Spiders, leeches, ticks and snakes: staying safe with Australian wildlife on the trail
Last updated: 1 November 2026
Australia's wildlife has a fearsome reputation, but serious bites on walking tracks are uncommon. Most creatures want nothing to do with you. A little knowledge about prevention and first aid lets you relax and enjoy the walk.
This guide covers the small creatures walkers meet most: leeches, ticks and spiders, plus a summary on snakes. Our Snakes, heat and safety guide has more on snakes.
This is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 000.
Snakes: give them space
Snakes are most active in warmer months. They usually move away when they feel footsteps.
- Wear long pants and enclosed shoes or boots.
- Stay on the track and look where you put your feet and hands, especially around logs and rocks.
- If you see a snake, stop, back away slowly and give it plenty of room. Never try to catch or kill it.
First aid: treat any suspected snake bite as serious. Call 000, keep the person still and calm, and apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. Start over the bite, then bandage firmly up the whole limb and splint it. Don't wash the bite, cut it or use a tourniquet. Carry at least one wide elastic bandage in your first aid kit.
Spiders: mostly a nuisance
Most spiders you meet on the trail, such as the orb weavers whose webs stretch across tracks, are harmless. Two groups need care:
- Funnel-web spiders live in parts of eastern Australia, including around Sydney. A bite can be life-threatening. Use the same pressure immobilisation first aid as for snakes and call 000.
- Redback spiders are found across Australia, often in sheltered spots such as toilet blocks, logs and under rocks. Bites are painful but rarely dangerous. Use a cold pack, not a pressure bandage, and seek medical advice if pain is severe.
Shake out boots and clothes left outside overnight, and check under toilet seats in remote camps.
Leeches: harmless but annoying
Leeches love damp rainforest walks after rain. You might meet them on walks like the Wonga walk or in the Tarra Valley on the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk.
- Tuck pants into socks, or wear gaiters.
- Check your ankles and boots at rest stops.
- If one attaches, you can slide a fingernail under the sucker end to break the seal, or simply wait until it drops off.
- Bleeding can continue for a while because leeches inject an anticoagulant. Apply pressure and a plaster.
Leech bites are rarely more than an itch. Keep the area clean to avoid infection.
Ticks: remove them the right way
Ticks are common in coastal bushland along eastern Australia. The paralysis tick is the main concern.
- Wear light-coloured long clothing so ticks are easy to spot, and tuck shirts in.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Check your body after the walk, especially behind ears, in the hairline, in the armpits and behind knees. Check children carefully.
Removal: Australian allergy experts (ASCIA) advise "freeze it, don't squeeze it". Use an ether-containing spray from a pharmacy to kill the tick where it is, then let it drop off or remove it carefully. Avoid squeezing the tick with tweezers, which can inject more saliva. People with a known tick allergy should seek medical help to remove the tick.
Watch for any rash, fever or swelling over the following weeks, and see a doctor if it appears.
Mosquitoes and march flies
Mosquitoes and biting flies are the most common bites on Australian walks. In northern Australia mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Ross River virus. Cover up at dawn and dusk, use repellent and keep camp tents zipped.
Other wildlife
- Dingoes: on K'gari and in parts of the Northern Territory, follow dingo-safe advice. Stay close to children, walk in groups and never feed them. The K'gari Great Walk listing links to official guidance.
- Crocodiles: in northern Australia, take crocodile warning signs seriously and only swim where officially permitted.
- Magpies: in spring, swooping birds can be a nuisance on suburban trails. Wear a hat and walk calmly through.
- Bees and wasps: if anyone in your group has a known allergy, make sure they carry their adrenaline autoinjector and that others know how to use it.
Build a small first aid kit
A basic kit for day walks should include:
- At least two wide elastic (compression) bandages
- Plasters, gauze and tape
- Tick removal spray or a fine tick remover
- Antiseptic wipes
- Any personal medicines, including allergy medication
- A whistle and a fully charged phone
Consider a first aid course. Many walkers find it the most valuable gear they've ever bought.
The bottom line
Stay on the track, wear sensible clothing, look where you step, and know the first aid basics. With those habits, Australian wildlife becomes something to enjoy rather than fear.
Frequently asked questions
Are Australian walking tracks dangerous because of wildlife? Not usually. Serious bites are rare, and most happen when people try to handle or kill an animal. Staying on the track and giving animals space prevents most problems.
Should I carry antivenom? No. Antivenom is only given in hospital. Your job is good first aid, keeping the person still, and calling 000 as quickly as possible.
Do leeches carry disease? Leeches in Australia aren't known to spread disease to people. The main risk is a mild infection if the bite is scratched, so keep it clean.
What's the best time of year to avoid ticks and leeches? Both are most common in warm, wet conditions. Drier months and drier walks, such as open woodland and coastal heath, usually mean fewer of them.