travel alerts nsw

Check road and traffic conditions with Live Traffic NSW

Live Traffic NSW provides updates on road closures, road upgrades and road works, traffic cameras and traffic incidents.

Introduction

Live Traffic NSW provides real-time information about roads and changed traffic conditions that affect your journey on roads throughout NSW.

You can find out about changes, road conditions and road closures resulting from:

• scheduled roadwork
• major events
• weather events such as storms and floods
• natural disasters such as bushfires
• other unplanned disruptions.

The service is managed by Transport for NSW’s Transport Management Centre.

How to check

Travel within nsw.

• To check for roadworks, water levels and hazards, enter your origin and destination points when you  plan a trip within NSW
• You can view a list of current incidents by region or check hazards closed in the past 24 hours when you  check traffic incidents
• Search the traffic cameras list or find locations by region:  find traffic cameras

Interstate traffic conditions

To view conditions near state borders, go to Live Traffic NSW and use the  'Interstate information' filter .

You can also check other state and territory websites:

• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Give your feedback

If you want to report a traffic or road hazard, visit  Report a traffic accident, breakdown or other incident .

To access support, suggest improvements, or ask a question, use the Live Traffic NSW  feedback form .

Emergency help

Hazards near me app.

• Download for Android
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Fires Near Me

• NSW Rural Fire Service website
• Help & Support – Live Traffic NSW
• Live Traffic NSW app – iPhone
• Live Traffic NSW app – Android
• Storm and flood preparation and recovery
• Bushfire preparation and recovery

Related transactions

• Report a traffic breakdown or other incident
• Report a pothole or damaged road

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Stay safe with the latest travel advice

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Providing international travel advice for Australians overseas

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Travel Advice for Lebanon

We continue to advise do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further.

There's a possibility of an increase in armed conflict that could affect wider areas of Lebanon. Daily military action has increased in southern Lebanon in recent weeks, including rocket and missile fire, as well as airstrikes. The conflict could continue to escalate quickly or spread to other areas in Lebanon, including Beirut with little notice. This could affect your ability to move to safety. Avoid areas where military activity is ongoing. See our travel advice for Lebanon.

Consular assistance

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government to travellers overseas. Read the Charter to understand how we can and can't help. 

Consular Services Charter (PDF 195.79 KB)

Notarial services

Do you need a document legalised, or a Certificate of No Impediment for your upcoming marriage? The Australian Government can provide some notarial services.

Travel insurance

 If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go.

CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB)

News and updates

Travelling for european summer and the olympics.

Travelling for European summer or the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France? Read our advice before you go and know what to expect.

• Major events

Global dengue fever outbreaks

Dengue fever outbreaks are happening globally. If you're travelling somewhere with reported cases, know how to protect your health.

Anzac Day 2024

On 25 April, Anzac Day services will be held in major cities and at international war memorials. If you're travelling to attend a service, be prepared and know what to expect.

Sun, sand and surgery: travelling for medical tourism

Planning to go overseas for a medical procedure? Do your research before you commit. Don't decide on cost alone.

Travel advice explained

Learn what our advice levels mean and how we decide what level to apply to each destination. 

Passport services

With passport demand on the rise, don't leave your application to the last minute.

Allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport or renew one.

Coming back to Australia

Know what to do and what expect when you're heading home from your trip overseas. 

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Disney on Ice

Plan your trip to see Disney on Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 June. Weekend trackwork on the South Coast Line is taking place, plan ahead.

Gates open 13:00 | Jersey Flegg Kick-off 13:05 | NSW Cup Kick-off 15:00 | NRL Kick-off 17:30 | Full time 19:30

NRL: Roosters v Bulldogs

Plan your trip to see the Roosters take on the Bulldogs on Saturday 22 June at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford.

Gates open 10:00 | First race 11:00 | Last race 16:25

Plan your trip to Stakes Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday 22 June. Light rail services run to Royal Randwick regularly.

Transport news

Trackwork on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines

From Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 July, buses will replace trains on parts of the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines due to trackwork.

L1 Dulwich Hill Line full and partial closures due to maintenance

From Saturday 6 to Saturday 13 July, L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services will be impacted by closures due to major trackwork and maintenance work. This includes improvement work along the track around Central Station.

