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Australia Local Customs

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Most Viewed Local Customs in Australia

26.

Tipping and Prices Sydney

17 Reviews Tipping is not the norm in Sydney. Americans and Europeans often tip but only because they think it is the custom here. Wages are good in Australia and tipping isn't necessary. Last year, I worked in...

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27.

Aboriginal Culture Perth

4 Reviews Australian Aboriginal culture can claim to be the oldest continuous living culture on the planet. Recent dating of the earliest known archaeological sites on the Australian continent - using...

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28.

General Brisbane

21 Reviews Have you heard of the Spider drink? I thought it was common world wide, but evidently not, it is unique to Australia and New Zealand. In other parts of the World it is known as an "Ice-cream soda" or...

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29.

Tipping Adelaide

8 Reviews Only a fool would tip in Australia. It is not required and not expected. Perhaps people in the tourist industry would act as though it is expected...but wages here are not calculated to take account...

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30.

Driving, Road Rules Canberra

4 Reviews I noticed that in Canberra, above all other cities in Australia, Ute drivers had something to say. In particular, this driver's vehicle was a rolling billboard, although he had so many messages, I...

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31.

Pako Festa Geelong

14 Reviews The Polish/Australian community.. in their lovely traditional costumes. Many of these people have special schools operating, in the hope that their children will not forget their heritage, language...

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32.

Drinks and Food Sydney

24 Reviews Pure Blonde is an Australian Beer that my wife has come to love. Every visit to Australia she looks forward to her first glass of this frosty brew. It's light, crisp and very refreshing; I rather like...

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33.

Slang Brisbane

3 Reviews Aussie slang is not what usually the word was oriiginally meant for example : someone tells you your gay it does not mean your sexual preference , it means your being stupid. Yes I know new one on me...

See All 59 Local Customs in Brisbane

34.

Laws/Crime Canberra

2 Reviews In every state there is a State Police Force. eg; NSW Police When your in Canberra they have the Federal Police. In other states Federal Police are reserved for my bigger issues Such as Customs,...

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35.

Baywalk Bollards Geelong

1 Review Too often people drive right through Geelong on their way to the famous surf beaches. With money being poured into redevelopment in Geelong (especially the waterfront) Geelong is fast becoming one of...

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36.

Australian People Sydney

19 Reviews As in most cities; you will find street performers. In Sydney there were several costumed performers at various tourist sites; Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, etc. Take a picture if you must but...

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37.

Brisbane Exhibition Brisbane

3 Reviews This is one of the big events of the year - when for 10 days, the folks from the country meet up the those from the city. Starts on 16 August this year, starting with the cattle judging for the...

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38.

Tipping, GST Canberra

2 Reviews In general it is not customary to tip in Australia though this is now changing and ten percent will sometimes be added to hotel bills. In some of the more exclusive restaurants it is usual to tip up...

See All 19 Local Customs in Canberra

39.

General Sydney/Aussie Customs Sydney

27 Reviews Here in Australia they drive on the left side of the road. This can make an American a bit batty trying to get accustomed. Remember when crossing the street to look right. Before the Sydney Olympics...

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40.

Dress Sense Brisbane

2 Reviews Casual wear such as a pair of jeans and a sports shirt are acceptable at casual restaurants and pubs at night. Just don’t wear thongs (flip flops) work boots or go shoeless. Of course upmarket...

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41.

Festivals, markets Canberra

3 Reviews The day we were in Canberra (Feb 2005), we were lucky to catch the start of a 10 day multicultural festival, held in one of the main squares of the city. There was free entertainment by travelling...

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42.

Aussie Slang Sydney

4 Reviews It was a funny experience to discover the Australian local slang ;-) I was learning English there and I will remember my very first day in Brisbane forever. I was waiting the local bus to my...

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43.

Vegemite Brisbane

3 Reviews Vegemite celebrated its 80th birthday in 2003 - and the jingle first used in 1954 "We're happy little vegemites...we're bright as bright can be.. " was contemporised for radio and television to...

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44.

Climate Canberra

1 Review The temperatures in Canberra vary considerably from summer to winter. Rug up for the winter months as temps often drop below zero at night and are usually below 10C in the day. . In summer the...

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45.

Australia Day Sydney

4 Reviews Australia Day, January 26th, to welcome the day local aboriginals perform the ceremony of Woggan Ma Gule. The guvorner of NSW attanded and afterwards there was a Q&A session. The perfect way to start...

