HEALTH AND SAFETY

HEALTH AND SAFETY

NSW has numerous natural attractions, from rugged national parks and shimmering beaches to beautiful lakes and rivers. Follow this helpful advice to ensure you stay safe and well during your visit to Australia's most diverse and exciting state.

TEMPERATURES

A temperate climate makes NSW the perfect travel destination year-round, but extreme weather conditions may occur at times. Always plan your trip carefully in advance and check weather conditions in the area you are traveling to. Seasons in Australia are opposed to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is from December to February, with an average maximum temperature of 26C (79F). The coolest months are June to August, during which daytime temperatures rarely fall below 7C (45F).

NATIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES

The national phone number for all emergency services in Australia, including ambulance, fire and police, is 000.

You can dial Triple Zero within Australia from any fixed line, mobile phone, pay phone and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. If you have a GSM digital mobile phone, you can also dial the international standard emergency number 112.

CURRENT ALERTS

The following websites will provide you with the latest official information on weather warnings, fire warnings, health and emergency alerts, and safety advice:

Alerts on social media

Www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/for-the-community/alerts/alertnsw.html

Weather

Www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings

Bushfires

Www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information

Health

Www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/default.aspx

Beach safety

Www.surflifesaving.com.au/beach-safety

Flood safety

Www.floodsafe.com.au

Storm safety

Www.stormsafe.com.au

Tsunami safety

Www.tsunamisafe.com.au

National Parks safety

Www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety

National Parks alerts

Www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list

Urgent assistance:

Call 132 500 for storm, flood, tsunami

Call 1800 679 737 for bushfire information

Call 13 14 50 for interpreting service

HOSPITALS

With a public healthcare system and 24-hour medical care, you will be well looked after during your visit to Sydney and NSW.

St Vincent's Hospital 24 Hour Emergency

Address: Corner Victoria and Burton streets, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2011

Phone: +61 2 8382 7111

Www.svhs.org.au

Sydney Hospital & Sydney Eye Hospital

Address: 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney; NSW 2000 (24 Hour Emergency)

Phone: +61 2 9382 7111

Www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

To find hospitals, emergency departments and doctors through NSW, use the search at http://www.healthdirect.gov.au

MEDICAL CARE

Kings Cross Travelers Clinic

Address: 13 Springfield Ave, Kings Cross, Sydney, NSW 2011

Phone: +61 2 9358 3066

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-1pm & 2-6pm, Saturday 10 am-12pm

Www.kingscrossclinic.com.au

Travel Doctor

Address: Level 7, 428 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9221 7133

Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Friday 9 am-5pm, Thursday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9 am-12.30pm

Www.traveldoctor.com.au

24-hour Pharmacies

To find a late night or 24-hour pharmacy, call the Pharmacy Guild on: +61 2 9467 7100, or visit: www.afterhoursinfo.com/sydney/latenightchemists

WALKING AND HIKING IN NATIONAL PARKS

Check weather forecasts and national park conditions before setting off, and consult the local park office if unsure of the level of difficulty of your planned walk. Always tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to be back.

A local map and compass should be transported along with other essential items (including adequate water and snacks); Consider taking a personal locator beacon or satellite phone as remote areas may have little or no mobile phone reception.

Ensure you are appropriately clothed, including good walking shoes, layered, long-sleeved tops and trousers to protect against bites and stings, sunhat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent.

Always walk in groups of three or more and consider using a guide for long or challenging routes.

DRIVING

International visitors may use a foreign driver's license in NSW. Speed limits are strictly enforced and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 per cent or higher, or to drive under the influence of illegal drugs.

Familiarize yourself with the road rules. Drive on major and sealed roads where possible and avoid driving at night. Under Australian law, drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts. If riding a motorcycle, moped, motor scooter or bicycle you must wear a helmet.

If driving in remote areas, be sure to carry up-to-date maps and always inform someone of your intended route. In country areas, be alert to native animals such as kangaroos, wombats and possums, which may stray on to the road. They are most active at dusk and dawn.

Pack extra supplies, including water and fuel, and be sure to take frequent breaks on long trips. Avoid driving at high-risk times (such as during