Damon Ramsey

Ask the Expert

Damon Ramsey works as a biologist guide leading general nature, wildlife and education trips.  His broad aim in life has been to experience as many ecosystems and observe as much wildlife on our planet as he can, which has taken him to the Americas, Southern Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and all states in Australia.  This love of travel and wildlife has come together to result in a career of Natural History interpretation. He has an Advanced Certificate in Outdoor Guiding and has completed his biology degree (majoring in Zoology) at Australia's only two tropical universities in Darwin and Cairns. Damon has been a volunteer as well as paid field assistant in various scientific projects, with subjects ranging from butterflies to bandicoots, cassowaries, rainforest tree ecology, sea turtles, goannas, finches, bats, frogs, wading birds and plant surveys. Damon has guided Aboriginal rock art tours, 4WD bush tours, hikes and bicycle trips, but specializes in biology-based tours. He currently lives in Cairns, North Queensland.  Damon has recently completed a self-published field guide to the nature of the Daintree and is working on several more in the series

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
A: A valid passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required. Visas are required for Australia.

Q: What's the best time to travel?
A: Seasons in Australia are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Australia is a big country, as big as the continental U.S., stretching from the tropics to much cooler temperatures, and it has a correspondingly wide range of climates. From April to September in northern and central Australia the days are clear and warm, with cool refreshing nights.  At the same time in the south, days are cool with occasional rain but still plenty of sun.  The weather in Sydney is much like that of San Francisco. Take a sweater no matter what time of year you visit.

Q: How many shots do I need?
A: Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia. You are unlikely to encounter any serious diseases as sanitary standards are high and the health system is excellent. Please consult your physician, local health authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for International travelers at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or via their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel for any addi­tional health precautions. For further information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s web site at http://www.who.int/en/. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/topics/en/.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Cities and towns in Australia have excellent public water supplies; tap water is safe to drink.  Food is fresh and carefully prepared; be sure to try crayfish and the Green-lipped mussels.  You can eat salad or a piece of fruit without concern.  Quality beef, lamb, shellfish and other seafood are su­perb.  A wide range of excellent domestic wine and beer is available. You will notice a variety of cuisine; Australian, French, Chinese, and Middle Eastern may be found. Hamburgers, pizza, fish and chips and other fast-foods are readily available. 

Q: How in shape do I need to be?
A: To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in relatively good physical and mental health. Your exploration will include some touring on land or sea and occasional nature walks. These walks last several hours but are given at a decent pace in order to closely examine the flora and fauna of the area. If your program includes any exploration by sea (cruising the Great Barrier Reef for example) there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating.  Most passengers are not affected.  If however, you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly urge you to bring some type of medication to prevent or diminish it.

Q: I plan on enjoying the shopping, as well. Are credit cards accepted?
A: Most major credit cards are widely accepted such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club but it is wise to check with the establishment first. It is also advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it.  Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Keep your traveler’s checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided.

Q: Any packing suggestions?
A: Just a few! Following is my recommended packing list:

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

  • A small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
  • Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers
  • Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
  • Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
  • Sun hat with a brim
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long trousers/slacks
  • Underwear and socks
  • Good walking shoes
  • Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
  • Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
  • Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings
  • Light rain gear (ponchos work better than trying to carry an umbrella along with your camera etc!)
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
  • BINOCULARS  (ESSENTIAL)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
  • Insect repellent e.g. Jungle Juice, OFF! Etc.
  • Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
  • Tickets, passports, money etc
  • Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras


Q: That should do it for now, Damon. Any other suggestions?
A: Just pack a sense of wonder, adventure and humor! I look forward to sharing my beautiful country with you.