Be Safe in Hobart
The crime rate in Australia is low; nonetheless, travellers should be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Be watchful about personal belongings and travel documents, particularly in popular tourist destinations. Visitors pursuing outdoor sports, especially at sea, should take the necessary precautions.
Safety
Australia has a number of species of dangerous sharks. Though they rarely come close to swimmers. Lifesavers patrolling the beaches keep a look out and sound a warning if a shark is sighted. In the unlikely event of this happening, go ashore at once.
Some beaches are periodically invaded by a stinging creature called a blue bottle. These animals look like a small. blue, transparent plastic baby's drink bottle, trail long bright blue tentacles and can give you a very painful sting. They are sometimes swept onto beaches by wind and current. Lifesavers will warn swimmers if they are near the beach, and treat anyone who is stung. They are not deadly.
Emergencies: 000
Health
Australia has one of the world's highest rates of skin cancer, caused by the strong sun. Be sure to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15+ and apply it regularly, especially after having been in the water. If you plan to be in the sun for longer than 30 minutes, put on a hat, a shirt and sunglasses when you are not in the water. Severe sunburn will spoil your holiday enjoyment; clothing will irritate, so will any extra sun and you can definitely forget any romantic escapades. Be extra careful with children. If you do get burned, excellent post-burn creams can be bought at chemists.
Royal Hobart Hospital: +61 1300 135 513
