Australian snakes are beautiful animals, but they can also be deadly.
A professional reptile expert from Precision reptiles at the 2026 Chinchilla rodeo demonstrated safe handling of some of Australia’s most dangerous snakes. It was such a fascinating display that I watched it twice.
The professional snake handler explained that the Eastern Brown, Pseudonaja textilis, is Australia’s most dangerous snake. The Inland Taipan Oxyuranus microlepidotus, may be more venomous but the Eastern Brown is much more common and much more likely to come into contact with humans, and therefore a greater danger. He also explained the importance of (a) leaving snakes alone, and (b) good first aid knowledge, i.e. having proper snake bandages with you when you’re in the bush and knowing how to use them.
It’s also very advisable to wear proper footwear and clothing when in the bush – a good pair of boots and long pants; thongs and shorts just won’t cut it.
Snakes are amazingly beautiful creatures, and sad to think that many people’s first reaction is to want to kill them. And that’s often the reason why people get bitten, because they attack the snake and put themselves right into the danger zone. If you do encounter a snake, it’s best to stay still, keep back and let the snake move away of it’s own accord.
More on safety around snakes: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/explainers/explainer-snake-safety/
All photos copyright Slowcamping.com.au – taken with Canon R10 and RF100-400mm lens.
