10 Things Not To DO in Australia | First Time Visit to Australia

Australia can sometimes feel like a different world. We are far away from the rest of the world, so our rules, wildlife, and landscapes are all very different. As a country, we are pretty laid-back, but there are a few things tourists should not do that will make their trip much more fun and a little safer.

Table of Contents

What not to do in Australia: #1. Don’t get off the bus until you’ve thanked the driver.

Even though we’re loud and like to drink, we didn’t grow up in a barn (generally). When you get off the bus, give the driver a friendly wave to brighten their day.

#2. Don’t think you don’t have to swim between the flags at the beach.

You might think you’re a strong and good swimmer, or you might look at our clear waters and want to jump in right away. But you still need to keep an eye out for surf lifesavers and swim between the flags they put up. In Australia, water can turn bad very quickly, and before you know it, you’re caught in a rip and struggling to get out.

10 Things Not To DO in Australia — Australian beach | © Flickr / Geoff Stearns

3. Don’t go outside if you don’t have sunscreen.

In this part of the world, the sun can be very harsh. In just ten minutes in the summer sun, you can get third-degree burns. I know this because it happened to me! Don’t take chances. Use sunscreen and try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Staying hydrated is just as important, because nothing is worse than being severely dehydrated in Australia. It’s like having the worst hangover of your life, but you might need to go to the hospital.

4. Don’t talk out loud on a quiet train car during rush hour.

This one just does what the rules say. Before you get on the train, there are signs telling you which car is quiet. If you’re one of the few people who dares to Facetime your friends while you’re on this carriage, don’t be surprised if people tell you that you’re in the wrong place!

Things Not To DO in Australia: #5. Never drive fast or drunk

Some countries might let you get away with this, but Australia is REALLY strict about it. The police and hidden cameras are sneaky and will show up when you least expect it, especially around the holidays. I’d rather be safe than sorry.

6. Don’t stay in a place far from public transportation and away from the city

Unless you hire a scar, it can be hard to get around in a suburb, and you can quickly feel alone. Staying near a train or tram line where service is regular and reliable is your best bet. Even daytime bus service can be hit or miss in some cities.

7. Don’t take a storm warning too lightly.

If there is one thing Australia is good at, it is making storms that are impressive. Don’t forget that a big part of the country is subtropical, so tropical storms and cyclones do happen. If you hear that a storm is coming, keep an eye out. Don’t try to drive on roads that are flooded, camp near big trees, or swim in water that is closed.

8. Don’t swim at any old beach (beware of crocs, stingers, sharks etc.)

If you’ve never been to Australia before, you might want to look up the beaches you’re going to on Google before you jump in. If you’re swimming near bigger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or Brisbane, you should be fine. But do your homework first if you live on the West Coast (which is shark central) or anywhere else. You’ll find some of the most beautiful and inviting water, as well as some of the most dangerous animals.

9. Don’t think of kangaroos as cute animals.

Even though they might be one of our most well-known and cute-looking animals, their feet are pretty strong. If you want to get close and personal, you might like our sweet wallabies more. Don’t try to take on a kangaroo!

10. Don’t go hiking alone in the Outback.

Our rough landscape might look like a good place to camp and hike for a long weekend, but it’s much safer to go with a small group. In the Australian Outback, there are a lot of things to think about, like dangerous weather, poisonous snakes and spiders, and harsh, dehydrating conditions. Just be safe and don’t go hiking by yourself

Topic: 10 Things Not To DO in Australia | First Time Visit to Australia

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