It’s a pretty common thought that Australia is dangerous. The land down under is home to many critters and animals that can be potentially fatal, sure, but is it really true that Australia is deadly? I mean, just like John Farnham, the deadliest snake does call Australia home. Everyone says is it, “every animal in Australia wants to kill you!”.

Australia has to be deadly…right?! Well, no, not really. Australians still live in Australia.

Before I get into why I believe Australia isn’t as dangerous as the rest of the world thinks, a little background about myself is probably called for.

I’m Australian, I grew up in the city of Newcastle on the east coast. I personally have encountered, even stung by a few of the mentions below. Yet, here I am, telling you it’s not all that bad. I spent over 2 decades living amongst these spawns of evil and living to tell the tale.

So, if you’re thinking of visiting Oz (not the yellow brick road one), but worried it may be a little too dangerous to stomach, let me guide you through how to stay safe from Australian animals.

After all, the only “crikey” you want to be saying should be a tribute to our national icon, Steve Irwin, not from the bite of a spider by slipping your shoes on!

 

Does everything in Australia want to kill you?

In short, no. Australia’s animals aren’t out to get you – for the most part.

There’s no Great White Sharks lapping Bondi Beach buffet picking out their entree of the all you can eat of swimmers.

There are not hundreds of  Sydney Funnel Web Spiders fighting over the recently vacated gumboot waiting for you to slip it on without checking.

P.S. a gumboot is a waterproof, rubber shoe

P.P.S. They do climb in shoes, please check your shoes!

They aren’t out to end your life for shits and giggles. They are just living out their lives, looking for much smaller prey than you.

In saying all that, Australian animals can be like Australians themselves. Friendly enough if you’re alright to them, but they can only take so much shit before they snap. Personally, I’ll take a drunken bar fight over an Eastern Brown Snake in the bush I just stepped on. (I’d say avoid both though).

Most of Australia’s animals are much more scared of you than you are of them. And, seeing you’ve read this far, chances are you’re pretty darn scared.

Many snakes and spiders will run and hide before you get close enough to spot them. This isn’t the case for everything (think Magpie – the common bird known for terrorizing everyone by swooping the shit out of you).

If you know what to look for, are observant and use common sense – you should be fine.

Don’t go poking a Brown Snake in the eye with a pointy stick or make jokes about a croc’s dental hygiene. They rarely enjoy that.

Jokes aside, Australia isn’t that dangerous. As long as you’re smart about it.

 

Where are common places for venomous animals to live in Australia?

Before I tell you venomous, potentially fatal animals exist pretty much all over Australia, you should know deaths are rare. They do happen, but i don’t consider hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains any less dangerous for wildlife threats.

Australia’s oceans and waters are part of the charm my home nation holds over the rest of the globe. There are golden sands, crystal blue waters and a whole lot of potentially deadlies in the water. From jellyfish to crocs, sharks to octopuses.

Coming from Newcastle, a city right on the coast, I spent a lot of time in the water. I encountered a couple of dolphin dorsal fins and stung by a bluebottle or two (a type of jellyfish… that’s blue) but the water isn’t teeming with deadly marine life.

On land, there’s a whole new array of things to watch out for. Likely, snakes and spiders entered your mind already. Yes, there are deadly snakes in Australia. 5 out of the world’s 10 most venomous snakes in Australia and 4 out of 10 most venomous spiders in the beautiful country.

I get it, that sounds bad. But that deadliest snake, wanna guess the recorded deaths in history? If you said 1 or above, you’re more scared than you should be. The Inland Taipan has claimed zero deaths on record.

So if the most venomous snake in the world has claimed zero lives, what makes Australia so scary?

Here’s another chance to prove your knowledge of Australia’s deadliest animals!

 

What are Australia’s three deadliest animals?

Note: I will be referring to the Australian National Coronial Information System (NCIS) report on 2000 – 2010 animal-related deaths for the information below.

This report from the NCIS details a total of 254 animal-related deaths in Australia at this time. Chances are, the most common offenders have snuck under your Australian danger radar.

The three animals below have caused the most deaths in Australia (2000-2010) are:

• Horses (including donkeys) – 77 deaths. Mostly from falls.
• Cows (including bulls and cattle) – 33 deaths. While the majority of these are from crushing or piercing, 16 are related to motor vehicles accidents.
• Dogs – 27 deaths. Mainly children under 4 and the elderly were victims of dogs.

That’s right. Holy cow! (I tried to resist making that joke). Cows come in at second place on the list of Australia’s most scary animals.

While those stats aren’t really uplifting, the creepy crawlies Australia is known for don’t make the top three.

The top 3 deaths in Australia could arguably happen in any country in the world. But of the 254 animal related deaths in the land down under, only 137 come from the top three.

