Australia and Oceania Local Customs

 
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Most Viewed Local Customs in Australia and Oceania

101.

Tipping and Prices   Sydney

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... 

 See All 129 Local Customs in Sydney

102.

Aboriginal Culture   Perth

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... 

 See All 57 Local Customs in Perth

103.

General   Brisbane

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... 

 See All 59 Local Customs in Brisbane

104.

Tipping   Adelaide

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... 

 See All 26 Local Customs in Adelaide

105.

Useful Tips.......Emergency number   Christchurch

Useful Tips.......Emergency number, Christchurch

 7 Reviews  The New Zealand dollar has depreciated in value over the last few years. It now lies around $1NZ=$0.49US good for all of you wanting to travel to NZ but bad for us kiwi's!! The notes were changed... 

 See All 46 Local Customs in Christchurch

106.

Driving, Road Rules   Canberra

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... 

 See All 19 Local Customs in Canberra

107.

Cemetary   Bora-Bora

Cemetary, Bora-Bora

 2 Reviews  Touring the island, I saw a couple of churches but I was wondering where the deceased were, because I never saw a cemetary. Later, I found out that the deceased are buried at home. Very often you can... 

 See All 18 Local Customs in Bora-Bora

108.

Pako Festa   Geelong

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... 

 See All 31 Local Customs in Geelong

109.

Drinks and Food   Sydney

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... 

 See All 129 Local Customs in Sydney

110.

Slang   Brisbane

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

111.

Local People   Christchurch

Local People, Christchurch

 9 Reviews  This old english method of having a bloke yelling the news pre newspaper days was trialled a few years ago as a tourism stunt - and it stuck. The Town Crier of Christchurch screams a few items of... 

 See All 46 Local Customs in Christchurch

112.

Laws/Crime   Canberra

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,... 

 See All 19 Local Customs in Canberra

113.

Baywalk Bollards   Geelong

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... 

 See All 31 Local Customs in Geelong

114.

Australian People   Sydney

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... 

 See All 129 Local Customs in Sydney

115.

Brisbane Exhibition   Brisbane

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... 

 See All 59 Local Customs in Brisbane

116.

Maori   Christchurch

Maori, Christchurch

 3 Reviews  When you are entering into Maori cultural exhibits, the visitors must be invited in to join the community before entering. Your group must select a chief or king for the group, and then that leader... 

 See All 46 Local Customs in Christchurch

117.

Tipping, GST   Canberra

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

118.

General Sydney/Aussie Customs   Sydney

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... 

 See All 129 Local Customs in Sydney

119.

Dress Sense   Brisbane

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... 

 See All 59 Local Customs in Brisbane

120.

Driving   Christchurch

Driving, Christchurch

 2 Reviews  When you drive along the Summit Road please thank all the idiots of Christchurch for being able to park on such nice carparks along the road. Those carparks have been altered attractively because car... 

 See All 46 Local Customs in Christchurch

121.

Festivals, markets   Canberra

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... 

 See All 19 Local Customs in Canberra

122.

Aussie Slang   Sydney

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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123.

Vegemite   Brisbane

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... 

 See All 59 Local Customs in Brisbane

124.

Wizard   Christchurch

Wizard, Christchurch

 3 Reviews  Speaking to the masses, though not so often these days, is the Christchurch Wizard aka Ian Brackenbury Channell. He has actually been deemed a "living work of art" and has been doing his thing in... 

 See All 46 Local Customs in Christchurch

125.

Climate   Canberra

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... 

 See All 19 Local Customs in Canberra

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Don't be the stereotypical...

by rmehl999

Don't be the stereotypical loud mouthed, know it all American. Aussies are VERY laid back and know how to enjoy life.

Aussies are pretty friendly...

by UABV2

Aussies are pretty friendly people. If you need help or directions - Just ask!

Be very courteous and...

by cubabound

Be very courteous and simpathetic to the Aboriginal culture in Australia. Race issues are very sensitive here.

Try to head to somewhere where...

by cutestmidget

Try to head to somewhere where you can see some real farming in action. This will give you a real idea of true blue aussies... :)

Tip Photo
yes... we're known as a people...

by cutestmidget

yes... we're known as a people who love to have a bit of a drink, a laugh and a laid-back good time... be willing to join in on this, and you'll have a great time with us... :)

Tip Photo
As for any other country be...

by apogeeandy

As for any other country be polite and smile

Visit the Abo museum in...

by enkku

Visit the Abo museum in Sydney, an interesting but horrifying story

In Australia, you go on a...

by richiecdisc

In Australia, you go on a walkabout in the bush, in New Zealand, you're tramping. It's all hiking to me!

Tip Photo
Go to a Hangi, a Maori feast,...

by richiecdisc

Go to a Hangi, a Maori feast, near Rotorura, NZ.

Tip Photo
Enjoy the Aboriginal art in...

by richiecdisc

Enjoy the Aboriginal art in places like Kakadu.

Tip Photo

Top 3 Hotels in Australia and Oceania

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

The Place

Reviews and photos of Australia and Oceania attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Australia and Oceania sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

ant1606 profile photo

Q:  This coming August I should travel to Australia and I'm considering flying one way from Melbourne to Cairns, then drive along the... 

margsch profile photo

A: the 3 times I booked with tiger they changed my flight times by 9 hours each time, if this is not a problem for you do it. Virgin have a happy hour each day at 12.30p.m.... 

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Australia and Oceania Members Meetings

Feb 26, 2012 
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