Australia
Formally the Commonwealth of Australia but to the locals their country is simply Oz, which begins the Australian laid-back style. Whether you want to explore the Aboriginal culture, hike in the outback, swim with sharks, try some delectable cuisine or simply lay on the beach, Australia has it all. While Sydney is the most popular destination, Australia has much more to see than just the Opera house, so go exploring. But be sure to spend your time wisely because no matter how long you planned your trip for, it will never be enough.
Fast facts about Australia
Capital: Canberra
Population: 22 million
Currency: 1$CAD = ~ 1.03$AUD
Time zone: GMT + 8-10.5hours
Population: 22 million
Currency: 1$CAD = ~ 1.03$AUD
Time zone: GMT + 8-10.5hours
Choose a city to learn more about Australia:
Interesting things to know about Australia:
Arriving:
Australia is very strict about what you bring into their country, so be sure to check what you are and aren't allowed to bring in, before your plane lands.
Plastic Money:
Australian currency is made out of plastic, so don't be afraid to bring it in the ocean when you go for a dip.
Deadly Animals:
Australia is home to some of the world's most dangerous animals, crocodiles, venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, sharks and the blue-ringed octopus one of the world's most venomous animals. So be aware of your surroundings and which animals you should watch out for because much of the Australian fauna i considered to be highly dangerous.
Great Barrier Reef:
is the longest coral reef in the world measuring over 2,012.5km.
Sydney Opera House:
was designed in 1957 by John Utzen a Danish architect and was under construction from 1959 until 1973. Its famous white roof, is actually beige and weighs over 161,000 tons.
Opal:
90% of the world's opal is mined in Australia.
Seasons:
in Australia summer begins in December and ends in February, though it never gets too cold in Australia.
Vegemite:
a spread made from yeast which Aussie's love but smells foul. It is meant to be spread thin on toast over some butter, so don't go ahead and eat a whole spoon full.
Australia is very strict about what you bring into their country, so be sure to check what you are and aren't allowed to bring in, before your plane lands.
Plastic Money:
Australian currency is made out of plastic, so don't be afraid to bring it in the ocean when you go for a dip.
Deadly Animals:
Australia is home to some of the world's most dangerous animals, crocodiles, venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, sharks and the blue-ringed octopus one of the world's most venomous animals. So be aware of your surroundings and which animals you should watch out for because much of the Australian fauna i considered to be highly dangerous.
Great Barrier Reef:
is the longest coral reef in the world measuring over 2,012.5km.
Sydney Opera House:
was designed in 1957 by John Utzen a Danish architect and was under construction from 1959 until 1973. Its famous white roof, is actually beige and weighs over 161,000 tons.
Opal:
90% of the world's opal is mined in Australia.
Seasons:
in Australia summer begins in December and ends in February, though it never gets too cold in Australia.
Vegemite:
a spread made from yeast which Aussie's love but smells foul. It is meant to be spread thin on toast over some butter, so don't go ahead and eat a whole spoon full.
Some Australian Lingo:
Australian love to abbreviate words and use slang, so here are a few words I picked up while I was there:
I Reckon = I think
Whilst = used instead of while
Cheap as = its just cheap
Sunnies = Sunglasses
Thongs = flip flops
Goodonya = Good for you
Capsicum = green pepper
I Reckon = I think
Whilst = used instead of while
Cheap as = its just cheap
Sunnies = Sunglasses
Thongs = flip flops
Goodonya = Good for you
Capsicum = green pepper
A must read while in Australia:
Bill Bryson's Down Under
