Philips ConnorThose thinking of moving to Australia for the purposes of business or investment will want to know the places to avoid; the most dangerous places in Australia.
Despite being economically sound, Australia suffers from its own share of crimes like petty theft, car theft, property crimes, and robberies – especially in certain areas with high levels of unemployment and drug use.
In some places the danger is in the terrain, rather than the people who live in it. Here are some of the places to avoid.
Most Dangerous Places In Australia
1. Alice Springs (NT)
Alice Springs suffers from extremely high rates of violent assaults, domestic violence, and alcohol-fueled crime. Youth crime and gang activity are prevalent, especially at night. Despite its remote location, it has one of the highest per capita crime rates in the country.
2. Tennant Creek (NT)
Tennant Creek is plagued by some of the highest homicide and assault rates in Australia. Alcohol abuse and poverty drive frequent domestic and public violence. Limited law enforcement presence and community unrest contribute to a dangerous atmosphere, particularly in residential and public housing areas.
3. Katherine (NT)
Katherine experiences disproportionately high levels of violent crime, especially assaults and alcohol-related offenses. Frequent fights, vandalism, and thefts affect both residents and tourists. The town also struggles with limited police resources and strained social services, making crime difficult to manage.
4. Rockhampton (QLD)
Rockhampton sees high rates of assaults, break-ins, and drug-related crime. Youth gangs and property crime are common, and public areas like shopping precincts often feel unsafe. Local police frequently deal with domestic violence and public disturbances, especially in lower-income neighborhoods.
5. Townsville (QLD)
Townsville is one of the most dangerous places in Australia; notorious for youth gang activity, car theft, and assaults. Property crime rates are exceptionally high, and many residents express fear over random violence. Nighttime safety is a concern, especially in outer suburbs and around shopping centers and public transport hubs.
6. Cairns (QLD)
Cairns, while a major tourist destination, contends with high levels of assault, drug offenses, and theft. Alcohol-fueled violence in nightlife districts and homelessness contribute to the problem. The city has also seen an uptick in youth crime and street-level robberies in recent years.
7. Darwin (NT)
Darwin has one of the highest assault rates in the country, with alcohol and drug abuse driving frequent violence. The city faces challenges with homelessness, break-ins, and domestic abuse. Certain suburbs are especially notorious for late-night violence and anti-social behavior.
8. Newcastle (NSW)
Newcastle experiences significant crime in areas like assault, domestic violence, and sexual offenses. Certain neighborhoods deal with drug problems and occasional gang activity. While some areas are improving, violent crime remains a concern, especially in the nightlife district and public housing zones.
9. Wollongong (NSW)
Wollongong has elevated rates of domestic violence, drug offenses, and property crime. The area sees a fair share of youth-related offenses and public disturbances. Suburbs like Warrawong and Cringila report higher-than-average incidents, and local police struggle to manage the growing crime rate.
10. Geelong (VIC)
Geelong is marked by significant property crime, assaults, and anti-social behavior. Drug trafficking and theft are common in certain neighborhoods. Public housing areas often experience higher rates of violence. Despite revitalization efforts, parts of the city remain unsafe, especially after dark.
11. Perth (WA)
While overall safer than some cities, Perth struggles with rising youth gang violence and robberies, especially in suburbs like Armadale and Mirrabooka. Drug-related crime, car thefts, and assaults are frequent in certain areas. Nighttime incidents in the CBD and entertainment zones also raise safety concerns.
12. Brisbane (QLD)
Brisbane has pockets of elevated crime, particularly in Fortitude Valley and Inala. Drug activity, assaults, and muggings are common, especially near nightlife areas. Car theft and home burglaries are also prevalent in outer suburbs. Police efforts continue, but crime remains a significant issue in select neighborhoods.
13. Melbourne (VIC)
Melbourne sees consistent crime in certain areas like Dandenong and Footscray, including stabbings, gang clashes, and drug offenses. The nightlife districts also experience violence and sexual assaults. While generally safe in many parts, the city’s western and northern suburbs report higher levels of public safety concerns.
14. Adelaide (SA)
Adelaide’s northern suburbs, such as Elizabeth and Salisbury, face high levels of assaults, domestic violence, and vandalism. Drug trafficking and gang disputes contribute to the danger. Though quieter than other capitals, specific neighborhoods regularly report above-average crime and public disorder issues, particularly at night.
15. Canberra (ACT)
Despite its polished image, Canberra deals with burglary, car theft, and increasing assaults. Suburbs like Civic and Belconnen report high crime rates. Alcohol-fueled violence and property crime remain concerns, especially around public housing complexes and nightlife areas in the city’s center.
16. Miller (NSW)
Miller ranks among Sydney’s most dangerous suburbs, with high rates of violent assaults and thefts. Public housing density and limited youth programs contribute to frequent crimes. Residents often report feeling unsafe, especially after dark. Police continue to target known offenders in the area.
