Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

You should be aware that a general threat from terrorism remains in Australia.  Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

On 4 August 2009, the Victorian and Australian Federal Police co-ordinated searches of 19 properties in Victoria and made four arrests in connection with counter-terrorism operations. Those arrested were charged with the preparation or planning of a terrorist act, and they will stand trial in 2010.  

In November 2005, the Australian police arrested 16 people in Sydney and Melbourne in a counter-terrorism operation designed to disrupt preparations for a terrorist attack. Three more were arrested on terrorism charges in Melbourne in March 2006. The trial against those arrested in Melbourne concluded on 15 September 2008 with six convictions and four acquittals.  The case against those from Sydney concluded on 16 October 2009 with five convictions.

 

Crime

Some street crime and house burglaries occur in all Australian cities but, on the whole, the level of crime is no higher than in the UK.

 

In recent years, as a proportion of the number of visitors and residents, British nationals in Australia have been more likely to have problems with a lost or stolen passport than anywhere else. Proof of age cards are available from Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) offices in Australia, and are an accepted form of ID for many everyday services, such as opening bank accounts or entering licensed premises.  By obtaining such a card, you would not need to carry your passport with you unless travelling – thereby greatly reducing the risk, and cost, of it being lost or stolen.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

 

Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.  If you are going to drink, know your limit.  Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.  There have been cases of serious sexual offences against British nationals in Australia.  For more guidance about this see rape and sexual assault abroad.

Political Situation

Australia Country Profile

Local Travel

Australia is a vast country.  You are recommended to take regular rest breaks when driving long distances - there are many rest stops provided.  There are extremely remote outback areas, which can present unexpected hazards. If you intend travelling to such areas you should plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice on what precautions to take. In addition, when travelling to remote tourist areas of the outback, it is essential to leave your route details and expected time of return with the relevant local tourist authorities or police, your hotel/hostel, or with friends and relatives. Ensure that you also notify them if your travel plans change and when you finally return. Many tourists are reported missing, only to be found safe and well at their next destination.

If you intend bushwalking in or exploring national parks you must be aware that the majority of these are in remote areas and it can take hours to reach help. This has resulted in a number of recent deaths. The terrain and intense heat can have a severe impact in reducing your capabilities, and you should take plenty of water and a means of rigging up a shelter from the sun. The NSW Police Force website provides further advice on bush safety, most of which applies throughout Australia.

Australia is home to a number of dangerous animal species, from crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks to poisonous insects and snakes.  The West Tropics Management Authority website has information on dangerous marine life and dangerous animals.

The Tourism Australia website has extensive information on travelling around the continent. 

Beach safety

Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach users.  They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.  Rip currents are responsible for around 15,000 beach rescues and up to 120 people being drowned each year in Australia (source: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA)). There are more British victims than any other foreign nationality, with as many as 600 British nationals rescued and up to four being drowned each year.

To enjoy Australia’s beaches safely, take the following simple precautions:

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as these indicate it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty.
• Do not swim at unsupervised locations.
• Observe and obey safety signage, which indicates current and typical hazards for that location.
• Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice on conditions; they are there to make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
• Always swim with a friend; never swim alone.
• If you get into trouble, stay calm and signal for help by calling and waving your arm above your head.
  

Further guidance on beach safety is available on the SLSA website.

Swimming safety

Be aware of your own limitations in terms of your physical health and your swimming ability in the given conditions. Never swim while, or after, consuming alcohol.

Take care when swimming in, or crossing, rivers and pools as these can be subject to sudden flash flooding as a result of heavy rain elsewhere in the area. There have also been cases of British nationals being injured by diving into water, which was too shallow.  You should ensure that there is sufficient depth of water before diving, and always follow warning signs if present.

For more general information see river and sea safety.

Like the UK, Australia drives on the left. However, as with any foreign country, driving laws are different to the UK's, and you should familiarise yourself with these.

 

In 2008 there were 1,464 road deaths in Australia (source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau).  This equates to 6.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007 (source: DfT).

As a visitor, you may drive in Australia on a valid UK driving licence, which covers the class of vehicle you use.  You must carry your licence when driving, in addition to a valid passport.  An international driving permit is not sufficient and must be accompanied by a separate valid driving licence.  There is an on-the-spot fine for not having your licence with you. You should also ensure that you are adequately covered for insurance purposes, including if you borrow a car from a friend or relative.

If you intend to stay in Australia and you hold a permanent visa, you are no longer considered a visitor.  You are allowed to drive on a current overseas licence for a maximum of three months, after which you must apply for a local licence. The local authorities will only accept your UK driving licence if the names match exactly those in your passport; if they do not, you should obtain a replacement licence from the DVLA before applying for a local licence.

 

If you plan on driving in Western Australia, or are applying to do so, and you suffer from a permanent or long term injury or illness that is likely to impair your ability to drive a motor vehicle, you are required by law to report this to the Western Australia Department of Transport. For information on what you need to report, and how, see the Western Australia Department of Transport website.

 

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal.  The penalties can be severe.

Seat belts must be worn at all times while driving in Australia. Weather hazards can seriously impair driving – road conditions can change rapidly.   Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult.  Take particular care when driving on unmetalled roads, 4WD tracks and desert/beach roads.  In April 2009 a 4WD troop carrier crashed and overturned on a beach on Fraser Island, killing two people (including one British man) and injuring nine others (including four Britons).

 

For further information see Driving Abroad.

 

Air Travel

If you are returning to the UK from Australia via Osaka, Japan you must pay airport tax of 2,650 Yen (approx £17.00) in order to board the Osaka-London flight.

 

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 have also been implemented in Australia. For more details about this please see DfT Airline Security.