Travel information for visitors to Queensland generally reflects the fact that at this
point in time the world is probably as safe for budget travel as it ever has been.However the problems that do occur tend to be widely publicised, so if you are travelling overseas a lack of communication can cause your family distress and worry. In an extreme you could be the subject of a major police search requested by anxious relatives.
Take care when walking or using public transport, especially after dark. Stay in well lit areas and on public transport sit near the driver or conductor, especially if you have baggage with you. Always keep valuables in a safe place and keep photocopies of your documents somewhere separate from the originals.
If you're travelling alone be sure to keep in regular contact with friends and family and tell them where you go and when you expect to be back. Trust your instinct, and if you feel you're in a bad situation then get out immediately.
The general emergency telephone number in Australia is triple zero (000) - an operator will answer and ask which emergency service you need (Ambulance, Police or Fire) and then you will be asked for information about the nature and location of the emergency.
The Police only number is Crimestoppers 1800 333 000
It is easy to keep in touch with your family and let them know where you are going. Ring or e-mail regularly, but not necessarily at pre-arranged times - because then if for some reason you don't ring, they could immediately fear the worst.
If you use a credit card your family can check on your approximate whereabouts through your bank - provided of course you have given them permission to access details of your credit card account.
Local travel information often doesn't mention that tipping is not a general custom and most people don't do it - however if you believe the service was very good, tips are certainly appreciated - but it's up to you.
The metric system of weights and measures is standard, although the older folk will understand the imperial system.
The legal age to consume alcohol is 18, and pubs and other venues will often ask for proof of age.
Be security-conscious
Don't take your travel funds in one form (especially don't take all cash) - maybe get some traveller's cheques and a couple of major credit cards and carry them in different bags.
Australia has a good banking system, so if your home bank has internet banking and can easily do international transfers maybe the best place for your money is in your bank. Also if you plan to stay a while and take backpacker jobs here, a local bank account is a good idea - then you could transfer money in either direction and not need to carry risky amounts of cash at any time. You could check with your bank before you leave.
Banks are generally open 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday and on Friday til 5:00pm. Local ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) cards can be used at both ATMs and at most shops, and some ATMs can access the Cirrus and Maestro international systems. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted in Australia, and your bank should be able to arrange international access for these cards.
Compared to other countries Australia is relatively free of pick-pockets and petty thieves - but even so, keep your passport and valuables concealed and out of sight.
Australians don't use the belt bag (bum-bags), so wearing one immediately identifies you as a foreigner - not that that is generally a bad thing, but it it probably better not to stand out.
Photocopy your itinerary, passport, credit cards, travel documents and important phone numbers. Keep a copy of these separate from the originals in case of loss or theft, and if possible leave copies with parents or with friends in Australia.
Beware of anybody offering "get-rich-quick" schemes, particularly purchasing something for resale in another country. And most importantly never agree to carry packages or luggage for another person through Customs at airports or into bus depots or railway stations. This technique is often used by drug traffickers to transport illegal products.
Selecting the right accommodation is important, and then it is complicated by the fact that often a lot of other travellers have also selected it. For peace of mind it is good to book ahead, and if you stay with an accommodation chain they can do this for you as you check out.
If you're travelling alone and on a budget, youth hostels such as YHA are a good place to meet fellow travellers, as they have communal areas such as TV rooms and usually the internet is available.
On the Road
If you are riding any sort of motor or pedal bike the law says you must always wear a helmet - some insurance companies do not cover accidents in which the rider was not wearing a helmet or did not have a current motorcycle licence. And if you hire any vehicle, check it's condition and insurance before you leave the shop.
Don't hitchhike. There are few, if any, places left in the world where hitchhiking is considered a safe way to travel, and it's becoming doubtful in Australia also.
As a visiting driver you may drive in this country on your home country licence, but you should carry your passport as well. If your home licence is not written in English, then you will need an international driver's permit (which you must obtain before you leave home).