17. Mount Druitt (NSW)
Mount Druitt experiences gang violence, drug activity, and carjackings. It has one of the highest crime rates in Western Sydney. Incidents involving weapons and youth delinquency are frequent. Community efforts exist, but social disadvantage and poor infrastructure fuel ongoing law and order challenges.
18. Bankstown (NSW)
Bankstown faces issues with theft, drug trafficking, and drive-by shootings. Gang activity and organized crime have plagued the area for years. Police maintain a strong presence, but residents still report feeling unsafe, particularly near transport hubs and commercial zones where criminal activity is concentrated.
19. Blacktown (NSW)
Blacktown records high levels of assaults, car thefts, and burglaries. Youth gangs and domestic violence are significant concerns. Law enforcement regularly responds to altercations and drug-related offenses. While undergoing redevelopment, parts of the suburb still contend with persistent crime and social unrest.
20. Liverpool (NSW)
Liverpool deals with violent assaults, theft, and drug-related crimes. Certain precincts experience regular police callouts due to stabbings or gang disputes. Public housing estates and nightlife venues contribute to the suburb’s crime profile. Police patrols have increased, but crime remains a serious issue.
21. Auburn (NSW)
Auburn faces rising violent crime, particularly assaults, drug activity, and gang-related shootings. Car theft is also rampant. A high-density population and socio-economic challenges fuel criminal behavior. Several publicized incidents, including drive-by shootings, have heightened safety concerns, especially in residential areas and near public transport stations.
22. Penrith (NSW)
Penrith sees frequent domestic violence incidents, assaults, and theft. The suburb’s nightlife, combined with youth-related issues, contributes to rising crime. Police deal with regular public disturbances and vandalism. Some pockets of Penrith are particularly unsafe after dark, especially near entertainment venues and transport terminals.
23. Parramatta (NSW)
Parramatta, a major business hub, has high rates of violent assaults, robberies, and sexual offenses. Nightlife areas see frequent alcohol-fueled incidents. Property crime and drug offenses also occur in surrounding residential zones. Despite heavy policing, safety concerns persist in certain locations, especially late at night.
24. Sydney CBD (NSW)
Sydney’s central business district deals with muggings, assaults, and vandalism, particularly in nightlife areas like Kings Cross and Oxford Street. Homelessness and drug use are visible concerns. Although generally safe during the day, crime spikes at night, making parts of the CBD less secure for pedestrians.
25. Surry Hills (NSW)
Surry Hills has a high crime rate for a central suburb, including drug offenses, assaults, and thefts. Nightlife venues and homeless populations contribute to public safety concerns. Incidents often occur in alleys, parks, and transport hubs, leading to heightened police presence and community patrols.
26. Redfern (NSW)
Redfern, once infamous for riots, still experiences high rates of assault, drug dealing, and break-ins. Gentrification has helped, but public housing areas remain hotspots for crime. Tensions between police and some residents persist, and violent incidents still make headlines periodically.
27. Glebe (NSW)
Glebe, despite its gentrified pockets, struggles with vandalism, drug activity, and break-ins. Theft from homes and cars is common, and some public housing zones remain dangerous. Nighttime safety can be an issue, especially along poorly lit streets and parks frequented by drug users.
28. Kings Cross (NSW)
Kings Cross is known for nightlife but also notorious for assaults, muggings, and drug-related crimes. Though crime has declined in recent years, it still poses risks late at night. Fights, overdoses, and theft remain concerns, especially around bars, clubs, and back alleys.
29. Macquarie Fields (NSW)
Macquarie Fields has long struggled with gang activity, domestic violence, and break-ins. Public housing estates are central to crime reports. Despite law enforcement crackdowns, recurring youth offenses and social disadvantage keep crime levels high. Residents often cite safety fears and lack of community services.
30. Villawood (NSW)
Villawood reports high levels of domestic violence, drug offenses, and violent assaults. Known for its immigration detention center, the suburb also experiences regular police activity in residential areas. Theft, vandalism, and antisocial behavior contribute to its dangerous reputation, particularly in poorly lit zones.
31. Logan Central (QLD)
Logan Central faces high rates of violent crime, including assaults, armed robberies, and domestic violence. Youth gangs and drug-related incidents are persistent issues. Public housing and poverty exacerbate crime levels. While redevelopment is ongoing, many areas remain dangerous, particularly at night and around transport hubs.
32. Woodridge (QLD)
Woodridge, within Logan City, suffers from frequent stabbings, drug crimes, and thefts. Gang activity and assaults are common, and police respond regularly to disturbances. High unemployment and social disconnection contribute to the danger. Some streets are particularly unsafe after dark due to loitering and ongoing turf conflicts.
33. Inala (QLD)
Inala is notorious for its drug problems, assaults, and home invasions. The suburb has long struggled with gang violence and anti-social behavior. Police presence is heavy but hasn’t curbed the steady stream of crime reports. Public housing zones are especially affected by theft, vandalism, and domestic disputes.
