Health and safety

Healthy Travelling

Unfortunately, some travellers have their holiday cut short due to illness or accident. If you take prescribed medication make sure you will have enough for the duration of your visit and remember to also have a script renewal from your doctor.

When travelling in remote areas always carry adequate supplies of water and a comprehensive first aid kit.

Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as encephalitis and Ross River fever so use an appropriate insect repellent and cover arms and legs with loose clothing particularly at dawn and dusk.

Personal Safety Tips

While Australia is considered to be a very safe country, obviously it is still wise to avoid dangerous situations. Information relevant to the risks that may be present in the area you are visiting is usually available from the local visitor information centre.

Here are some safety tips to help you enjoy your visit:

• Avoid dark public spaces when alone
• Avoid hitchhiking and never hitchhike alone
• Always let someone know where you are and where you are going
• Take care when using automated teller machines (ATM's) and secure your cash quickly
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure while travelling
• Always use protection when having sexual intercourse
• Drink alcohol in moderation

Fire and Cyclone Safety

Western Australia's hot and dry conditions create a risk of bushfires. The cyclone season extends from 1 November to 30 April. When a cyclone approaches, you should listen to your radio for cyclone information. Safety information is available from Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA).

Sun Protection

Travellers should always wear a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 15+ sunscreen when outdoors and drink plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink at least two litres each day.

Be sure to wear sun protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and seek shade to protect your skin from skin cancer and other sun damage. Take extra care when outdoors between 10.00am and 3.00pm when UV radiation is most intense.

Safety at the Beach

• Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers
• Swim between the red and yellow flags, they mark the safest areas to swim
• Always swim under supervision, or with a friend
• Read and obey the signs
• If you are unsure of conditions, ask a lifesaver
• Don't swim directly after a meal
• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don't run and dive in the water
• Conditions change regularly; check before you enter the water
• If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic - signal for help, float and wait for assistance
• Float with a rip current or undertow, do not swim against it