17. Don’t Go to the Gold Coast During “Schoolies Week”
Queensland’s Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination for local and international tourists alike. It’s known for its sun-kissed beaches, surfing action, hopping night life, good shopping, theme parks, casinos and more. Perhaps its popularity is its downfall, though, as at certain times of year it can be too crowded to be pleasant. Schoolie Week is one of those times, when graduating high-schoolers flock to places like Surfer’s Paradise during the last week of November to celebrate this milestone with a lot of drink-filled, hormone-fueled debauchery. If that’s what you’re after, by all means join the throng. If it’s not, avoid it like the plague during this teen circus.
18. Don’t Go Off Track in the Bush
Veering off the beaten track anywhere can be fraught with peril, but particularly so in an unforgiving land like Australia. There are just so many things that could go wrong out there, including menacing flora and fauna, thick vegetation or lack thereof, excessive heat and dehydration concerns, and just the sheer vastness of territory to get hopelessly lost in. Not to fear monger, but people do go missing here and their bodies never discovered. The common sense approach is to never wander off alone. Always tell someone where your group is going so they can alert the authorities if you don’t come back. Bring plenty of water, food, matches and a flashlight/torch with you to help you survive if you get in trouble.