34. Caboolture (QLD)
Caboolture has high crime rates, with frequent reports of break-ins, assaults, and drug offenses. Youth-related crime is a growing concern, and theft from vehicles is common. Some areas experience social disorder and occasional violence, making residents wary, especially in poorly lit or isolated neighborhoods.
35. Beenleigh (QLD)
Beenleigh struggles with assaults, drug trafficking, and petty theft. Violent incidents around transport stations and nightlife venues are common. The area has a reputation for gang presence and occasional street fights. While revitalization is ongoing, parts of Beenleigh remain dangerous, particularly for pedestrians and night-time commuters.
36. Broadmeadows (VIC)
Broadmeadows is known for high levels of violent crime, including assaults and gang clashes. Public housing estates often see thefts, stabbings, and vandalism. Drug use and unemployment contribute to the area’s crime rate. Police patrol frequently, but residents still report safety concerns, particularly after dark.
37. Dandenong (VIC)
Dandenong has elevated levels of robberies, stabbings, and drug offenses. Gang activity and youth crime are common, especially around shopping areas and transport hubs. Despite urban development efforts, safety remains an issue, with regular reports of street violence and antisocial behavior affecting local businesses and residents.
38. Sunshine (VIC)
Sunshine faces persistent crime, particularly muggings, car theft, and assaults. Certain areas are known for gang activity and drug distribution. The train station precinct is considered unsafe at night. Community programs aim to reduce violence, but public safety concerns continue in parts of the suburb.
39. Frankston (VIC)
Frankston reports high levels of alcohol-fueled violence, drug-related crime, and theft. Its nightlife precinct has seen frequent brawls and assaults. Public spaces and transport stations are hotspots for antisocial behavior. While beachfront areas attract tourists, locals often warn about safety risks after dark.
40. Footscray (VIC)
Footscray, a gentrifying inner suburb, still experiences elevated rates of theft, drug activity, and assaults. Certain streets are prone to muggings, particularly at night. Homelessness and illicit drug use remain visible issues. While some areas are improving, crime remains a serious concern for residents and visitors alike.
41. St Kilda (VIC)
St Kilda has a vibrant nightlife, but it’s marred by drug activity, assaults, and theft. Backpackers and tourists are often targeted for petty crime. Certain areas near the foreshore and around train stations see frequent incidents, particularly involving intoxicated individuals and late-night street violence.
42. Northbridge (WA)
Northbridge is Perth’s main nightlife district, known for alcohol-fueled violence, stabbings, and assaults. Brawls, pickpocketing, and drug-related offenses are common, especially on weekends. Police patrol heavily, but safety concerns persist at night, particularly around bars, clubs, and fast-food outlets.
43. Midland (WA)
Midland suffers from high crime rates including drug use, vandalism, and violent assaults. Theft and car break-ins are frequent, especially near the shopping center and train station. Social disadvantage and poor lighting contribute to a feeling of insecurity, particularly after dark.
44. Armadale (WA)
Armadale is known for frequent home invasions, youth crime, and domestic violence. Drug activity and antisocial behavior are common in public housing areas. Police are regularly called to handle disturbances, and many locals express concerns about safety, especially around parks and train stations.
45. Kalgoorlie (WA)
Kalgoorlie, a remote mining town, sees high rates of alcohol-related violence, domestic abuse, and theft. Brawls in pubs are common, and tensions often arise between transient workers and locals. Despite its historical charm, the city deals with persistent law-and-order challenges.
46. Broome (WA)
Broome experiences increasing rates of break-ins, assaults, and vandalism, often linked to alcohol abuse and youth crime. Tourists are occasionally targeted for theft. The remoteness and limited police presence make law enforcement difficult, especially during peak tourism seasons.
47. Geraldton (WA)
Geraldton faces issues with assaults, home burglaries, and youth-related offenses. Drug use and public intoxication are common, especially in some residential zones. Residents report concerns over community safety, prompting calls for increased policing and better youth engagement programs.
48. Port Augusta (SA)
Port Augusta has high levels of violent crime, domestic disputes, and alcohol-fueled incidents. Drug issues and social disadvantage are contributing factors. Frequent police callouts to public housing areas and regular street disturbances highlight ongoing public safety issues in the town.
49. Whyalla (SA)
Whyalla struggles with theft, property damage, and rising violent crime. Unemployment and drug use contribute to community unrest. While industrial growth offers promise, certain neighborhoods remain plagued by anti-social behavior, making some residents feel unsafe, especially at night.
50. Elizabeth (SA)
Elizabeth is known for its high rates of assaults, thefts, and vandalism. Public housing estates are often crime hotspots, and youth-related issues persist. Drug problems and long-standing socio-economic challenges have led to frequent police interventions and a reputation for danger within Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
Summary
The most dangerous places in Australia generally report problems of violence and theft – fueled by alcohol and drugs that seem to be concentrated in some places with masses of underprivileged people.
It seems better to stick to the more upscale places in this country; places with the more refined people living in them.