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 in 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 savage animals that live there and all the creepy things that want to make us yell ‘nope!’ and run away faster than the speed of sound in the opposite direction.

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

From giant spiders, to humongous snakes, ferocious crocodiles, venomous 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 Meanwhile In Australia

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

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 Lizards In Australia

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 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.

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 Do You Even Lift Bro?

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

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 Spider Frost. Rural Victoria, Australia

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

#9 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.

#10 Meanwhile, In Australia

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

#12 Walked Up On The Back Of This Sign While Hiking In Australia…

#13 Why You Gotta Always “Check Your Shoes” In Australia

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

#15 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.

#16 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..”