Ten Reasons Not To Visit Australia

Summary

The article "Ten Reasons Not To Visit Australia" provides a cautionary perspective on traveling to Australia, citing its remote location, vast size, high costs, dangerous wildlife, limited public transport, and harsh environmental conditions.

Abstract

Australia is presented as a challenging travel destination due to its significant distance from other countries, which can lead to severe jet lag. The continent's vastness makes it impossible to see everything in one trip, and the high cost of living and travel expenses can be prohibitive. Dining options are limited in the evenings, and the country is home to a variety of dangerous animals, including mosquitoes and sandflies that can transmit unique viruses. Public transportation is scarce and pricey, while accommodation is also expensive, even for budget options like backpackers' hostels. Although Australia boasts beautiful beaches, they can be hazardous due to sharks and treacherous currents. The intense sun requires visitors to take precautions against sunburn. Contrary to the article's title, Australians themselves are described as friendly, especially outside of major cities.

Opinions

The author suggests that the jet lag from traveling to Australia can significantly impact the first few days of a trip.
Australia's size is compared to the USA, implying that visitors should not expect to see the entire country in a single visit.
The cost of travel and living in Australia is considered extremely high, similar to Norway and Iceland.
Restaurants in Australia close early, which may be inconvenient for travelers accustomed to later dining hours.
While dangerous animals like spiders and snakes are present, the author emphasizes the more common threat of mosquitoes and sandflies and the diseases they can carry.
Public transportation options are limited and expensive, potentially hindering travel within the country.
Accommodation costs are high across the board, making budget travel challenging.
The article warns of the dangers of Australia's beaches, including shark encounters and strong currents, advising visitors to swim only where lifeguards are present.
The author advises visitors to protect themselves from the sun's intensity with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
Despite the article's title and content, the author acknowledges that Australians are generally friendly, particularly in areas outside of the major cities.

But if it’s adventure you’re after, and you have lots of money, come see for yourself.

It’s miles from anywhere. More than a day in the air leaves you completely jetlagged. It takes a day for every two hours of time difference to adjust. So if you’re coming from the UK, you can write off the first five days of your trip.

2. It’s huge. It’s the about same size as the USA so don’t expect to see it all in one trip. The best you can do is focus on one state and you won’t even get to see all of that. Would you go to the US expecting to see it all? Don’t think you can drive to the Great Barrier Reef in a day.

Image by About Australia

3. It’s bloody expensive compared to everywhere else in the world I’ve been. It’s on a par with Norway and Iceland. It costs an arm and a leg to eat out even at a local pub. Forget restaurant meals. Petrol is a prohibitive price. So is renting a car.

4. Restaurants close early. Don’t expect any restaurant to be open past 8 pm except in Sydney or Melbourne. I know — it’s ridiculous!

5. There are dangerous animals — it’s true — spiders, snakes, crocodiles but it’s unlikely you’ll come across any of these. But watch out for the mosquitoes and sandflies — they’re everywhere, especially at dusk. And they can do some damage especially if you’re allergic which you won’t know until you get bitten. You might even be unlucky enough to contract Barmah Forest virus. This illness is transmitted by mosquitoes and is found only in Australia. More common is Ross River virus which can take you up to 6 months to recover from.

6.Public transport is almost non-existent. You can catch a train or bus into the city every half hour except on weekends when they’re less often. And public transport is expensive.

7. Accommodation is expensive. Even backpackers’ accommodation is around $100 a night. Motels are even more expensive. Hotels are not an option.

8. The beaches are beautiful, but often the surf is dangerous. Don’t go swimming at dawn or dusk or you might end up as a shark’s breakfast or dinner. Also, watch out for rips and undertows. You don’t want to fight one of them. Swim only on beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers.

Woodgate Beach. We swim at our own risk, but never at dawn or dusk. Photo by author

9. The sun is fierce and you will burn quickly if you don’t cover up and slather on the sunscreen. Always wear a hat that covers the back of your neck — not a cap!

10. The natives are unfriendly. Just joking — most Aussies are friendly especially when you get out of the city.

TRAVEL|AUSTRALIA

Ten Reasons Not To Visit Australia

But if it’s adventure you’re after, and you have lots of money, come see for yourself.