Australia is one of those places that I have been aiming to visit for years. I’m still ironing out my travel plans in order to make this goal happen, though; but that aside, when Laura contacted me about how she wanted to talk about the country here on the blog, I immediately said yes! (Australia Facts)
After all, the least that I can do for now is to learn more about this amazing destination that is famed for its natural and cityscapes — and what better way than to hear it from a local, right?
Bio & Intro
My name is Laura Fairbourn and I am an Australian traveler, volunteer, blogger, and writer who loves to explore the world.
I love to travel slowly, with a focus on responsible tourism, so that I can immerse myself in the communities I visit. I am currently living in Guatemala City, struggling to learn Spanish, and volunteering at a rescue shelter for victims of sexual violence and trafficking. In addition to freelance writing, I manage Grassroots Nomad, a blog with a focus on responsible tourism and volunteering.
My home country. Known for its picture-perfect beaches, Croc Dundee and Kylie Minogue, Australia has become the dream travel destination for adventurous spirits around the world.
But is there more to Australia than beaches and beers? Here are the top 10 things that you should know about Australia before you pack your swimmers and head to the Outback!
Australia Facts & Trivia
1. Not all Australian animals are deadly
Yes, we might have some of the deadliest animals in the world, but your chances of seeing most of them are very slim.
Great White Sharks, for example, have a fearsome reputation, but fatal shark attacks in Australia are rare. While Australia is home to plenty of potentially dangerous wildlife, your chances of encountering most of it are relatively low.
2. …But some animals are
From sharks to snakes, and koalas to kangaroos, Australia has it all. But what visitors might not know is that some of our Aussie icons can really pack a punch!
Although serious encounters are uncommon, some Australian animals can be dangerous. Kangaroos, for example, are powerful wild animals and can cause serious injuries if they feel threatened.
They aren’t called boxing kangaroos for nothing!
3. We speak English… but in our own way
Australians have a shorter way to say everything and we love nicknames. Once you land in Australia. you will hear sentences like: ‘Howyagaan mate? I’ll just pop past the bottle-o to get some stubbies for the barbie this arvo then we will be sweet as!’
Translation: ‘How are you, my friend? I will go to the liquor store and buy some beers before the barbeque this afternoon and then we will be ready!’
4. Australia is BIG, really big!
I’ve heard a surprising amount of tourists in Sydney say they are going to drive to Cairns for the weekend. Well, prepare yourself for a long journey, because driving from Sydney to Cairns can take around 27 hours, while a direct flight takes roughly 3 hours. Want to see Perth?
Well, that is even further — roughly a 5-hour flight from Sydney or a road trip of around 40 hours of driving time, depending on your route. When you are planning your trip, make sure you factor in travel time!
5. Sydney and Melbourne are a food lover’s paradise
Thanks to our wonderful immigrant culture, Sydney and Melbourne are known for their incredible food choices.
By visiting a different suburb each day, you will be able to eat your way around the globe – Italian coffee for breakfast, Thai for lunch, Lebanese for dinner, and Indian mango lassi for dessert.
6. Some people live underground to avoid the heat
In Coober Pedy, many locals have built homes underground to avoid the scorching daytime temperatures. Coober Pedy is one of the world’s most famous opal-mining towns and a major source of precious opal. Many locals live in underground homes known as “dugouts,” which help provide relief from the extreme temperatures above ground.
Fancy a game of golf? To avoid the heat, locals play at night on a course completely free of grass. The local golf course is famously grassless, with players using a small piece of artificial turf when teeing off. Night golf has also been played using glowing golf balls to escape the daytime heat.
7. Aboriginal history is rich and long
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples belong to the world’s oldest continuing cultures, with evidence of human occupation in Australia dating back at least 65,000 years.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are incredibly diverse, with hundreds of distinct groups, languages and traditions. Concepts sometimes referred to in English as “the Dreaming” or “Dreamtime” can encompass creation stories, ancestral beings, Country, law and cultural knowledge, though meanings and terminology differ between communities.
8. You can study on air!
Some kids live in communities that are so remote that it is impossible for them to attend a conventional school.
Australia’s famous School of the Air was historically known for teaching remote students by radio. Today, lessons are largely delivered using the internet and digital technologies, allowing students living hundreds of kilometres from their classmates and teachers to learn together online.
9. Australians love the great outdoors
Whether it is hiking, swimming, playing sport or just hanging out at the beach, Australians love to go outside to enjoy ourselves.
And with scenery as spectacular as the Kimberley, the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island and countless beaches along Australia’s vast coastline, it isn’t hard to see why!
10. There is no place like Australia!
No matter how many places I visit, or how long I stay away, there really is no place like home. You will find Australia to be a welcoming and exciting place to visit filled with laidback locals who are always keen for a barbie (BBQ) and a cider. So maybe it is time to pack your swimmers and sunnies and book your trip!
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Overall
If you’re a local like Laura, do you agree with the Australia facts that she wrote about the country? Maybe you have something to add too?
Nevertheless, these facts have surely hyped me up even more about the prospect of visiting Australia! I dearly hope that I make it happen soon.
Have you seen my latest vlog?
