Darwin Safety

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In an Emergency dial 000 for ambulance, fire or police.

1. Dial 000 and request the service that you need
2. Remember to remain as calm as you can
3. Speak clearly and give the details as requested

Royal Darwin Hospital is one of five public hospitals located within the Northern Territory. The hospital is on Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, on the northern side of Darwin. As you approach Casuarina, blue signs give directions to the hospital, but it is better to familiarise yourself with the Hospital's location before you may need to find it. Darwin Private hospital is situated across the road.

Drink plenty of water; at least one litre of water for every hour of walking in very warm weather. Ensure you have an adequate fitness level for the bushwalk you plan to undertake.

Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day or walking alone, register with the overnight bushwalking register if you plan an extended walk. Carry a map of the area you're walking/camping in and know how to read it, tell someone your plan and when you expect to return

Malaria does not exist in or around Darwin and during the peak of the dry season (the preferred traveling season) Mosquitos are still present though in areas where there is water. Bring a DEET based repellant, as this will also work on sandflys.

The dreaded Box Jellyfish is a potentially deadly beach hazard between the months of October and May, but less so during the peak travel season. When swimming at local beaches, even in the 'safe' season of June to September, bring vinegar and pour it over the wound if stung. Transport to hospital is a must as the venom of the Box Jellyfish can be deadly - remember CPR!.

Crocodiles are very common in waterways, but are only occasionally found on public beaches. The local newspaper loves a good crocodile story. If a crocodile is nearby to a public place it will be often in the local media.

Never camp near the water's edge.

There are safe swimming areas in and around Darwin, but caution should always be practiced- if you are even the slightest bit unsure about an area do not swim. A 6 meter crocodile can lie completely invisible for more than 2 hours in less than 1 meter (3 feet) of water, so unless an area has been deemed safe by the local wildlife management, you'd be best to leave it alone. A check with the NT Parks and Wildlife Service will reveal which parks are open, and which are open with swimming prohibited.

Snakes inhabit most areas of the Territory, so be cautious when walking through long grass

• Packard Knob, 15 km (9 miles)

• Parry Shoal, 183 km (114 miles)

• Lochart Spring, a spring
• Mistake Creek, a stream