Extra services for F3 Parramatta River ferry route

From 1 July, an additional 7 services will be added to the F3 Parramatta River service between Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.

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Measles alert for Sydney and Adelaide airports, Qantas and Emirates flights

A health alert has been issued for a highly contagious disease after an infected baby travelled through two major Aussie airports last week.

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A health alert has been issued for travellers who passed through Sydney Airport and Adelaide Airport last week.

A person infected with measles flew from Dubai to Sydney with Emirates on Tuesday and then on to Adelaide with Qantas.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

It causes rash and fever, and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, and even death.

NSW Health has said people on the same flights or who were transiting through the airport at the following times should look out for symptoms.

• Emirates flight EK416. Departed Dubai on Monday, June 10 at 9.37pm and arrived at Sydney International Terminal on Tuesday, June 11 at 4.57pm,

• Qantas flight QF749. Departed Sydney Domestic T3 at 8.51pm on Tuesday, June 11 and arrived in Adelaide at 10.45pm,

• Sydney International Terminal arrivals (including baggage collection and transfer bus) from approximately 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, June 11,

• Sydney Domestic Terminal 3 departures from approximately 6pm to 8.51pm on Tuesday, June 11,

• Adelaide Airport . SA Health has put out an alert for its major airport from 11.30pm on Tuesday, June 11 to 12.30am on Wednesday, June 12.

The infected person was an infant boy who was hospitalised in Adelaide but is in a stable condition, according to The Advertiser .

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) public health unit acting director Dr Anthea Katelaris said symptoms can include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, “usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body”.

She said it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear, so it is important for people to stay alert until Saturday, June 29.

“While these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms,” Dr Katelaris said.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

There have been at least 40 cases of measles reported in Australia so far this year, with 16 in NSW, 10 in Victoria, six in South Australia, five in Queensland, two in Western Australia and one in ACT.

There were 26 cases of measles in Australia last year.

Just last month, the Victorian Health Department issued a warning about the risk of contracting travel-related diseases – like measles – overseas and then bringing it home.

It said of the ten measles cases that had been reported in the state this year, five were from returned overseas travellers and five linked to them.

Following the warning for Sydney Airport, Dr Katelaris urged NSW residents to ensure they are vaccinated, and said it was free in the state for anyone born after 1965 who has not already had two doses.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” she said.

“This is especially important to check before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

Most people born before 1966 will have been infected with measles as a child and are likely to be immune because an infection used to be very common in childhood in Australia, according to NSW Health.

Measles is now rare in Australia but remains a common cause of death in children under five in some parts of the world.

In addition to Adelaide Airport, SA Health listed the following exposure sites connected to the infected traveller.

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emergency Department , from 1.45am on Saturday, June 15 to 3:20am on Sunday, June 16,

More Coverage

• Premium Care Medical Practice , Shop 105B Hollywood Plaza, Salisbury Downs, on Wednesday, June 12 from 5pm to 6pm and Friday, June 14 from 2pm to 3pm,

• Benson Radiology , located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday, June 13 from 2pm to 3.15pm,

• SA Pathology , located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday, June 13 from 3pm to 4pm.

A surprising number of Aussies are opting not to pack their bags for a trip overseas, as crime fears and visa headaches loom large.

A pilot who was dubbed a “hero” for his quick-thinking during a horror helicopter crash has died after a battle with cancer.

It was a nine hour journey, but instead of disembarking at the final destination in Houston — these passengers landed somewhere very unexpected.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Using travel alerts

Travel alerts allow you to check whether your travel will be affected by any current or planned disruptions.

You can choose to see alerts for just today, next 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, or show all current and upcoming alerts.

If there are no known alerts for a route during the time period you’ve selected, you will see ‘ No current alerts ’. Otherwise, any alerts will appear under each route.

Each alert includes the start and, if known, the end time of the disruption. If the incident has already started, it will show as ‘ Ongoing - Until further notice ’. If it’s in the future the start and end date(s) of the disruption will be displayed.

You can click through on each alert shown to view more details including any alternative services.

Select a mode

You can view alerts based on the mode of transport, which includes: metro/train, bus, ferry, light rail or NSW TrainLink.

You can select a ' Favourites view ' which will display a selection of routes that you have chosen as favourites.

