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🚨Emergency Numbers

How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Australia?

Last verified: 2025-01 · Oceania

1The Quick Answer

🚨Warning

All emergencies: 000. From mobile phones: 112 also works. Non-emergency police: 131 444. Poison info: 13 11 26.

2What You Need to Know

Australia's main emergency number is 000, which connects to police, ambulance, and fire services. From a mobile phone, 112 also works and can connect via any available network. For non-emergency police matters, call 131 444. For poison or medication overdose information, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24/7). In remote areas, mobile signal can be non-existent — personal locator beacons (PLBs) and satellite communicators are strongly recommended for Outback travel. Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) trigger search and rescue operations.

3Practical Tips

Practical Tips

  1. 1000 is the emergency number — also try 112 from a mobile if 000 doesn't connect
  2. 2In the Outback, register your trip with a state emergency service and carry a PLB or satellite messenger
  3. 3State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500 for flood and storm help (non-life threatening)
  4. 4Royal Flying Doctor Service operates in remote areas — medical evacuation available with insurance
  5. 5Always tell someone your plan and expected return time before venturing into remote areas
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Important Warning

Mobile phone coverage in regional and outback Australia is extremely limited or non-existent. Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT) for any remote travel.

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