Dangerous Things in Cape York

So what are the dangerous things you may come across in Cape York?

Cape York is not any more dangerous than any other outback area. All you need is to be well prepared and use common sense.

The worst thing that can happen to you is that you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for someone to come along.

You have to carry plenty of water and food, and make sure your vehicle is in good condition.

Dangerous Animals
Like elsewhere in Australia, one of the dangers around are some of our animals. Like everywhere else in Australia, we have killer sharks and poisonous snakes and spiders. And like elsewhere in northern Australia, we have crocodiles and jellyfish.

Tropical Cyclones
If you visit Cape York during the Dry season, you don't risk one, but if you are up here during the Wet - you have to follow the news and track BOM website for possible cyclones. Preparation includes stocking up food and finding shelter, or evacuating.

Dangerous Things - Bushfires
Bushfires are usually more dangerous in southern parts of Australia, due to their dry summers. Up here, the hottest part of the year is during the Wet season, so the fires don't get quite as bad. But there are fires around, and they are often out of control.

Australian Beaches
If you are from overseas, it is good to know that we don't sunbake ourselves on beaches because the sun is much stronger here than in the Northern Hemisphere. There are also sharks; and Queensland beaches also have crocodiles and jellyfish. You should always swim between the red yellow flags.

By Zac Declerck via Flickr.com

Mosquito and Sandfly Bites
While Australian mosquitoes don't give you deseases as bad as malaria, we have Ross River Virus and Dengue Virus. And another bad thing is sand flies. Sandfly bites are incredibly itchy and when scratched they get easily infected. Use proper insect repellent to avoid insect bites.

Dangerous Things - Getting Stuck
Realistically, your most likely danger in Cape York is getting stuck somewhere, and having to wait for help. Don't panic - it is not a life threatening situation. There are plenty of travellers in Cape York, just stick to your vehicle and wait. Carry plenty of water.

Dangerous Things - Remoteness
lt is not a bad idea to have some kind of means of communication in case you do go venturing in remoteness. Mobile phones are useless due to lacking reception, sat phones are expensive to buy and use. Personally I carry the "Spot", which is a kind of EPIRB.

Plan Your Trip... the FREE Cape York Travel Pocket Guide

Get this 50 pages guide totally for FREE. It contains information that helps you getting started with planning of your trip. You get to make early-stages desicions such as when to go, how long time you should take, how to get there and get around, where to stay (general info), what will it cost.. and a short insight to what is there to see and do in Cape York.

Bring to the Trip... the full Visit Cape York Destination Guide

This comprehensive 300 pages travel guide is all you need before and during your trip. It has information on the peninsula's history and wildlife, climate, dangerous things and other things you should know (fuel availability, banking facilities, quarantine requirements, Aboriginal land entry permits and alcohol restrictions..); detailed information on places to see and things to do as well as accommodation and FREE camping spots that will save you the money you paid for this book at least tenfold ;-).

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