What other animals make Australia deadly?

• Kangaroo – 18 deaths. That’s right. Skippy has it out for you. All of these fatalities involved car accidents.
• Sharks – 16 deaths. Australia’s first real apex predator enters the list at number 5. Sharks tie with the next on the list.
• Honey Bee – 16 deaths. While the Honey Bee isn’t deadly to most(it would take around 100 stings to be life-threatening to most), 1-2% of the world’s population is allergic. Given how common they are throughout backyards in Australia, their place on this list is justified but surprising.
• Snakes – 14 deaths. There they are, the one you’ve been expecting from the start. There are plenty of venomous snakes throughout Australia but are either rarely encountered, or anti-venom is so readily accessible to make deaths from snake bites extremely rare.
• Saltwater Crocodile – 9 deaths. Northern Australia’s main predator. If you intend to camp in croc infested areas, pitch your tent well off the ground – seeking professional and local experts is highly recommended.
• Emus – 5 deaths. This flightless bird is a killer. Sharing the nation’s crest of arms with the kangaroo, the emu even looks intimidating.
• Others – 39 deaths. To round off this list, the last 39 deaths related to animals in Australia were caused by a number of other animals. Jellyfish make it to the “other” section of this list, along with cats, goats, camels and goats.

 

Personally, I find it pretty funny that the two animals Australia coat of arms displays are in the top 10 animals to kill people in Oz. Are emus and kangaroos really that intimidating to blackmail their way onto an official symbol of Australia?

I guess, Australia has lost a war to an army of emus back in 1932. No really, that’s not a joke. Streuth.

Alrighty then, is there one item on that list you think I’m missing? There hasn’t been a recorded death related to spiders since 1979. This isn’t to say people just stopped getting bitten, it was the introduction of anti-venom.

Please keep in mind, these numbers are recorded deaths. Only the fatalities attributed to these animals add to these statistics. These stats also aren’t the number of bites or attacks – only people who have lost their lives.

So, how do you avoid these deadly Australian animals? Knowing where they hang out and their personalities help a lot in staying safe in Australia.

 

The most common deadly animals in Australia and how to avoid them

I’m not going to list every single dangerous animal Australia has to offer, that would be silly, I’m sure you’ve got other things you need to do this month.

I’ll just give you details on the most common nasties, where to find them and tips on how to avoid them.

 

Red-back Spider

Let’s start with probably the one that comes off the worst on paper. (Or online). The Red Back Spider, or just red-back. (Quick tip, if someone asks for a “redback”, chances are they are after a $20 note, not a spider – we like to make deadly things into jokes).

They are everywhere. They are usually not bigger than a 20cent piece (yes, we have 20 and 50 cent coins). Almost totally black, except for a red stripe down their back – hence another creative name.

Are red-back spiders really everywhere? I’ll use my back shed as an example. At any one time, I could count more than 10, probably above 20 if I looked hard enough. And this is a small shed (a sort of garage if you’re lost on what a shed is).

They love to hang out in the dark corners of places. Also under table and chairs.

The good news? They are pretty relaxed and more than happy to chill out in their web and wait for prey. They aren’t going to scurry or leap towards you.

 

How deadly are Australia’s redback spiders?

Historically, the common redback spider has been fatal. However, since anti-venom was introduced in 1956, not a single death has occurred from a nibble from a red-back.

 

How do I avoid contact with red back spiders?

Watch where you put your hands. Don’t pick up a garden chair that’s been sitting in the shed corner for a month without checking where your hands are going.

Throwing on a pair of gloves or boots? Give them a stomp.

 

Sydney Funnel Web Spider

One of Australia’s deadliest 8 legged creature is the Sydney Funnel Web Spider (known simply as the funnel-web). They are most commonly found in the north shore suburbs of Sydney. However, I have encountered these intimidating pitch black terrors quite a bit north around Lake Macquarie (where I grew up). However, they are fairly rare.

As direct UV is potentially fatal to the funnel web, they love to spend their days in dark and cool places. Under logs in the bush, under houses and even in shoes are known places for these guys to set up shop. Another reason to check your shoes before slipping your foot inside.

This deadly breed and Australian spider has a distinctive way to warn you. It will rear up on its back legs, ready to strike. While humans are especially sensitive to the venom of the funnel web, it is only meant as a defensive measure. The initial bite is extremely painful. Sweating and tingling are a common side effect as the neurotoxin hits the nervous system.

 

How deadly is Australia’s funnel web?

Very, if left untreated. Since 1927, there have been 14 recorded deaths from Sydney Funnel Web bites. There has not been one fatality since the introduction of anti-venom in 1980. All of those deaths were from the male gender of the species.

 

How do I avoid contact with the Sydney Funnel Web?

