Aussie Survival Guide
Natural Distinctions

One of Australia’s biggest attractions to Australians, as well as overseas tourists and immigrants, is its extensive palette of natural attractions. From the surf to the snow-capped mountains, from the rainforest to the Nullabor Plain, from the Kimberley to the Simpson Desert, there are many breathtaking sights and experiences in which to relax and revel.

However, this is Mother Nature we’re dealing with and she has many moods. You don’t want to spoil a happy time by injury or loss. Here are a few basic reminders when you’re out and about in the bush or the outback.

• Never ever leave a campfire burning. Extinguish it thoroughly.
• Carry a GPS device and spare batteries when travelling.
• Make sure you have enough fuel, or that you can get more on the way. Remember, driving from Sydney to Perth is like driving from London to Volgograd (ex-Stalingrad).
• Never leave your car if you break down in the Outback. Mark out a big HELP sign and wait.
• In summer, make sure you know what Total Fire Ban days are and when they are in force. Never flick away a cigarette butt. If it starts a fire, you could spend years in jail.
• Never park or picnic or camp under a big, old picturesque gum-tree, however shady. They have a habit of suddenly dropping massive branches.
• Never swim at a deserted beach. Swim where the lifesavers are. You never know.

Millions of people have a wonderful time in Australia. Every year, a few suffer inconvenience or injury. Often it could have been avoided with more care and more respect for our beautiful country.