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Originally Posted by sailingdog
I would definitely avoid Australia on my voyages, just based on the three anecdotes in that posting. While I like most of the Aussies I've met, that, combined with a preponderance of highly venomous critters, like the funnel spider; nasty critters, like the cute, but not cuddly koala bear. Those customs officials that make most third world dictators look reasonable. I thought Australia was a civilized country, with democracy and a working legal system... it appears not.
Of course, once the various major ports realize how much business they're losing due to the draconian laws, I'm willing to bet that they're re-written to only apply to large commercial vessels.
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SD,
I have to admit that I'm taking this one with a grain of salt right now.
While it is true that the current Australian government are a pack of ratbags (IMHO only of course) and our foreign minister in particular is a complete nutter with a penchant for fishnet stockings and high heels, I'm finding it a little hard to believe that this situation is as bad as it's being made out to be. I've seen posted elsewhere a letter from customs saying that the only restriction is that notice of entry must be given at least 96 hours prior to expected arrival and that there is no maximum for that notification.
Now the only countries in the world that are within 96 hours sailing time from Australia would be New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. So on the face of it provided you notified Australian customs prior to departure for Australia you would be easily covered.
I'm finding it a bit hard to fathom that at the time of checking out visa requirements the couple referred to weren't supplied with the information but then bureaucratic incompetence can not be overlooked. The penalty on the other hand seems totally out of proportion to the offence.
Regards
TD
Oh, and you forgot the Blue Ringed Octopus and yes Koalas are simply Koalas just as Pandas are simply Pandas.