COVID-19
The South Australian Tourism Commission continues to monitor the respiratory illness outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, known as COVID-19, and the impacts this has on our state’s tourism industry.
The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation on 11 March 2020.
The situation continues to evolve – for the latest advice and information regarding COVID-19 and travel restrictions, please refer to the resources and links available here on our corporate site. Alternatively, health and travel updates can be found directly on SmartTraveller.gov.au, World Health Organisation (WHO), SA Health and Australian Government Department of Health.
Australia's public health care system is called Medicare. Eligibility for benefits is generally restricted to residents of Australia. While Australia does have reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries, it is best to check before you leave home and to always have appropriate travel insurance. For hospitals near you visit the My Hospitals website.
VACCINATIONS
The latest South Australian government COVID-19 road map requires all interstate and overseas arrivals to South Australia to be fully vaccinated when we open our borders on November 23, 2021. For more information on the entry requirements to South Australia, please visit the official South Australian government COVID-19 website.
For information on how to get vaccinated in your state or territory, please follow the relevant link below:
- Victoria: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
- New South Whales: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/vaccine/Pages/default.aspx
- Australian Capital Territory: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/vaccine
- Queensland: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccine/rollout
- Tasmania: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination
- Northern Territory: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/booking-your-covid-19-vaccine
- Western Australia: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/COVID19vaccine
If you are from a yellow fever infected country or zone or have visited one within six days before entering Australia, you will need to be vaccinated. On arrival, customs officials may ask for your international vaccination certificate. For more information, please refer to the Australian Imunisation Handbook.
BUSHFIRE INFORMATION
A bushfire danger period exists between November and April each year in South Australia. This can be extended, depending on the weather conditions.
During fire danger periods, there are fire restrictions that apply. These include total fire ban days. For up to date details about fire bans and fire safety information, visit the Country Fire Service website or telephone 1300 362 361.
BEACH SAFETY
For your safety, surf lifesavers patrol many beaches throughout Adelaide and South Australia. If you go to the beach, only swim between the red and yellow Surf Life Saving flags.
Be safe and have fun at the beach by remembering the acronym FLAGS:
- Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them
- look at, understand and obey the safety signs
- Get a friend to swim with you tick your hand up
- Stick your hand up and stay calm, and call for help if you get into trouble
Additionally you should follow these behaviours to remain safe:
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Only swim according to your experience and never underestimate the risks of swimming at the beach
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Conserve energy by floating on your back and staying calm if you’re in trouble
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Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Always check the depth of the water
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Never run or dive into the water. Even if you have checked the depth, water conditions can change
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Keep out of dunes and fenced areas Only swim at beaches with patrolling lifesavers or lifeguards
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Swim between the red and yellow flags - this is the area that surf lifesavers are watching and can respond to quicker than other areas
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If there are NO FLAGS, DO NOT SWIM
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Look for the patrol shelters. This is where surf lifesavers will be set up and patrolling the beach from
All South Australian surf lifesavers wear a distinctive red and yellow uniform, making them even easier to spot. For more information visit the Health Direct website.
RESPONSIBLE DRIVING
Please respect the environment and lands that you are driving on. Only drive on designated paths and on beaches where it is clearly signed and legally allowed, for the safety of both people and our wildlife. For more information on South Australian road laws please consult the Department of Infrastructure and Transport safety tips and information sheet.
- Australian road rules apply on beaches. Vehicles must be roadworthy and registered. You must wear a seat belt, drive at the appropriate speed and don’t drink and drive. Remember to give way and respect other beach users. During summer, there can be many other vehicles on beaches, so slow down and be alert.
- Don’t trespass. Many beach drives actually traverse private land and the owners kindly allow four-wheel drivers to drive across it. The same applies in many dunes above the high tide mark, where birds such as the hooded plover nest and make their home. Stick to the defined tracks and tread lightly.
BE SUN SMART
In South Australia, our summers (December - February) are hot. It often soars above 35°C. Make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses, adequate clothing and sunscreen of at least SPF 30+. Drink plenty of water and seek shade in the extreme heat of the day between 11am and 3pm.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
If you are elderly, disabled, recovering from illness or surgery or travelling with children, you can receive travel assistance through Medical Travel Companions.
Assistance is offered in the form of travel nannies; nurses or paramedics who will accompany passengers on their flights to ensure a stress-free journey. If you’re looking for accessible travel options to turn your trip into an adventure without worrying if you’ll be able to access suitable facilities, The Good Scout Travel Company is a platform for helping you plan your next accessible adventure. You'll find accommodation options, experiences and tailored destination information to suit your access needs.
