Health & Safety in Newcastle

Newcastle, the city lying on the southern bank of the Hunter River, within the Hunter Valley region is the second oldest and the sixth largest city in Australia. It is the significant port city which is the largest exporter of coal in the world. Apart from its commercial significance, the city is renowned for its picturesque beauty, stunning beaches like Lake Macquarie and St Stephens, Hunter Vineyards, historical military barracks and edifices and vibrant culture. The city is also home to a famous university, Victorian Villas or mansions, great shopping and dining destinations. Altogether this place draws hordes of tourists every year. To make your tour to Newcastle, Australia more memorable and hurdle-free, you can refer to the following health and safety guidelines-

Health Insurance- Healthcare and Medical care in Australia is quite expensive and hence it is recommended that all tourists or visitors to Newcastle should take some form of health insurance cover, including ambulance. Though Australia ensures reciprocal health care agreements with the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, Malta, Ireland and New Zealand, the agreements don't cover all kinds of health services and there are also time restrictions. Therefore tourists from these countries should take some form of health insurance cover.

The tourists in Newcastle, Australia traveling on student visas are required to be insured with the Overseas Student Health Cover under Medibank Private.

Temporary residents and visitors to Australia normally cannot access the national public health care system of Australia.

Medicinal products- Medicinal products brought into the city of Newcastle, Australia are subject to stringent laws and strict control. If you carry them, then immediately declare on arrival by using the red channel exits from baggage halls. Some medicinal products may also need quarantine clearance.
Medicines with components of human or animal origin, and traditional medicines which contain, or represent to contain, protected wildlife species, have special import requirements or restrictions. Only sporting team or sportspersons can bring a little amount of medication with them; however that is also subject to particular restrictions. The medicines should be kept in the containers in which they were supplied.

Import permit may be needed for products containing banned substances such as amphetamines, anabolic and androgenic steroids, barbiturates, erythropoietin (EPO) narcotics, hallucinogens, growth hormones and tranquillizers. Visitors required to bring prohibited substances must check about the requirements of import permit and should also bring a letter from their doctor.

Safety on the Road
- Ensure driving at a safe speed.
- Do not drive when tired or after drinking or doping and ensure that you are not affected by driver fatigue.
- Dial 000 to make contact he Police or Ambulance

Safety at the Beach
Newcastle has around fifty beaches and some of them are the best in Australia. Please ensure the following safety measures while you indulge in beach activities-

- Read and obey the signs and swim between the red and yellow flags, they are the safest areas.
- Always swim or surf at a beach where lifesavers are available.
- Don't swim immediately after a meal.
- Don't swim after drinking or doping.
- Don't run and dive in the water.
- Float with undertow or a rip current or undertow and avoid swimming against it.
- Signal for help, float and wait for assistance if you get into any trouble in the water.

Some more safety tips to ensure that your trip is enjoyable:

- Take care while using automated teller machines (ATM's) and also secure your cash quickly
- Avoid dark public spaces while alone
- Avoid hitchhiking
- Keep valuable things out of sight
- Drink Alcohol in moderation

Hotels in New Castle
Hotel Comfort Inn Lake Macquarie	Hotel Ibis
Hotel Comfort Inn Hospitality	Hotel Capri Plaza
Hotel Best Western Warners at the Bay	Hotel Executive Inn