Australia has long been one of the most popular destinations for both Irish tourists and emigrants. People are attracted by its hot climate, relaxed people and unique sites both natural and manmade. However, the country is also host to some of the world's deadliest creatures.

This week, Professor Luke O'Neill is visiting the Barossa Valley, outside Adelaide in Southern Australia. He talked to Pat about some of the creatures that can prove a serious danger or nuisance to locals and visitors alike: from the funnel web spider and cane toad to the box jellyfish and blue-ringed octopus (pictured above), as well as all manner of snakes, insects, mammals and sea creatures in between.

It's not all danger, though. While the toxins and venoms from these creatures can paralyse or kill, they can also sometimes be adapted as medicine. Luke told Pat how one company is using the toxins from an Australian fungus to help fight ovarian cancer. He also discussed how many Tasmanian devils in the country suffer from a horrible face cancer.

Check out the podcast above to hear Luke O'Neill discuss these cases and more. He'll be back live in studio next Wednesday.

Image: Jens Petersen, Wikimedia Commons