Adding favourite routes

Click or tap the ‘ star ’ icon on any route and these will then be added to as ' Favourites '. Once selected the star will display as a solid blue to indicate selection.

This allows you to create your own customised alert section with the particular routes or services you normally use.

These favourites will also be shown on the homepage under the ' Alerts tab '.

Filter by time period

You can change the view to only see alerts for certain time periods, depending on whether you want to just see alerts just for today, the next 7, 14 or 30 days or for all available alerts.

Note: Your selection will be remembered when you return to this page at a later time. Homepage alerts always show alerts for ‘ Today ’ only.

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Media Release

Measles alert for Sydney Airport International and Domestic Terminals

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a person who was infectious on flights from Dubai to Sydney Airport International Terminal, and from Sydney Domestic T3 to Adelaide on Tuesday 11 June.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Acting Director, Dr Anthea Katelaris, said people who were on the flights below, or transiting between the terminals at these times should be on the lookout for symptoms.

• Emirates flight EK416. Departed Dubai on Monday 10 June 2024 at 9:37pm and arrived at Sydney International Terminal on Tuesday 11 June 2024 at 4:57pm.
• Qantas flight QF749. Departed Sydney Domestic T3 (Qantas) at 8:51pm on Tuesday 11 June and arrived in Adelaide at 10:45pm.
• Sydney International Terminal arrivals (including baggage collection and transfer bus) from approximately 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday 11 June.
• Sydney Domestic Terminal 3 departures from approximately 6pm to 8:51pm on Tuesday 11 June.

“While these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms,” Dr Katelaris said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to stay alert for symptoms until Saturday 29 June 2024.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.       “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important to check before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Babies can have their first dose of MMR as early as 6 months of age if they are travelling overseas to areas with a high risk of measles. Parents should consult their GP to access early measles vaccine before overseas travel.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get another vaccine to ensure they are protected, as extra doses are safe. This is particularly important before overseas travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet .

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Visitnsw Home Page

Nsw, australia.

Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official tourism, destinations and events website, let us inspire your next travel tale.

Follow rainforest birdsong to thundering waterfalls. Glide down glittering snowfields or slip into the silken sea on a white-sand beach. Taste world-class wines, ocean-fresh oysters, juicy cherries and fragrant truffles on meandering road trips. Connect with outback stories, making new friends along the way. So, where to first?

Places to go

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South Coast

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Lord Howe Island

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Start planning your winter getaway.

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Cosy winter stays in NSW

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5 winter road trips to tick off

A guide to whale watching

Have you ticked off these nsw bucket-list experiences.

Snorkel the world’s southernmost coral reef

Walk through the world’s most ancient open caves

Stand atop Australia’s highest peak

Step back in time at Mungo National Park

Surf the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere

Stargaze at the country’s first Dark Sky Park

Get up close to humpback whales during the annual migration

Ride the world’s steepest railway

Marvel at NSW’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sip your way through Australia's oldest wine region

Sink your toes into the whitest sand in the world

Learn about Aboriginal culture with a guide

Go diving with turtles, seals & dolphins

Go off-grid on a glamping retreat

Chase NSW's most incredible waterfalls

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12 of the most exhilarating adrenaline activities in NSW

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It’s time to hit the road. Our trip planner and interactive map lets you explore the wonders of NSW from coast to country.

Go north along the Legendary Pacific Coast

Beaches and national parks on the Grand Pacific Drive

Chasing waterfalls in lush rainforest

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Follow the coast from Sydney to Melbourne

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More about new south wales.

The most visited state in the nation is home to Sydney , Australia’s most beautiful capital city. There are transport options from Sydney to the marvellous destinations and fun adventures in the regions. There are trains and coaches, as well as flights from Sydney Airport to many regional airports.

What about getting to an island paradise? The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is only a short plane trip from the mainland. A top destination all year, the island is home to the world’s most southerly coral reefs, as well as lovely beaches and great fishing, snorkelling and diving.

Wondering where to stay in NSW? Then search the accommodation on the website. There are options to suit various budgets, including camping and caravanning, B&Bs, classic pubs, motels, heritage guesthouses and farm stays, as well as eco-retreats, luxury hotels and spa resorts.

