But with all of these apparent dangers for us kids to look out for there are several other things that can happen in the Outback that although some may not exactly be life threatening, can cause serious mental and physical damage on a small child (or be unintentionally hilarious). Or anyone for that matter, it is Australia for Gods sake. So here is a list of 5 occurrences that I personally experienced when I was a young padawan out in the bush that highlights some dangers that you may not necessarily consider outside of the floods, droughts, snakes, spiders and crocodiles that we all know about. Ones which I don't want to have to go through again for as long as I live. Not exactly a great tourism advert, but is essential if you have any plans to retire out here some day. To live out your Road Warrior fantasies in full.
Honorary Mention: Attack of the Magpie
Doesn't make the list simply because it happens both in the country and in the city. Nothing wants to take a chunk out of your ear more so than an angry Aussie magpie in breeding season (Aug-Nov). They can actually be so vicious in their attacks that the people once named a Rugby League team after them (to which I am closely "related" to, wink wink). For you Americans, this is what used to be a real man's sport....I said USED to be, but not anymore. Now just another corporate conglomerate full of overpaid whiny little douchebags....thank you David Gallop. But that may be a topic for another time. Ironic that I now follow Gridiron (go Bears) come to think of it.