However, take care that you do get an authorised permit - there are internet scams selling "IDPs" which are not authorised and not legal. The IDP is not a licence - it is a translation of your normal licence - when you are driving you should carry the permit, your driver's licence from your home country and your passport.
Take care on the roads - just one traffic accident can ruin a holiday. It is probably worth getting a Queensland Road Rules booklet from any Transport Department here just to familiarise yourself with the local traffic regulations.
We drive on left side of road like in the UK - you must always wear seat belts and it is really bad news to get caught drinking and driving. If you are likely to drive somebody else's car, check that the insurance for the car allows this.
Be safety-conscious
If you are going to take part in potentially hazardous sports such as skiing, canoeing or mountaineering, follow all the safety guidance; make sure that there are adequate emergency medical facilities on hand; and check that you have medical insurance which covers you fully in the event of any accident.
Take care in water and don't go swimming alone. Particularly in the north of Queensland pay attention to the possibility of crocodiles - there should be signs, but if in any doubt at all then don't go in the water.
Accidents can happen very easily and in the most unexpected conditions. Adults should watch each other for signs of trouble when in the water. If you are going to dive into water, make sure that it is deep enough. If you plan to take backpacker jobs treat this work seriously and keep safety as your primary consideration at all times.
Budget travel visitors often travel by train, especially overnight - so secure your possessions and don't take sleeping pills - and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers, especially at night-clubs.
Keep your hotel door locked and meet visitors in the lobby.
The sun in Australia is very intense. If you're staying out in the sun take proper precautions: wear a wide-brimmed hat, wear a shirt and use SPF15+ sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy. Protect your eyes with a good (read GOOD - you may need to shop around for these) pair of sunglasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection.
Take care in the sun - certainly it should be enjoyed, but overexposure can cause sunburn leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Try to avoid the middle of the day, wear a (wide-brimmed) hat and loose clothing that covers the arms and legs and use plenty of good (SPF 15+) sunscreen.
An important piece of travel information is water quality. Ordinary tap water in Australia is good quality and safe to drink - it has been chemically treated and tested to ensure it is safe. But this is the reason many people buy bottled spring water - it doesn't have any chemical taste. Bottled water is readily available just about anywhere.
Restaurants and eating places are required by law to maintain high standards of hygiene and food preparation, and you can safely say the standards are at least as high as anywhere in the world.
In Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane smog is sometimes an issue, but it is less of a problem than in big cities such as London, Beijing or Los Angles. Most of Queensland north of Brisbane does not have a smog problem.
If you don't have much experience of swimming in the surf then care should be taken - always swim between the warning flags erected by lifesavers, and check that there are lifesavers on duty before you go into the sea.
Sun protection
Enjoy the beautiful weather in Queensland, but be careful with your exposure to the sun. Wear a hat with a wide brim, wear jeans and long sleeved cotton clothes and apply water-resistant sunscreen frequently.
Beach and Water Safety
Australia has an amazing number and range of superb beaches for your enjoyment, but it is important to follow simple precautions.
Popular beaches are usually patrolled by lifesavers through summer, so always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags which mark the safe swimming zone, and if possible don’t swim alone. Protect yourself from the sun with hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and long sleeved shirt, and avoid the hottest part of the day between midday and 3 o'clock.
From late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish (also called stingers or sea wasps) occur in the northern waters and around many of the Queensland islands. They are rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef.
Crocodiles
North Queensland is also home to two types of crocodiles. Freshwater crocodiles occur only in inland waters. Estuarine or saltwater crocodiles are seen mostly in the tidal reaches of rivers, but also occur in freshwater lagoons and swamps and along some beaches. They can be found in waterways hundreds of kilometres from the sea.
Crocodiles are potentially dangerous. In croc-country observe all warning signs and don't take unnecessary risks in crocodile areas. Do not swim where crocodiles live, camp at least 50m from the waters edge and never clean fish or discard food scraps near the waters edge.