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46.

Dress Canberra

1 Review Canberra is the seat of the Australian Government and as such the dress code in Canberra is a little more formal than in other cities in the country. For business people it is the norm for both men...

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47.

Festivals Sydney

7 Reviews 49th Sydney Film Festival - where you get to see the BEST new movies from around the world! Australians love the arts and the Sydney Film Festival is the perfect time to enjoy movies and talent from...

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48.

Sydney Buildings Sydney

4 Reviews St Mary's Cathedral - Free guided tours of the Cathedral & Crypt Sundays 12noon, following the Solemn Sung Mass. Magnificent stained glass windows are a feature of this superb Catholic Cathedral. A...

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49.

Historical Sydney

5 Reviews If a student of culture you might be able to locate the significance of the re visit 38 years later....like the trips down memory lane as a cultural thing. But then, go to the zoo and check out the...

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50.

ANZAC Day Sydney

1 Review If you are in town for ANZAC day, attend a Dawn Service. It is so moving; it doesn't matter what nationality you are. Everyone can relate to the memorial. It takes place at Martin Place in downtown...

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

UNDERSTANDING AUSSIE SLANG - PART 2

by balhannah

photo 1.......The Phone is the DOG & BONE....... The Shark is the NOAH'S ARKphoto 2 .......Sprinkling 100's and 1000's on white, buttered bread, cut into triangle and served at children's Birthday parties is known as FAIRY BREAD.Photo 3 is cheap Wine ....................PLONKPhoto 4 is G'Day............which is a friendly greeting.Photo 5............is a JACKEROO.....who is a man who works on a Sheep or Cattle station in the outback, learning about working on the land.

THE GREY NOMADS ON THE ROAD

by balhannah

Travelling around Australia you will probably notice that there are a lot of Caravans on the road.Lots of Australians on Retirement [some retire early], do the Australian dream, and that is to hit the road with a Caravan in tow, and complete the circuit around Australia.Some sell their homes, and buy huge Motorhomes.They are "SKIDS".......Spending the kids inheritance, and are affectionately known as ..."THE GREY NOMADS""The Grey Nomads" are a friendly bunch of people, they acknowledge each other on the roads, at the Driver Revivers they join in the conversation on telling each other the bargains on the road.....meaning cheap camp areas, cheap petrol, any way to save money.In Winter, you will find a lot more of them on the road, especially on the Great Inland Route, as they are grey nomads from the cold areas of Australia, like Tasmania, Victoria & South Australians making their yearly...

AUSSIE SONG - 'THE REDBACK ON THE TOILET SEAT'

by balhannah

THE REDBACK ON THE TOILET SEAT by Slim Newton I thought you might like to know the words of this iconic Australian song!There was a redback on the toilet seatWhen I was there last night.I didn't see him in the dark,But boy I felt his bite. I jumped high up into the airAnd when I hit the ground,That crafty redback spiderWasn't nowhere to be found. I rushed into the missus,Told her just where I'd been bit.She grabbed a cut-throat razor-bladeAnd I nearly took a fit. I said, "Just forget what's on your mindAnd call a doctor please,'Cause I got a feeling that your cureIs worse than the disease." There was a redback on the toilet seatWhen I was there last night.I didn't see him in the dark,But boy I felt his bite. And now I'm here in hospitalA sad and sorry sight,And I curse the redback spiderOn the toilet seat last night. I can't lie down, I can't sit upAnd I don't know what to do,And all the...

UNDERSTANDING AUSSIE SLANG - Part 1

by balhannah

While visiting one of the Museums in Canberra, I came across an area where they had given descriptions on "Aussie English" or "Aussie Slang"It was really good to read, and I thought a great idea.On talking to the attendant, she said oversea's tourists did not understand most of our sayings. As this is the case, I thought I would put some on here for you to read.WALTZING MATILDA to walk or wander aimlessly in the bush or country.A DONKEY VOTEThis is about voting, when a voter just numbers the ballot paper in order, he hasn't weighed up the merits of the people he is voting for, it is a donkey vote, a vote worthy of a donkey.WOOP WOOPAn unidentifiable place inland a long, long way away and far from civilization. Any remote country town that is thought to be backward. Even more remote is the area ' BeyondThe Black stump". "Woop woop" was recorded in 1918.SHEILAA girl, a girlfriend, a...

