TRAVEL AUSTRALIA AND TEN TRUTHS
THE LAND DOWN UNDER, AUSTRALIA
Traveldriven was born, raised and has always lived in Australia. For foreigners visiting or thinking of living in Australia some things are good to know.
Things Australian's regard as common knowledge.
Ask an Australian directly for the right answer's.
There are quite a few travel blogs written by non residents of Australia and these all say similar basic things.
These may or may not be hearsay.
As an Australian living in Australia.
ON A VISIT TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA
For the record:
The term Down Under is never used by Australian's in general conversation and is not always liked. The phrase is used by foreigners. As far as we are concerned we are on top of the world. It's all about one's perspective.
The wildlife. Australian's are quite fond of their native fauna. These include crocodiles, sharks, red back spiders, snakes, kangaroo, emu, birds etc. Even our stingrays. We know the deadly and dangerous one's and don't need to be reminded. As for visitor's all would be very unlucky to cross paths with the most dangerous. If however, a person is in a particular fauna environment be mindful encountering something. For example, don't walk in long grass in hot weather, pay due attention to roadside and pathway warning signs etc. Don't approach any wildlife. Safe and simple.
Australia is not expensive. Look at the money exchange rate. For example: The United States Dollar is always valued more than the Australian dollar. Usually between 65 to 80 cents for every Australian dollar to one US dollar. The British pound generally is twice the value of one Australian dollar. Visitor's from English speaking countries should think that's good. Air fares are reasonable for distance travelled.
It is not always hot. Even in the tropical north nights may be cool. Ask a Victorian or a Tasmanian about the cold. Often most months of the year may be cold. Down to zero overnight and a high of single digit Celsius in the daytime. Or 32 to 50 Fahrenheit.
Australian's all use a little slang. G'day and Mate are probably the most common. Be careful with slang. For example. Many American words have a rude Australian slang term for the same word.
For example; we never root for our team. That would mean we have sex for or with our team mates.
This one is a bit tricky. After some light banter back and forth we may insult you to your face. If we have a smile on our face we may intend it as a way of showing we like you. Don't assume the opposite.
Australia is safe. There are no off limit area's to any particular group of Australian's. A few places may be seedy or high end but if walking or driving through these neighbourhoods it's not a problem. Permits may be required in remote indigenous communities. Anywhere else the use of common sense and respect for locals goes a long way.
Do not view Australian's and New Zealander's as almost the same people. This is insulting to both. A friendly rivalry exists between the two countries. Although both get along with each other, significant differences remain in sport and culture.
Australian's as a rule don't tip for service. We see this as rather odd. People earn enough to cover bare basics. If payment is in cash sometimes saying keep the change is ok for convenience sake. All Australian's love vegemite and having a BBQ in the backyard or in parkland. Often with a cold beer in hand. (not Fosters).
We do not drive on the wrong side of the road. Right hand drive is great for us and safe.
Holidays
Australian's do not go on Vacation. We go on Holidays.
It means the same thing. Generally, working Australian's get at least four to five weeks annual holidays and many choose to break holidays into weekly or fortnightly periods throughout convenient times of the year.
Weekends are important to Australians. Viewed by many to enjoy time with family and friends outside of the usual Monday to Friday working week.
Things To Keep In Mind
Flying to Australia and visiting Sydney, Uluru, Gold Coast and a few islands of the Barrier Reef is a convenient tourist packaged way to see Australia. However, much more of value can be obtained to include a few days in "normal Australia". This might include suburban retail strips, local sport or a visit to a country town or seaside town. Enjoy a meal at a local hotel or a morning breakfast at a coffee shop.
A chance to meet and see local people. Frequent not just the well known internationals and large resorts.Traveldriven
RIVERSIDE SWIM IN AUSTRALIA
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