How to enjoy the beauty of the Australian bushland whilst being snake aware.
It’s no secret that Australia has some of the most venomous snakes in the world.
It’s very natural to be afraid of them! But here are some reassuring facts and safety tips that will help keep you protected and feel safer.
Everyone should be able to enjoy the Australian bushland safely! Enjoying the bush is all about respecting the environment you’re in, and being aware of which wildlife are sharing the environment with you.
So, whether you’re taking a dry desert hike on a Kakadu walking trail or you’re exploring the eucalypts of the Blue Mountains, here’s how you can keep safe.
Reassuring facts about snakes in the bush:
- Snakes are a vacuum for rodents. In the food chain, they eat rodents and balance out populations.
- Snakes want to use their venom wisely. A snake’s venom is very precious to them, so they’ll only use it when they have to (like a bee).
- They are avoidant creatures, and they’re very shy! They like to stay well hidden, often underneath shrubs or amongst long grasses. That means they’ll avoid humans as much as possible, and they’ll only attack if they feel threatened.
- According to experts, you’ve got a higher chance of encountering a snake in more populated, residential areas than out in the bush.
Snake safety tips:
Like everything in bush safety, knowing about bush wildlife and their habitats will help keep you safe. The general rule of thumb is not to interact with a snake if you see it during your walk. Knowledge is safety!
Snake safety tips:
- Watch your step: Snakes are camouflaged into their environment, so just keep an eye on the ground as you’re walking.
- Make as much noise as you can: Snakes are alarmed by loud noises! If you make noise while you’re hiking, then this will give any snakes time to escape. They’ll move well out of your path before they feel threatened enough to attack. If you’re hiking alone, take a whistle or wear/bring something that makes a noise as you’re walking.
- Stay on designated trails/paths: Choose a designated walk, and follow a footpath. Some bushland will have a raised platform to walk on, which is well above grassy areas, marshlands, or scrub.
- Wear protective clothing: Put on protective enclosed shoes like long pants or walking boots.
- If you encounter a snake, leave it alone! The snake will panic and slither away if they sense you approaching. If the snake won’t move? Go back, or choose a different trail. Don’t try and touch the snake or capture it.
- Download the local emergency services app: This could help you easily share the coordinates of your location in case of emergency. The emergency phone number in Australia is 000.
- Check the local area: The environments in Australia vary dramatically. For more extreme Australian climates, do some research about the snakes in the area.
Choosing the best time to go bushwalking
Snakes are more active during the wet season in the northern parts of Australia. They don’t like the heat during the summer, as the heat makes it more difficult to regulate their body temperature. That means they’ll be more active in the cool comfort of the early mornings or late at night.
Species of venomous snakes in Australia
The majority of snakes are harmless. The venomous ones? Not so much! Here are Australia’s most venomous snakes.
Brown snakes
Found in: Regional places around Australia. The Eastern Brown and the Western Brown snakes are not quite as common in the Northern Territory either – although they have been spotted there. Eastern Brown snakes tend to have more venom per bite, and they’re more aggressive than Western Browns.
Brown snakes are typically very shy creatures that will instinctively escape if they sense humans approaching. They’ll only attack if they feel threatened.
Death Adder
Found in: Most Australian states, except for Tasmania.
The Death Adder is a sneakier snake! They’re very good at camouflage, so they’ll hide in piles of leaves. They’ll wait in the leaves before their prey arrives, so that they can pounce on birds or lizards in their environment. They like to hang out in long grassy areas, forests and woodlands – so stick to main paths where the walking trail is clear.
Taipans
Found in: Inland taipans are more commonly found in Western QLD and NT, whereas coastal species are found in NSW.
The most venomous snake in Australia, taipans, are usually spotted along the inland part of Australia. Inland taipans prefer drier habitats.
Coastal taipans will slither around the coastal areas of the NSW forests, often hiding in logs and burrows. Taipans are diurnal, so they’re more active in the daytime. Like most snakes, taipans are also shy and reclusive, so they’ll keep to themselves.
Want to enjoy a bushwalk in the comfort of a larger group?
Don’t miss out on the exciting Australian bushland! In the comfort of a larger group led by knowledgeable guides, you can explore the best bits of Australia’s scenery safely. From a guided walking tour through the famous Blue Mountains, to our Northern Territory package tours – we’ve got a whole array of fun, adventure-packed tours that show you the best bits of Australia.
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