than where you live now, with crime rates as low, if not lower (per 100,000) than Northern Europe. Even Iceland has a higher murder rate (per 100,000) than Australia, so rest assured you are very unlikely to come across any issues.
The nature and climate on the other hand… That’s another story. Driving at night out of the city and on gravel requires experience and skills most European drivers just won’t have. Animals often meet there doom on the roads, and many of our roads are not paved, remote, and with 0 reception.
Animal deaths are almost non-existent with close to 2 deaths from snake per year, however with diligence and precautions such as compression bandages you will be safe. Our sun is super strong, so protection is required always.
More than anything don’t take risks alone!!! Whilst the Australian health system is on of the most advanced on the planet, the remoteness of our barren country is what will get you in the end, so do your research in areas and take notice.
Or just ask an Australian and they will happily tell you 🙂
Nice people. Boring landscapes.
Been to Australia with a 6 months visa. The landscape is super boring. So, if you don’t like the ocean and beaches (which are great) Australia will probably bore you to death. All just brushland, eucalyptus and nuclear wasteland.
Concerning the Australian people…..they are nice and friendly and everything but environmentalism isn’t their strength. In the suburbs of Brisbane (although all of Brisbane seems like a huge suburb) people pump the drain water from their dish washers and washing machines right into their own garden. No connection to the sewage or whatsoever!!!! Third world mentality in a first world country.
Third world country? Fair go!!
You have to be joking! Brisbane people made those arrangements in the midst of a terrible drought. Many families used bath water to flush toilets, too. When I came back to America, after being back home during that period, I did the same thing for several months.
Boring landscape? Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, and has almost every type of landscape and climate on it somewhere, from snow capped mountain ski resorts to red sandy deserts, cool temperate rolling hills, Mediterranean climates with vineyards and olive groves, to tropical rainforests.
As far as environmentalism and the water re-use – did it ever occur to you that it was actually a MORE environmentally conscious choice people made? Look up grey water re-use or recycling. It’s not that there wasn’t a sewage connection, it’s that the decision was made to use that water to irrigate gardens instead of wasting it.
Go...or don't.
I cycled solo from Perth to Ceduna a few years ago. The people were great to this Yank, and some seemed apologetic about the lack of scenery. Around Perth, and east to Northam is very scenic, in my opinion. But I was also fascinated by the landscape and small towns as I traveled east, as well. I camped at Fraser Range Station and took their bus tour through the place, saw kangaroos by the thousands, watched a beautiful sunset from atop a hill, and slept under a sky where you could actually see the stars – which was repeated night after night on my trip, camping alone in the bush. As I rode along, the birds constantly calling out (they make some odd noises) kept me company. If you’re sure that you don’t like the desert and isolation, aren’t adventurous, or are normally a malcontent, depressed, whatever – don’t go.
I encountered lots of snakes and lizards – all dead on the highway (along with many dead kangaroos). I saw one live snake up ahead on the pavement, but he was long gone before I caught up. One night after I set up my tent, I saw a spider attached to the netting on the outside, and when I slept in a room at a roadhouse one night a huge spider ran from beneath the bed, which startled me for a while but I got over it.
Australia is wonderful. On average the people are wonderful, too.
Incredible feat!
You cycled from Perth to Ceduna? That’s amazing!
Intelligent Water Usage
It’s known as Grey Water Recycling. It’s a choice that many Australians make to improve their water consumption. How much water is used in a typical load of laundry? Attaching a hose to the back of the machine and sending into the garden instead of down the drain is a great way to reduce water use for the house, less need to water the plants/lawn. In a country with droughts it is actually very intelligent, not a ‘Third world mentality’.
I’m an Australian who has lived in Los Angeles since 2015. I’m constantly surprised at the lack of water conservation in this dry desert city.
We actually use our dish water and washing water very wisely, Water is a very precious commodity in our country, and shortages are common, so using waste water on gardens is helping the environment, rather than wasting it in the sewer.
And BTW of course we have sewers, and appliances are connected, we just choose to divert it for the environment.
You must come from a wet country where water is not a precious thing.
Australia can be drought prone
I don’t live in Brisbane but I imagine the dish water onto the garden is due Australia’s great need to conserve water with the ever present risk of drought. As long as detergents used in washing are environmentally friendly, it’s a really good idea. It’s referred to as grey water. Sewage is for toilet water and of course exists. In some more rural areas there would be septic tanks for sewage treatment
Literally never seen anyone dump drain water into the garden… it is all plumbed.
About Detergent Water....
The water dumping is by people using low alkaloid ecologically safe detergent and it the rinse water, it is recommended to do this in Australia. Sewage water or the detergent cycle goes down the drain like all other advanced nations.
best country ever
Australia is the best country ever I have been here my whole life. we have got good universities, good public transport and a wide range of climates to suit all types of holidays. the locals are very nice. even though you would have heard that Australia has lots of deadly snakes that is true but I have only seen 1 in the wild and I have lived in the country most of my life.
I live in suburban Brisbane and go for walks at dusk daily and regularly see snakes (usually average about 4 a week during the warmer half of the year) on the walking tracks. Its extremely rare to see a poisonous one but they should still be avoided as their bite is painful.
its good
Swim between the flags.
