Our diverse natural beauty, exciting cities and warm, friendly people make Australia the place to enjoy the perfect holiday. Whether enjoying our fabulous restaurants, shopping and nightlife, the splendour of our bushland, or simply enjoying the sand between your toes on one of our many long, white beaches, there are some simple safety tips that you should follow to ensure your visit to Australia is as enjoyable as possible.
While Australia is a friendly and safe place to travel, you should still take responsibility for your personal safety. Be conscious of people in your immediate surroundings and keep your belongings secure at all times. In an emergency, telephone 000.
For traveller resources and links to official sources of safety information, please visit Tourism and Events Queensland’s corporate website: https://teq.queensland.com/news-and-media/tourist-safety-information
For more information on safety when travelling, click here.
Mobile phone coverage
Due to the sheer size of Queensland, there may be remote parts without mobile coverage. Check with your provider to ensure coverage.
Staying in contact in the outback is vital. While mobile phones will work in many towns, staying in contact by radio, satellite phone or carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is advisable. Travel with other vehicles to remote places and let someone know your travel plans.
Privately-owned land, leased land and Aboriginal sites may require permission before entering. Ensure you leave stock gates either open or shut as found when you're on outback properties.
Driving Through Queensland Indigenous Communities
Some Queensland Indigenous communities are subject to alcohol restrictions. When travelling in restricted areas, the alcohol carriage limit applies to everyone and also applies to vehicles, regardless of how many passengers are on board. If you are planning a trip to North Queensland you may be affected by this travel-through policy. Information about restrictions can be found on the Queensland Government’s Department of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander and Multicultural Affairs website.
For updates from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES): www.qfes.qld.gov.au | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandEmergencyServices/| Twitter: @QldFES | Instagram: @qldfire
Crocodiles
For more information on parks and forest safety, click here.
Queensland's Outback is vast and requires special driving skills and awareness of different conditions. Our remote wilderness areas have few towns and facilities, often with large distances between them, so be aware and plan your trip. Inform family and friends or the local police of your travel plans.
Bear in mind that some remote areas may not have consistent mobile phone coverage - especially away from populated areas or townships. Check with your mobile provider when you plan your trip or visit the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and has been serviced recently. Always carry a spare tyre, tools and water. If travelling to remote areas off major highways, take extra food, water, fuel and tyres.
Ready to hit the road? Plan your outback road trip before you buckle up via the free QLDtraffic app or at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
Trip Planning
Road conditions can vary from a sealed surface to gravel and dirt. Use a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads in remote areas. Roads can be narrow with unstable edges. Be very careful of holes, soft road edges, narrow bridges, changing surfaces and dusty roads. Drive slowly on unsealed roads and take extra care - loose surfaces are unpredictable. If you drive off the side of the road, do not overcorrect but slow down and return to the road when the vehicle is travelling at a safe speed. Always check on local road conditions before leaving major roads.
Turn your vehicle's headlights on low beam during the day so vehicles can see you. Take regular breaks and always obey road closure signs.
Take care when travelling in remote areas during summer. Temperatures in Outback Australia can reach over 50°C (122°F).
Flooded Roads
You may come across water on the road. Do not attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless you are absolutely sure of the water depth and any road damage. Even shallow water can have the strength to sweep away vehicles. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
Road Trains
Huge trucks, known as road trains, can be the length of 10 cars. It can take up to 2.5 kilometres to overtake a road train at 100km/h. Also allow plenty of room before you overtake as they may sway from side to side as you overtake. Be prepared for the 'windrush' when passing as it can pull you towards the road train. When being overtaken by a road train, maintain your speed and don't move off the road. Only slow once the road train moves out to pass.
Animals
Watch out for animals on the road such as, kangaroos and emus. Livestock also graze on the side of unfenced roads. The most active time for many animals is sunrise and sunset. If an animal crosses in front of you, reduce speed safely, do not swerve as you may roll your vehicle.
If your vehicle breaks down
Do NOT leave your vehicle because it will provide you with shade and protection from the heat. Wait for help to come to you. Consider hiring appropriate emergency communication equipment, such as a satellite phone and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) device.
For more information about beach safety, click here.
Marine LifeQueensland, like any coastal destination, has marine life that can pose threats to humans when proper precautions are not observed. While these creatures do not pose a major threat, it is important to be aware of their potential danger. We've listed the creatures below, not to alarm you, but rather to point out some significant facts. For more information on dangerous marine life, click here.
For more information on boating safety, click here.
For more information, click here.
Smoking Restrictions
Fresh air and active outdoor lifestyles are enjoyed in Queensland. To enhance the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors, laws banning smoking apply at many outdoor public places such as patrolled beaches, children’s playgrounds, bus stops, train stations, ferry terminals taxi ranks and areas of national parks. Smoking is forbidden at all indoor public places such as shopping centres, restaurants and hotels. The use of electronic cigarettes is also prohibited in all areas covered by these laws. On-the-Spot Fines apply, don’t get caught out.
For more information on smoking bans, click here.
In Case of Emergency
In case of a health emergency call triple zero (000) for ambulance assistance throughout Australia. From mobile phones call 112.
For non-emergency police attendance call 131 444.