Get all the routine vaccinations before you depart for Australia. You may need additional vaccines and medication but that depends on what you do and where you go, when in Sydney. Diseases to watch out for include:
• Hepatitis A – Spread through contaminated food and water
• Hepatitis B – Spread through sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood products
• Japanese encephalitis – Spread through mosquito bites
• Rabies – Spread through the bites of infected animals (including bats and dogs)
There is no risk of yellow fever in the country, but the government does require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you have come from a country that has the risk of this disease.
While exploring Sydney during the day, it is relatively safe, however, be careful during the evenings. Follow these tips to ensure you have a trouble-free time in this Australian destination:
• Always lock your car.
• Keep any valuables out of sight.
• Stay alert when visiting pubs and nightclubs, as fights are known to break out.
• As some parking areas outside pubs and nightclubs are crime hotspots, make sure to get local advice before visiting.
• At night, avoid areas like King Cross, Oxford Street, George Street Cinema District and Redfern station.
• Areas around train stations in Western Sydney are usually hang-outs for youth gangs. Simply avoid engaging them, and you will be fine.