This segment is dedicated to international and city-based Aussie travellers alike who've never experienced outback (or bush) Australia. 

One of the most common concerns amongst such travellers is our fearsome array of critters and, to a lesser degree, the vast distances in between towns. Lots of people are convinced they'll be faced with all sorts of nasties, and for some this fear, combined with the thought of being away from internet cafes and civilisation, can be the deciding factor when contemplating taking this kind of trip.

Well folks, you can rest assured - there is nothing to lose sleep over!  While Australia does indeed have a reputation as host to some of the world's deadliest creatures, trust me, they are few and far between.

I have lived in the bush my whole life and have never once had a nasty close encounter of the critter kind.

Allow me to explain: the vast majority of attacks on humans by native wildlife occur through the ignorance or lack of education of said humans. So, as your guides, we will ensure that you're told at all times what's where and what not to touch or follow! Besides, being far more terrified of us than we are of them, our nasties tend to tuck themselves well away from the human race. (Hard to believe, but nonetheless true.) If by any chance we do spot anything potentially dangerous in the outback it will be from a safe vantage point and it will just be a terrific and memorable experience for you.

So, to sum it all up: there's no need to be concerned about your safety or the likelihood of experiencing a confrontation with anything unpleasant. You will never be in a situation that is hazardous or risky in any way if you listen to advice given. Our wild animals, whether they be kangaroos or king brown snakes, are there to be appreciated and respected.

OK, I sound like a school teacher. But you get the drift.

The rules for wilderness travel apply world wide and are plain common sense:  respect the environment you’re in and, if in doubt, leave it alone!

 

Dingos are vicious, cold blooded killers that make unprovoked attacks.

FACT: Dingos are magnificent, beautiful and usually quite timid native wild dogs. They are 60,000 years worth of history on four legs, and must be respected as such. The only dangerous dingos are those that have been humanised, tormented or threatened. Attacks occur because foolish people ignore repeated warnings and feed them, therefore reducing the animal’s natural fear of man. Tragically, the dingo population on Fraser Island diminishes each year as dogs who have bitten humans are destroyed - all because humans have fed the "poor skinny doggies". What an absolute shame - and shame on those people who ignore the rules.

Dingos are naturally thin; they are predators. The rules are absolute: leave them alone, and never feed them.

Deadly snakes are everywhere in the bush....

FACT: Australia is honestly nothing like the set of "Indiana Jones" or "The Mummy". Yes, I must admit we do have an unhealthy proportion of the world's most lethal snakes, but they’re usually very, very hard to see, even when you’re looking for them. Like any other wild creature, these guys will generally only attack if cornered or provoked. If you do come across a snake of any kind, leave it alone and walk away, or watch it from a sensible, safe distance. Even a tiny snake the size of an earthworm can carry venom, so don't be a hero or a fool! Our snakes are critical to our ecosystem, and can be exceptionally beautiful creatures.

We have killer sharks at all our beaches.

FACT: Well, er, yes and no. Yes, there are sharks pretty much everywhere along the Australian coast, and the risk of an attack does exist. However, our most popular beaches are patrolled, have safety nets and as such are low risk areas for humans - that's why they're popular! We will always let you know whether or not an area is considered safe for swimming. Unpatrolled or known high risk beaches, such as those on Fraser Island, should absolutely be avoided. (Luckily Fraser has magnificent shark-free freshwater lakes you can swim in.)

Spiders are in every dark corner and tree ...

FACT: We can’t deny that we have an impressive array of nasties with eight legs, including the infamous funnel-web and the redback. However, once again, we’ll always tell you everything you need to know to avoid them. The smartest general rule is to not ferret around in dark, musty corners or stick your fingers in any ground holes. Our deadliest spiders live in hard to find places and are often nocturnal, so you're not even likely to see one. Fatal spider bites are very rare in Australia. Most hospitals have anti-venene on hand for those few occasions when someone does get bitten. And don't forget "Charlotte's Web": if it weren't for spiders, our insect population would be far more terrifying!  You have to admire these often beautiful creatures and the tireless work they do ridding us of mosquitoes and flies.

If you swim in a creek a crocodile might get you…

FACT: Saltwater Crocodiles inhabit only the most northern regions of Oz, and wherever there are crocs, we will be sure to let you know. In tourist areas there will be warning signs. Be sure to read and obey them! As always, common sense applies - if in doubt, ask or don't! Almost all southerly areas of Australia are croc-free and delightful, safe swimming holes are plentiful. And remember Steve Irwin's epitaph:"Croc's Rule!" They truly are magnificent creatures and, given their prehistoric origins, you've just got to admire their survival spirit.