Safety and security - Australia travel advice (2024)

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Terrorism in Australia

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Australia.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Recent terrorist attacks in Australia include:

• in 2018, a person was killed and several were injured in a terrorist incident in Melbourne

• in 2017, a person was shot dead and another taken hostage in Melbourne

See the Government of Australia’s national terrorism threat level.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Take precautions to protect yourself from petty crime, including:

• not leaving your bag or luggage unattended
• keeping luggage out of sight in cars
• keeping valuables and passport in a hotel safe
• leaving copies of important documents with family and friends in the UK
• carrying a photocopy of your passport for ID
• being particularly careful at night in busy tourist areas

Scams

There are many different types of scams targeting people in or travelling to Australia, including dating and romance scams, websites offering fake services, or building repair scams. You can check current scams or report any concerns you have about a scam on the Scamwatch website.

Alcohol use

Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You can reduce the risk of losing your passport by carrying a proof of age card, this could be a driving licence or a student ID. This is accepted ID for many services like opening a bank account or entering licensed premises.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

Laws on e-cigarettes differ between states. Liquid nicotine is classed as a poison and banned from sale nationwide, however some states allow importation for personal use and use of e-cigarettes without nicotine. Get local advice on any restrictions.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

The Australian authorities will take action against anyone who imports or is found to be trafficking illegal drugs. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy jail sentence and deportation.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex marriages are legally recognised. Australia is generally open minded about hom*osexuality, but there are isolated incidents of hom*ophobic crime. Visit Gay Australia is a useful travel planning resource alongside LGBT+ information from the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Taxes

Different tax rules and rates apply to residents and non-residents. Working holidaymakers are usually regarded as non-resident for tax purposes. This means they do not qualify for any tax-free personal allowance on earnings. Get guidance from the Australian Taxation Office website.

Mobile phones

The mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns but coverage elsewhere can be very limited or non-existent. If you’re travelling to remote areas, check with your phone provider about coverage. You can use your UK mobile phone in Australia if global roaming has been activated, but making and receiving calls can be expensive. Many visitors prefer to buy an Australian SIM card on arrival.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Rip currents are the main surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

Take precautions and follow the local guidance on swim safety and the guidance on beach safety from Surf Life Saving Australia.

Rivers and pools can be subject to sudden flash flooding as a result of heavy rain elsewhere in the area. There have been cases of British nationals being injured by diving into water that was too shallow. Make sure there is sufficient depth of water before diving, and always follow warning signs.

Diving safety

Snorkelling accidents can occur and have sometimes been fatal.

You need by law to complete a medical declaration for resort diving or snorkelling. For your own health and safety, you must be truthful about any medical conditions you have.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Australia, see information on driving abroad.

If you’re hiring a car immediately on arrival be cautious about driving. You might be jetlagged and tired from your flight. Take regular rest breaks at the many rest stops on the roads.

Australia is known for having larger distances between towns and amenities, make sure you have enough water before travelling and tell someone about your plans.

Check road conditions before beginning your journey. Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. Avoid travelling in extreme heat. Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult. Take particular care when driving on unsealed roads, 4WD tracks and desert or beach roads. Northern Territory Police have in the past warned tourists to stay off unsealed tracks in remote areas of Central Australia following reports of stranded motorists.

Licences and permits

You can drive in Australia using your UK driving licence as long as:

• you remain a temporary overseas visitor
• your UK licence is valid
• you have not been disqualified from driving anywhere
• your licence is not suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driving privileges withdrawn

If you intend to stay in Australia and you hold a permanent visa, you can drive using your UK licence for a maximum of 3 months. To continue driving, you must get a local licence within this 3-month period.

You must carry your driving licence and passport when driving. Make sure you have sufficient insurance, including if you borrow a car from a friend or relative. Hire car insurance often does not cover driving on unsealed roads. Check your policy before you set off.

Driving laws

Driving laws and regulations differ in each state and territory. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The penalties can be severe. You must wear a seat belt at all times.

Driving in the outback

Prepare thoroughly if driving in remote outback areas, which can present unexpected hazards. Ensure you have a roadworthy vehicle fitted with GPS and 2 spare tyres. Take good maps and extra food, water and fuel. Plan your route carefully and get local advice before you set out. Leave your route details and expected time of return with the local tourist authorities, police, your hotel or hostel, or friends and relatives, and let them know when you’ve arrived safely.

Driving on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Following a number of serious accidents, all vehicles on K’gari (Fraser Island) must keep to a maximum speed of 80km per hour on beaches and 30km per hour in towns. 4WD vehicles must have no more than 8 occupants (including the driver) and you must store all luggage inside the vehicle.

Avoid driving at night and be aware of beach hazards like ditches created by the surf. K’gari is remote and emergency services can take many hours to reach an accident. Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and personal medication as there is no pharmacy on the island. For more information on keeping safe in K’gari please see the Queensland Government’s parks and forests website.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

In an emergency dial 000.

Bush fires

Be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer (November to February). Bushfires can start and change direction with little or no notice.

Australia regularly battles devastating bushfires across a number of regions during the summer season. Previous fires resulted in the loss of lives and property with many residents advised to evacuate their homes.

If you’re in or near an affected area, follow the advice of local authorities:

• Australian Capital Territory Fire and Rescue
• New South Wales Rural Fire Service and ‘Fires Near Me’ app
• Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
• South Australian Country Fire Service
• Tasmania Fire Service
• Victoria’s Country Fire Authority
• Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Smoke from bush fires can cause poor air quality, which can provoke respiratory conditions. Smoke can accumulate many kilometres from a fire, including in urban areas and major cities. Most state and territory governments provide information on the monitoring of air quality and advice if you’re unable to avoid being in a smoke affected area:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Flooding

Heavy rain and tropical cyclones can cause flooding, including flash floods in some areas. You can get flood warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology. Check local media reports.

Significant weather events can happen suddenly. Spillways, flood plains and drains can quickly become submerged.

Stay at home or leave now orders may be issued by local authorities. Always follow the advice of local authorities.

More information can be found on the relevant state and territory websites:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Earthquakes

While rare in Australia, earthquakes can happen. Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services in the event of a natural disaster.

Dust storms

Dust storms occur regularly in Australia, usually only in outback areas. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones occur in some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The cyclone season normally runs from November to April.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website. See advice on what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

Heat exhaustion

The terrain and intense heat can have a severe impact on your capabilities. Take plenty of water and a means of rigging up shelter from the sun. Further advice on bush safety for each State or Territory can be found on the New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania government websites. If you’re bush walking or exploring national parks it can take hours to get help in an emergency.

Dangerous wildlife

Australia has a number of dangerous animal species. There are crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks, as well as venomous insects, spiders and snakes in many parts of the country.