To learn more about some of the potential health issues or risks at your destination, please select the relevant state or territory. (Any information provided is general in nature and may not include all local conditions, climate/weather-related events or outbreaks.)
The following factsheets contain information that is relevant to the selected state or territory. While we have gathered some general information on local risks, this list is not exhaustive so we recommend checking with state or territory authorities for a full representation of any potential risks.
As Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”
With limitations placed on overseas travel for the majority of Australians, at least for the time being, we have compiled a series of articles on getting around safely in our own backyard – visiting Australia’s wide open spaces, beaches and both natural and man-made attractions.
COVID-19: Considerations for travel: We have summarised some COVID-19 related travel advice for those who are planning their visits.
Bat Rabies / Lyssavirus: Some species of bats in Australia carry the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related (but not identical) to the rabies virus. Here we provide you with some advice on what to do if you're accidentally bitten.
Heat-related illnesses: Australia is known as the ‘sunburnt country’ and lays claim to many of the world’s heat records including the hottest summer climate and the greatest amount of sunshine. Here's some pointers on how to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Mosquito-borne diseases: In Australia, as in many other countries, mosquitoes are not just an irritation but can carry and spread bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases to humans - known as ‘vector-borne diseases’. The infections transmitted by mosquitoes can range from mild to severe, occasionally resulting in death.
Sharks and Crocodiles: Australia has over 35,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, offering beautiful beaches and rivers for activities such as swimming, surfing, snorkelling, boating and diving, but visitors must bear in mind the risks that can lurk in some of our waterways and seas.
Snakes: We provide you with some information on the risks relating to snakes in Australia and some red flags/ tips on how to avoid bites.
Spiders: Firstly, on the subject of spiders, while there are thousands of spider species in Australia, very few of them are venomous. What’s more, their venom is intended to kill their prey so in inflicting a bite on a human, the quantity delivered is rarely enough to cause much harm. The exceptions include…
Ticks and tick-borne infections: Ticks are from the same class of arthropods as spiders, so they are arachnids – parasitic arachnids. There are around 70 different types of ticks in Australia, with tick species found in every state and territory.
Venomous marine creatures: Australia’s coastline of 35,000 kms boasts over 10,000 beaches, which is more than any other country in the world. And with more than 85 percent of our population living 50 kilometres or so from the coast, leisure time at the beach and participating in water activities are a vital part of the laid-back Australian lifestyle, however a dip in the ocean or waterways can also take you right into the habitat of some of our more venomous marine creatures.
Accidental drowning: Australia is known for the beautiful beaches and abundant inland waterways which cater for our leisure time with a multitude of popular water-based activities.