Australia
About Australia
| Currency | Australian dollar (AUD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Canberra |
The Commonwealth of Australia is a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. It is the sixth-largest country in the world with a population of about 23 million. Australia’s government is a parliamentary democracy with the Queen of England as the chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.
Australia’s aboriginal people probably arrived about 40,000 years ago. In 1788, the first groups of settlers to arrive in Australia were British, many of whom were convicts. British Captain James Cook annexed land in the east to Britain. Penal colonies were established, but gradually more free men arrived. After the discovery of gold in the mid-1800s, waves of immigrants arrived and led to a population boom. Citizens began to demand self-government, and by the 1890s, all the colonies were self-governing. Britain maintained control of foreign affairs and defense. By 1901, the new nation of the Commonwealth of Australia was created.
Australia has one of the highest standards of living. The country is known for the Great Barrier Reef, the outback, Aboriginal cultures, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed and friendly people.
Recommended Vaccinations For Australia
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may come in contact with bats (i. e. cavers, adventure travellers, researchers, and anyone working with bats).
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, Australia requires all persons over 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country or region where yellow fever is present, and with the exception of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, including transit of 12 hours or more in an airport of a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission and with the same exception as mentioned above.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination is recommended for short-term travellers (less than one month) who plan extensive outdoor activities in tropical areas, particularly on the islands of the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula in northeastern Australia and in the Murray River. It is also recommended for long-term travellers (trips lasting a month or more) in the endemic areas.
Recommended Medications For Australia
There are no recommendations for Australia at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Australia
For Most Travellers
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in north and central Queensland.
For Some Travellers
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
West Nile Fever
There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of Australia.
Ross River Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Ross River virus in some areas of Australia.
Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus
Outbreaks of Murray Valley encephalitis occur in some parts of Australia, usually during the warm, rainy summer months when the mosquito population is increased.
Japanese encephalitis
In Australia, there is a risk for Japanese encephalitis year-round on the islands of the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula in northeastern Australia and in the Murray River. The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but visiting the listed areas and extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in bats in this country.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, Australia requires all persons over 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country or region where yellow fever is present, and with the exception of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, including transit of 12 hours or more in an airport of a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission and with the same exception as mentioned above.
Safety & Security in Australia
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing or other theft, can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight to avoid becoming a target for theft. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Foreign tourists have reported robberies, attacks and harassment. Beware of online scams.
Public transportation is extensive. Buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, subways, metered taxis and ride-sharing services are available.
Cyclone and rainy season is from November to April. Natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, and storms are possible. Always stay alert about the weather forecast and heed the advice of local authorities.
Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal in Australia and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. However, isolated incidents of homophobic crime are likely.
Prepare thoroughly for any bushwalking, visits to national parks, or driving in outback areas. It can take hours to get emergency help. There are many dangerous specifies of animals in Australia, such as crocodiles and deadly jellyfish, spiders and snakes.
Rip currents can be a hazard at all beaches.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Australia. The country’s National Terrorism Threat Level is ‘Possible’.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
