There is a hole in the Ozone layer, meaning this will be the harshest sun you’ve ever felt
Please buy sunscreen in Australia (different regulations for SPF) and please wear it generously. You will need to reapply it more often than you normally do. If you are out in the sun, you will burn, and it will hurt. So please plan that accordingly, and take care of your body and skin while enjoying our beautiful beaches!
This is a Magpie. Watch out for them
They sometimes swoop and they can hurt.
We advise you not to drive during your trip to Australia
For those of you who insist it is necessary, please read into the differences of our road rules, laws and regulations. Fines are hefty, police are not lenient and the potential to get into an accident due to the disorienting differences is high.
The speed difference is a stark contrast (typical speed limit here is equivalent 45MPH) and there are speed cameras all along NSW roads. There are mobile usage cameras, red light cameras, and speed cameras in NSW. There are many little laws that people do not adhere to that can cause accidents. Please do research before attempting to drive.
https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/getting-around/driving-in-australia.html
Please click the octopus to launch a video on what to NOT pick up when on beaches (“pretty” shells and sea animals)
Australia does have a lot of beautiful animals, terrain and land to explore. With the beauty comes some pain. Please watch the linked video to know 3 things to avoid when in the waters of Australia (stock image including a very deadly octopus - Blue Ring Octopus).
It is Wet + Stinger Season in Far North Queensland (FNQ) (Cairns, Great Barrier Reef).
If you are going to Far North Queensland, or Cairns for the GBR, I advise you to get a cancellation policy with your travel plans and to keep an eye on the weather. This time of year often brings Cyclones (our version of a hurricane), rain for days at a time and flooding, or just gray skies and muddy terrain unsuitable for bush walking. In addition to wet season, it is stinger season. Far North Queensland will have jellyfish aaallll over the water. You will need to wear a thick suit if you want to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. This is if weather even permits you to be taken out to the GBR - there are chances that your tour will be rescheduled or cancelled, and most of the time they only offer vouchers to return versus a refund. Since you are here for a limited time, please consider this.
Additional warning for FNQ when you are in Cairns but not taken out to the reef. You will not be able to swim in most of the bodies of water due to saltwater crocodiles, jellyfish and potential shark activity. There are signs advising you when to not enter water - these will be seen in most beaches. I do not recommend FNQ during this time of the year. Please adventure somewhere you will get the best bang for your buck, and save The Great Barrier Reef for the next time you come visit us :-)
