Oceania

Australia

Location

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Special care and respect for natural habitats is recommended. Assorted terrain, vehicle security, personal security, drug gangs, water craft safety, wildlife, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building/office security, cold weather injuries, hot weather injuries, health & hygiene, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures/customs, communications, emergency shelters. Tourists should take care in Sydney due to recent attacks. Be cautious when using cash machines.

Local water is okay.

Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in south-east.

Generally arid to semi-arid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Cyclones from November to March along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires.

Dengue fever, Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River fever, wildlife (snakes and spiders), yellow fever.
NSW Hospital: Royal Prince Albert Hospital, Missenden Road, Camerdown 2050, Sydney. Tel: 2-5166111
Northern Territory Hospital: Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Casuarina. Tel: 89-228888
Queensland Hospital: Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane. Tel: 7-3253 8111 / 8222
South Australia Hospital: Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide. Tel: 8-2230230
Tasmania Hospital: Royal Hobart Hospital, Liverpool Street, Hobart. Tel; 2-388308
Victoria Hospital: Central Wellington Health Service, Guthridge Parade, Sale 3850. Tel: 51-444111
Western Australia Hospital: Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Perth WA6000. Tel: 9-2242244

Soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanisation, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the north-east coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources.

Roads in cities and towns are in excellent condition and driving standards are generally good. Be aware of the vastness of Australia. If travelling to remote areas of the outback, ensure your vehicle is prepared. Always leave details of your journey and a return time / date. Ensure you check back in.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.