Unfortunately for us, Australia isn’t entirely populated just by friendly locals, cool kangaroos, and cute koalas. The Land Down Under sometimes seems like the most dangerous country on the entire planet and should be renamed to the Land of Nope. In large part, the country owes its reputation to its ruthless natural hazards, the dangerous animals that live there and all the scary things that want to make us yell ‘nope!’ and run away faster than the speed of sound in the opposite direction.

To show you just how scary Mother Nature in Australia can be, Bored Panda created a list of all the dangers lurking in the Land Down Under. Keep scrolling, share with your friends and upvote your fave dangerous animals in Australia!

#1

Roofhanger. Suspended Grey Headed Flying Fox, A Megabat Native To Australia

Roofhanger. Suspended Grey Headed Flying Fox, A Megabat Native To Australia

Batwing is fine and dandy. He dried off and flew away as soon as it was night time. He was not sick, just wet.

Kristy Garbutt Report

From enormously big spiders, to deadly venomous snakes, ferocious crocodiles, octopuses and disgustingly overgrown earthworms, the Great Southern Land seems to have it all when it comes to nightmare fuel and creepy crawlies. We can probably all agree that some Australian animals look absolutely terrifying, but how dangerous are they really?

#2

Lizards In Australia

Lizards In Australia

markeso Report

Around 170 snake species live in the country, 100 of which are poisonous. However, that’s not even the worst part: a grand total of 21 out of the world’s 25 most venomous snakes inhabit Australia. Snakes kill an average of 2 to 4 people a year here, but the number of casualties seem small when you compare it to the 11,000 individuals that snakes annually kill in Asia.

#3

Believe It Or Not, This Is One Of The Least Dangerous Spiders We Have In Australia

Believe It Or Not, This Is One Of The Least Dangerous Spiders We Have In Australia

This is the huntsman spider, a common friend to be found in houses and garden across Australia. He's harmless really, don't let his large size intimidate you. Huntsmen won't bite humans unless provoked, are not venomous and are actually handy to have around the place, he'll use his speed and agility to keep your cockroach population under control.
Think of the huntsman as a handy pet. Respect his space, let him do his job and he'll look after you well.

PineappleDildo Report

If poisonous snakes don’t cause you to scream and panic, then what about spiders? More than 2,400 different species of arachnids call the Land Down Under their home. Among them is the deadly Sydney funnel-web spider, which can end a person’s life within 15 minutes of biting them. This spider always gets into the top lists of the world’s deadliest arachnids and doesn’t mess around: if you see one, nope right out of there!

#4

Meanwhile In Australia

Meanwhile In Australia

An olive python (Liasis olivaceus), western Australia's largest python, having a feed on an Australian freshwater crocodile (crocodylus Johnstoni).

TheWoundedKing Report

That’s not to say that every single spider you encounter abroad is going to be a threat to you. Fortunately, less than 50 Australian spider species pose a threat to people. Let’s also not forget that most spiders are our friends and help keep the native insect population down. Obviously, these tidbits of good news won’t really make Australia’s spiders any less scary to look at. Anyone with arachnophobia should probably still avoid Australia until they get over their fear of spiders, and travel elsewhere for their Summer vacation.

#5

Araucaria Pine Cone, It's Been Reported To Kill People When Falling

Araucaria Pine Cone, It's Been Reported To Kill People When Falling

Rodmunch99 Report

Jill
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and I thought everything was bigger in the States but Australia wins this one!

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Meanwhile, sharks in the country kill around 2 people each year, whereas crocodiles killed 14 people between 2005 and 2014, compared to 10 deaths during the 33 years preceding 2004. However, it’s not just animals that can harm you in Australia. The country is also known for its giant 10 kg pine cones that can fall on top of you as well as tennis ball sized hailstones that can cause serious damage if your head is unprotected. When in Australia, it’s best to either keep looking in all directions at once in search of threats or shut your eyes and wish you were somewhere safe and sound.

#6

Do You Even Lift Bro?

Do You Even Lift Bro?

