The 6 animals in Australia that are terrifying
That I am totally into Australia is a truth as certain as a koala. I'm not alone. Still, there is also a lot of doubt about booking a one-way ticket Down Under. The number one topic I get questions about is ‘the scary animals’, because it is crawling with spiders, snakes, and leeches. That's really scary and life-threatening, but don't let that ruin your trip, that would be a real shame. Okay, here they come: these are the deadliest animals of Australia and maybe even more importantly: here's how to avoid them.
Disclaimer: Do you remember that video of a French family in the Beekse Bergen, who gets out during the safari to introduce their three-year-old to a cheetah? Or Freek Vonk swimming among a group of white sharks? Voluntarily. Look, if it's in you to pull off those kinds of stunts, then maybe you shouldn't go.
The dingoes
These wild dogs can be found on Fraser Island on the east coast of Australia. Dingoes look semi-cute, but they are really super wild. Keep your distance and avoid beach walks at night. Just don't do it. And here's another tip I got from a ranger: show that you are the boss. Make yourself big and intimidate them.
Estuarine crocodile
Crocodiles, you don't want to encounter them, because then it's quickly game over. There are always warning signs when you are in crocodile territory. Here's how to avoid a crocodile: stay out of the water and away from the water's edge. That's where they like to lie the most.
Brown snake
‘Is that cow poop over there?’ ‘No, it's a python.’ This actually happened. In Australia, quite a few and quite dangerous snakes crawl on the ground. But don't immediately close Skyscanner, very many snakes are not seen as prey by people, so no panic. Good news part two: for almost every snake bite, there is antivenom. And otherwise, I have one more thing to say: RUN FOREST RUN.
Sydney funnel web spider
As the name suggests, you can find this one in Sydney. The good news is that I lived there for four months and have not encountered this spider even once. Quickly to the hospital in any case, if you do come across it.
Bull shark
I had to swim with wild dolphins. So off I went, I booked an excursion and jumped on a fishing boat that took me to Flipper and his buddies. Until Captain Underpants suddenly said the following: ‘If you can see dolphins, it means there are sharks in the water.’ Swallow.
Jellyfish
This is the deadliest animal in Australia. A fun riddle at a birthday party by the way, because no one knows this. At every beach where this jellyfish leaves a trail, there are signs with big red crosses. Really in the life-threatening category. I once wondered for half an afternoon why it was so quiet on the beach where I was tanning. It's Friday afternoon, right? Why is there no one here? And then I saw such a warning sign. Pack up and get out. Vinegar, vinegar, vinegar and a doctor. Then you have a chance to survive.
Cockroaches, platypuses, possums, leeches, and bats, I wasn't very fond of those during my trip either. Shake out your shoes before putting them on, don't go on adventures alone, and think twice before entering the jungle. You will survive.
