Hiking in Australia Dangers: 15 Things to Look Out For & How to Stay Safe [2023]

I’ve always looked forward to getting down to Australia for some adventuring, but the wildlife has always scared me.

So I asked my friends Nae and Karol-llyn from 2 Mums and a Dirt Track for some advice about the dangers of hiking in Australia.

As you may be aware, Australia can be crazy dangerous. Everywhere you look it seems like something wants to hurt you.

But if you are armed with the right information and the right equipment, we promise, hiking down under is actually lots of fun and the landscape is just beautiful!

In this post, we’ll cover a few things like what to wear, what to look out for, and more.

Our goal is not to scare you off, but to equip you, so please hang in there.

Let’s dig in.

Hiking in Australia Dangers

Between the wildlife and the plant life, there is plenty to be wary of when out on a track in Australia.

From coast to country, listed below are the most common dangers you may come across while hiking.

But for all the dangers you see here, we would like to encourage you… In all the years we have been hiking, we have never had a serious encounter with any!

Please note that all of this information is based on research and you should consult medical professionals for advice on any medical help if you come in contact with any of these animals or plant life. This should not be used in place of medical help.

Wildlife

Hiking tracks are designed to steal you away from urban life, to walk amongst nature and in Australia, there is plenty of natural beauty to explore.

However, this means you are more likely to encounter wildlife.

But this isn’t always a bad thing. We’ve seen wallabies, echidnas, possums, turtles, emus, colorful birds, koalas, and wombats along our travels.

All of which were completely content to leave us alone to explore in peace.

But there are a handful of animals that are not so friendly. In fact, they can be quite deadly, attacking if they feel threatened or hungry.

Being aware of your hiking environment could literally mean the difference between life and death here.

So with that, let’s have a look at some dangerous wildlife you may encounter out on the tracks.

1. Snakes

We’ll give you the bad news first… out of 140 species of land snakes in Australia, 100 of those are venomous. But of those, only about 10 species are deadly.

Now for the good news… snakes are not generally aggressive unless provoked or scared. They are far more likely to retreat to get away from you.

Unfortunately, if you are hiking in Australia, you are bound to come across a snake eventually. We have been hiking for 6 years and in that time have come across 7 snakes.

2. Spiders

Yep, spiders in Australia can be just as deadly as our reptile population.

As a general rule, if we are heading out onto a track where we will be scrambling or climbing through the bush, we ALWAYS wear gloves to protect us from a potential spider bite.

Because you never know where their burrows are, or what spider you may have accidentally upset… better to be safe than sorry.

3. Insects

There are a whole lot of insects in Australia that can cause reasons for fear, so you should definitely be aware of what’s out there.

From bush ticks that are very common in warmer months to leeches that are found lurking in tropical or wet areas, there are many to be aware of.

Mosquitos, sandflies, flies, bees and wasps, and ants are a few of the other insects to look out for, although these aren’t typically considered deadly.

Lastly, centipedes and scorpions are both found in Australia, although have never been found to have caused a death in the country.

Although they do deal a nasty sting that can cause inflammation and pain for hours.

4. Cane Toads

Generally found in Queensland and Northern NSW, this disgusting Australian pest is a real nuisance. But even worse, they can be deadly.

Cane toads secrete a toxin that’s poisonous to wildlife and humans and can cause severe symptoms such as pain, salivation, and vomiting.

Basically, they are gross and dangerous, so as a rule of thumb, stay away from them. And if you do come in contact, wash your skin thoroughly with an antiseptic wash.

5. Lace Monitors

Lace monitors (tree goannas) are the second biggest lizard in Australia growing up to 2m in length and weighing up to 14kg.

They are most commonly found in bushland along the east coast of Australia and are active during warmer months.

Although not considered aggressive, they will attack if provoked… and they have a nasty venomous bite! Not to mention their super sharp claws!

Their venom isn’t deadly, but it’s similar to that of snakes and will cause excruciating pain along with swelling and redness at the bite site.

6. Dingos

The dingo is a wild dog that inhabits most outback regions of Australia, but they are rare in urban areas.

The gorgeous ginger canine is generally timid in nature and will shy away from people on most occasions. However, there have been some reports of attacks on humans.

So if you’re out in the bush and you feel threatened by a dingo, the recommendation from Australian experts is to stand tall, keep eye contact, and slowly back away.

7. Kangaroos

Contrary to popular belief, we Aussies do not ride kangaroos to school, and they are actually a lot rarer to see around urban areas than you might think.

Now although not generally considered a threat, kangaroos can grow quite large, with some males reaching as tall as 2m high, and with razor-sharp claws.

8. Crocodiles

If it seems we want to scare you a little here, we kind of do.

Crocodiles are the largest predatory animal in Australia and they need no cause to attack other than “I’m hungry!”

They are by far the most serious threat to life if hiking in croc country.

So if you are hiking anywhere around water in Queensland, Northern Territory or North Western Australia, then you must be on the lookout for crocs.

Plant Life

Ok so we’ve gotten through the mobile danger, now let’s look at the danger that doesn’t move.