Sadly, many local and visiting people drown in Australian waters every year. Australia’s surf beaches are particularly dangerous. Unless you are a very strong swimmer, do not swim at Australian surf beaches unless it is patrolled by lifeguards. Otherwise, enjoy your stay in Australia and don’t worry about all the stories regarding dangerous critters, it’s a myth.
An Absolutely Wonderful Country!
I was born in Australia and having lived here for three decades, I can guarantee you it is a wonderful country. Because of the well trained and efficient police force, there is no need to fear for your safety. Just act normally as you are walking down the streets and if the cops notice you, smile and keep walking to your destination. Your stay in this country is sure to be a pleasant one. Trust me, mate! Australia definitely deserves a safety index of more than 86! Cheers to all Australians.
A Safe Haven.
Australia is a very safe country to visit, study, work and live in. You can be assured of your safety, day or night. The people here are friendly and helpful. I have lived here for 11 years and have not encountered any problems with my personal safety and security. Law enforcement is at a high level, so you can always count on the boys in blue to keep you safe.
It's ok if you're White
Aussies are quite racist.. on several occasions o have witnessed terrible behaviour toward foreigners of darker skin. This has ruined my view of this country.. most Australians I asked agreed.
Bloody wogs eh ?
Which Aussies are you talking about. We are one of the most diverse country’s in the world. Just because I call my Italian mate a wog doesn’t mean I’m racist. I think a lot of what we say and our slang is misinterpreted as racist.
Seriously….
Quite racist, you are kidding right. There will always be some racists. I’ve travelled through many countries, the US being one. I witnessed hate towards blacks, Asian’s and Latinos, yet I would never make a comment…yanks are racists
Very accepting
That’s strange. I’ve lived all over this country for over 45 years and am married to an Aboriginal woman. Australia’s so multicultural that we accept anyone- Asian, Arabic, African, Polynesian… I’ve witnessed very little racism and trust me, I’m in the circles where I would see it. I’ve lived rural, in Arabic suburbs and Asian to name a few. As a rule, we’re extremely tolerant. I’m truly sorry you happened to catch an exception to the rule. I agree with a lot of the other comments in that there is a bit of fearmongering going on about the natural hazards. They’re nowhere near as dangerous as described. Just be sensible, especially on the beach and it’ll be fine.
Silly and false generalisation
Jason, you need a thorough education. Australia is NOT a racist nation; unlike the USA we have NEVER had a Klu Klux Klan or other aggressive white supremacist groups so often seen in America! Yes, there are individual racists in our nation of every colour, but Australia remains one of the most tolerant, diverse and multicultural nations on the planet! Have you even BEEN to Australia? Your ignorant attack on our country shows a complete lack of understanding of our cultural diversity and widely known tolerance of other cultures and religions! Our country has strict laws in relation to racial discrimination and a huge sense of social justice. Furthermore, the huge majority of Australians are more than prepared to call out racial discrimination and injustice wherever they see it!
Fantastic!
I love this country and I am only too happy to be Australian. It’s fantastic!
It's safer than you think.
A racist country? What nonsense! Like the others have said it’s a wonderful country, very safe and the people are friendly. As long as you don’t try anything stupid no one will bother you and you’ll be fine. Please come down to Australia when COVID-19 is over!
Is Australia safe in terms of crime, yes, very much, you can roam around freely without issues.
But I don’t need to get started on it’s climate and animals…
A tolerant country.
I find it interesting when Americans call Australia a racist country.
The same America where so recently , people were run down in the street in Charlottesville. By a far right supporter. A country where there are always race tensions.
I’ve lived , known & worked with people from every corner of the globe in Australia. Like most Australians, got on well with all of them.
Not saying that Australia doesn’t have its problems & couldn’t be even better in many ways. Still, so could most countries in the world. Australian’s are a tolerant, giving & kind people.
OMG I know right. They (Americans) just have it out for other countries that aren’t their own.
Meh
The country is drowned in drugs, especially meth. Any town with more than 10% of Aborigines is plain dangerous: Broome, Alice Springs, Tenant Creek, etc.
Everything is overpriced; accommodation, airfares, food, etc.
Locals are shallow, fake, judgemental and racist, particularly outside metro areas.
You sound like a horrid person! Australians treat people as they find them! If you come into our nation with a big chip on your shoulder, you won’t be welcomed. Don’t come back, we won’t miss you!
.
(Aborigines) this word is considered a slur in Australia please consider this in future.
Disclaimer for autistic travellers
I am a proud Australian citizen in Victoria and I would rate Australia 5 stars, but 90% of the population has very little knowledge on the autism spectrum.
Are roads going from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour safe? Is it paved or dirt? Is it two lanes or four? Will there be alot of wild animals along that route? Are poisonous spiders in doors like at the resorts? Are women safe traveling alone on that roads?
Reply to question
Brisbane to Coffs is an easy drive down a highway. Perfect roads, can be busy at times.
You wont see a lot of wildlife along the highway. But once in Coffs you can do day trips inland a bit and you will see Kangaroos until you are sick of them 🤣Koalas a very hard to spot. Without a ranger, you probably wont see any. Australia is a very safe country for women to travel alone. To put it delicately, there can be some concerns from “new Australians” who come from from regions that are not so safe for females. But even then, those people are in the minority. I am currently in Tweed Heads which is exactly halfway along the trip to Coffs. The weather is perfect and the people very friendly and trustworthy.
Love Love Love Australia
Australia is the safest country in the entire world.