Travel Safety Tips

We know that most visitors coming in to visit Wujal Wujal are looking forward to getting away from it all and exploring the real Australia. This means visiting some remote places and getting up close to unique plants and animals. The Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council wants all our visitors to enjoy their adventure – feel free to leave your cares at home, but please don’t leave your common sense too.  

Welcome to country

We like to offer a Welcome to country for new visitors. As well as welcoming you to our land and indigenous culture, this is a good opportunity for us to meet you and find out about your travel plans. 

Community Noticeboard Forum

The Council’s website has a Community Noticeboard Forum – a space for locals to have their say, but also where registered users can post events and alert the community to urgent news. As a visitor, you can see information on these forum sections: 

• Warnings & alerts: includes current information about severe weather warnings, road safety issues, alerts about access to the town centre and surrounding region, and other updates on issues that can affect the health and safety of residents and visitors.

• Visitors & Public Forum: use this forum to post your own tips and advice, and share your travel experience with other visitors to our region. You can include safety warnings such as crocodile sightings, other alerts and useful public information.

Register with us

Whether you are a resident or visitor, on a driving or walking tour, you can register with the Council and our Jabalbina Rangers to receive alerts via email. 

Find out more on our Emergency advice page. 

Take advantage of our local knowledge

Council members know everything there is to know about the many areas you will want to visit. We can offer you safety advice about the specific areas you will travel to. Talk to us and let us know your plans. We will monitor your predicted movements so that we will know if you are delayed at your next planned port of call. We will also alert you to any possible dangers in the areas you will be visiting.

Hazardous wildlife

Our wildlife, even dangerous species like our crocodiles and snakes, are usually shy of humans and would rather move out of your way, unless you get too close to their territory. So, if you pay attention on walking trails, take care on the roads when driving and stay mindful of possible encounters, you will have a safe journey. 

Probably the most dangerous local species is the mosquito which can carry the Zeka virus and Denge fever. But if you take precautions and plan ahead you can minimise the chances of a mozzie bite. Find out more on our Animal Management page.

Our Jabalbina Indigenous Rangers have a wealth of knowledge of the different terrains and local areas throughout the year. They also know about issues such as crocodile breeding times, when marine stingers are most likely to be on the reef, and other seasonal events that can make wildlife more likely to be a danger.

Native plants and bush tucker

Unless you are with an expert indigenous ranger, we strongly advise that you do not attempt to taste any plants that you assume to be bush tucker.

Swimming and waterfalls

While some water holes can sometimes be safe for swimming, we do not advise it. Areas prone to flooding can often find snakes and crocodiles displaced to locations they are not usually found in. Our common local law recommends that you stay at least 5 metres away from the edge of rivers, lagoons and water holes at all times. 

Our beautiful waterfalls can by hypnotic, their refreshing waters tempting. But many falls in the rainforest area can also be dangerous. The safest way to experience a waterfall is with one of our local tour groups. Please remember that many of our waterfalls are sacred sites and access is restricted to women. These areas are well signposted for visitors.

Local laws

Visitors are asked to respect our World Heritage status and take care not to pollute or disrupt our natural habitat. 

• Fire restrictions are in force which means no camp fires outside supervised camping sites.

• It is illegal to pick native flora and to catch native animals. 

• It is also an offence to drive on closed roads and to enter sites held sacred under indigenous laws.

• Please don’t forget that Wujal Wujal is also an alcohol-free zone.

You can find out more on our Local Laws page or by contacting the Council.

Checklist: what to bring for a safe visit

• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• First aid essentials
• Light protective clothing to avoid sunburn and insect bites
• Sturdy hiking or walking boots
• Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
• It is a good idea to travel with bottled water
• Make sure your car has spare tyres
• Travel with a mobile phone charger in your car.

Contact the Council as soon as you arrive and we will provide information and advice on your travel plans.

Image credit: Mt Louis Station