The reality of living with Australia’s dangerous creatures

When people talk to us about moving from London to Australia, one question almost always comes up. "What about the spiders?"

Sometimes it's snakes. Sometimes it's sharks. Occasionally it's crocodiles or jellyfish. But the question is always some variation of: "How do you cope with all the dangerous creatures?"

It's a fair question.

You definitely won't see all these creatures at once in Australia!

Before moving to Australia, many families spend a surprising amount of time thinking about the wildlife - stories about venomous snakes, giant spiders, jellyfish, crocodiles and sharks can feel a little overwhelming.

Australia is home to creatures that deserve respect. There are venomous spiders, venomous snakes and marine animals capable of causing serious injury. Understanding the risks and knowing how to respond is important.

That said, I think it's equally important to keep those risks in proportion to the life you're going to live.

Many families relocating to Australia settle in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra or Perth. These are modern, highly populated cities where most people go about their daily lives without regularly encountering dangerous wildlife.

We've now lived in Australia for more than 16 years and have never experienced a serious incident. That's not to say we've never seen anything.

We've spotted red-back spiders in the garden and seen brown snakes while walking in bushland. Our children have been stung by bluebottle jellyfish at the beach. But every encounter has been manageable - we have generally followed local advice and used a little common sense.

The bluebottle stings were probably the most dramatic from the children's perspective. There were many tears and declarations that they would never swim again. The reality? The pain passed and they were back in the water before long.

The spiders have generally involved pointing, identifying, keeping our distance and moving on. Snakes have been much the same.

One of the things I've come to admire about Australians is their attitude towards risk.

Australians don't tend to panic about the natural environment. They respect it. Children grow up learning about snakes, spiders, surf conditions, sun safety and water safety. Schools teach it. Parents teach it. Lifeguards reinforce it.

People don't ignore risks, but they don't obsess over them either. When we first arrived, I found this approach reassuring.

Back in London, spotting a venomous snake wasn't really something I had prepared for. In Australia, people simply explained what to do. Leave it alone. Keep your distance. Tell someone if necessary. Carry on with your day.

Over time we adopted the same attitude. We don't panic if we spot a red-back spider. We don't panic if we see a snake while bushwalking. We certainly don't swim where there are signs warning about crocodiles or dangerous stingers.

Speaking of signs, Australia is very good at warning people about risks. At beaches you'll find information boards, surf lifesavers and warning flags. If local authorities say stay out of the water, most Australians do exactly that. We've certainly taken that advice.

We've also spent time educating ourselves about what to do if something does happen. Understanding basic first aid for snake bites, spider bites and jellyfish stings has given us confidence rather than fear. Knowledge is a great antidote to anxiety.

Looking back after 16 years, my biggest takeaway is this: Australia's wildlife is real, but so is Australia's culture of awareness, education and prevention.

Most Australians spend their entire lives enjoying beaches, parks, bushwalks and outdoor adventures without serious incident. They do so because they understand the environment and make sensible decisions.

So, if dangerous creatures are worrying you as you plan a move to Australia, don't let them put you off. Respect the risks. Learn the basics. Listen to local advice. Then get on with enjoying everything else Australia has to offer.

Five Things to Know to Reduce Your Risk

1. Read the signs

Whether you're visiting a beach, national park or bushwalking track, pay attention to warning signs. Australians take public safety seriously and signs are usually clear and helpful.

2. Leave wildlife alone

Most snakes and spiders would much rather avoid you than interact with you. Keep your distance and never attempt to handle or provoke wildlife.

3. Wear appropriate footwear

Shoes are your friend. Wearing enclosed footwear when walking in bushland, gardens or long grass significantly reduces the risk of bites and stings.

4. Teach children early

Australian children quickly learn basic safety habits such as not putting hands under rocks, avoiding spider webs and telling an adult if they spot something unusual.

5. Learn basic first aid

You don't need to become an expert, but understanding the basics of treating bites and stings can provide enormous peace of mind. Australia has excellent emergency services, medical advice and access to antivenom when required.

After more than 16 years in Australia, I'd happily take the occasional spider, snake or jellyfish in exchange for the beaches, bushland, sunshine and outdoor lifestyle we've enjoyed as a family.