Safety Tips for Backpackers : Australia

In this tip guide for backpackers (Australia edition), you'll learn about the main concerns for your safety when traveling down under.

Emergency number
In Australia, dial 000 for all immediate emergencies (fire, ambulance, police). Buy a local SIM card when you arrive so that you'll always have access to the emergency number from your mobile.



Personal safety
In general, Australia is a very safe country to live in and travel around. But as with any unfamiliar place, be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense.


With backpacking, your biggest threat is likely loss of personal possessions. When sharing accommodation in hostels, or storing your backpack in a camper van, your personal property is at risk.
To secure your belongings while staying in Australia backpacker hostels, carry padlocks for some piece of mind. Make use of hostel lockers and/or lock the zippers on your bags as a theft deterrent.

Keep valuables hidden when you have your car parked. If possible, always carry your most important documents (passport, credit cards) or leave them in a safe at the front desk of your accommodation.

Health Insurance
International health insurance is a must when traveling outside your own country. Make sure your coverage will cover activities that backpackers tend to do, such as skiing and bungee jumping. Australia has great hospitals but they can be expensive if you are not adequately prepared!

Hitchhiking
While in the past, hitchhiking was quite common in Australia and New Zealand, most guides officially discourage it now. Personally, I have hitchhiked and known others who have done the same, with varying degrees of success. Do so at your own risk.

I did meet one German couple that had everything stolen by a driver that dropped them off in the middle of nowhere. He took off with their backpacks in the boot, leaving the couple with only the clothes on their backs.

Sun Protection
There's a reason why so many Aussies wear sun hats: Australia has the highest skin cancer rate on the globe. Slip on a long sleeved shirt and wide brimmed hat, be generous with sunscreen, and try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Swimming
Try to swim only in guarded areas that are marked. Australia has some vicious rip tides that can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard. There are also poisonous jellyfish from October to May in northern Australia. Only swim in protected enclosures at this time of the year.

Shark attacks are quite rare, despite all the media attention that they get.

Vaccinations
Normally, no vaccinations are needed before coming to Australia. If you are arriving from a yellow fever infected zone, you will need a vaccination within six days before arriving in Australia.


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