At the Top End of Australia crocodiles are frequently sighted and in great numbers. While there are waterholes that are cleared and patrolled regularly, the only 100% safe place to swim in the Top End is in a swimming pool. Particularly in the Wet Season, when the giant salties are on the move, steer clear of swollen, murky waterways.
Many visitors when driving in Australia’s “outback” DO NOT take the wildlife into consideration. These animals can be very numerous and to hit any at speed can be disastrous or even fatal. The driving distances here are vast with Towns and Road Houses long distances apart and although the areas are sparsely populated, speeding vehicles can have accidents with wildlife and feral animals.
Stinging jellyfish and crocodiles on the beach and coastal areas but if you follow safety precautions you will be safe. From late October to early May Box jellyfish live in coastal waters around northern Australia and many of the Queensland islands. Rarely found on the outer Barrier Reef but in the Northern Territory the stingers are present at all beaches, in Western Australia they’re found along the Kimberley coastline. Beaches will display warning signs and provide bowls of solution for calming stings.
To drive out in the Territory is fantastic. Once you are out of the city Limits it doesn’t take long to be out in the bush. The main roads are fine and the traffic can be dangerous as it can anywhere. Just watch out for the huge road trains that fly along these outback Highways. Sometimes these road trains can have 70 or more wheels under four or five huge long trailers. Always be careful of the last trailer as they tend to “snake” being on the end. Give yourself plenty of time and room to overtake these huge trucks and trailers.
Use a good quality sunscreen (SP30+ rating) or cover up to minimise the risk of sunburn. Northern Australia’s white communities have the world’s highest rates of skin cancer. It also helps to wear a hat with a brim. Sunburn and heatstroke can be serious and people can deteriorate quickly if they don’t take it seriously.
When travelling in the Northern part of Australia locally referred to as the “Top End” it is strongly advisable to carry and use a reliable insect and mosquito repellent, especially in the evenings by the water or the local rivers. Dengue fever has been reported in some parts of northern Australia.