The whole point of us coming to live in Brisbane for 9 months was so that my 18-year-old daughter could get a better idea of ‘real life’ before heading off to college in London.
After 10+ years in Phuket, Thailand, she’d been raised in a pretty safe little bubble, and we wanted a stepping stone between Phuket and London. Unfortunately, Brisbane isn’t it!
Is Australia safe? YES! Oh my gosh. I feel just as comfortable wandering around the streets here as I did in Thailand. And although there are some dodgy areas (as there are everywhere), Compton definitely doesn’t come to mind over here in good old Oz.
Australia regularly ranks highly in global safety indexes and has virtually no gun crime, thanks to strict firearm laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. That tragedy led to a national gun buyback and amnesty programme, which saw over 650,000 firearms handed in and major reforms passed across the country.
And if you head up into Queensland, they’re all too laid-back to worry about crime anyway!
That said, like any country, there are still precautions to take—especially in certain cities, regions, or when heading out into the great outdoors.
So let’s take a general look at safety in Australia, including crime rates, natural disasters, wildlife, and even digital security.
So How Safe is Australia Really?
Pretty darn safe!
Australia ranks 13th on the Global Peace Index, which basically means it’s considered one of the more peaceful, secure countries in the world. Great news for travellers, especially if you’re planning to stay a while.
Most cities and towns are clean, well-policed, and generally calm. Violent crime is rare, and the legal system here is solid. You can walk around feeling pretty comfortable day or night—though, as always, it pays to stay aware, especially in busy urban areas.
That said, nowhere is perfect. Australia does have its fair share of issues, just like anywhere else. So here’s a quick lowdown on what to keep an eye out for:
Risks You Should Know About
Crime
Australia’s crime rate is low compared to many countries, but petty crime still exists, especially in cities. Think theft from cars, the odd handbag snatch, or property damage. Nothing wild, just the usual urban nonsense.
As of 2022–2023, there were around 233 reported homicides across Australia, keeping the rate under 1 per 100,000 people, so still very rare. That said, physical assaults, property theft, and break-ins do still happen, particularly in city suburbs.
In New South Wales alone, over 33,000 cases of unlawful entry were reported in 2023, and motor vehicle theft rose by 18% from the previous year. Assaults in South Australia also saw an 11% increase, while Victoria recorded a 30% jump in robbery cases.
Regional areas in NSW continue to show higher crime rates than the cities, with property crime 59% higher and violent crime 57% higher than in Sydney.
It’s not something to lose sleep over, but it’s worth locking your doors and keeping your valuables out of sight, especially if you’re in a campervan or Airbnb for a while.
Natural Hazards in Australia:
Australia’s weather can be a bit of a drama queen.
Bushfires, cyclones, floods, and heatwaves are all part of life here, depending on where you are and what time of year it is.
Bushfires: In 2023, the northern regions saw fires scorch over 84 million hectares of desert and savannah – an area larger than New South Wales. That’s more than three times the size of the UK!
Cyclones: The 2023–24 season was a mixed bag. While the total number of cyclones was below average, the ones that did form packed a punch. Cyclone Jasper, for instance, caused significant damage in the Solomon Islands and Far North Queensland.
Heatwaves: If you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, think again. In December 2023, Sydney Airport recorded a scorching 43.5°C (110.3°F), the highest since records began in 1929. Parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland also sweltered, with temperatures soaring into the high 40s.
But don’t panic. Aussies are used to nature throwing a tantrum, and the country has excellent warning systems and emergency response plans in place. If something’s brewing, you’ll usually hear about it well in advance.
As a traveller, the key is to stay informed. Keep an eye on local weather alerts, follow advice from authorities, and don’t go wandering into the bush during a fire warning just because Google Maps says there’s a shortcut.
Hot Tip: Always carry a little emergency stash in your bag including water, snacks, sunscreen, and a portable phone charger. Especially handy if you’re off-grid or road-tripping through the middle of nowhere.
Dangerous Animals in Australia:
Australia has a bit of a reputation when it comes to dangerous wildlife. Snakes, sharks, crocodiles, jellyfish – you’ve probably heard the lot. But before you start Googling “Australia sharl attacks,” let’s keep things in perspective.
Most Aussies go their whole lives without ever having a dramatic wildlife encounter. And as a traveller or nomad, your chances are even lower if you’re sticking to well-trodden paths and paying attention to signs and advice.
That said, it’s worth being aware:
- Snakes like the eastern brown and inland taipan are among the most venomous in the world—but they don’t go looking for trouble. If you’re hiking or camping, wear boots, stick to clear paths, and give long grass or rock piles a wide berth.