Gumbyskangaroosanctuary Report

Adam
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the late Roger Roo from Alice Springs. He died earlier this year :(

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No wonder the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, beloved zookeeper and one of the bravest people in history, hails from Australia where danger lurks around almost every corner and you’re not sure which animal poses a threat.

#7

Ladies And Gentlemen, The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus)

Ladies And Gentlemen, The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus)

I'm from Darwin, Australia and our rivers here are full of these monstrosities. This guy here is nicknamed Nifty, and he is about 6m long.

robdedog89 Report

#8

Honey, There Is A Kid On Our Bug...

Honey, There Is A Kid On Our Bug...

fancyfire Report

#9

Spider Frost. Rural Victoria, Australia

Spider Frost. Rural Victoria, Australia

mad66 Report

Bob Beltcher
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's when you start hiking with a can of hair spray and a lighter.

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#10

This Is How Australians Ensure Their Electricity Meter Doesn't Get Read

This Is How Australians Ensure Their Electricity Meter Doesn't Get Read

dedokta Report

Keisha Washington
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh hell no, scratches trip to Australia off of the bucket list

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#11

Meanwhile, In Australia

Meanwhile, In Australia

Haga Report

Ale_Vidal23
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i like how the toilet has literally been broken into its pieces. this reaction is legit honestly

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#12

Toads Riding On A Python

Toads Riding On A Python

68mm just fell in the last hour at Kununurra. Flushed all the cane toads out of my brothers dam. Some of them took the easy way out - hitching a ride on the back of a 3.5m python.

MrMeMock Report

Foxxy
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cane toads are deadlier than the python believe it or not. Cane toads have very few predators due to the toxins. These cane toads were hitching a ride to escape a storm although on expert claims that the male cane toads were in fact trying to mate with the python.

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#13

Dead Whale Filled With Gas, On The Brink Of Exploding In Bunbury Yesterday

Dead Whale Filled With Gas, On The Brink Of Exploding In Bunbury Yesterday

Mark Watkins Report

Foxxy
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldnt want to be near that when it explodes, the stench would be awful.

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#14

This Giant, Hot Pink Slug Is Only Found In A Single, Isolated Forest On An Extinct Volcano In Australia

This Giant, Hot Pink Slug Is Only Found In A Single, Isolated Forest On An Extinct Volcano In Australia

Don_Bonnigan Report

Marc
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happens if you lick it? Asking for a friend!

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#15

You Know You're In Australia When Frogs Eat Snakes

You Know You're In Australia When Frogs Eat Snakes

DrunkAzSkunk Report

#16

Meanwhile In Australia

Meanwhile In Australia

Report

Magic567
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this happens at least twice a week in my local store!

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#17

March Of The Hairy Caterpillars

March Of The Hairy Caterpillars

RedViper27 Report

#18

A Massive Earthworm Found In Queensland, Australia

A Massive Earthworm Found In Queensland, Australia

gDisasters Report

#19

Filling Up Your Fuel Tank In Australia? Yep That'll Try And Kill You Too

Filling Up Your Fuel Tank In Australia? Yep That'll Try And Kill You Too

Lugozi Report

Oathbraker
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello good sir. Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior Lucifer Morningstar?

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#20

Mother And Girlfriend Found This On The Beach Today

Mother And Girlfriend Found This On The Beach Today

This was found in Broome, Western Australia and looks like an anemone. More specifically, Dofleinia armata, the armed anemone. Also called the striped anemone. It is considered extremely dangerous as it can inflict painful stings that take months to heal.

Horrorwolfe Report

#21

Walked Up On The Back Of This Sign While Hiking In Australia...

Walked Up On The Back Of This Sign While Hiking In Australia...

imgur.com Report

Lu
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tigers AND snakes breeding together... this is truly frightening lol.

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See Also on Bored Panda
#22

Typical Road-Side Ditch In Australia

Typical Road-Side Ditch In Australia

HocusPenis Report

#23

Why You Gotta Always "Check Your Shoes" In Australia

Why You Gotta Always "Check Your Shoes" In Australia

Gar1986 Report

#24

Aussie Mom Finds World's Second Most Poisonous Snake Hiding In Her Kid's Lunch Box

Aussie Mom Finds World's Second Most Poisonous Snake Hiding In Her Kid's Lunch Box

Snake Catchers Adelaide Report

Sian Edwards
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Venomous. Something is poisonous if YOU eat it and become ill. Something is venomous if IT bites or stings you. Spiders and snakes can be venomous, fungi can be poisonous.

