Tasmania travel advice

The emergency number is 000.

Always bring mosquito repellent as Tassie mossies can be nasty, carrying diseases such as Ross River Fever.

Be wary of snakes, but don’t panic. Some are venomous, but hospitals have all the anti-venom needed, and there haven’t been fatalities for over 40 years. The dangerous ones are copperheads, tiger and white-lipped snakes.

You might assume that drinking water would be readily available in Tasmania, but it isn’t always the case. There are issues of high lead content in many areas, and water has to be boiled before use. So always check with local people what the deal is. If you are hiking, carry water purification tablets or boil it.

Jack jumper ants are a feature of Tasmania and, with a nasty sting, you need to be able to identify them if going hiking. They are dangerous if you have an allergic reaction to them, which isn’t uncommon. People who are prone to insect bite allergies are advised to take a non-drowsy antihistamine before hiking. If you consider your allergy risk high, bring an EpiPen. Otherwise, if stung, treat with antihistamine cream which works in the majority of cases. If other symptoms such as extreme swelling, difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue occurs, seek emergency help.

Never underestimate how wild Tasmania is. Although the wilderness is easy to access, once you are out there, you are really out there. Which is what is so wonderful about it. But you need to take care. Always tell someone where you are going, try not to hike alone, sign the national park log books and have an emergency kit with you. As well as the obvious map, compass and plenty of water. Plus purification tablets. And be well packed with layers and waterproofs.

Always check what swimming conditions are and swim in designated zones. The currents can be fierce in Tasmania, so stick to what the experts know. Popular beaches will have lifeguards in summer. For example, the rips on the Three Capes can be huge. There are places you can swim but you need to seek local advice. One of the best places for swimming is Flinders Island which is fantastic for children. And the water is cold, more like the UK than Australia, so be prepared.

Take care driving on mountain roads not only for bends, but also ice and, of course, wildlife. It is often swerving to avoid an animal that can cause an accident, so go slow and be prepared to stop. Dawn and dusk are when you see most animals.