In any type of crisis situation, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource in an emergency. Registering with that embassy upon arrival is often a good idea. The government offices listed in the Travel Advisories box can provide information on the services provided their citizens in case of emergencies abroad.
Ignorance is not an excuse with regard to Australian laws, which strictly punish drug and alcohol abuse (see below). In addition to local police officers, park rangers are a staple of Australian law enforcement.
Australia has strict drug laws, distinguishing between users and traffickers. While Australia is debating whether to legalize marijuana, the drug is currently illegal. Drivers may be asked to perform random saliva tests to detect drugs. If you carry prescription drugs, take a copy of the prescription with you.
There are very strict drunk-driving (or “drink-driving,” as Aussies say) laws in effect all over the country. Random breath-testing is common. While road laws vary between different regions, the maximum legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05% (the maximum limit for holders of learner or provisional licenses is 0% in most regions). Drunk-driving offenses may result in the cancellation of your license. You must be 18 or older to purchase alcohol or consume it in public. It’s illegal to sell or give alcohol to a minor. Some public areas prohibit alcohol possession and consumption; obey any signs and postings.
Smoking is prohibited in nearly all enclosed public places in Australia, but smoking bans vary between states and territories.
Bushfires. The threat of bushfire is a serious problem—especially in Western Australia—between May and September. Though Western Australia is particularly susceptible, most other areas are historically also affected. Fire-friendly conditions include low relative humidity, high wind, and low rainfall. Check out http://australiasevereweather.com/fires for more information.
Cyclones. Most Australian cyclones form off the northeast and northwest coasts. The two most commonly affected states are Queensland and Western Australia. Destructive cyclones can even close roads and highways, so always check road conditions before starting a long drive, especially during cyclone peak season (February and March). Find more info online with the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au/weather).
While Australian tourists in Indonesia have recently been targeted by terrorist attacks, there are currently no known terrorist threats to travelers in Oz.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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