Travellers are urged to be snake aware. PIC: Storme22k / Pixabay
Research carried out by off-roading specialists, OCAM 4X4 Accessories has revealed Australia’s Riskiest camping regions for venomous snake encounters.
The company weighed local campsite numbers against annual venomous snake sightings across 531 camping regions nationwide, using records from the Atlas of Living Australia.
New South Wales came out on top by a wide margin, claiming eight of the 20 riskiest camping regions in the country, including the single most dangerous campsite in Australia.
Tamworth topped the list with 438 venomous snake sightings reported across the area’s seven campgrounds. The most common species sighted there were brown snakes, red-bellied black snakes, and black snakes.
Source: OCAM 4×4 Accessories study of venomous snake records, Atlas of Living Australia.
“We’re seeing more customers ask about snake-proofing their setup before a trip, particularly those heading out to regional NSW and remote camping spots,” said OCAM 4×4 Accessories director, Peter Gorgievski. “That’s picked up over the past year or so, as more Australians get back into remote touring and off-grid camping.”
OCAM 4×4 Accessories lists three tips that Australians can use to keep their camp safe this summer:
Keep Gear and Food Sealed and Off the Ground: It says snakes will use whatever shelter is available, so loose shoes, tents, firewood and food scraps left out overnight are exactly what draws them in. It says a set of 4WD drawers or a canopy keeps gear sealed up and off the dirt, while a proper fridge/freezer keeps food secure day and night rather than sitting out and attracting rodents.
Get Your Bed Off the Ground: The company says getting your sleeping setup out of snake territory entirely is one of the simplest fixes going.
Light Up Your Campsite and Stay in Contact: The company says most encounters happen when a snake is surprised, or someone doesn’t see where they’re stepping in the dark, so a good set of camping or 4X4 driving lights makes a real difference. And, it says, for anyone heading off the beaten track, a UHF radio or satellite communicator means you’re never out of contact if something does go wrong.
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