Australian Poet - BANJO PATERSON

by balhannah

Andrew Barton "Banjo' Paterson (1864-1941)was a Poet, ballad writer, journalist and horseman. 'Banjo' Paterson, was born near Narrambla, near Orange on 17 February 1864. Paterson's early education took place at home under a governess and then at the bush school in Binalong, the nearest township.In 1895, at the age of 31 he composed his now famous ballad 'Waltzing Matilda' and his first book, The Man from Snowy River, and other verses. I am sure that the majority of people know the song, and may have seen the movie on "The Man from Snowy River.'"banjo" Paterson's role in Australian culture has been celebrated on the Australian $10 note. If you have a chance, read some of his great Australian poems, I thoroughly enjoy them.At the site of his birthplace, on the Ophir Road, you will find Banjo Paterson Park and a memorial obelisk which declares that this was the location where Andrew 'Banjo'...

AUSSIE SENSE OF HUMOUR

by balhannah

On our travels we came across some Toilets that were “out of order” Somebody had added…”Due to Kangaroo Gastric” and “Wombat Squithers”Hope that you know the difference between a Ewe and a Ram, as you may need to know which is which to enter the male or female Toilet!Just joking! They have Ladies or Gents written underneath!

Australia's Most Awarded Song

by pedroswift

The Pub With No BeerFirst verse:"Oh it's-a lonesome away from your kindred and allBy the campfire at night we'll hear the wild dingoes callBut there's-a nothing so lonesome, morbid or drearThan to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer"Country & Western singer, Slim Dusty recorded the song in 1957. Lyrics can be attributed to a couple of blokes. Slim received a "Gold Record" for the song which turned out to be the biggest ever Australian hit.Check out the link to read the history and find the lyrics.

TIDY TOWNS- KEEP AUSTRALIA BEAUTIFUL

by balhannah

In Australia, we have a competition that has been running for the past 40years (as of 2009) which is called "TIDY TOWNS"Towns from all over Australia compete in different categories in hope of becoming a "Tidy Town" winner. As the name suggests, the Town will be kept tidy, no rubbish or junk lying around, gardens manicured!They get judged by the size of Towns, and Country and City towns.It is quite an honour to be a winner. Over 1000 communities try for this honour each year!The overall winner in 2009, was...... TAMWORTH in....... NEW SOUTH WALES.

AN AUSTRALIAN XMAS SONG

by balhannah

The song 'SIX WHITE BOOMERS" was written and sung by Rolf Harris.Six white boombers, are six Kangaroos.These are the words to the song................Up beside the bag of toys little Joey hopped,But they hadn't gone far when Santa stopped.Unharnessed all the reindeer and Joey wondered why,Then he heard a far off booming in the sky.Six white boomers, snow white boomers,Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.Six white boomers, snow white boomers,On his Australian run. Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat,Took his fur lined boots off to cool his feet,Into one popped Joey, feeling quite okay,While those old man Kangaroos kept pulling on the sleigh.ChorusJoey said to Santa, 'Santa, what about the toys?Aren't you giving some to these girls and boys?''They've got all their presents, son, we were here last night,this trip is an extra trip, Joey's special flight.'ChorusSoon the sleigh...

Bush Tea

by SirRichard

Not to have tea with the former US president, but the tea they make when you are out in the bush. I had it during a daytrip to the Daintree National park. Basically, there is a big metallic pot where they boil the water, then add the tea leaf and move the pot in big circles with the right arm so the leaf stay at the bottom due to centrifuge forces.

Top 3 Hotels in Australia

Park Hyatt Sydney Sydney

5 Reviews and 286 Opinions A luxurious setting, conveniently close to the city centre without the hubbub. You can have it both,...

Hotels in Sydney

Crown Towers Melbourne

10 Reviews and 303 Opinions We arrived by limousine , the doorman opened the door with a flourish, a Casino representative...

Hotels in Melbourne

Novotel Langley Perth Perth

4 Reviews and 523 Opinions My partner and I just spent an anniversary night at the Novotel Langley. While the rooms were clean...

Hotels in Perth

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Questions and Answers

Q: Hi All, My name's Sophie. I am 19. I am Looking to visit Australia alone. I am cheating a little bit as I am flying over to...

A: Be careful about you immigration status. Don't travel on tourist visa if you actually are performing paid work.

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