Visitor Information - Safety Tips

Whether you are at home or visiting an unfamiliar city or country, you make it a point to be aware of local street crime, traffic hazards and anything else which might threaten your safety. The Wet Tropics area is a much safer place, crime wise, to visit than many other places in the world, but there are still aspects to travelling here that you should be aware of - most of them are environmental.

So before you set out on your camping trip, a swim at the beach or a bushwalk, familiarise yourself with some of the local plants, animals and climate conditions described below and avoid any unpleasant events during your visit to the World Heritage Area.

Helpful Safety Tips:

• Never leave a trail for a shortcut. It is very easy to get lost and injured in dense, tropical rainforest and search parties can take days to reach you if you get into trouble.
• Take care near water - beware of submerged rocks and logs, currents and waterfalls. Smooth rocks beside streams can become extremely slippery in wet weather.
• Take more than adequate food and water. Fruit and high energy bars are excellent for short day hikes.
• Always tell someone (such as friends or your hotel/hostel manager) exactly where you are going and when you expect to return. Wear a watch. Just as important - when you return, notify the same person that you have arrived back safely (Expensive and painstaking searches have been launched simply because the returning party didn't bother to report back!).
• If you are going to do any treks in the bush, do not set out without checking the current conditions with the local ranger first. Bring a compass and a map and listen to any instructions or warnings rangers give you. They are looking out for your safety.
  

Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Keep to tracks, avoid slippery surfaces and fast flowing water, listen to the advice of local rangers - use common sense and you'll enjoy your visit!