One Australian stated, “We’re a laid-back culture.”
Australians and tourists at an Australian community pool in Cairns.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
The majority of Insider’s interviewees agreed that Australians are friendly, hospitable, and laid-back.
Insider was informed by the Gibson family that they are normally laid-back and difficult to upset. However, our comedy may take some getting accustomed to.
The Gibsons also suggested that tourists should not be hesitant to converse with locals. Most likely, they will gladly give their travel advice for exploring Australia.
Spend time studying Australia’s rich indigenous culture.
Uluru, an Aboriginal sacred location in Australia.
Photograph by Jol DUCANGE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
If Indigo Rampson had one piece of advice for travelers, it would be to study the Indigenous culture and history of Australia.
“The Sydney Opera House and the Eye are what’s sold about the country, but there’s a great deal of incredibly deep and fascinating Indigenous culture here,” Rampson told Insider.
For instance, some Aboriginal Australians revere Uluru, a sandstone rock located in the middle of Australia. According to ITV, it is a resting place for the region’s old spirits.
David Goebel, who works at Doongal Aboriginal Art and Artefacts in Cairns, Australia, stated that conversing with Aboriginal Australians is one of the simplest methods to understand and learn about Australia’s Indigenous culture.
“How do you go about meeting Native Americans? It is the only way to meet an Australian. Visit a pub, “Goebel said.
3. Make sure you explore Australia’s pub culture.
Ginger beer served at an Australian pub.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
Stacpoole stated that tourists should visit a tavern before leaving the nation.
“Bars are popular here,” Stacpoole stated.
According to the Australian National University, pubs “are an integral element of Australia’s cultural character and have been the setting for countless tall stories in Australian folklore.”
The environment is great for striking up talks with locals, according to Stacpoole, and you’ll get to sample some of the country’s signature dishes, such as fish ‘n chips and chicken parmesan.
Some visitors are unaware of Australia’s size until they arrive.
Aerial image of the coast of Australia near Cairns, Australia.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and is just slightly smaller than the United States. It is impossible to see all of Australia in a single trip, just as it is impossible to see all of America.
John McGee, who was born in Ireland and has lived in Australia for 52 years, stated, “People don’t know how bloody big the nation is.” “You must evaluate the distance between everything.”
Unless you have months to visit Australia, Aussies Insiders agree that you should limit your vacation to one or two destinations.
In addition, they recommended that people arrange a trip based on their preferences, which may range from a tropical vacation on the Great Barrier Reef to an outback adventure to a cosmopolitan city escape in Sydney.
If you’re going to travel all the way to Australia, you must leave the major cities and see the outback.
Mount Sonder is in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Photograph by: Posnov/Getty Images
The suggestion of Jack Thomas is simple: “Go regional. Go to the wilderness or any little town.”
Thomas, who is from Brisbane, Australia, stated that some of Australia’s more rural regions provide tourists with a sense of the culture, traditions, and conventions of the place.
Therefore, get a car and travel inland to the 2 million square mile region, he said.
Budget accordingly if you plan to visit a major city like Sydney, said one person.
Sydney’s Opera House
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
Australia has 33 million tourists in 2019, according to Australia’s online visa website, for a reason: the city is full with wonderful food, stylish neighborhoods, and prominent tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House.
However, its allure comes at a steep price for travelers.
In a 2014 TravelMag poll, Sydney scored second in terms of the average cost of hotel, which was approximately $90 per night. Another Australian city, Bryon Bay, placed first.
Richard Preen, who hails from the United Kingdom and has lived in Australia for eighteen years, cautioned tourists about Sydney’s occasionally high pricing and suggested allocating additional funds.
Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia, according to Preen.
In Australia, you won’t find koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles everywhere.
An Australian kangaroo near Melbourne.
Tsvi Braverman/EyeEm/Getty Images
“People believe crocodiles are everywhere. They aren’t. They inhabit estuaries, rivers, and the like “Paul Donlon from Australia’s New Castle stated.
The same holds true for native creatures such as kangaroos and koalas. It is unlikely that you will encounter kangaroos or koalas in Australia’s main cities.
If you want to see the country’s native creatures, according to Donlon, you’ll have to travel to national parks, which are typically located inland because many of Australia’s major towns are on the coast.
You do not need to fear wildlife, but you do need to be cautious.
A notice alerting visitors about crocodile sightings in the area.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
Sally Smith, a resident of Innisfail, Australia, remarked, “In Australia, there are many things that can kill you.” Therefore, be mindful of the risk.
Donlon concurred, but stressed that travelers should not be afraid during their vacation.
“There is undoubtedly a fear aspect for first-time tourists. I’ve had to placate so many people,” Donlon stated. Instead of going in terror, Donlon recommends remaining cool and avoiding interaction with any wildlife you encounter.