The following pages will also help you plan your holidays, short breaks and weekend escapes:

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Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

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‘Five in one’: Wild scenes as heavy rain hits

R esidents on NSW’s east coast are being warned to be prepared for flash flooding, as the state continues to be smashed by heavy rains.

The wild weather hammered the state on Thursday night, with heavy rain, thunder and lightning smashing Sydney.

A “five-in-one” lightning strike struck the city at 8pm, with two lightning bolts appearing to hit the Harbour Bridge.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) were hit with 447 calls for help, including 49 flood rescues since midnight, after heavy rain caused flash flooding in the South Coast, Illawarra and Sydney Metropolitan regions.

WaterNSW also confirmed Warragamba Dam has begun spilling as of 4.20am Friday.

NSW SES State Duty Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Dallas Burnes said volunteers have been working tirelessly overnight.

“Our flood rescue teams have been working in very challenging conditions throughout the southeast of the state through the night, and our volunteers will continue to respond until conditions ease,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.

He urged motorists in rain-affected regions to reconsider non-essential travel this morning,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.

“A number of roads may be impacted by flash flooding today. It is important to check live traffic and monitor conditions. If you come across a flooded road, please turn around and find an alternative route.”

A severe weather warning remains in place for heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding in the Illawarra, South Coast, Metropolitan Sydney and Southern Tablelands districts.

Assistant Commissioner Burnes said residents should stay alert and stay up to date with the latest warnings.

“This is a dynamic weather system where conditions can change rapidly,” he said.

“The fastest and simplest way to know your risk from severe weather and flooding is to set up a watch zone in Hazards Near Me.”

Flood warnings remain in place for Picton, Shoalhaven, Wollondilly and the Hawkesbury Nepean.

Areas in NSW’s south coast could also be battered by up to isolated falls of up to 130mm.

Between 9am Thursday to 5am Friday Cringila has been hit with 206mm, Port Kembla was smashed with 197mm, and drenchings of 146mm in Wollongong.

Between 8am Thursday to 1am Friday, the NSW SES Wollongong Unit responded to 27 rescues and 110 other incidents.

A weakening trough will continue to bring rain to the Illawarra and South Coast regions throughout Friday, before conditions are forecast to ease in the evening.

Minor to moderate flood warnings are also active at Menangle Bridge, Penrith, North Richmond and Windsor, as authorities nervously monitoring the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.

The Bureau of Meteorology reports the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley was pummelled by up to 147 totals in the 24 hours up to 5am Friday, with more heavy rainfall on the way.

Homes in Menangle in NSW’s Macarthur region are under a ‘Watch and Act’ notice, with floodwaters at Menangle Bridge expected to hit 9.2m on Friday morning, and 10m by midday.

Low-lying homes in Picton’s CBD and Stone Quarry Creek have also been told to prepare to evacuate.

The NSW SES advices people to close monitor the constantly changing situation, and avoid flood waters.

Parts of Penrith in Sydney’s west could also be hit with minor flooding from midday, with the Nepean River expected to reach 3.9m.

https://x.com/BOM_NSW/status/1798553352319402369

Since 9am Thursday, Sydney’s Observatory Hill has recorded 56.2mm of rain.

Minor flooding may also occur at the Cooks River at Tempe Bridge in the city’s south, with high evening tides expected for Friday evening.

The neighbouring suburb of Windsor and its surrounds could be hit by rising water levels from Friday evening, with the Hawkesbury River forecast to reach minor flood levels (5.8m) on Friday night, and moderate flood levels of 7m by Saturday morning.

Drivers in Sydney’s southern suburbs have also been put on notice. The Bureau warned flooded roads and reduced visibility will lead to dangerous driving conditions, and urged motorists to take “extreme care” ahead of the long weekend.

However a better forecast is expected to clear the rain from Saturday and Sunday.

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NSW Health warns of high seasonal influenza activity

Published: 20 June 2024

NSW Health is urging the community to protect themselves against serious illness as cases of flu and emergency presentations continue to rise across the state. 

NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report shows in the week ending 15 June 2024, there was an increase of 33% in people diagnosed with influenza compared with the previous week.

