Tips for Adventure Travel Down Under

With its exotic animals, dramatic landscapes and thick accents, a trip to Australia can make you feel as though you have stepped into an alternate universe. This is why, even if you travel extensively, a destination as unique as Australia comes with it’s own set of travel guidelines. Here are my top tips for living it up during an adventure trip down under.

Ocean Grove Beach in Victoria Australia

Enjoy the Sun
While a suntan makes a great souvenir, the Australian sun is especially strong. It isn’t just the fair-skinned who need to take those rays seriously in Oz. Avoid laying out from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. and remember to reapply suntan lotion after swimming. For added sun protection, don a broad brimmed hat and lightweight long-sleeved shirt.

Look Before You Leap
When in Australia, take the old saying, “look before you leap,” literally. At beaches, safe swimming areas are marked by red and yellow flags, so always check for those before jumping in, no matter how inviting the water looks. This way, you avoid tidal rips (currents strong enough to sweep you out into the deep), and can enjoy those stunning Australian beaches.

Lifeguards
If you have any questions, ask a lifeguard. They wear red and yellow uniforms (notice a theme, yet?) and are on duty at most public beaches from October to April. The most popular beaches in Australia have lifeguards year-round.

Jellyfish
From November to April, stinging jellyfish can be a concern. There’s no reason to skip the sea, however, since designated beaches use stinger-resistant enclosures to protect swimmers. Those who plan to dive or snorkel around the Great Barrier reef during this time need to wear special jellyfish-resistant outfits.

Sharks
Shark attacks are extremely rare in Australia. Even so, remember how your Grandpa always said the fish bite more at dawn and dusk? Well, so do sharks, so stay out of the water at both ends of the day, and never swim at night. If you have a passion for sharks, their are tour operators you can contract with for a variety of shark adventures.

Crocodiles
Crocodiles are not out to get you, but if you dangle a tasty leg in front of them, who can blame them for taking a nibble? If you don’t see a sign telling you a place is safe for swimmers, stay out, no matter how tempting that beautiful river or crystal clear lagoon may be.  If you stick to the main beaches, this will never be an issue, but if you’re wandering off the beaten path on your own, use caution.

Sensible Shoes
Experienced hikers the whole world over know that it’s best to wear closed-toe shoes to shield against bug and snake bites, as well as for support and comfort. Avoid blisters and creep crawlies by wearing sensible hiking shoes. Sure, anti-venoms have been around since the 1980′s and Aussie healthcare is top-notch, but why tempt fate?

Bushfires
If you plan to camp during the late spring or summer, you need to be fire savvy. Talk to locals, and use the TV, radio, and newspapers to stay informed of any bushfire risks in your region.

Travel Insurance
For even more peace of mind, invest in some travel insurance in Oz before heading on your next vacation. After all, the better prepared you are, the better your adventures will be.

Photo credit: Betacommand

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Insure and Go; the opinions expressed are those of the author.