Australia is an extremely popular holiday destination, attracting millions of yearly visitors with its exceptional beauty, from the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef to the lush Daintree Rainforest.
It's also a paradise for animal lovers, home to quokkas, koalas, platypus, kangaroos and more.
But before visiting the beloved tourist spot, it's important to be aware of safety risks such as extreme weather and natural disasters.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned that Australia continues to face significant bushfire risks across the country.
Visitors to Australia should be aware of significant bushfire risks across the country
GETTY IMAGESBushfires, as defined by the Australian government, are "natural disasters" that have "become more frequent as a result of climate change".
The FCDO warned that these dangerous fires can occur in any region, including areas near towns and cities, meaning the threat remains a serious concern for both residents and visitors.
Travellers should be particularly vigilant during the Australian summer from November to February, when bushfire risk peaks.
Fires can start and change direction with alarming speed, "becoming a risk to life very suddenly."
Australia has a history of "devastating" bushfires that have resulted in loss of lives and property, with many people forced to evacuate.
Australian authorities offer online information and apps to help track weather and bushfire warnings. Visitors should consider downloading these resources from Australian or State governments.
Weather and emergency information apps from the Australian or State governments
- BOM Weather - all-Australia weather forecast and warnings
- Hazards near me - New South Wales
- VicEmergency - Victoria
- AlertSA - South Australia
- EmergencyWA - Western Australia
- Australian Capital Territory Fire and Rescue
- New South Wales Rural Fire Service
- Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
- South Australian Country Fire Service
- Tasmania Fire Service
- Victoria’s Country Fire Authority
- Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
For those planning a trip Down Under, the FCDO provides detailed guidance. This includes the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health and getting help.
Last month, Britons travelling to Australia were warned about Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
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Bushfires can become a 'risk to life very suddenly'
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Tropical cyclones affect some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, with the cyclone season typically running from November to April.
Visitors should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
For those near or in affected areas, it's important to follow the advice of local authorities.
Before going abroad, Britons should always check the latest travel advice for their chosen destination.
In a recent update from the FCDO, tourists were told to expect delays at European border checks to prevent the spread of disease.
In other Australia travel news, 61,000 customers will receive a refund as Virgin Australia admits overcharging passengers in a major error.