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#25

Australia. Where Even The Hail Can Kill You

Australia. Where Even The Hail Can Kill You

CCPearson Report

Sasy
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1999 it smashed through the roof of second storey houses and through the floor to the first floor, it was a scary day.

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#26

In Australia Everything Is Trying To Kill You. Even Your Ceiling Lamp

In Australia Everything Is Trying To Kill You. Even Your Ceiling Lamp

CeterumCenseo85 Report

SirPatTheCat
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How rude! I bet he invited himself over too! Couldn't use the front door, noooo....

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#27

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

Meanwhile In Australia Report

Foxxy
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst a lot of these snakes are scary, most shown in these images are of pythons which are generally harmless. Yes they can constrict and kill a person if they really wanted to but it is very rare for that to happen.

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#28

Blue-Ringed Octopus (Highly Venomous) On Hand

Blue-Ringed Octopus (Highly Venomous) On Hand

estacado Report

#29

Welcome To Australia Where Insects Are The Size Of A Small Mammal

Welcome To Australia Where Insects Are The Size Of A Small Mammal

imgur.com Report

Foxxy
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks to be a Goliath stick insect and are harmless. They apparently make good pets too.

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#30

So My Friend Found This On Her Back Door. Only In Australia Right?

So My Friend Found This On Her Back Door. Only In Australia Right?

OrionoftheGlade Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#32

Damn Nature You Scary

Damn Nature You Scary

Picture of a termite mound in the northern territory of Australia, termites build the tallest structures out of any of the creatures on Earth. Humans would have to build something 10km (6.2 miles for those not on the metric system) tall to equal the scale of size of person to building. Termite mounds are also stronger than cement.

smally1986 Report

#33

I’m Not Going Into The Kitchen Today! Ask Him To Make You Something

I’m Not Going Into The Kitchen Today! Ask Him To Make You Something

chicknorris63 Report

Foxxy
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just gently tap it with a broom handle and it will go elsewhere.

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#34

A Friend Of Mine Left For A Holiday In Australia Some Weeks Ago. I Asked Him How Things Were. He Send Me This Picture With The Reply "The Things I've Seen.."

A Friend Of Mine Left For A Holiday In Australia Some Weeks Ago. I Asked Him How Things Were. He Send Me This Picture With The Reply "The Things I've Seen.."

Wolf_SF Report

#35

Welcome To Australia, Where Frogs Eat Snakes

Welcome To Australia, Where Frogs Eat Snakes

WhyteCrayon Report

#36

The Net Casting Spider (Ogre Faced Spider) Hang Upside Down With A Net Made Of Their Silk Waiting For Their Prey To Walk Underneath Them

The Net Casting Spider (Ogre Faced Spider) Hang Upside Down With A Net Made Of Their Silk Waiting For Their Prey To Walk Underneath Them

bensamuel86 Report

Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These guys look scary, but *won't* kill you. That net of theirs is reserved for bugs

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#37

The Flies Are Much Worse Than The Spiders In Australia

The Flies Are Much Worse Than The Spiders In Australia

kearvelli Report

#38

A Pic A Mate Took Last Night. Awesome Spidley. South East Queensland, Australia

A Pic A Mate Took Last Night. Awesome Spidley. South East Queensland, Australia

RobStanley Report

Foxxy
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The perspective is fake they only grow to approx 5cms. This is a golden orb spider and whilst scary the venom isn’t strong enough to effect a human.

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#39

Every Winter Black Portuguese Millipedes Invade The South Of Western Australia

Every Winter Black Portuguese Millipedes Invade The South Of Western Australia

384756 Report

#40

Felt A Tickle On My Leg, Australia

Felt A Tickle On My Leg, Australia

jaquinPeonix Report

Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.