Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Natural disasters

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical Cyclones occur in some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.  The Cyclone season normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for updates.  For further information see Tropical Cyclones.

You should be aware that (depending on the season) flash flooding of large areas can occur suddenly. You should plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice on what precautions to take. Heavy rain caused severe flooding in south east Queensland (including the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast) and northern New South Wales between March and May 2009.  For current information, see Queensland Department of Emergency Services and  New South Wales State Emergency Service.

Dust Storms

Dust storms occur regularly in Australia, but usually only in outback areas.  On 23 September 2009, gale force winds swept a massive dust storm across south-eastern Australia, affecting Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and most of New South Wales and Queensland.  Flights were diverted, and air pollution in Sydney was the worst ever recorded. The storm passed later in the day, and on 24 September the authorities declared the health emergency over.

Bushfires

You should be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer (November to February), but they can happen unexpectedly at any time of year if there are (unseasonable) high temperatures and strong winds. In early February 2009, Victoria suffered its worst ever bushfire outbreak, with 173 people confirmed dead, up to 500 injured, and nearly 2000 homes destroyed.  You should check with local State authorities for current information: Victoria; South Australia and New South Wales.