Desert can fan a small ember into a major bush fire in minutes. Please use designated fire places or bring your own gas cookers, and refrain from tossing soft drink bottles, matches or cigarette butts out the window while driving!
Snakes, spiders, ants and other insects are busy during the warmer months, but may be encountered at anytime of year especially during wet weather. Australia has the world's most venomous snakes and spiders. We also have the world's most comprehensive anti-venom treatments. Australia's snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them, and will generally only attack if surprised and unable to escape, or if they have been cornered and provoked.
If heading into the bush, be prepared for the usual hitchhikers like leeches during "the wet" (Summer and Autumn for subtropical and tropical Australia), and bush ticks during "the dry". Bush ticks can be especially nasty if they ate not removed. People react differently, but symptoms range from nothing to mild headaches through to nausea, aching bones and being quite ill. Some species of ants are aggressive, and you may find your ankles and legs being quite savagely bitten by these small warriors (avoid their nests and trails). Thick socks and sturdy footwear usually reduce risks. Some people may also react badly to sandfly and mosquito bites, so take precautions and use insect repellent when on our waterways, bushwalking or down at the beach.
The most beaches have volunteer life guard patrols during holidays, and throughout summer. Please swim between the red and yellow flags.
In Northern Australia, watch out for fresh and salt water "crocs" (crocodiles), although popular affected billabongs (water holes), rivers and beaches will be sign posted.
Stinging jellyfish are also water hazards at various times of year.