Australia [1]
Australia
Natural Disasters
Australia has experienced an increase in extreme weather events in recent years. We encourage New Zealanders to pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology [2] provides an app, similar to New Zealand’s Metservice, that we encourage you to download. Australia’s emergency phone number is 000 from a local phone, 112 from a New Zealand/international phone.
Bushfires are a common threat in Australia during the summer period. If you are in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities.
In the event of emergency, always call 000. We recommend monitoring the media to keep up to date with local developments and to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders. Be aware that air quality in some areas is poor due to smoke.
Visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for local weather and air quality predictions [2].
Visit the website of the NSW Government for current air quality reports [3].
Crime
The level of crime in Australia is similar to in New Zealand.
Although New Zealanders are not specifically targeted for crime, petty crime such as bag snatching, passport theft and pickpocketing can occur in Australia, particularly in tourist areas. We advise New Zealanders to be alert of their surroundings and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.
Theft from safety deposit facilities has been known to happen, particularly in cheaper hotels and hostels.
Beware of online letting scams. Scammers have duped tourists into transferring money to an overseas bank account in return for renting accommodation in Australia.
Watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with new acquaintances. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.
Terrorism
New Zealanders travelling and living in Australia are advised to take account of the terrorism threat level [4] assigned by Australian authorities when making travel decisions.
Australia remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terrorist groups and from domestic-based extremists. Credible intelligence, assessed by Australian security agencies indicates that individuals or groups have both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in Australia. Attacks could be indiscriminate including places visited by tourists.
New Zealanders in Australia are advised to monitor the media for information about threats to safety and security and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Remain vigilant about your personal security and take sensible precautions.
Health care
If you’re visiting Australia, you should buy travel insurance.
New Zealanders can receive free emergency hospital treatment under the Reciprocal Health Agreement, but this doesn’t cover non-hospital treatments like doctors’ visits and pharmaceuticals.
Find out more about reciprocal health agreements on Te Whatu Ora’s website [5].
General travel advice
Australia is home to a number of fascinating yet dangerous animal species. Beware of crocodiles in tropical areas, unless a waterhole overtly permits swimming don’t swim there and observe any shark warnings. Swimming at beaches pose similar risks to New Zealand. Make yourself aware of snake [6] and spider [7] bite protocols.
Like in New Zealand, demonstrations occasionally occur in Australia. New Zealanders in Australia are advised to exercise vigilance around large demonstrations and protests as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
If you have criminal convictions, you may need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia.
Criminal record | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (mfat.govt.nz) [8]
New Zealanders planning to live in Australia long-term should see our Going to Australia [9] section, and the New Zealand High Commission to Australia’s Living in Australia [10] section.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Australia are encouraged to register their details [11] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Travel tips
