Safety & Health Information

For safety concerns re visiting Alice Springs click here

Covid-19 - current health information

Bushwalking

Dehydration and Sun Protection

Additional Safety Information

Bushwalking

Check the length and difficulty of the bushwalk before you begin, and if walking without a guide, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Wear protective footwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent, carry a map and plenty of water. When walking read maps and signs, stay on the track, behind safety barriers and away from cliff edges.

Dehydration and Sun Protection

Dehydration is a common condition suffered while in the desert, so increase your daily fluid intake to approximately one litre of water per hour. Many Parks and Reserves do not have a supply of drinking water so always carry water with you. Dehydration symptoms include feeling thirsty, having a dry mouth, having a headache, feeling dizzy or light-headed and having dark urine. If you are feeling dehydrated, drink water, and if extreme, seek medical help.

The sun in the Red Centre is strong, so always make sure you are wearing a shirt, hat, sunglasses, and a minimum SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion. Apply sunscreen regularly, even if cloudy, and stay out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.

Fire Safety

To prevent the risk of a bushfire, take note of fire restrictions, build fires in the fire pits provided, never leave a fire unattended, share with other travellers when possible, and always fully extinguish your fire when finished.

Firewood is a precious resource that grows slowly in our arid climate – so please use it sparingly. Be sure to collect any additional wood outside of the protected Parks and Reserves.

Swimming Safety

You will find plenty of waterholes to swim in around Central Australia. Check the safety signs and exercise caution before entering ANY water. Don’t jump or dive into shallow water, waterholes, rivers or creeks as submerged rocks and logs can cause serious injury.

Always supervise children when around water and tread with caution if you cannot swim.

Travelling with Pets

Dogs and cats cannot be taken into any National Park. Most accommodation houses including caravan parks do not allow pets. The Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre can provide advice about pet friendly alternatives, including local kennels.

Weather Safety

Central Australia has four seasons with large temperature ranges between day and night. During the summer months the temperature can reach the low 40^oCs whereas the cooler months have a moderate daily temperature which means you can explore the region more comfortably. Be aware that overnight temperatures can drop to 0^oC or below during winter months so you’ll need to be well equipped.

Wildlife Safety

The Red Centre is home to a range of creepy crawlies including mosquitoes, insects, spiders and snakes. Mosquitoes are most present at dawn and dusk so cover up and use a reliable repellent to make travelling more comfortable. Don’t feed or play with native animals as they may scratch or bite.

Be mindful that snakes inhabit most areas of Central Australia so be cautious when walking through long grass and stay on the clearly marked paths, wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. If camping, keep your tent zipped and check your shoes before wearing them. If bitten by a snake seek medical attention immediately (call 000), lie down, and apply pressure to the bite - Do NOT suck the venom (poison) from the bite, or wipe away from the area as this can help identify the type of snake. See here for signs, symptoms and what to do.

Drone Safety

Flying drones in Central Australia must comply with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations. Please make sure you know and follow these drone flying rules for recreational drones. These rules have been designed to keep you and others safe, on the ground and in the air.

Many National Parks and Reserves in the Northern Territory require permits to fly drones. To find more information on this and to find out how to apply for a permit, please visit this webpage.

Download the drone flying rules here.