Rising Crime Poses Risks for Tourists in Australia and New Zealand

Official data point to growing safety concerns ahead of 2026

Government crime statistics from Australia and New Zealand reveal an increasingly complex risk landscape for travellers. Analysis of official datasets shows that several cities and regions record persistently high levels of violent and property crime, challenging the long-held perception of universal safety across both countries. These findings are grounded in police records and national victim surveys rather than media speculation, making them particularly relevant for tourists planning trips in 2026.

Evidence-based methodology using government data

The assessment relies exclusively on official sources, including reports from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Northern Territory Police, the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office and New Zealand’s Ministry of Justice. Recorded offences against the person, property crime and victim perception surveys were analysed to capture both objective risk and public sentiment. Rates per capita and long-term trends were used to identify regions where danger is concentrated.

Regional New South Wales and elevated rural crime

Data from New South Wales highlight that regional and remote areas face substantially higher crime rates than Sydney. In 2023, property crime in regional NSW exceeded the capital by nearly 60 percent, while violent crime was more than 50 percent higher. The far west of the state stands out, with rates of violence and property offences approaching three times the state average. Rising domestic violence, sexual assault and vehicle theft underline the growing vulnerability of remote communities frequented by travellers.

Northern Territory and high crime in small populations

Northern Territory statistics reveal significant crime volumes relative to population size. Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek all recorded high numbers of assaults, break-ins and thefts within short reporting periods. Alice Springs, in particular, shows extreme levels of burglary and property damage, reinforcing its reputation as one of Australia’s most challenging destinations for visitor safety.

Queensland’s tourist hubs under pressure

Queensland crime reports indicate that regional centres and coastal destinations bear a disproportionate share of offences. Townsville leads the state in offences against the person and has experienced the sharpest rise in property crime over the past decade. Cairns and Central Queensland continue to post high levels of theft and unlawful entry, while the Gold Coast and Brisbane’s inner city record some of the highest volumes of property crime in the state, driven by dense tourism activity and nightlife economies.

New Zealand’s shifting safety landscape

The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows that nearly one-third of residents experienced crime in a single year. Fraud emerged as the most common offence, followed by vehicle theft and violent crime. Feelings of unsafety have increased markedly in Auckland and the Waikato region, reflecting higher exposure to burglary, theft and youth offending in metropolitan areas.

Cities targeted for crime reduction initiatives

Government intervention plans identify Hamilton, Rotorua and Christchurch as cities requiring intensive youth crime and violence prevention measures. The rollout of security installations for businesses affected by ram raids further underscores the seriousness of urban crime risks. These targeted responses highlight where authorities see the greatest concentration of threats to public safety.

Crime types most relevant to travellers

For international visitors, property crime, fraud and public-space violence pose the greatest risks. In Australia, theft and unlawful entry account for a majority of recorded offences, while in New Zealand online fraud and vehicle theft have surged sharply. These patterns directly affect tourists through accommodation break-ins, vehicle crime and financial scams.

Policy responses and ongoing challenges

Both countries have introduced broad crime-reduction strategies, including enhanced policing, social intervention programmes and measures against organised and youth crime. Official documents, however, acknowledge that tangible improvements will take time. Until then, certain destinations will continue to present elevated risk profiles.

Conclusion

As experts at International Investment report, official evidence points to a concentration of safety risks in specific Australian and New Zealand cities rather than a uniform national problem. For travellers in 2026, informed decision-making, situational awareness and careful destination planning will be essential to balancing opportunity with personal safety.