The threat of terrorism in Australia is as high as it is in global terror hotspots in Africa and the Middle East, according to the British Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office has ranked the risk of an attack in Australia as "high" – the largest threat level – along with more than 30 other countries.
Australia was given the same threat rating as countries including Afghanistan, Libya, Kenya, Pakistan, Iraq, Spain and France.
The United States and China were deemed a lower risk, receiving the second-highest warning of a "general threat", while large parts of Europe were deemed as having an underlying threat or low threat.
Monash University terrorism expert Professor Greg Barton said the threat for Australia would relate to so-called lone wolf attacks, rather than large-scale terrorist attacks.
"We do know we've had at least four thwarted attacks over the last 12 months – that would have entered into the UK's analysis," Professor Barton said.
"Given that we know of at least four and this assessment might have other information…you'd have to assume that this is not a random designation, this is something fairly specific."
The United Kingdom's terror ratings for the world:
But he warned the advice should be read as it was intended – largely as a tool for British high commissions and consulates and not as a holiday planning guide.
"Common sense would suggest if you were contemplating a holiday at the moment, you wouldn't go to Libya but you'd be entirely sensible to consider a holiday to Australia," he said.
"It's nonsensical to think that they're comparable.
"But clearly they've considered Australia is at greater risk of lone wolf attacks than the US and that is significant."
Australia's travel warnings for the world:
In September last year, the Abbott government raised Australia's terror alert level from medium to high, meaning an attack is considered likely.
The UK's travel advice for Australia says that "since then there have been a number of attacks and disruptions linked to ISIL-inspired terrorism."
It does not warn British travellers against visiting Australia.
