Staying Safe

Follow these tips

Tolmer Falls, Litchfield National Park, NT. Photo credit: Nick Rains/Tourism NT

Staying Safe

Part of what makes Australia so special is the vastness and remoteness of many of its attractions. But getting to, and enjoying them can involve a degree of risk. Stay safe on your journey by following these tips:

Swimming

Always swim under supervision, or with a friend.
Read and obey signs by the water.
If you are unsure of conditions, don’t swim.
Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don’t dive into water when you don’t know how deep it is or what lies beneath the surface.
Conditions change regularly; check before you enter the water.
If you get into trouble, don’t panic. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
Float with a rip current or undertow. Don’t try to swim against it.
If you’re looking for a beach, take a look here.

Out and about

On hot days, avoid walking in the midday sun.
Always carry plenty of water (at least 2 litres per person, per day).
Pack a comprehensive first aid kit.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as encephalitis and Ross River fever. Use appropriate insect repellents and cover arms and legs with loose clothing, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Wear a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 15+ sunscreen when outdoors – especially between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to get back.. You can simply never be found if you go missing.

General

If you take prescribed medication, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip. If you’re in Australia for three months or longer you may have to register with a local doctor to get access to further medication or buy it (if available) from a pharmacy.