Is It Safe to See Snakes and Spiders in Australia?

"Who's your money on? The Sydney funnel web spider or the red-bellied black snake?"

Australia’s got a reputation: every animal here is out to kill you. Mention snakes and spiders to anyone overseas and you’ll get the same wide-eyed look, like we’re all wrestling pythons on the way to work. Truth is? Yes, Australia has some of the world’s deadliest creatures… but no, you’re not likely to end up in a showdown.

In fact, you’re more likely to be injured by falling off a ladder than by a snake or spider. So relax — it’s safe to see them, especially with a tour guide (me) who knows where (and where not) to step.

Short version? Don’t fear the wildlife. Fear the hotel minibar bill instead.

Why Aussies Don’t Panic About Snakes and Spiders

We grow up with them. Redback under the barbecue, carpet python in the shed, it’s part of the scenery. Most are harmless, and the dangerous ones aren’t out looking for a fight. They’d rather avoid you.

Snakes:

• There are about 170 species in Australia. Only around 15 are dangerous.

• If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.

  
  

Spiders:

• Funnel-webs and redbacks get all the headlines, but bites are extremely rare.

• Anti-venom exists, and fatalities are virtually non-existent.

  
  

So, no, we don’t walk around in chain mail. We just know the bush, respect the wildlife, and get on with it.

Is It Really Safe to See Snakes and Spiders in Australia?

Yes, it’s safe to see snakes and spiders in Australia when you’re with the right guide or in a controlled environment. On my Nature & Wildlife: Australia in One Day – Private Tour, the focus is koalas, kangaroos, wombats and cockatoos. But if you want snakes and spiders, we can include the Australian Reptile Park where:

• Spiders are milked for venom (turned into life-saving anti-venom).

• Snake encounters range from pythons to taipans, handled safely by experts.

• It’s family-friendly too, with wombats and roos for balance.

That way you get the thrill, minus the risk.

Myth vs. Reality: Snakes & Spiders in Australia

Myth: Step outside and you’ll be swarmed.

Reality: You’ll see more kangaroos than snakes in a day, guaranteed.

Myth: Spiders lurk under every toilet seat.

Reality: Funnel-webs aren’t hitchhiking in your bathroom. Toilets are safe — the only danger is forgetting to put the seat down.

Myth: Australians wrestle snakes daily.

Reality: We just give them space, same as you’d avoid a cranky neighbour.

FAQ

Are snakes and spiders dangerous in Sydney?

They exist, but encounters are very rare — especially in the city. Bush areas may have them, but they avoid people.

Can I safely see snakes and spiders on a tour?

Yes. If requested, I can include the Australian Reptile Park in your tour, where you’ll see controlled demonstrations and venom-milking.

Do people in Australia die from snake and spider bites?

No, thanks to anti-venom, fatalities are virtually unheard of.

What should I do if I see a snake in the wild?

Stand still, give it space, and let it slither off. That’s it.

The Wild Side, Without the Worry

So yes, snakes and spiders are part of Australia. But are they out to get you? Absolutely not. You’ll see them safely (if you want to) and walk away with stories, not scars.

👉 Plan Your Wildlife Adventure Today — koalas and kangaroos by default, snakes and spiders by request.