Folks in Australia like to reassure tourists about the safety of the wildlife and landscape whilst at the same time warning of its dangers. It comes out as a strange mix, leaving you undecided whether you should be relaxed or fearing for your life. Some Examples I have heard:

“Don’t worry while you’re snorkeling: reef sharks are mostly harmless. Unless you get between them and food”

“Don’t Worry There’s no sharks around here………….the crocodiles finished them off”

“You’ll be safe if you stay inside the stinger net, apart from the Irukandji’s, they can swim through the mesh.

“Go ahead and swim with the freshwater crocs. They don’t bite people…at least, unless you upset them.”

This snake is venomous, but you’ll be right, it’s fangs are at the back of it’s mouth

“No-ones ever been left behind while diving on the Great Barrier Reef, except that American couple, but they staged it.”

“Cairns is a safe city……………..just don’t walk alone .

“Kangaroos won’t hurt you. Well, unless they kick you in the head. Then you’re pretty much finished.”

Oh, and did you know that koalas, despite their looks, aren’t exactly cute and cuddly creatures. They can actually get pretty nasty, which is why it’s more difficult than you might think to find a place that will let you pick them up.

I will either leave Australia with a healthy respect for animals or with plenty of food for nightmares. Though seeing as how I have already gone swimming with reef sharks, stingrays and crocodiles, I think I’ll be okay. I even like holding snakes, though I do prefer guarantees that it won’t bite me, even in a non-venomous way. Spiders are where I draw the line. I’m fairly certain my arachnophobia is incurable.