Australia🇦🇺
Australia, the only country that has a whole continent to itself. World-famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, and Outback, Australia is actually one of the world's most highly urbanised countries. It is also known for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as its high standard of living. Australia has a complex relationship with its neighbours. With Indonesia, it has significant cultural and historical ties, but political relations have often been strained. Australia is also famously known for unique wildlife species like kangaroos, koalas and various types of birds. Visitors often indulge in activities like snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef or watching a show at Sydney Opera House.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid swimming at beaches with no lifeguards on duty, Australian waters can have strong currents.
- Don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen. The Australian sun is very strong and can cause severe burns.
- Do not violate quarantine laws. Australia has strict bio-security regulations.
- It's illegal to smoke in many enclosed public spaces and areas like restaurants, bars and shopping centers. Always look for signage.
- Never leave your belongings unattended in public areas, to prevent theft.
- Do not trespass on protected Indigenous areas, and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Avoid walking alone at night in less frequented areas or poorly lit streets.
- Avoid feeding or approaching native wildlife. This can harm the animals and potentially put you at risk.
- Avoid driving in rural areas at night to avoid animals that might cross the roads and cause accidents.
- Do not consume alcohol in designated alcohol-free zones, public drinking laws vary by state.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Crime situation in Australia is generally under control with authorities efficiently managing to keep crimes to a minimum. Nevertheless, some cities like Darwin and Cairns are known to have higher crime rates compared to others. Pickpocketing and petty theft are common in crowded places. Violent crimes do happen, but they are usually confined to specific areas and are relatively rare, making Australia generally safe for travelers.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism threat in Australia is relatively low. Prominent incidents like the 2014 Sydney Siege, where a lone gunman held hostage ten customers and eight employees of a Lindt chocolate café located at Martin Place in Sydney, have been very rare. The Australian Government and its intelligence and law enforcement agencies are vigilant and effective in countering potential threats.
War ⚔️
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Australia currently has a high peace rating and is not involved in any form of war or conflict. The country has not experienced any significant acts of war or civil unrest in recent history.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Australia experiences a range of 'natural disasters' including bushfires, floods, severe storms, earthquakes and landslides. These events are part of Australia's natural environment but they can significantly impact people, homes and environments. Recent events include the devastating brushfires of 2020 that affected much of the country and destroyed homes and wildlife.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical care in Australia is of high quality and easily accessible in most urban and suburban regions. The government healthcare program, Medicare, provides free or subsidized care for citizens and some international visitors. Private healthcare is also available. There might be limited services in some rural or remote areas.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Australia boasts one of the best tap water qualities in the world. It is perfectly safe to drink tap water anywhere in the country. The water is clean and well-maintained, subject to strict public health regulations.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Major health problems in Australia are non-communicable diseases like heart diseases, cancers and mental illness. Australia has a very low rate of infectious diseases. However, Australia had a significant number of COVID-19 cases, but the situation has been kept under control with efficient healthcare and management.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is comparably low in Australia. The country performs well in global corruption rankings. Nonetheless, there have been few alleged instances of high-level corruption and misconduct. The law enforcement agencies are active and efficient, leading to high public trust.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Australia is generally safe for women. Assault and harassment are taken very seriously by Australian law enforcement. Nonetheless, as with any country, women should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially when travelling alone and at night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Australia is generally accepting and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community. The country has laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. However, attitudes can vary, especially in rural or culturally conservative areas.
Censorship 📺
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Australia enjoys a free and active press, and internet censorship is relatively limited. However, there are restrictions in place related to libel, national security, and hate speech. There have also been concerns raised about media ownership concentration.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Australia is reliable, comfortable and safe. Major cities in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have extensive public transport networks including trains, buses, and ferries. Taxis and rideshares, including Uber, are also widely used. Safety standards are high and incidents of crime on public transport are rare.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Overall, Australia is a safe country. However, travelers should be aware of natural hazards like strong ocean currents and bushfires, and must take appropriate precautions during outdoor activities. Always follow local advice, signs and regulations.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
All major countries have embassies in Canberra, the capital of Australia. Some, like the United States and United Kingdom, also have consulates in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations such as MMR, Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Polio and yearly flu shots are recommended. Hepatitis A and B, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines are also advised for certain risk groups. Rabies vaccination may be considered for those spending a lot of time outdoors.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Australia is home to many dangerous animals. This includes poisonous spiders and snakes, crocodiles, and marine creatures like box jellyfish, sharks, and cone snails. It is important to be vigilant and take local advice when entering wilderness or water environments.
🛂 Visa Requirements
All travelers apart from New Zealand citizens need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia. The type of visa one needs to apply for depends on one's nationality, purpose of visit and the length of stay.
💲 Currency
The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and international airports. ATMs are widely available.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Australia. All major brands are recognised. ATMs that accept international cards can be found in all cities and towns.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Australia is popular for its working holiday program for young adults. It has the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) for those aged 18 to 30 who want to travel and work for up to one year.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Traveling and living in Australia can be expensive compared to other countries. Costs for food, accommodation, and activities are comparable to those in most European countries. However, the cost can vary depending on the region, with major cities being more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas.