G'ay mate an' welcome to 'Stralia, she's a real beaut! Australia is a stunning country to visit, it is massive and extremely diverse (even if most of it is scrub and desert). Australia includes one of the most ancient rainforests on the planet (the Daintree Rainforest), the largest rock in the world, the cute koalas, and terrible sounding accents.
Visiting Australia is not "close enough" to feel like one has also kinda seen New Zealand. New Zealand and Australia and entirely different countries and New Zealand offers sights and experiences that are often the opposite of Australia. But if one only has limited time, one should choose one country to visit.
Are Snakes And Spiders Dangerous in Australia?
Nah. Australia does reputably have 9 out of the 10 most venomous snakes in the world. But that's not the same as actually being dangerous. There are other factors that weigh into how dangerous a snake is.
Where does the snake live (in remote areas or in urban eras)? How aggressive is the snake? How long are their fangs? How much venom do they have and how much do they inject? Are there antivenoms and is it readily available at the hospitals?
- Most Venomous: Australia Has 9 of The 10 Most Venomous Snakes
While Australia has way more than its fair share of these slithering serpents it only has an average of 1 or 4-5 deaths (depending on the source) from snakes annually. And these are often idiots trying to show off with the snake or chop it up with a shovel. By contrast, India reportedly has some 58,000 deaths from snakes every year.
- India Snake Deaths: Around 58,000 Per Year
- Australia Snake Deaths: 1-6 Per Year
Spiders are much the same. They are rarely fatal, redbacks are mostly really painful (but the Sydney Funnel Web Spider is deadly). But unless one is playing around with the arachnid one is unlikely to get bitten.
- Ants: Ants Are a Bigger Nuance Than Spiders
Is Australia Safe?
Yes. Just have the same caution as everywhere else (it's much safer than the United States). The dangerous things in Australia are often not people but things like the extreme heat and not having a decent hat or enough water.
Also, be very careful about swimming in the northern waters. There are saltwater crocodiles but most importantly stinging box jellyfish (locally called boxers).
It's often said that everything wants to kill you in Australia. Well, yeah, kind of. It's just that nothing really ever does.
How Much Time Do I Need Down Under?
Australia is nearly the size of the Lower 48 states of America. It is a massive country and distances are huge. To see any amount of the country one will need quite some time. The distance from one major city to the next is often around 900 or 1,000 kilometers. While the distance from Perth to the next major city (Alediade) is around 2,700 kilometers or a straight 29-hour drive.
- Size: Australia Is Nearly The Size of The 48 Continguous USA States
If one has only a couple of weeks, then just pick a few things to see. It may be better to fly to save time there too. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must as is the Daintree Rainforest National park in Queensland.
- Time Needed: Many Months - But Choose A Couple Highlight If One Has Limited Time
Ayer's Rock (or Uluru) is a must for many people who think it's a great idea to drive 24 hours out into the desert to look at a really big rock.
- Distances: Never Underestimate Distances In Australia
In Victoria, the Murry River, the Grampians (full of wildlife), and Gibsland are great places to check out. Sydney and its Habour Bridge and Opera House are iconic.
If one has only limited time, one can fly and blitz a number of these places. But part of the fun of Australia is camping, hearing the birds (like the Coocuburra), and watching the kangaroos feeding, hoping, and relaxing. Australia is a different experience if taken slowly.
- Camping: Camping Is One Of The Best Ways To Experience Australia
Are There Things I Need To Be Aware of?
Australia has changed its policy and now every country that has visa-free access to Australia (apart from New Zealand) must apply for an e-visa or fill out an Electronic Travel Authority form. This is easy and straightforward, be sure to do it before heading to the airport.
- Visa: Fill Out The Electronic Travel Authority Before Departure
Don't Bring An Apple!!! Biosecurity is very strict in Australia (and perhaps even more in New Zealand). Don't bring any foodstuffs (apart from packaged food like chocolate). Read the declaration card that will be handed out on the airplane and read it carefully. See more about that in the next article linked below.
- Tip: Err on the Side of Caution and Declare Everything (Including New Zealand)