“The latest data also showed an increase in the number of people who presented to NSW emergency departments (EDs) with influenza-like illness, and some increase in admissions from EDs as well,” Dr McAnulty said.

“The high level of flu activity is concerning, and we expect this to continue in the coming weeks. Influenza is more serious than the common cold. It can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission and causing death.

“Complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.

“Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease. Everyone, but particularly those at higher risk of severe disease, is urged to get their influenza vaccination now; it’s not too late to get vaccinated. By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.”

People who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza who are eligible for free vaccination include:

people aged 65 years and over

children aged 6 months to under 5 years

Aboriginal people from 6 months of age

pregnant women

people with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, severe asthma, kidney, heart, and lung disease.

Dr McAnulty said flu was highly contagious and urged people to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms.

“If you have flu symptoms it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others until after your symptoms have gone,” Dr McAnulty said.

There are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, including:

stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations

stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home

get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows

avoid crowded spaces

consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness

talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines

don't visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza

practice good hand hygiene, including handwashing.​

Related ministerial media releases

See all ministerial media release, related information.

• Learn more about the flu and how to protect yourself

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Health & safety in Sydney

Sydney has myriad natural attractions, from rugged national parks and shimmering beaches to beautiful lakes and rivers. Follow this helpful advice to ensure you stay safe and well during your visit.

A temperate climate makes Sydney the perfect travel destination year-round, but extreme weather conditions may occur on occasion. Always plan your trip in advance and check weather conditions in the area you are travelling to. Seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February and the coolest months are June to August.  

The  Bureau of Meteorology  website provides the Australian community with official weather forecasts as well as nationwide weather warnings.   

Travellers should be aware NSW has implemented the nationally recognised, multi-hazard Australian Warning System – know your warning signs for flood, fire, tsunami, severe weather and others.  

Current alerts

The following websites will provide you with the latest official information on weather warnings, fire warnings, health and emergency alerts, and official safety advice:  

Emergency alerts

Current Weather Alerts  

Current Bushfire Alerts  

Current Health Alerts  

Emergency Alerts on Social Media  

HazardWatch  

Hazards Near Me  

Safety information

Flood Safety Information  

Storm Safety Information  

Beach Safety Information  

Tsunami Safety Information  

National Parks information

National Parks Alerts  

National Parks Safety  

National Emergency Services

The national phone number for all emergency services in Australia, including ambulance, fire and police, is 000. You can dial ‘triple zero’ within Australia from any fixed line, mobile phone, pay phone and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. If you have a GSM digital mobile phone, you can also dial the international standard emergency number, 112. 

The NSW State Emergency Services are the agency responsible for flood, storm and tsunami, and in the event of an emergency can be contacted on 132 500. 

Walking & hiking in national parks

Check weather forecasts and national park conditions before setting off on a hike, and be sure to consult the local park office if unsure of the level of difficulty of your planned walk. Always tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to be back. 

A local map and compass should be carried along with other essential items, including adequate water and snacks; consider taking a personal locator beacon or satellite phone as remote areas may have little or no mobile phone reception. 

Ensure you are appropriately clothed, including good walking shoes, layered, long-sleeved tops and trousers to protect against bites and stings, sunhat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent. 

Always walk in groups of three or more and consider using a guide for long or challenging routes. 

International visitors may use a foreign driver’s licence in Sydney. Speed limits are strictly enforced and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 per cent or higher, or to drive under the influence of illegal drugs. 

Familiarise yourself with the road rules. Drive on major and sealed roads where possible and avoid driving at night. Under Australian law, drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts. If riding a motorcycle, moped, motor scooter or bicycle, you must wear a helmet. 

If driving in remote areas, be sure to carry up-to-date maps and always inform someone of your intended route. In country areas, be alert to native animals such as kangaroos, wombats and possums, which may stray on to the road – they are most active at dusk and dawn. 

Pack extra supplies, including water and fuel, and be sure to take frequent breaks on long trips. Avoid driving at high-risk times, such as during your usual sleep time or after a long flight, bus journey or train journey. 

Hitchhiking or picking up hitchhikers is strongly discouraged. 

Never leave your car if you break down in a remote area – remain with the vehicle and wait for assistance. 

