Safest cities in Australia
12 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in AustraliaTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Australia.
Crime
- Protecting your belongingsTake precautions to protect yourself from petty crime, including:
- ScamsThere are many different types of scams targeting people in or travelling to Australia, including dating and romance scams, websites offering fake services or building repair scams. You can check current scams or report your concerns about a scam on the government’s scamwatch website.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDYou can reduce the risk of losing your passport by carrying a proof of age card – this could be a driving licence or a student ID. This is accepted ID for many services like opening a bank account or entering licensed premises.
- Smoking and e-cigarette lawsLaws on smoking and e-cigarettes (vapes) differ between states. The Australian government is reviewing laws, so the rules may change. You must have a prescription to buy e-cigarettes containing liquid nicotine. There are strict rules on importing vaping goods.
- AlcoholSome drinks served in bars in Australia can be stronger than those in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesThe Australian authorities act against anyone who imports or traffics illegal drugs. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and deportation.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex marriages are legally recognised. Australia is generally open-minded about homosexuality, but there are isolated incidents of homophobic crime. Visit Gay Australia is a useful travel planning resource alongside LGBT+ information from the Australian Human Rights Commission.
- Mobile phonesThe mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns, but coverage elsewhere can be very limited or non-existent. If you’re travelling to remote areas, check with your phone provider about coverage. You can use your UK mobile phone in Australia if global roaming has been activated, but making and receiving calls can be…
- Working holidaysIf you’re in Australia on a working holiday visa, the Fair Work Ombudsman website has information about:
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Swimming safetyRip currents are the main hazard for all swimmers and surfers. They can happen at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
- Diving and snorkelling safetySnorkelling accidents can happen and have sometimes been fatal.
- Dangerous wildlifeAustralia has many dangerous animal species. There are crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, venomous insects, spiders and snakes in many parts of the country.
- Walking and hikingIf you’re planning to walk or hike, research the area you’re visiting and prepare for the terrain and weather, including intense heat. It can take hours to get help in an emergency in the bush or national parks. There is advice on bush safety on each state or territory’s government website. See:
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Australia, see information on driving abroad.
- Hire carsHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
- Road conditionsAustralia is known for having large distances between towns and amenities.
- Driving in the outbackPrepare thoroughly if driving in remote outback areas, which can present unexpected hazards. To reduce your risk:
- Driving on K’gari (Fraser Island)Following a number of serious accidents, all vehicles on K’gari (Fraser Island) must not drive faster than 80km/h on beaches and 30km/h in towns. Four-wheel-drive vehicles must have no more than 8 occupants, including the driver. You must store all luggage inside the vehicle.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- BushfiresBushfires can occur in any part of Australia, including areas close to towns and cities.
- HeatwavesExtreme heat is a serious risk in Australia. See the Australian Red Cross’s information on heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
- FloodingHeavy rain and tropical cyclones can cause flooding, including flash floods in some areas. You can get flood warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology. Check local media reports.
- EarthquakesWhile rare in Australia, earthquakes can happen. Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services in the event of a natural disaster.
- Tropical cyclonesTropical cyclones affect some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The cyclone season normally runs from November to April.
- Dust stormsDust storms happen regularly in Australia, usually only in outback areas. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Australia, updated 2026-03-19 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 0.94 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 33.82020
- Human development
- HDI 0.9582023
- Income
- $69,930/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 4.9 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 79/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 82/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 76/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 2.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.90GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 6.4 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- no dataof population · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 4.1 doctors /1k3.8 hospital beds per 1,000
Natural hazards
- Drought
- 5.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 5.7/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 5.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Cyclone
- 4.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Australia (as of 2025).
How Australia compares
| Measure | Australia | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.9 /100k | 2.4 /100k | −1.4 /100k — better for Australia |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 33.8 | 35.2 | −1.4 — better for Australia |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.958 | 0.763 | +0.195 — better for Australia |
| Road deaths | 4.9 /100k | 15.4 /100k | −10.5 /100k — better for Australia |
| Rule of law | 82/100 | 52/100 | +30/100 — better for Australia |
| Corruption perceptions | 76/100 | 39/100 | +37/100 — better for Australia |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 6.4 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −13.3 µg/m³ — better for Australia |
| Natural-hazard risk | 2.4/10 | 3.8/10 | −1.4/10 — better for Australia |
| Measure | Australia | Oceania median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.9 /100k | 3.1 /100k | −2.2 /100k — better for Australia |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 33.8 | 37.1 | −3.3 — better for Australia |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.958 | 0.657 | +0.300 — better for Australia |
| Road deaths | 4.9 /100k | 13.1 /100k | −8.2 /100k — better for Australia |
| Rule of law | 82/100 | 62/100 | +20/100 — better for Australia |
| Corruption perceptions | 76/100 | 50/100 | +27/100 — better for Australia |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 6.4 µg/m³ | 8.4 µg/m³ | −2.0 µg/m³ — better for Australia |
| Natural-hazard risk | 2.4/10 | 3.8/10 | −1.4/10 — better for Australia |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 12 cities, safest first
- Melbourne91.9 · #11 worldwide
- Point Cook91.9 · #12 worldwide
- Dallas91.9 · #13 worldwide
- Sydney87.1 · #137 worldwide
- Canberra85.5 · #212 worldwide
- Brisbane83.1 · #463 worldwide
- Newcastle83.1 · #464 worldwide
- North Lakes83.1 · #465 worldwide
- Perth81.1 · #1799 worldwide
- Wollongong81.1 · #1800 worldwide
- Gold Coast80.6 · #1828 worldwide
- Adelaide71.5 · #3233 worldwide