With its incredible landscapes and terrain that changes from stunning rainforests to rugged desert plains, the Land of Oz is incomparable if you’re looking for a life-changing adventure. It’s absolutely one of the best places to visit in 2015. There’s a hitch though, and it’s a biggie. Basically, most of Australia is heaving with dangerous animals who would love a piece of you. We’ve compiled our list of the ten scariest looking animals to keep an eye out for on your travels. You’ve been warned…

Fishzilla

Image credit treehugger.com

Why hello there handsome! Take a good look at this mug – it’s the face only a mother could love, maybe. This charming fellow goes by the name of Snakehead Fish – how delightful! The best part about this gross little rascal is that he can actually breathe air meaning he can travel on land and in water to hunt down prey -namely YOU!

Python

Image credit http://www.telegraph.co.uk

You know, if youdda asked me who would win in a kill-off between a snake and a croc I woudda said croc hands down. Not so much! This Aussie python took down a saltie in an epic 5 hour battle. Can you imagine how long it would’ve taken to digest a 3 metre croc? Someone get this python a laxative, stat.

Emu

Image credit buzzfeed.com

Yet another beautiful Australian animal…um…NOT. So, Emus aren’t as scary as the other man-eating dudes we’ve looked at but man they aren’t always so easy to look at. While they’re generally shy, emus go craaaazy when they’re defending their young. So keep away from the babies, baby, and you’ll be just fine.

Super Buff “Roos”

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Clearly this ‘Roo is packing ‘roids. Australia’s most iconic animal, the Kangaroo can be pretty bad ass. Buddy is packing some mean claws too, so if the ol’ suckerpunch is a miss, he may just claw your eyes out faster than a feral teenage girl on RTDs. Watchout!

Great White Shark

Image credit geekologie.com

What list of the most dangerous animals would be complete without Jaws?! The Great White shark, also known as White Death, is known for its size: 6.4 m (21 ft.) in length. Of all shark species, the Great White shark is responsible for the largest number of recorded shark attacks on humans, with over 272 documented unprovoked attacks. Aussies punch sharks in the nose sending them running/swimming back to their shark mommas. #thuglife

Saltwater Crocodile

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Damn! This Saltwater Croc is smiling because he knows he’s eatin’ well tonight! Each year there are 1-2 known deaths from our toothy friends here. Known for their viciousness and aggression, the largest ever verified was 6.4m (21ft) and weighed more than 1000kg. If you come across this scaly sucker it’s bad news: due to their power, size and speed, surviving a direct attack is pretty much impossible. The good news? None.

Sydney Funnel Web Spider

Image credit www.independent.co.uk

This spider’s bite is a doozey: just check out that grill! Initially very painful due to the size of his massive fangs (bigger than a Brown Snake’s!) penetrating your delicate skin, you’ll feel the early symptoms of envenomation like goose bumps, sweating, increased salivation, watery eyes, and elevated heart rate quite fast. As the venom works its way through your system, you’ll start to writhe with muscle spasms, be short of breath and vom a bit before reaching the final stages of unconsciousness and sweet, sweet death!

Coastal Taipan

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G’day Taipan! Found along the east coast from northern New South Wales to Brisbane and northern Western Australia, Coastal Taipans have a sweet tooth and can be spotted in the sugarcane fields. Packing the longest fangs of any Australian snake at a whopping 13mm, Coastal Taipans are the largest venomous snake with the third most toxic venom. If they freeze up, they’re about to strike, so don’t be fooled!

Mystery Snake Eating Spider 

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I want to tell you what spider this is but I can’t. I have no idea but hey! It’s eating a freakin’ snake! Lets move on..

Koalas

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Not usually known for packing heat, Koalas are tree hugging vegetarians who don’t really want to eat you. However, their hands and feet are built to curl around your neck, (or tree branches) very tightly. Oh yeah, they’re pretty into mating, like you are no doubt, but they often have chlamydia, so don’t go there. Don’t. Go. There.

In Conclusion

And there you have it, a list of ten predators you want to make a point of not seeing while you’re exploring  Australia. For more info on all kinds of other creatures that are out to get you in the Outback, download the Australian Museum’s ‘DangerOz’ app. Or to take a joy-ride and find some animals of your own, book a free one way rental car here.