Do not attempt to cross flooded roads as these waters may have strong currents capable of sweeping away a vehicle. Contact the local State Emergency Service (SES) or call 000 if in an emergency situation. For more information: 

Road Rules  

Live Traffic NSW app:  

Download the Live Traffic NSW App from the App Store  

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Some insects in Australia may transmit diseases such as dengue fever, Ross River fever and viral encephalitis. To protect against bites and stings, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers and apply effective insect repellent to exposed skin. 

NSW is home to some venomous snakes and spiders. If bitten by a snake, call 000 for an ambulance, apply a pressure-immobilisation bandage and head for the nearest hospital. Don’t wash, suck or cut the bite site or apply a tight tourniquet. 

The only harmful spiders in Australia are the red back and the funnel web. The female red back is identified by a red or orange stripe along its back; the male is small and black, and usually harmless. 

The funnel web spider is large and black, and a bite can be dangerous. First aid in the event of a funnel web bite should include applying a pressure immobilisation bandage around the bite, followed by immobilisation of the entire limb with a splint and bandage. Call 000 and get the patient to the nearest hospital. 

The sun in Sydney is very strong and can burn the skin even on cloudy days. Avoid being outdoors for lengthy periods between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are at their most intense. 

Always wear a sunhat, sunglasses and water-resistant sunscreen (SPF50+ or higher; applied repeatedly throughout the day), and clothes that cover as much of your skin as possible, even while swimming. 

Protect against heat exhaustion by keeping well hydrated, particularly during physical exertion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. If affected, rest in the shade and rehydrate with water or diluted sports drinks. 

Heat stroke is a severe form of heat illness, and can lead to disorientation, hallucinations and seizures. Seek medical assistance immediately if exhibiting these symptoms. 

In the water

When swimming at the beach, be aware of rips and currents, which can be extremely hazardous. If you get caught in one of these strong currents, stay calm and either float with the current or swim across it. Never try to swim against it. 

Always swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate that Surf Lifesavers patrol that section of beach. Avoid swimming or surfing alone and never run or dive into the water – there may be sand bars or other submerged objects. 

If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver, and heed all safety signs. Some sea animals may inflict a bite or sting so avoid contact with marine life. 

Take care when rock fishing as rocks can be slippery. Never fish alone and always wear a life jacket Take care when swimming in rock pools, rivers or waterholes. 

Rock fishing

Rock fishing is a dangerous pastime. Wearing a life jacket can significantly increase your chance of survival if you are washed into the water. Please remember that if you are rock fishing in Randwick, wearing a life jacket is mandatory.  

Never fish by yourself. Fish in a group of at least three people and within sight of each other. If someone is washed in, one person can stay and help while the other alerts emergency services (dial 000). Mobile phone users can also dial 112 to access emergency services. 

Cleats, sandals and sandshoes with non-slip soles suit different surfaces. Use the appropriate shoes for the conditions. 

Make sure you are aware of local weather, swell and tidal conditions before going fishing. Listen to weather forecasts or call the weather information line on 1900 937 107. Be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time. 

Accessible activities & attractions

Sydney is a vibrant city where it's easy to get out and about if you have a disability or require assistance with access. Visit  www.sydneyforall.com  for accessible attractions and events. 

Smoking & vaping bans

Open Smoking & vaping bans configuration options

Smoking and vaping is generally banned in public across Sydney and New South Wales, to protect people from harmful second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoking and vaping is banned in the outdoor dining areas of restaurants, cafes, pubs and other venues. 

Cigarette butts  – Police issue a $60 fine for throwing a cigarette on the street, or $200 if it is still alight. 

Smoking indoors  – There is a total ban on smoking and vaping in indoor public spaces. 

Smoking in cars  – With a child passenger incurs a $250 on-the-spot fine. 

Smoking outdoors –  Is illegal in public spaces, such as public transport stops and taxi ranks, building entrances, children’s playgrounds, swimming pools and at major sports grounds. 

More useful contacts:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• NSW State Emergency Service
• NSW Roads & Maritime Services
• Australian Federal Police
• NSW Police Service
• Ambulance Service
• NSW Fire Brigade
• NSW Rural Fire Service
• Surf Life Saving New South Wales

Visiting from overseas

Customs & quarantine

Consumer rights

Health & safety

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