Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Public Holidays
New Year's Day
1 January
Australia Day
26 January
Labour Day
First Monday in March
Easter
(Good Friday and Easter Monday) March/April
Anzac Day
25 April
Foundation Day
First Monday in June
Queen's Birthday
Last Monday in September
Christmas Day
25 December
Boxing Day
26 December
Safe Travel
Environmental Hazards
HEAT EXHAUSTION & HEATSTROKE
Heat exhaustion occurs when fluid intake does not keep up with fluid loss. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, fa-
tigue, nausea or vomiting. On observation the skin is usually pale, cool and clammy. Treatment consists of rest in a cool,
shady place and fluid replacement with water or diluted sports drinks.
Heatstroke is a severe form of heat illness that occurs after fluid depletion or extreme heat challenge from heavy exer-
cise. This is a true medical emergency: heating of the brain leads to disorientation, hallucinations and seizures. Heat-
stroke is prevented by maintaining an adequate fluid intake to ensure the continued passage of clear and copious urine,
especially during physical exertion.
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia is a significant risk, especially during the winter months in southern parts of Australia. Early signs include
the inability to perform fine movements (such as doing up buttons), shivering and a bad case of the 'umbles' (fumbles,
mumbles, grumbles, stumbles). The key elements of treatment include changing the environment to one where heat loss
is minimised, changing out of any wet clothing, adding dry clothes with windproof and waterproof layers, adding insula-
tion and providing fuel (water and carbohydrate) to allow shivering, which builds the internal temperature. In severe hy-
pothermia, shivering actually stops - this is a medical emergency requiring rapid evacuation in addition to the above
measures.
