How safe is Australia?
Australia consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime against tourists is rare, police are approachable, and cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are well-lit and walkable at night. Most risks come from nature and the road, not from people.
Emergency numbers
- 000 is the main emergency number for police, fire and ambulance. It works from any phone, even without credit.
- 112 also reaches emergency services from mobiles and is useful if you have no signal on your own network.
- 106 is the text-based emergency line for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Save the national poison line, 13 11 26, for snake or spider bites and bad reactions.
Nature: the real risks
The sun is fierce. The UV index regularly hits extreme, so wear SPF 50+, a hat and sunglasses, and reapply often. At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags where surf lifesavers patrol, and never swim alone or after drinking. Rip currents are the biggest cause of drowning; if caught, stay calm, float and signal for help rather than fighting the current.
In the tropical north (Queensland, Northern Territory), watch for crocodile warning signs and never swim in rivers or estuaries unless marked safe. From November to May, marine stingers mean you should swim only in netted enclosures or wear a stinger suit. Snakes and spiders exist but rarely bother tourists who watch where they step.
Common scams to avoid
- Fake accommodation listings on social media or unofficial sites. Book through known platforms and be wary of requests to pay by bank transfer or gift card.
- Working-holiday job scams asking for an upfront fee or your bank details before you start.
- Overpriced airport taxis; use the official rank, rideshare apps, or fixed-price services.
- ATM and card skimming; use machines inside banks and cover the keypad.
- Phone and text scams pretending to be from myGov, the tax office or a delivery company. Australian agencies never demand payment in gift cards.
Areas and situations to watch
Australia's cities are safe, but use normal caution in nightlife districts like Kings Cross (Sydney) or Fortitude Valley (Brisbane) late at night, where alcohol-fuelled trouble can occur. In the Outback, distances are huge; carry extra water, fuel and a paper map, tell someone your route, and never leave your vehicle if you break down. Bushfire season (summer) can close roads quickly, so check warnings via the relevant state emergency service app.
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