No, Australia Doesn’t Want to Kill You

It’s not the 14-hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney. It’s not even the cost. The number one reason I hear from people who hesitate to visit Australia? The fear of deadly creatures.

Up close with an Australian crocodile. No need to panic, this one's strictly for photo ops!

We’ve all seen the viral posts—massive spiders, venomous snakes, and creatures lurking in the shadows, just waiting for an unsuspecting tourist. But let’s get real. While Australia is home to some fascinating (and yes, sometimes dangerous) wildlife, the idea that they’re everywhere, actively hunting you down, is pure myth.

Australia Is Huge—And Its Wildlife Isn’t Lurking Around Every Corner

Australia is roughly the same size as the U.S., and just like in the States, dangerous animals exist but are rarely encountered in everyday life. You wouldn’t cancel a trip to California because there are rattlesnakes in the desert or refuse to visit Florida because of alligators, right? The same logic applies to Australia.

Most travelers visit cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where the most menacing creatures you’ll likely encounter are aggressive pigeons or street performers asking for spare change.

The Reality: How Many Tourists Are Actually Bitten, Attacked, or Stung?

Let’s look at the numbers:

• On average, only two people per year die from snake bites in Australia. Compare that to the 5,000+ snake bites per year in the U.S., with about five deaths annually.

• Spider bites are rarely fatal. In fact, no one has died from a spider bite in Australia since 1979, thanks to antivenom.

• Shark attacks? Extremely rare. You’re more likely to be injured by a vending machine.

• Jellyfish and crocodiles? Avoid swimming in clearly marked danger zones, and you’ll be fine. Locals know where it’s safe to swim, and so will you.

So, Should You Still Be Worried?

The truth is, most Australians go their entire lives without encountering these creatures up close, and millions of tourists visit every year without issue.

So, if you’ve been dreaming about Australia but fear is holding you back—relax. The real danger? Not going at all and missing out on one of the most incredible destinations on Earth.

What stops you from visiting Australia? Let me know in the comments!