Keep in mind they like to hang out in cool, dark places. If the backyard cricket ball flies under the house (unfortunately, it does happen) take care of going in after it. Be wary of where your hands are placed and check those shoes!

 

Honey Bee

As mentioned above, the regular honey bee isn’t deadly to the vast majority of humans. For the 1-2%, it’s not a cool story you want to take home from Australia.

As the honey bee has a barbed stinger, you can only be stung once from a single bee. Even if you aren’t allergic, you will feel the sting almost immediately. It burns. If the burning and painful sensation are the worst of your troubles, toothpaste helps soothe the sting.

 

How deadly is the common Honey Bee of Australia?

It would take 100 or so stings (that’s 100 individual bees) to sting at once. Bees, from my personal experience, aren’t that organized.

If you’re allergic, it will take just one sting before you require medical attention. Difficulty breathing is a pretty good sign you need to visit a hospital.

 

How can I avoid a sting by a bee in Australia?

The problem is how common bees are in Australia. As a kid, running through the back yard with no shoes on (I’m a bad example of how to stay safe in Australia…) I’ve been stung many, many times.

Bees tend to zip around white flowery weeds in Australian backyards. It’s a good place to find four-leaf clovers and/or make a daisy chain necklace from these white flowers, it’s also the common place to encounter a number of bees.

 

Eastern Brown Snake

Contrary to the name, Eastern Brown Snakes can be found over a lot of Australia. We like to confuse, I guess?

Of all the snakes in Australia, the Eastern Brown Snake (commonly known as just the brown snake) has claimed the most lives. While their venom is very deadly, it is how often they come into contact with humans that presents the severe danger.

During my 26 years in Australia, I have encountered a handful of these deadlies. Even as a young snake, they are not to be taken lightly. Adolescent snakes are still very dangerous and venomous.

Brown Snakes grow to over 1 meter. They are known to be aggressive, especially if provoked or threatened. They spook easily and are much faster than you might expect.

An Eastern Brown Snake’s bite is often painless, or at least not enough to instantly think a snake just bit you. The problem is, you need immediate medical attention in some cases.

I know a guy (all fun stories start with that intro…) that stepped into long grass and got bitten. While he remembers feeling a pain, thought nothing of it. He then fainted a couple of hours later and was rushed to hospital where he made a full recovery.

 

How deadly is Australia’s Eastern Brown Snake?

If left untreated, very deadly. Due to the possibility of a bite not totally obvious, it can make a trip to hospital even more urgent. The Brown Snake hasn’t claimed a life since anti-venom was introduced.

 

How do I avoid brown snakes in Australia?

You can encounter a Brown Snake in a number of places. While they are known to hang out in long grass, I’ve always encountered them at the trusty old shed or slithering under a house. Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles so they are often soaking in the heat from the sun. Avoid long grass where you can’t see where you are placing your foot. Wearing gloves and long pants if you’re doing anything in the yard is also a method of protecting yourself.

The best way to not get bitten by any snake in Australia is to not step on it. Trust me, you will not react faster than the snake who just had its body crushed. Whether you’re an overgrown waddling combat or the world’s fastest sprinter, the snake will strike first – and they are accurate. Watch where you plant those feet!

 

Common Death Adder

Commonly found in the bushland around Sydney, these snakes are great at camouflage. Symptoms can include loss of motor and sensory functions, slow breathing and paralysis. If untreated, the bite can be fatal.

 

How deadly is the Australian Common Death Adder?

Australia’s Common Death Adder has very toxic venom the translated into a fatality rate of 60%, before the introduction of anti-venom.

 

How can I avoid getting in a tangle with the Common Death Adder?

Unlike most snakes that will slither away when threatened, the Common Death Adder is great at doing nothing. It will freeze and not move. This makes it look like a stick until it’s too late. If they are soaking in the sun on the path they could be right on your bush trail.

Watching where you plant your feet is the best way to avoid the Common Death Adder.

 

Coastal Taipan

The Coastal Taipan is not an aggressive snake but will strike incredibly quickly if threatened. While the Inland Taipan is much more venomous version – it’s actually the most venomous snake in the world. However, it is rarely encountered by humans as it lives in remote places in Australia.

The Coastal Taipan venom works quick and causes internal bleeding as well as headaches and nausea – get to a hospital if you have a negative encounter with this fella.

 

How deadly is the Coastal Taipan?

Seeing it’s the third most venomous snake in the world, I’d say pretty deadly. Untreated bites have a fatality rate of 100%. The amount of venom it will pump into you will be around 10 times enough to kill an average human adult.

 

How do I avoid the Coastal Taipan?

You can best avoid this snake by taking extra care when in a potential habitat on Australia’s northern and east coasts. It thrives in long grass, and hollow logs or burrows made by other animals is a common shelter.

