Important Disclaimer: If you’ve been bitten by any of the animals or insects on this list, it’s important that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Underwater
Bluebottles
Courtesy: BondiRescue
Easily identifiable with their bright blue colour, these little jellyfish often find themselves on the shore of the Gold Coast after strong onshore winds. Their tentacles can grow up to 10 metres in length and they can give off a painful sting long after they’re dead.
Symptoms:
- Stings cause severe pain and leave whip-like red welts on the skin (lasts about 45 minutes)
- Can cause more severe reactions if venom travels to lymph nodes
Blue Ringed Octopus
Courtesy: BBC Earth
Very beautiful looking creatures, but even more deadly, the Blue Ringed Octopus can be spotted (rarely) in seaside rock pools on the Gold Coast. Their venom is extremely powerful and there’s no anti-venom available. However, they won’t attack unless provoked!
Symptoms:
- Bites are often painless but can cause some breathing difficulties
- Can cause paralysis & death
Stingrays
Stingrays can be found in waterways all over the Gold Coast and tend to stick to themselves—unless provoked or trodden on. They attack with a whip of their long tails that contain a venomous spine, which can cause lacerations and even puncture the skin.
Symptoms:
- Immediate sharp pain & bleeding
- Swelling, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, muscle cramps & tremors
Sharks
Sharks are big and powerful creatures, that can be found in a variety of species around the Gold Coast. They are rarely seen, but attacks are often fatal. Bull sharks are the most common variety found on the Gold Coast and are more prevalent in canals and river estuaries.
Symptoms:
- Excessive blood loss & possible loss of life
On Land
Green Ants
These dark green metallic ants are notorious for nesting in grasses all across the Gold Coast and will often bite when disturbed. The bite itself is painless, but the venom they inject can cause a sharp burning sensation.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain lasting from 5 minutes to 2 hours
- Possible anaphylaxis if you’re allergic
Wasps & Bees
Courtesy: Discovery TV
Wasps and bees are most prevalently found in bushland environments around the Gold Coast, but can be found nesting in places around your home. They don’t normally sting unless provoked or you travel too close to their nest.
Symptoms:
- Instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site, as well as a red welt
- Possible anaphylaxis if you’re allergic
Spiders
Courtesy: wildvisuals
While most species of spiders are harmless, bites from the red back spider and funnel web spider can potentially be fatal (if left untreated). Sightings on the Gold Coast are rare and the spiders will only attacked if they feel threatened or are provoked.
Symptoms:
- Extremely painful bite that can cause tingling and numbness within 10 to 15 minutes
- Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating (perspiring), dilated pupils and uncontrollable muscle spasms
- Potentially fatal if left untreated
Snakes
Courtesy: Discovery TV
Found in both land and water, snakes are fairly common on the Gold Coast—particularly around beachy sand dunes and bushy hinterland regions. While the venom-free carpet snake and green tree snake are the most regularly spotted varieties, there are still 100s of other more venomous species that call the Gold Coast home. If you see a snake, steer clear and leave it alone.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms vary from snake to snake, but in most cases you’ll get severe pain around the bite
- Tingling, stinging, burning & nausea
- Breathing difficulties, problems swallowing & muscle weakness
- Paralysis, coma or death (in the most severe cases)
Mosquitoes & Biting Midges
Courtesy: 【谷公館】Youtube
Anyone who has spent time on the Gold Coast will know just how annoying mosquitoes and biting midges can be. They love humid and moist conditions, and can be found all over the Gold Coast, but in particular near waterways and still water (like pools).
Symptoms
- Itchy, swollen red lumps
- Mosquitoes can carry disease
If you constantly suffer from mosquito and midge bites, you can find repellent and soothing creams at your local Gold Coast chemist.
If you liked this article, then you’ll love some of our other health tips:
