Page 550 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

548  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health

Australia has a low crime rate and is generally regarded as a
safe tourist destination. There is a strong police presence in
all the state capitals, and even small towns will have at least
one officer. In terms of climate and environment, however, Police vehicle
Australia is a tough country, and visitors must observe
safety procedures whether travelling to remote areas or
merely planning a day at the beach. If you get into trouble,
contact one of the national emergency numbers or helplines
in the directory opposite. Fire engine
What to Be Aware of Personal Safety
Leave valuables and important There are few, if any, off-limit
documents in your hotel safe, areas in Australian cities. Red-
and don’t carry large sums light districts may be a little
of cash with you. Credit and seedy, but they are often busy Ambulance
debit cards that can be and well policed.
cancelled if lost or stolen is a Avoid walking alone, a meal after dark. The majority
safe way to go. It is also worth especially in poorly lit areas and of places are friendly to travellers
photocopying vital documents parks at night. Buses (and trams but in remote areas visitors
in case of loss or theft. in Melbourne) are considered do stand out and as such are
Be on guard against pick- safe at night. However, when potential targets if a threat exists.
pockets in places where big travelling by train, remember
crowds gather. Prime areas for that many stations are not
petty theft are tourist attractions, staffed after hours, particularly Women Travellers
shopping centres, beaches, in suburban areas. Travel in the It is safe for women, generally
markets, sporting venues and train carriage nearest the driver speaking, to travel throughout
on peak-hour public transport. or in those marked as being safe Australia, although all the usual
Never carry your wallet in an for night travel. Taxis are safe rules about personal safety
outside pocket where it is an easy and efficient at night. Hitch- apply. Drink “spiking” sometimes
target for a thief. Wear shoulder hiking is not advisable, and is happens, so don’t leave drinks
bags and cameras with the strap illegal in some states (see p562). unattended and only accept
across your body and with any Country towns can shut down drinks and offers of transport
clasps fastened. If you have a car, fairly early in Australia, which from people you know. Sexual
always try to park in well-lit, is often a surprise to many harassment of women can
reasonably busy streets. Lock the visitors. It is advisable to reach occur; ignoring it, moving away
vehicle securely and don’t leave a destination before nightfall from the area and reporting it to
any valuables or property visible and avoid wandering around authorities, security or manage-
that might attract a thief. looking for accommodation or ment is a sensible approach.

Medical Matters
Australia’s medical services are
among the best in the world.
Under reciprocal arrangements
visitors from the UK, New
Zealand, Malta, Italy, Finland,
Sweden and Holland are
entitled to free hospital and
medical treatment provided
by Australia’s national insurance
scheme, Medicare. Medicare
does not, however, cover dental
work, so dental insurance is
worth considering. Visitors from
countries other than those
mentioned will face prohibitive
medical bills if uninsured.
Arrangements for adequate
medical cover should be made
Park ranger Policeman Fire officer before leaving home.