 

Saltwater Crocodile

I’ve said many times, the croc (not the rubber shoe with holes in it) is the only Australian animal that truly terrifies me. I have visited northern Queensland and been in possible croc habitats, and I always felt like I was being watched.

These are the apex hunters of northern Australia. If they are hunting you, and you will not see them until it could very well be too late. They are experts at sneaking up on prey. That is their meal ticket.

Relatives of extinct dinosaurs, these crocs have one of the strongest crushing force in their jaws of any animal on earth. If it isn’t obvious what that means, once they have you in their jaws, you’re not getting free. The ‘death roll’ is the preferred mode to kill their prey. They submerged and spin until their catch drowns.

Yeah. Why do you think I’m scared of them?!

The good news is you can travel to Northern Australia and be safe.

 

How deadly are Saltwater Crocodiles?

Deadly. Very deadly. Crocs claimed at least 9 people from 2000 to 2010 and still to this day it’s not unheard of to hear a sad story on the news in regards to a crocodile taking a life.

 

How do I avoid Crocodiles in Australia?

Do not ignore the signs. I’m a bit of a rebel and will enter through an exit door from time to time, this is not one of those times. If the sign at the beautiful and deserted beach reads “don’t swim, crocodiles”, there’s a reason why there’s no one swimming there!

These ancient beasts are found in northern Australia, northern Queensland and the Northern Territory are the hunting grounds. If you’re camping, pitch your tent well off the ground. If you’re in doubt, seek professional advice.

Crocodiles don’t have letter boxes and missed the flyer about not stealing people from tents.

 

Box Jellyfish

Often considered the most venomous critter in Australia, the box jellyfish isn’t fun at parties.

You will feel a sting, immediately. It’s venom paralysis prey and can cause cardiac arrest to humans within minutes.

Tentacles trail up to 2 meters behind the body of this deadly marine dweller.

 

How deadly is the box jellyfish?

Extremely. While jellyfish don’t rank in the top 10 deaths caused by animals in Australia, this is not a local you want to have a beer with. Ever.

 

How can I avoid the box jellyfish?

Stay out of the water. They don’t do well on land.

To be serious, they are found in the waters around northern Australia. Another reason why the death toll is so low (remember those Crocs?!). They encounter humans most often when they come to shallow waters to breed.

 

Blue Ringed Octopus

There are around four species of the Blue Ringed Octopus around the coasts of Australia. While this marine animal is usually brown, if you see the Blue rings light up, that means you have disturbed it.

Stopping breathing is the common reason for a sting being fatal from a Blue Ringed Octopus.

 

How deadly is the Blue Ringed octopus?

The bite of a blue ringed octopus is usually painless, but each of these tiny marine animals has enough venom to kill over 20 adult humans within minutes.

 

How do I steer clear of the Blue Ringed octopus in Oz?

The vast majority of bites come from picking them up. Symptoms will usually be within minutes of being stung by this small creature.

 

Irukandji Jellyfish

These little buggers can be as small as your fingernail with tentacles up to one meter long.

After being stung, symptoms of cramps, sweating, anxiety and nausea can take up to 30 minutes to present themselves. If left untreated, it can be fatal. They are found in deep waters around Australia.

 

Bull Sharks

Sticking in the water, Bull Sharks are one of the most common predators, they are also a good scavenger of scraps.

They are commonly found in harbours, rivers and estuaries of coastal waters around Australia.

 

Did all that help you feel safer to travel to Australia?

You will most likely encounter spiders, they are common. But they aren’t all out to harm you – most of them can’t, even if they wanted to. Many just eat those pesky mossies (mosquitoes) that buzz into your eardrum at 3am.

My bedroom back home often had a resident spider taking care of insects and having a meal at the same time. It was always (and still is) a win-win situation. I let my room mate get out of rent because helps out around the house so much.

I’m not saying you can be clueless and run through knee-high grass in the bush barefoot. You do need to take care while visiting Australia in regards to the dangerous wildlife that exist throughout my home nation.

In saying all that, I know the dangers and I still play backyard cricket barefoot (regular cricket, just in your backyard). While I’m not suggesting anyone does that, I do believe the world has a much more terrified view of Australia than what it really is.

Thanks, Crocodile Dundee!

 

Have you encountered any of these or other deadly Australian wildlife? Let me know below, along with any comments or suggestions by commenting!

Did you enjoy this post? Share this post to social media to help others find out the dangers of traveling Australia – and how to be safe!

After signing up to Horizon Unknowns Newsletter (you’ll get travel tips and tricks – Plus a free 8-page travel checklist!) You can read more about travel and Australia below!

 

• The best things to do in my hometown – Newcastle, Australia
• Why travel insurance is a must!
• Learn to love a culture shock here!

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown