Is Australia Safe to Travel? 

Here’s a run-down of the health and safety issues to be aware of while traveling in Australia, and how best to prepare.

You’re not required to get any particular vaccines to enter Australia . However, the CDC does recommend being up-to-date on all routine vaccinations (flu, polio, shingles, etc.) as well as COVID-19.

For some travelers, these vaccines may be recommended, depending on your age and where you’re traveling in Australia:

You can find hospitals and health clinics throughout Australia, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. However, healthcare options may be few and far between in rural areas. If you plan on exploring outside the cities, make sure you have any prescriptions you may need. You can also look up nearby hospitals in areas you’ll be visiting.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 000. This is the emergency service number for Australia and connects you to resources, like ambulances, police, and the fire department.

Offering protection against everything from delays and cancellations to unexpected medical expenses, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your trip is highly recommended. As all visitors to Australia are responsible for their own healthcare costs, it’s especially recommended. That way, you can avoid getting a nasty medical bill at the end of your trip.

You can find and customize plans based on your needs from top companies, such as  battlefaces, Allianz, World Nomads, and HTH Worldwide.

You can bring prescribed medicine into Australia as long as you have an English-language copy of your prescription and declare it on your customs entry form. Here is a list of medicines you can and can’t bring into Australia.

Due to Australia’s location near the equator, it gets hit with incredibly strong UV rays. Because of this, Australia has one of the highest skin-cancer rates in the world, so you should take steps to protect yourself:

In certain regions of Australia, mosquitoes can be prevalent and may carry diseases, such as   Protect yourself by wearing insect repellent, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

It gets hot in Australia, especially during the summer. Stay hydrated throughout the day and drink plenty of water.

According to recent studies, Australians don’t always have the healthiest diet. Keep your energy up during your trip by avoiding ultra-processed foods and sticking to healthy eating. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but don’t be afraid to try local specialties too, like fairy bread and Vegemite.

Australia has good air quality for much of the year, though it begins worsening in late October throughout the winter (technically their summer).

Before going out exploring each day, use AQI to see what the air quality in your area is like for that day.

Even though Australia is typically a very safe country, it’s still an unfamiliar location with unfamiliar dangers. Stay safe by educating yourself about the following risks.

Apart from petty crime, like pickpocketing or bag-snatching in major cities, Australia has a low level of crime. Violent crime is also extremely rare here.

Home to extremely gay-friendly cities, like Sydney, with massive LGBTQ+ communities and events, LGBTQ+ travelers can feel safe and secure traveling openly in Australia. Caution is advised in more rural, conservative areas, but major cities are generally very open and welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Traveling around Australia, there’s little need to worry about terrorist attacks or terrorism threats. Although the Australian Government ranks its national terrorism threat level as “possible,” the risk is very low.

The US State Department has no travel advisories  for terrorism in Australia at this time.

Australia does occasionally face natural disasters, such as wildfires, heat waves, floods, and cyclones. If you’re exploring national parks or wilderness areas, be careful of bushfires, especially between the months of November and February.

On average, Australia has about 13 cyclones each year that mainly hit the northwestern part of the country, like Queensland and the Northern Territory. Cyclones can happen throughout the year, but the main season is during the summer months, between November and April.

Australia’s wildlife is amazing to behold, but it can also be dangerous and deadly. Australia is home to some of the most dangerous animal species on the planet, like poisonous snakes, spiders, and marine life. Even seemingly friendly wildlife like kangaroos can pose a threat, as their hind legs deliver powerful kicks.

One of Australia’s top attractions is its big beautiful beaches, where you can go to sun, swim, and surf. But those waters can hide many dangers, from rip currents to dangerous wildlife. Some of Australia’s deadliest animals are found in the water—and no, it’s not always sharks. Box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, bluebottle jellyfish, and cone shells all pose threats.

From deserts to forests to the bush, Australia’s many spectacular landscapes make it a haven for outdoor adventures, like hiking. Follow these recommendations to stay safe while hitting the trails:

While traveling in Australia, it’s important to obey the local laws—including those regarding drugs and alcohol—to avoid getting fined, arrested, or deported. For your own personal safety and well-being, familiarize yourself with local Australian laws  ahead of your visit.

If something happens to you during your time in Australia, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. While they can’t provide legal assistance, they can offer guidance and advice for next steps.

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At  Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Australian visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to Australia, such as how long Americans can stay in Australia  and traveling to Australia without a visa, visit our Australia content hub.