Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
The Christmas season is part of the summer school holidays (mid-December to late January), when transport and
accommodation are often booked out, and there are long, restless queues at tourist attractions. There are three
shorter school-holiday periods during the year that change slightly from year to year. Generally, they fall in mid-
April, mid-July and late September to mid-October.
Animal Hazards
Australia is home to some seriously dangerous creatures. On land there are poisonous snakes and spiders, while the sea
harbours deadly box jellyfish and white pointer sharks. The saltwater crocodile spans both environments.
In reality you're unlikely to see these creatures in the wild, much less be attacked by one. Far more likely is a
hangover after a big night, or getting sunburnt after not wearing sunscreen.
BOX JELLYFISH & OTHER MARINE DANGERS
There have been fatal encounters between swimmers and box jellyfish on the northern coast. Also known as the sea
wasp or 'stinger', they have venomous ten- tacles that can grow up to 3m long. You can be stung any time, but from
November to March you should stay out of the water unless you're wearing a 'stinger suit' (available from sporting
shops).
If you are stung, first aid consists of washing the skin with vinegar to prevent further discharge of remaining stinging
cells, followed by rapid transfer to a hospital; antivenin is widely available.
Marine spikes from sea urchins, stonefish, scorpion fish, catfish and stingrays can cause severe local pain. If this oc-
curs, immediately immerse the affected area in water as hot as is tolerable. Keep topping up with hot water until the pain
subsides and medical care can be reached. The stonefish is found only in tropical Australia; antivenin is available.
CROCODILES
In northwest WA, saltwater crocodiles can be a real danger. They live around the coast, and are also found in estuaries,
creeks and rivers, sometimes a long way inland. Observe safety signs or ask locals whether an inviting waterhole or
river is croc-free before plunging in. The last fatality caused by a saltwater crocodile was in 1987, and attacks occurred
in 2006 and 2012.
INSECTS
For four to six months of the year you'll have to cope with flies and mosquitoes. Flies are more prevalent in the outback,
where a humble fly net is effective. Repellents may also deter them.
Mozzies are a problem in summer, especially near wetlands in tropical areas, and some species are carriers of viral in-
fections. Keep your arms and legs covered after sunset and use repellent.
The biting midge (sandfly) can be found in WA's northern coastal areas. Locals often appear immune, but it's almost a
rite of passage for those heading north to be covered in bites. Cover up at dusk.
Ticks and leeches are also common. For protection, wear loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves. Apply 30% DEET
on exposed skin, repeated every three to four hours, and impregnate clothing with permethrin.
SHARKS
In 2012 there were six major shark attacks in WA, five of them fatal, and most of them involved surfers at more remote
beaches. Around popular coastal and city beaches, shark-spotting methods include spotter planes, jet skis and surf