- Crocodiles are mostly found up north (Far North Queensland and the NT). The signs will always tell you where not to swim. Believe them.
- Jellyfish and stingrays can be an issue in tropical waters during certain seasons, particularly around the northern coasts. Wear stinger suits if you’re heading into the water during stinger season.
- Sharks are definitely out there, and there are many reports of shark attacks (not all fatal). But compared to the amount of people in the water, attacks are incredibly rare. Most beaches with any risk have shark nets and surf lifesavers keeping watch.
The bottom line is that Australia’s wildlife isn’t out to get you. Just take basic precautions, follow local advice, and maybe don’t wander barefoot through the bush at dusk. 😳
Property Crimes: Theft and Car Theft
The most common crimes in Australia are the everyday kind—petty theft, car break-ins, that sort of thing. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, but still worth keeping in mind if you’re travelling around with all your worldly possessions in a backpack or campervan.
Lock your doors, don’t leave bags or gadgets on show in your car, and be mindful when you’re in public places or shared accommodation. Most of it’s just common sense, but a little extra vigilance can save a whole lot of hassle.
Violent Crimes: Assault and Robbery
When it comes to violent crime—assaults, muggings, that sort of thing—rates in Australia are generally low, especially compared to some other countries. Most incidents tend to happen in nightlife areas or dodgier neighbourhoods in bigger cities, and often involve alcohol-fuelled nonsense.
Police here are quick to respond, and emergency services are reliable. As always, trust your gut, steer clear of late-night dramas, and know where you’re staying before heading out for the evening.
How to Stay Safe from Crime
You don’t need to be on high alert every second, but a bit of street smarts goes a long way in keeping you (and your stuff) safe while travelling in Australia.
Start by picking safe, well-reviewed places to stay, keeping your belongings secure, and staying aware of what’s going on around you—especially in cities or unfamiliar areas.
Safety Tips for Nomads
- Pick smart stays – Look for accommodation with good reviews and solid security. Hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs in safe neighbourhoods are easy to find.
- Lock it up – Whether you’re in a van, hostel, or shared house, keep your valuables out of sight and locked away if you’re heading out.
- Stay in the light – Stick to well-lit areas at night, and try not to wander solo down dodgy-looking alleyways (pretty basic but worth repeating).
- Watch for scams – Tourist scams are rare in Oz, but it never hurts to be cautious—especially if someone’s trying a little too hard to ‘help’ you at an ATM.
Hot Tip: Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are all great options for nomads. They’ve got strong digital nomad communities, loads of coworking spaces, and generally low crime rates compared to other big cities around the world. You’ll find it easy to plug in, work, and feel safe.
Transport Safety in Australia: How to Get Around Safely
One of the perks of travelling in Australia is how easy it is to get around. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have solid public transport networks—buses, trains, trams—that are clean, reliable, and generally feel pretty safe.
If you’re driving, know that road rules here are strict. Speeding, drink driving, and even holding your phone while driving can get you fined or worse. Aussies take road safety seriously, and so should you, especially if you’re hiring a car or van for a road trip.
Driving in rural areas is a whole different story. Kangaroos, wild weather, and long stretches of nothing can catch you off guard, so slow down, fill up your tank when you can, and avoid driving at night if you’re out bush.
Hot Tip: On public transport, keep your bags close. Either on your lap or tucked between your feet. And if you’re travelling through quieter areas, stick to daylight hours when possible. It’s just easier and safer all round.
Healthcare and Insurance for Nomads in Australia
Australia has a world-class healthcare system, but if you’re not a citizen, it’s definitely wise to have travel insurance.
Even with access to public hospitals, out-of-pocket costs can sneak up on you if you’re uninsured, especially if you need specialist care or end up in an emergency room.
Make sure your policy covers accidents, hospital visits, emergency transport, and repatriation just in case things go pear-shaped. Bonus points if it also covers lost gear or flight delays.
Pro tip: Keep the number of a local doctor or clinic handy, especially if you’re staying in one place for a while. You never know when you’ll need a quick check-up or some antibiotics after a mozzie bite goes rogue.
Staying Safe in Australia’s Outdoors
Australia was made for outdoor living – coastal walks, bush hikes, surfing, starry nights in the outback. But with all that beauty comes the need for a little caution.
Whether you’re off hiking, kayaking, or just exploring a national park, here’s how to stay safe:
- Check the weather and trail conditions before you go—things can change fast.
- Take plenty of water, sunblock, and a hat—the Aussie sun d