Australia really is one of the safest countries in the world but it doesn't hurt to follow a few basic travel safety tips.
Inform
It's always a good idea to let someone know your travel plans and keep in contact with them fairly regularly. The best way to do this is to carry a mobile phone with an Australian sim card. It's also a good idea to keep your hostel up to date with your travel plans.
Be sun smart
Slip, slop, slap! Slip on a T-shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on a hat. We know that you want to leave Western Australia with a tan but don't fry for the sake if it. We Aussies know that a deep brown tan is achieved slowly. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF factor regularly; you will still get that tan without burning. It's true, the sun in Australia is much stronger than in most other countries. Avoid being in the full sun between 11.00am and 2.00pm when the sun is at its strongest.
Be beach wise
At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags. These mark a patrolled, safe swimming area. If you find yourself at an unpatrolled beach, swim near other people and be wary if no one else is swimming. There is probably a reason.
Never swim at night or after a few drinks. Both instances can lead to disaster.
Look out for warning signs
Warning signs are put up for your safety so please pay attention to them.
Health information
Medical treatment in Australia can be very expensive and it is advisable to have both travel and health insurance. It is strongly advised that you take out private health insurance to cover yourself in Australia.
The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the governments of the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Malta, Italy, Republic of Ireland and New Zealand which entitles you to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment while visiting Australia. For more information visit the Medicare Australia's website or smartraveller.gov.au.
Driving tips
If you are planning on driving into remote areas ensure you have spare petrol, plenty of water, and food and that the car you are driving is in good condition. Let someone know of your plans, just in case.
If you're not used to driving on the left hand side of the road, ask your passengers to remind you every time you get behind the wheel. Sound crazy? It's good advice. Share the responsibility.
Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers in Western Australia.
More road safety information.
For more information please visit smartraveller.gov.au
