Using our Wetlands Safely

This page contains a brief guide to accessing and enjoying Queensland’s wetlands, safely. When undertaking work, volunteering, or visting wetlands, safety instructions should be followed. General information on field trip planning, roles and responsibilities, and risk assessment templates can be obtained from the Queensland Government, Queensland Water & Land Carers (QWaLC), Birdlife Australia, Bioblitz and Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Physical Safety

Wetlands are found all across Queensland – from vast inland lakes to coastal mangrove forests and rivers. Conditions often present challenges for safe access and activities within these wetlands. It is important to consider your own capabilities and environmental risks before visiting or working in any wetland. Prior to your visit, you should check to determine the type of wetland and what to expect in terms of the water regime, flora and fauna and in turn identify specific hazards such as wildlife or stock, fast moving water, bogging and falls.

There are many generic hazards to consider such as sun exposure, dehydration, and the presence of insects and snakes. Also consider information on whether pathways are accessible, if they are suited to your fitness level, if there are stairs or where the closest car park is. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always recommended when accessing wetlands. Typically, this would include at a minimum, a long-sleeve shirt, full-length trousers, closed-in footwear and a broad-brimmed hat. Clothing of this nature protects you from sun exposure, insects, scratching/stinging plants and uneven ground. You should always carry water and a phone or personal locator beacon if out of phone range. If accessing a wetland alone, it is recommended to tell someone of the planned activities, location and time you will return. For extended trips, consider setting up a check-in procedure with someone who is able to provide assistance if something were to happen.

The dynamic nature of wetlands should be taken into consideration when visiting. The condition of a waterway can change rapidly over time (e.g. flash flooding). Wearing a life jacket while wading through water is recommended. For more information, see SEQ Water – Working in or near water. Prior to accessing a wetland check local forecasts via the Bureau of Meteorology and fire activity via the Queensland Fire Department or North Australia Fire Information. Where wetlands are contained within national parks, relevant information can be found on park-specific pages, detailing closures, risks, hazards and any major changes relating to access, as well as a variety of safety tips (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service).

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna within wetlands can sometimes be a threat to human health and wellbeing. However, risks can be significantly reduced through some simple safety precautions. You should be mindful of the following species and risks when accessing wetlands and take the following control measures to minimise the risk:

• Stinging tree / gympie-gympie – found in disturbed areas of rainforest-type vegetation. Causes irritation and stinging to the skin, but also the eyes, nose and mouth following contact with the leaves. To minimise risk become familiar with what they look like and avoid contact, wear long-sleeves, pants and enclosed shoes.
• Crocodiles – both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles can be found throughout wetlands in the northern reaches of Queensland. Saltwater crocodiles pose the greatest risk to our wellbeing – between 1985 and 2024, a total of 15 fatal and 33 non-fatal attacks on people by saltwater crocodiles were recorded in Queensland. When accessing wetlands between the Boyne River (south of Gladstone) and Cape York, review the Crocwise guidelines and recommendations.
• Snakes – wetlands contain a vast array of prey species attracting snakes for hunting and feeding. When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people. Consider taking a snakebite first aid kit when visiting wetlands.
• Marine bites and stings – a wide range of fauna inhabits intertidal and subtidal wetlands with bites and stings that are venomous to humans. Some species are only found in distinct areas of Queensland, for example, box jellyfish are found from Mackay, north to Cape York, whereas the blue-ringed octopus is found between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Don’t touch unknown animals, wear protective clothing or reef shoes. Management and treatment for each bite or sting from marine fauna is different – consult the Surf Life Savers for further information.
• Mosquitos – a common nuisance to wetland users, mosquitos can often carry diseases harmful to human health, such as Dengue, Ross River virus and Japanese encephalitis. Precautions such as PPE, insect repellent and mosquito nets are recommended when accessing wetlands. For current distributions of mosquito-borne diseases, please see the Queensland Health website.
• Ticks and other biting/stinging insects – Wetlands PPE is recommended to protect against ticks and biting insects, and remember to check yourself for ticks once returning home.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity needs to be a priority when accessing wetlands, to keep humans and wetlands safe from pests and diseases. To minimise the chance of spreading pests and pathogens, follow the Come Clean, Go Clean guidelines from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Footwear and clothing can introduce seeds, spores, bacteria or insects to wetlands unknowingly, and soil, sediment and fauna can contain harmful bacteria or viruses. Be mindful of the following biosecurity risks when accessing wetlands:

• Melioidosis – a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria found in soil, melioidosis is commonly associated heavy rainfall and flooding in the wet season. Transmission is typically through cuts and nicks of the skin coming into contact with the bacteria or ingesting contaminated water. However, more recently, several infections have been caused by inhalation during high-rainfall periods. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing as a sign of a lung infection ('pneumonia'). Untreated, melioidosis can be life-threatening. Some preventative measures include wearing waterproof footwear, using masks, practicing good wound hygiene and avoiding contact with soil or muddy water, particularly after heavy rainfall. For more information, see the Queensland Health melioidosis page.
• Avian influenza – although avian influenza, or bird flu, has been recorded in domestic poultry in Queensland since 1976, different strains of the virus present varying levels of risks to native fauna and people. The highly contagious H5N1 strain has been found in poultry throughout Asia, Africa and Europe since 2003. To become familiar with symptoms birds typically exhibit, see the Industry Queensland page. If you notice a bird showing any of these symptoms, contact the Department of Primary Industries immediately, via this link, or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
• Bats and human health – as a key pollinator species, bats are commonly found in wetlands, feeding on the variety of flora and roosting during the day. Australian bat lyssavirus, Hendra virus, histoplasmosis, leptospirosis and salmonella are all carried by bats and flying foxes and are harmful to human health. For details of the symptoms associated with each of these diseases, see the Queensland Health Website. Unless trained and vaccinated, do not handle bats, even if they appear sick or injured. Contact the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL), Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (1300 130 372) or a local wildlife care group/rescuer/carer.

Disclaimer: The above text is designed to provide general information and recommendations only. The Department of Environment Tourism, Science and Innovation cannot be held liable for any harm caused to a person by accessing a wetland.

Additional information

References

1. ^ Welton, RE, Liew, D & Braitberg, G (June 2017), 'Incidence of fatal snake bite in Australia: A coronial based retrospective study (2000–2016)', Toxicon. [online], vol. 131, pp. 11-15. Available at: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010117300958 [Accessed 23 December 2025].

Last updated: 31 January 2026