Is Melbourne safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Australia

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Australia Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions as of 2025-05-30, and this is a country-level advisory rather than one specific to Melbourne.
• UK FCDO guidance describes a high global terrorism threat affecting British nationals and notes a December 2025 antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney that killed 15 people, alongside an April 2024 incident at a church in Wakeley, Sydney; travelers are advised to stay alert and follow local authority guidance.
• Petty crime precautions recommended include not leaving bags or luggage unattended, keeping valuables and passports in a hotel safe, and being particularly careful at night in busy tourist areas.
• The guidance also warns about scams targeting visitors, including dating and romance scams and fake service or repair offers, with a government site available to check or report them.
• Rip currents are flagged as the main swimming hazard at any beach, capable of sweeping out even strong swimmers, and diving into shallow water has caused injuries to British nationals.
• Australia is noted as home to dangerous wildlife including crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, and venomous insects, spiders, and snakes, so care is advised outside urban areas.
• General solo-travel precautions apply, such as staying aware of surroundings, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and keeping copies of important documents separate from the originals.