Is Australia Really That Deadly? 10 Animals to Look Out for When Visiting Australia

We've all heard the rumours: 'be careful when you're in Australia because everything will try to kill you.' It's true, some of the worlds most deadly animals reside in Australia. When I moved to the country, I was worried I would frequently be fighting off killer snakes, spiders, and sharks. But I was most surprised to discover its the cute, cuddly animals that are most likely to kill you. So how deadly is Australia?

Venomous spiders
Australia is home to some of the most venomous spiders in the world. But what are your chances of actually encountering one? Well if you live in suburbia, you're relatively likely to face the poisonous wolf spider (I had one residing in my car side mirror...I lit the car on fire to be safe), redback spiders, and, if you're unfortunate enough to reside in Sydney, the funnel web spider. The funnel web spider is the deadliest spiders in the world. 

Interaction scale: pretty high. Just remember to always check your shoes before you put them on and avoid reaching your hand in warm, dark places and you should survive. 

Deadly snakes
Australia is also home to some of the most deadly snakes in the world. If you're residing in the suburbs, the likelihood of coming across a venomous snake is pretty slim. However, if you're out in the bush, you need to pay attention to your surroundings. I've only witnessed a venomous snake twice in my four years of living in Australia. I once saw a tiger snake at the 12 Apostles, and the other was seen while hiking. 

Interaction scale: Low unless you're in the bush. Always be sure you have excellent recall of your animals as they are more likely to be bitten then you are. 

Treacherous Ocean Creatures
As if Jaws didn't give people reason enough to fear the ocean, Australia decided to up the ante and fill the ocean with deadly creatures. Or are they? The box jellyfish is the most lethal jellyfish in the world. But unless you're in murky water, it's highly unlikely you'll be stung. 

What about the deadly octopuses? The blue-ringed octopus is the most deadly octopus in the world. However, most stings occur when an individual picks up the octopus. Moral of the story? Don't pick up Australian sealife. 

And the sharks? Everyone has heard about the Great White shark, but you also should be cautious of the tiger and bull shark. Unless you're surfing, its pretty unlikely you'll be bitten by a shark. Even then, you have a greater chance of death by kangaroo than a shark. 

Interaction scale: moderate. The ocean is a big place. Please be sure to adhere to all warnings posted at the beach. Basically, follow the rule of keeping your hands to yourself, and you'll be right. 

Scary Salt Water Crocs
As if alligators and crocodiles weren't creepy enough, Australia had to go and make a hybrid croc that can swim in fresh and salt water. Not only can they swim in the ocean, but they also grow up to 5 metres (16.5 ft)! Fortunately, these crocs reside mainly in the Northern Territory. Unfortunately, it makes the waters rather unswimmable. 

Interaction scale: high. These crocs are no joke. If you see a sign posted anywhere, stay the heck out of that bloody water. Too many a tourist have gone missing due to these ferocious beasts. 

Creepy Crawlies
Oh, the bugs. There are paralysis ticks, honeybees, bull ants, centipedes, mozzies, wasps, and other deadly insects just waiting for their next tasty snack. You'll find these critters all over Australia but can their bite kill you? In most cases, a bit will just cause numbness or intense pain, however, some of these bugs can kill you. 

Interaction scale: meh. You'll see some of these critters from time to time, but the likelihood of getting bitten (let alone dying from a bite) is incredibly slim. 

Kangaroos
Don't be fooled by the friendly creatures one will find in the Hundred Acre Woods, Kanga and Roo are not your friends. They are adorable af but don't get too close. The red kangaroo is known to throw a punch or two and is rumoured to inflict massive amounts of pain when kicking people. If you want a cuddly Aussie animal, stick to a wallaby or a pademelon. 

Interaction scale: came in like a wrecking ball. Avoid driving at sunrise and sunset to ensure you're not playing a real-life game of Frogger. Also, do not approach these animals in the wild. It's like asking to get hurt. 

Koalas
You wouldn't think this adorable, cuddly animal would want to kill you. But you'd be wrong. Yup, even the koala's are out to get you. They can be a grouchy little bugger, but it's the chlamydia that will get you. Yup, koalas are riddle with chlamydia. 

Interaction scale: low. It's rare you'll see a koala, not in a tree and at it's worse it can give you chlamydia. It's not the chlamydia koalas you need to look out for, it's their bloody cousin, the drop bear. Those buggers will kill you! 

Platypus
This oddly adorable beaver-duck is one of Australia's most unique animals. It's also one of the few venomous mammals. These little guys are most active from dusk till dawn so if you're planning a late night swim, be sure to avoid the males. Male platypuses (yes that is the correct word) have poisonous ankle spurs whereas the females are nonvenomous. 

Interaction scale: low. Yea they're poisonous, but the likelihood you're actually going to encounter a platypus in the wild is rare. So rare, many indigenous tribes believe seeing a platypus brings good luck. That is good luck until its poisonous spur slowly ends your life. 

Magpies
Is a magpie going to kill you? Probably not. But it will f**k you up during swooping season. These bloody birds dive bomb out of trees and attack those who dare come too close. And worse, they remember you. Archer loves to chase magpies at the park, and they remember him. Luckily he's fast. 

Interaction scale: high. During swooping season, please avoid these birds at all costs. Seriously, walk on the other side of the street unless you want to lose an eye. 

The Sun
Ah yes, the sun. The beautiful ball of burning elements that helps keeps us warm on our orbiting rock. It too is trying to kill you in Australia. Thanks to the world not thinking about the future, there is a nice little hole in the ozone situated relatively close to Australia (the hole is technically over Antartic) Australians are faced with more intense UV radiation. It is why from a very early age all children are required to wear sunscreen and a hat to play outside. 

Interaction scale: deadly! The sun here is no friggin' joke. WEAR SUNSCREEN! While the hole in the ozone isn't technically above Australia, the sun is lethal. And nobody wants to go on holiday and bring back skin cancer as a souvenir. Just remember to Slip. Slop. Slap. and you should be ok. 

So yes, Australia is trying to kill you. It is said only the strong survive in Aus and if you make it 10 years you're a true blue Aussie! If you're feeling up for the challenge, pack a bag and give Australia a go. Just make sure a dingo doesn't eat your baby and it will be a holiday you'll never forget!

And until next time...

Stay curious!