Travel Safety and Emergencies in Australia: The Basics

Australia is a safe country by most international standards — but there are some hazards specific to its natural environment that travellers, especially newcomers, should know about in advance.

Basic emergency numbers

000 is the single emergency number in Australia — used for police, ambulance, and fire. It works from any phone, even when you have no credit or a SIM with no calling service.

From a mobile phone, you can also call 112 (the international emergency number that works on GSM networks worldwide).

Save these numbers before you travel, especially if you are carrying a SIM that is not from an Australian domestic network.

Natural hazards to know about

Bushfire

The bushfire season runs mainly from October to March in the south, but fires can occur year-round in many regions. Before heading into bushland or rural areas during the dry season:

Check the Fire Danger Rating on your state fire service website
Know your escape plan: which way out, and where you will go
Listen for local warnings on the radio or through the Emergency+ and Fires Near Me apps (iOS/Android)

Floods

Australia has dangerous flash floods, particularly after heavy rain in dry regions. Do not drive through flooded roads — “If it’s flooded, forget it” is the basic rule. Even a few dozen centimetres of moving water can sweep away a car.

Extreme heat

Summer in southern Australia can exceed 40°C. When you go hiking or take part in outdoor activities on hot days:

Carry enough water — the amount you need rises significantly when it is hot
Stay in the shade, or do your activities in the early morning and late afternoon
Know the signs of heat stroke: dizziness, disorientation, and the sweating stopping

Beach safety

Australian beaches have strong rip currents at many spots. These currents are not easy to see from the surface but are very dangerous.

Basic rules:

Only swim at patrolled beaches, and swim in the area between the red-and-yellow flags
Do not swim alone
If you are caught in a rip: do not fight it by swimming straight back to shore — you will exhaust yourself. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back in

Many beaches are patrolled only on weekends and holidays, not every day. Check the patrol schedule for the beach you are visiting.

Safety in remote areas (the Outback)

Some remote parts of Australia are genuinely hours of driving away from rescue services. Before heading into these areas:

Tell someone where you are going, which route you are taking, and when you expect to return
Carry enough water for at least double your expected time
Do not drive off the main road alone if you do not have 4WD experience
Check road conditions and communications first — some areas have no phone signal

A satellite emergency beacon (EPIRB or PLB) is worth considering for a remote trip.

Dangerous animals

Australia has a reputation for dangerous animals, but the real risk to travellers is usually lower than the reputation suggests:

Snakes: they do not actively attack people. If you encounter a snake, stay still or back away slowly — do not approach it
Spiders: the redback and the funnel-web are the two dangerous types, often found in grassy areas and enclosed corners. Check shoes and clothing left outside for a long time
Crocodiles: present in tropical regions (far north Queensland, NT). Do not swim in rivers, lagoons, or coastal areas where there are crocodile warning signs
Jellyfish: the box jellyfish is dangerous on tropical coasts — swim in netted areas or follow local guidance

Apps and emergency information

Emergency+: shows your GPS location when you call 000, helping rescuers find you faster. Install it before you travel.
ABC Radio: broadcasts emergency information during natural disasters in many areas when there is no internet

See also the related guides on preparing for a national park visit in Australia and getting ready for a safe, comfortable day at the beach.