Australian destinations frequently feature in international lists of most desirable travel spots — but is it a safe place for visitors?

It is the one country the Department of Foreign Affairs does not issue travel advice for but according to travel advice foreign governments issue to its citizenry, a trip to Australia is certainly not without risk.

Read some of the general security and travel tips other countries have issued for Australia.

Venomous platypus and blood poisoning from kangaroos

As you may expect Australia's myriad deadly snakes, spiders, insects and sea creatures rate a mention in most foreign travel advisories, but there are also a few dangerous animals you may not have considered.

The US State Department soberly warns "the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses", while Russia's Foreign Ministry simply advises:

"Australian fauna are extremely aggressive towards humans."

After the typical warnings about "sharks, rays, sea urchins... [and] many varieties of poisonous jellyfish", Moscow also warns about the venomous gland on the hind spur of the elusive male platypus.

Leaving nothing to chance, Russian visitors are also told that kangaroos have "very sharp claws" that can cause nasty wounds that "can lead to blood poisoning".

Meanwhile, the advisory from China's Consular Affairs agency singles out sharks, crocodiles, redback and funnel-web spiders as particular threats and, helpfully, comes complete with a "click here to learn more about Australia's 30 most dangerous animals" option.

Terror alerts and nights out

Sydney's Lindt cafe siege is referenced in relation to Australia's terror risk ( AAP: Dan Himbrechts )

Most countries warn potential visitors that the terror alert level has been raised to "probable" on the back of counter-terrorism raids, the Lindt cafe siege in 2014 and Australia's involvement in conflicts in the Middle East.

However, most of the security focus tends to be on personal safety and the threat of robbery and assault.

With this in mind, China warns its citizens to minimise their time out at night and tells women "not to go out alone at night".

Comprehensive advice from the Russian officials is not all bad and outlines the Neighbourhood Watch program, which it says is a "method of combating crime that stretches since colonial times, when free settlers on their own had to protect themselves and their property".

Bar brawls and spiked drinks

Australia's boozy culture also attracts a warning in many dispatches from foreign governments.

The US says Americans should "be careful when consuming alcohol with unfamiliar people, as drink spiking can occur".

Washington also warns that care should be taken visiting entertainment areas in major Australian cities because "bar brawls" and assaults "sometimes" occur at night and in the early hours.

Ireland's Foreign Affair's Department makes a similar warning, advising "sensible precautions" in precincts in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Meanwhile, the UK's Foreign Office is more specific, singling out "busy tourist areas of Sydney like Kings Cross, downtown George Street, Hyde Park and Centennial Park" as well as Alice Springs, where it says harassment, robberies and the physical and sexual assault of tourists have been reported.

Hitting the road, heading to the outback

Most countries give travellers to Australia a heads up that we drive on the opposite side of the road to what they are accustomed and they should look in "all directions" before crossing the road.

However, there is also plenty of advice about travelling to parts where the lack of traffic is of more concern — the outback.

Germany warns travellers to Australia to tell family and friends where they plan to go in advance because phone service in remote areas is unreliable.

As the Irish are advised, mobile phone coverage is "often not available in remote areas" and as such paper maps — not internet-based ones — should be relied upon.

Italy's Foreign Affairs Department gives visitors an ominous warning about outback travel, telling them that 100,000 square kilometres of remote South Australia was the site of nuclear testing in the 1950s and it is "necessary to remain only on the road Adelaide-Alice Springs".

Rome also informs visitors that Aboriginal communities are accessible only with "special permission".

Rough water and sharks

The threat posed by Australian waves — and what could potentially lurk beneath them — are also key warnings issued by many countries.

Aside from the threat of sharks and crocodiles, many countries tell their citizens to swim only at beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers and between the red-and-yellow flags.

Although Irish travellers could be forgiven for sticking to swimming pools, with this advice:

"As well as rip currents, some areas may present risk of stings or bites from local marine life, up to and including shark attacks."

Too much sunshine, bushfires and little water

Cyclones, storms and flash flooding are only some of the wild weather visitors to Australia's shores are told to be prepared for.

Russians are advised to avoid sunburn by packing sunscreen and light clothing that can protect their skin from the dangers of harsh sunlight and that "at any time, it is recommended to wear sunglasses".

Germany's Foreign Ministry gives those heading to Australia forewarning that they may encounter drought-induced water restrictions on their trip and issue a polite request that they use water "responsibly".

Dublin warns its citizens to be alert to the potential of bushfires and (notwithstanding the poor mobile phone coverage) download the Fires Near Me phone app, which is NSW only.

And if all that is not alarming enough, Canada warns its citizens that "Australia is located in a seismic zone".

Mosquitoes and unfamiliar blossoms

Many countries warn about health risks many Australians would not even think about.

Russian and Irish officials list mosquito-borne viruses, including Ross River fever and Japanese and Murray Valley encephalitis, which are mainly present in remote, tropical parts of the country.

While Germany advises its citizens to ensure they have had a host of vaccinations, most importantly, hepatitis A and B.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tells people to take precautions in case Australian blossoms contain pollens their sinuses are not used to and they experience an allergic reaction and hay fever.

Japan also warns that Australia can experience dramatic temperature changes in the spring and winter months, so "you must be careful so easy to catch a cold".