What are the biggest dangers for tourists in Australia?
Firstly let's set the record straight. Australia is very safe! If you are traveling from many cities in the USA you have more chance of having an accident on the way to the airport than actually getting injured in Australia. However there are a few things worthy of emphasis:
- Swim between the flags on beaches: Lifeguards primarily patrol the area of surf in between the Yellow and Red flags. Australia can have huge surf and fierce rip currents and unknowing tourists have gotten themselves in trouble by underestimating the conditions.
- Crossing the Road: It is imperative that you remember that cars are traveling on the opposite side of the road. American tourists have been hit by stepping out into busy city streets forgetting that vehicles approach from the opposite direction to what they are used to.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat: A sad but true statistic is that the Australian population per capita leads the world in skin cancers. The sun can be harsh and you can burn very quickly, especially between 11:00 am -- 4:00 pm. Tourists have actually been admitted to hospital for excessive sun burn.
- Listen to your Aussie tour guide and pay attention to signs and you'll make it home to tell all your mates about your Aussie adventure. There are signs warning of crocodiles, rip currents, stingers and other hazardous things. In Sydney they even have painted arrows on the sidewalk reminding you which way that oncoming traffic is approaching from!
- And finally, in the event of an Emergency dial 000 or if it is not urgent you can dial 13 1444 for Police Assistance. There have been American's who have gotten in trouble and very frustrated that dialing 911 gets nothing except a "this number is not connected" message.