Mia Santos echoed this sentiment and emphasized that tourists should not feed any wildlife.
Some Australians stated that their language could be difficult to learn.
On a menu, “toasties” replace “sandwiches” and “grilled cheeses.”
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
According to the Gibson family, the majority of Australians know English, however some Australian words and expressions can be puzzling to travelers.
Alex Gibson stated that mastering our dialect was the most difficult part.
While traveling in Australia, you may hear the term “bushwalking,” which refers to hiking or walking.
And although you may be more familiar with french fries, you may encounter “hot chips” on the menu. In addition, you will dip your hot chips in tomato sauce rather than ketchup.
Additionally, according to Donlon, it’s not just the words Australians use, but also how they construct their sentences, that can confuse tourists.
Donnon stated, “People here shorten what they say.”
Therefore, if you are confused by what someone is saying, you should request clarification. According to the Gibson family, Australians are laid-back and will gladly teach you their favorite slang terms.
Multiple Australians concurred that the greatest method to visit the area down under is via automobile.
Aerial shot of a vehicle going through the Australian desert.
Photograph by Felix Cesare/Getty Images
While public transit is accessible in Australia’s major cities, alternatives can be restricted once you leave the metropolis.
Although tourists can still view these more isolated locations by tour bus, Thomas advises they rent a car instead. By driving themselves, vacationers can explore off-the-beaten-path activities and have the flexibility to discover Australia’s hidden beauties.
If you choose to rent a car, RV, or van and drive in the outback, Preen advises that you do it only during daylight hours.
During twilight, dawn, and night, huge animals such as kangaroos are more likely to dart out, increasing your danger of colliding with one, according to Preen.
“They’re like deer. They simply stand there and sway with you “Preen stated. So, avoid driving at night.
If you swim in Australia, be sure to swim in specified locations and watch out for rip currents.
Bondi Beach is located in Sydney.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
There are numerous beaches in Australia where tourists can swim, but make sure you swim in specified locations to avoid undesired interactions with sea creatures.
Brittanie Stacpoole told Insider that swimmers should also be mindful of rip currents.
These are powerful waterways that can transport swimmers to the ocean.
“Importantly, if you are ever caught in a rip while swimming, you should not swim toward the beach. Swim at an angle to the shore or parallel to it “Stacpoole said.
If you swim directly toward the shore, you run the risk of losing energy, which increases your risk of drowning. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most rip currents are less than 80 feet wide, thus you can swim out of the current by swimming parallel to the beach.
Be sure to sample regional specialties such as meat pies and Vegemite.
Vegemite, butter, and bread are a common Australian breakfast.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
When traveling to the land down under, travellers should eat some traditional Australian dishes.
Given that many of the nation’s largest cities are located on the coast, seafood is a need. According to Smith, barramundi is a popular fish, whereas fish and chips is a convenient, on-the-go lunch.
Stacpoole stated that you would be remiss if you did not try Vegemite in Australia. Typically, the yeast spread is spread on bread and served for breakfast.
13. Kangaroo, crocodile, and emu are not as commonly consumed as some tourists believe.
On an Australian menu, a crocodile curry is indicated by a pointing arrow.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
Some Australians concurred that restaurants serving crocodile, kangaroo, and emu meat cater mostly to tourists.
Although some Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians consume kangaroo, the meat is typically rough and gamey, according to Goebel.
Goebel recommends avoiding kangaroo, but if you are determined to try it, he proposes putting it in a meat pie, where the pie’s contents can better conceal the harshness of the kangaroo.
Australia’s tipping culture is straightforward: there is no need to tip.
Few restaurants in Australia even offered the option for patrons to tip.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
A few Australians mentioned that tipping is not required in Australia.
Instead, restaurant employees are paid a living salary, so gratuities are not required. The same is true for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hotel workers, according to Santos.
For instance, Santos stated that it is not necessary to tip your Uber driver upon completion of your ride.
She added that if you receive outstanding service, you may give a tip, but it is neither the usual nor obligatory.
15. Communicate with people, be receptive to advice, and avoid becoming fixated on having uniquely Australian experiences.
Kangaroo skins in an Australian tourist shop in Kuranda.
Insider photograph by Monica Humphries
Terry Edwards from Innisfail stated that visitors to Australia often anticipate seeing kangaroos around and crocodile hunters in eateries.
However, Edwards hopes that guests enter with an open mind and a desire to discover.
Edwards said, “Don’t be obsessed on certain Australian things.” “Explore new adventures.”
While touring the Sydney Opera House and crossing the Sydney Harbor Bridge are popular attractions, he noted that some of the most interesting sections of the country are locations you have never heard of.