Emergency Help Abroad – Australia

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Australia — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Illegal drug possession, including small amounts, can lead to arrest, court appearances and heavy fines.

• Drug trafficking carries severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons such as knives, pepper spray or batons without a lawful reason is prohibited.

• Drinking alcohol in public places is restricted in many states.

• Drink-driving is strictly enforced with random breath tests nationwide.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Indigenous cultural sites must be respected; damaging or entering restricted areas can lead to prosecution.

• Removing rocks, sand or artefacts from sacred Aboriginal areas is illegal.

• Public nudity is prohibited except on designated beaches.

• Defacing natural landmarks, cliffs or rock formations may result in penalties.

• Littering in beaches, parks or nature reserves carries fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification; travellers should carry a copy of their passport.

• Disorderly behaviour, including excessive drunkenness, can lead to fines or arrest.

• Anti-social behaviour on public transport is taken seriously.

• Scams occur in busy tourist hubs — be cautious around ATMs and ticket machines.

• Attempting to bribe officials or law enforcement is a criminal offence.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• All public transport requires valid tickets; fare evasion is fined.

• Driving without the correct licence or insurance is illegal.

• Speeding, mobile-phone use while driving and seatbelt violations are strictly enforced.

• Wildlife collisions are common — driving cautiously in rural areas is essential.

• Overstaying your visa or working illegally can lead to deportation.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone flights are regulated and must follow CASA rules; flying over crowds or at night without authorisation is banned.

• Drones cannot be flown near airports, emergency operations or certain heritage sites.

• Photographing sensitive military or government facilities is restricted.

• Taking commercial photos in national parks may require permits.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Lighting fires in national parks or forests is restricted, especially during fire seasons.

• Swimming in unpatrolled beaches or ignoring warning signs can result in fines or danger.

• Feeding wildlife, including kangaroos, dingoes or birds, is prohibited.

• Damaging coral reefs, collecting shells or disturbing marine animals is illegal in protected marine parks.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing natural elements such as stones, shells or corals from parks is illegal.

• Walking on restricted areas, sacred grounds or heritage structures can incur fines.

• Approaching wildlife too closely is dangerous and prohibited.

• Buying souvenirs made from protected species may be illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels acceptable or low-key in the UK may be considered abrupt, disrespectful or inappropriate in Australia.

• Don’t underestimate the sun, and avoid spending long periods outdoors without high SPF sunscreen, hats and protective clothing.

• Don’t swim outside flagged areas on patrolled beaches, as lifeguards monitor only designated zones and rips are common.

• Don’t ignore signs about jellyfish, crocodiles or sharks, particularly in northern and remote coastal regions.

• Don’t drink and drive, as Australia has strict drink-driving laws and random breath testing is common.

• Don’t drive tired on long, straight outback roads, where fatigue-related accidents are a serious risk; plan regular breaks.

• Don’t feed wild animals, including birds, kangaroos and dingoes, as it alters their behaviour and can be dangerous.

• Don’t treat national parks and Aboriginal lands as open playgrounds, and always respect cultural sites, access rules and any permit requirements.

• Don’t ignore “Total Fire Ban” days, where lighting fires or even using certain equipment outdoors may be illegal.

• Don’t walk barefoot in scrub or long grass, where snakes, spiders and sharp debris may be present.

• Don’t attempt coastal cliff selfies beyond barriers, as unstable edges and strong winds can be deadly.

• Don’t assume distances between cities or sights are short, and avoid setting unrealistic driving itineraries without fuel or water planning.

• Don’t smoke in prohibited public places, including many outdoor dining areas, transport hubs and beaches, depending on state rules.

• Don’t litter on beaches or in parks, as fines apply and environmental protection is taken seriously.

• Don’t underestimate local surf etiquette, such as dropping in on others’ waves, which can cause confrontation or collisions.

• Don’t assume tap water is safe at very remote camps or rest stops, and check before drinking.

• Don’t ignore quarantine and biosecurity rules, including what you can bring into the country and between states (e.g., fruit, plants).

• Don’t walk or drive through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow, as conditions can change rapidly.

• Don’t treat Aboriginal art and culture as souvenirs only, and avoid buying items of unclear origin that may exploit communities.

• Don’t rely solely on mobile coverage in remote regions, and avoid risky hikes or drives without proper preparations and someone knowing your plans.

• Don’t underestimate how quickly weather can change, especially in the outback or highlands, affecting visibility and safety.