Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THINGS THAT BITE & STING
Crocodiles
The risk of a crocodile attack in tropical Far North Queensland is real, but with some common sense it is entirely avoid-
able. 'Salties' are estuarine crocodiles that can grow to 7m. They inhabit coastal waters and are mostly seen in the tidal
reaches of rivers, though on occasion they're spotted on beaches and in freshwater lagoons. Always heed any advice, such
as crocodile warning signs, that you might come across. Don't assume it's safe to swim if there are no signs: if you're not
sure, don't swim.
If you're away from popular beaches anywhere north of Mackay, avoid swimming in rivers, waterholes and in the sea
near river outlets. Don't clean fish or prepare food near the water's edge, and camp at least 50m away from waterways.
Crocodiles are particularly mobile and dangerous during the breeding season (October to March).
A BIT OF PERSPECTIVE
Australia's plethora of poisonous and biting critters is impressive, but don't let it put you off. There's approxim-
ately one shark-attack and one croc-attack fatality per year here. Blue-ringed-octopus deaths are rarer − only two in
the last century. Jellyfish do better − about two deaths annually − but you're still more than 100 times more likely
to drown. Spiders haven't killed anyone in the last 20 years. Snake bites kill one or two people per year, as do bee
stings, but you're about a thousand times more likely to perish on the nation's roads.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish - including the potentially deadly box jellyfish and Irukandji - occur in Australia's tropical waters. It's unwise to
swim north of Agnes Water between November and May unless there's a stinger net. 'Stinger suits' (full-body Lycra
swimsuits) prevent stinging, as do wetsuits. Swimming and snorkelling are usually safe around Queensland's reef islands
throughout the year; however, the rare (and tiny) Irukandji has been recorded on the outer reef and islands.
Wash stings with vinegar to prevent further discharge of remaining stinging cells, followed by rapid transfer to a hos-
pital. Don't attempt to remove the tentacles.
Marine Animals
Marine spikes and poisonous spines - such as those found on sea urchins, catfish, stingrays, scorpion fish and stonefish -
can cause severe local pain. If you're stung, immediately immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be toler-
ated) and seek medical care.
Contact with blue-ringed octopuses and Barrier Reef cone shells can be fatal, so don't pick them up. If someone is
stung, apply a pressure bandage, monitor breathing carefully and conduct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if breathing stops.
Seek immediate medical care.