Yep, Australian flora can pack just as big a punch as our wildlife!

The good news is in Australia the majority of hikes are on well-formed tracks away from most danger, although if you do love to venture off-track, you are less likely to encounter harmful flora if you know what to look out for.

This is definitely not an all-inclusive list, so it’s best to follow the simple motto that we’ve developed to keep us safe;

You can LOOK, but DON’T TOUCH!

It has served us well so far and we hope it helps you also.

So let’s have a look at a few of the dangers of hiking in Australia in plant form.

9. Gympie Gympie Tree

At the top of our list, mostly because they inhabit almost every track we have been on, is the Gympie Gympie Tree.

This giant stinging tree has neurotoxic silica hairs on its leaves, stems and fruit that if brushed against will imbed in the skin causing excruciating pain that can last for weeks if not treated correctly.

But even worse than the brutal sting, the Gympie Gympie Tree can cause a severe allergic reaction.

10. Oleander

Every part of the Oleander is highly toxic regardless of being green or dried.

Ingestion of any part of this poisonous plant can result in serious sickness with a whole host of symptoms ranging from skin rash to headaches and vomiting.

11. Angels Trumpets

The Angel’s Trumpet is a large shrub with colorful bell flowers that grows in temperate climates in Australia.

It may look pretty, but this poisonous plant is highly toxic when touched, ingested or inhaled.

12. Milky Mangrove

The Milky Mangrove tree looks harmless enough but its highly poisonous milky sap can cause painful skin irritation and blistering of the skin.

13. Orange Thorn

If you have completed any walking track in NSW, it’s possible you’ve run into an Orange Thorn bush. This pesky bush is common along forest trails often lining the path.

It has small glossy leaves and seasonal orange fruit that can give you an upset stomach, however, it’s the long sharp thorns that make this bush notorious.

When mature, the thorns on the Orange Thorn can grow to 2.5cm long and penetrate even the toughest clothing, causing nasty puncture wounds to unsuspecting hikers.

14. Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a noxious weed that although not native, grows in most southern regions in Australia.

It is especially prevalent along rainforest walking tracks and in any area with a temperate climate.

When brushed against, Poison Ivy causes skin irritation including redness, itchiness, and blistering at the site which can last up to 3 days.

15. Peace Lilies

The Peace Lily is a lush, thick-leafed plant with beautiful white or yellow bulbs that grow in any tropical Australian environment.

The popular plant is very pleasing to the eye, but unfortunately, it has a bite. The flowers, stem and leaves all contain tiny sharp crystals that can cause intense pain and swelling if they come in contact with the skin or mouth.

What to Wear Hiking in Australia

As you can imagine, with all the potentially dangerous plants and wildlife that we have here in Australia, it’s absolutely vital to venture out wearing the right gear.

Choosing the right clothing to wear hiking in Australia can really help protect you from the creepy crawlies that we find on the track.

In our opinion, the absolute necessities for hiking, even for experienced hikers, are:

Long Pants – Long pants provide a layer of protection against potentially harmful plants brushing against your legs as well as keeping creepy crawlies away from your skin.

Hiking Boots – Another absolute must in our opinion is hiking boots. Although it does largely depend on the track, because if you’re walking a short paved path, obviously they aren’t necessary.

Long-Sleeve Shirt – We also recommend wearing a thin long-sleeve shirt to protect against sunburn, stings, bites, and parasites.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent – These protective measures will help keep your skin protected and safe from bugs and the hot Australian sun.

What to Bring Hiking Down Under

What you pack in your bag for going hiking down under is just as important as what you wear.

Australia is hugely unpredictable and if you don’t have the right supplies, you could find yourself in a potentially life-threatening situation… fast.

Water

Snacks

Sunscreen and a hat

Extra clothing (jacket, socks, etc)

Headlamp

Insect Repellent

First aid kit

GPS/GPS app/personal locator beacon

Supportive backpack to store everything

Now you may never actually need some of these items, however, it’s much better to have them on hand than to be out in the Aussie bush without them.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Trail

I know that you now might be scared to get out on the trail, since there are so many things out there that can be harmful and terrifying.

But in all honesty, if you are prepared, follow some hiking safety, and are aware of your surroundings, it’s likely that you’ll have a great time out hiking in Australia!

Here are a few safety tips to help keep you safe out there.

• Carry the proper gear such as extra clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a GPS or navigation device.
• Carry plenty of water and nutritious snacks/meals to stay energized.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Listen for wildlife, watch for other people, and pay attention to plants that are nearby.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect our Earth.
• Hike with someone else, rather than going solo.
• Tell someone that you trust where you’ll be and when you expect to return.
• Wear the proper footwear such as a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

FAQs

Conclusion: Australia Hiking Dangers

In this post, it’s obvious there is much to consider when it comes to the dangers of hiking in Australia.

But at the end of the day, if you follow a few guidelines, you will have a wonderful experience. Just remember to:

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

2. Respect nature.

3. Wear the right gear.

4. Take the right supplies.

Australia may be rugged, but it is breathtakingly beautiful and we can’t wait to share it with you. So c’mon down under and enjoy the adventure!