The information shared here was correct at time of publication.
The bushfires that have wrecked havoc in Australia recently really need no introduction. With fires encircling us left and right, the world watched in absolute horror as volunteer firefighters raced into monstrous flames and people were evacuated on naval ships. Together, we witnessed the devastating impact that these fires had on our native wildlife.
If you have upcoming travel plans to Australia and you’ve decided to postpone them, no one would blame you. But if you’ve decided to visit us in these testing times, thanks for making the trip to see us! Remember to stay alert and safe, and here’s a quick rundown of things you should be conscious of while Down Under.
Australia is still burning
The last week has seen fewer bushfires burning at less serious levels thanks to rain and slightly cooler temperatures. But things can change very quickly and sadly there are a number of locations in which fires continue to burn. At this point, no one can say for sure when the bushfires will end and the best way to stay safe is to have access to accurate and credible advice
For real-time time alerts on where the fires are and what to do in the event of an emergency, here is a list of state-specific emergency services which provide immediate advice:
— New South Wales: New South Wales Rural Fire Service and also download Fires Near Me NSW app
— Victoria: VicEmergency
— Australian Capital Territory: ACT Emergency Services Agency
— Queensland: Queensland Rural Fire Service
— Northern Territory: Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
— South Australia: South Australian Country Fire Service
— Tasmania: Tasmania Fire Service
— Western Australia: EmergencyWA
TIP: If you’re travelling through multiple states, it may be difficult for you to be across all the latest information. Before departure, I highly recommend sharing your itinerary with your hotel concierge or AirBnB host and asking them how feasible your plans look. Being locally-based, there are well positioned to advise on whether it is a good idea to visit particular places and can even recommend location alternatives, if need be.
You can also send me a copy of your itinerary and I’ll look over it for you!
While you’re in Australia, stay in contact with your with accommodation provider and check-in from time to time to see if there are any new developments that you’ve missed and should be aware of.
Major cities have largely been unaffected
To date, the bushfires have not reached city centres and major cities are safe to visit. Main attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Great Barrier Reef and Uluru are still accessible, and it’s business as usual for CBDs and surrounding suburbs. However, some popular tourist destinations like the Blue Mountains and Snowy Mountains in New South Wales and South Australia’s Kangaroo Island have been impacted by the fires. These areas are slowly recovering from the devastation but, if there’s specific sights you’re looking to visit, it’s still advisable to call ahead to see if they’re operating.
For a complete and up-to-date list of which areas have been affected, Tourism Australia’s Bushfire Information page is a great one stop-shop for essential information.
Pay attention to air quality
While the majority of tourist destinations have been unaffected by direct wildfire, the bushfires have generated a toxic amount of pollution and smoke. Most concerning, is the minuscule PM2.5 particles that are carried by the smoke haze. Once these tiny particles are breathed in, they have the potential to cause an infection and, at worst, travel into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
In Sydney, we’ve experienced 81 days of hazardous, very poor or poor air quality last year, which is more than the combined total of the previous 10 years. The smoke haze in Canberra was so bad at one point that it superseded Delhi and Beijing as one of the most polluted places in the world. In the past week, we’ve also had dust storms, flash storms and ash rain which certainly hasn’t helped the air quality.
Many opt to stay indoors with an air purifier when pollution is high. Those with chronic illnesses are warned against going outside during these days and to keep medication close by, especially those with asthma. Others are wearing P2 masks, which is Australia’s equivalent of N95 masks, as they can help filter out small particles when sealed airtight around your face.
TIP: Keep an eye on air quality by checking Aqicn.org and download the AirVisual app which gives both immediate and forecast air pollution readings. Be open to the possibility that you may have to adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Remember to bring all your medication with you and to purchase N95 masks before coming to Australia, just in case the air quality is hazardous during your trip.
While it’s possible to purchase P2 masks from local hardware stores like Bunnings and office suppliers like Officeworks, it is increasingly difficult to source them due to the smoke and the recent announcement that Australia has several confirmed cases of coronavirus.