Overview
Australia is one of the safest places in the world, but you should take the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country, or even at home. It can be helpful to talk to other travellers about their experience. Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you start your trip, to cover you for anything unexpected.
COVID-19
For the latest information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria and Melbourne, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Sun smart
In Australia, 15 minutes in the sun is sometimes all it takes for your skin to burn.
Protect yourself from Australia's strong sun in a few easy steps:
- Slip on sun protective clothing
- Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours outdoors
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and goggles or sunglasses to block UV light and sun reflected off snow.
Beach safety
Beaches can be dangerous, with rips and undercurrents, so make sure you swim on lifeguard patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags, and be sun smart. Learn about water safety in Victoria. Locate patrolled beaches and learn about rip currents from the beachsafe.org.au website or download the BeachSafe app.
Mosquitos, bites and stings
Heavy rain mixed with summer heat brings with it a heightened danger of mosquito-borne disease (between November and April). Cover up, use repellent and for more information on mosquitos in Victoria, visit this up-to-date better health website.
For advice on bites and stings, based on your symptoms, visit the Symptom Checker at healthdirect.gov.au.
In an emergency, phone triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. An emergency involves any of these symptoms: central/crushing chest pain, unconsciousness, a seizure (fit), difficulty breathing or turning blue, badly bleeding, victim of a severe accident.
Weather conditions
Watch out for natural hazards such as changeable weather conditions in Victoria's alpine regions or remote national parks. Plan your activities and let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return. Check Victoria's weather and current warnings on the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.
Emergencies
In an emergency, phone triple zero (000) and ask for an fire, police or ambulance help.
