Top 10 Things To Know Before You Move To Australia

 

1. Crocodile Dundee, shrimp on a barbie - will not make you friends.

Australia has been answering for Crocodile Dundee since the day it was released. If you're invited to an Australian BBQ (and you will be because Australians are down right friendly people) never ever try to be funny with 'put a shrimp on the Barbie'. You will be forgiven the first time but you may be laughed out of the BBQ.

If you must make stereotypical Aussie jokes then it's more common and acceptable to quote the Simpson's episode, and bonus points if you can play knifey spoony.

2. Do not say "g’day mate"!

Following on from not being able to escape the ghost of Crocodile Dundee, no one, and I repeat NO ONE says 'g'day mate'. Ok, maybe some places in the country and the Outback but it's extremely rare, nigh, impossible to find it being said anywhere else.

If you want to say something Australian to that effect, go with 'how ya goin'. Or just be like a normal person and ask a normal question. People will understand you...

3.The concept of 'Shouting'

A carefully constructed egalitarian way of drink distribution that requires the contribution and participation of everyone until it's done.

Basically, one person of the group buys drinks for everyone because if everyone is participating and doing their part, that person will get a steady stream of beers until it's time for them to buy again.

If they say "your shout", then it is time for you to buy the next round of beer.

Therefore you should either commit to the shouting or opt-out BEFORE you start drinking the free beers coming your way. The only way out after drinking the beers is to quickly shout the next round before you make a hasty exit.

Nobody wants to be that guy who drinks everyone's beers and then leaves without paying his round. You will be talked about and you will start to notice that you won't be invited out as much. Be warned.

4.Swim between the flags at beaches.

No doubt you've heard and read and seen time and time again that Australia has dangerous coastlines. They're dangerous not only because of the sharks and other wildlife but also because of the strong currents.

Most of the beaches are unpatrolled and in order to warn people of dangerous currents in the area called 'rips' that can take you out to sea in a split second, we use the flag system. We also use this system at patrolled beaches.

The area between the flags means it's been checked and cleared of these dangerous rips and you can swim inside of them.

But do note when they start moving the flags because currents change too.

5. Two up on Anzac Day

Combining our love for drinking, gambling and reverence for our Diggers (Australian soldiers), Two-up is played only on this day of the year and only at RSLs (Returned Soldiers League or in Aussie slang 'Arrr-ies'). Two up has long being made illegal but this one day of the year we allow it as a tribute to the favourite game of our Diggers.

Watch it before participating because you could easy lose your paycheck at a toss of a coin.

6.Weekends are all about the beach and getting outdoors.

Australians work hard and play even harder. In fact Australians work hard SO THAT they can play hard on the weekends. Weekends are either spent at the beach, getting outdoors or having a BBQ somewhere with friends.

With an abundance of nature, there are no shortages of places to go. Try some city camping or even the myriad short trips up and down the coasts.

7.‘Cold’ weather is 20 degrees (Celsius)

The moment that thermometer drops below 20 degrees is the day that everyone pulls out their big jackets and scarves. We're pretty allergic to the cold (unless we choose to go to the snow fields) and we get very dramatic about it too.

After a while of amazing good weather and endless sun, you'll get accustomed to donning woollen beanies and scarves when your weather app forecasts 18 degrees tomorrow.

8.The Sun Is Much Stronger in Australia
We have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world so believe us when we say 'Slip slop slap!

With the ozone hole above us and El Nino and greenhouse effect, our sun is very strong and intense.

Do not underestimate the Australian sun or pay the consequences.

9.The Male Platypus Is Venomous

This is a fun and not known fact. They have a venom filled spike to defend themselves and it will knock you out for weeks. Follow the advice for all animal encounters in Australia: when in doubt, do not touch.

That being said you won't encounter many if you're in urban areas. Also they're quite shy so hard to find in the wild too.

10. Koalas are not everywhere and kangaroos are a pest

You won't really find koalas out in the wild anywhere and kangaroos, although plenty once you start travelling outside of the major cities, are actually considered pests. They eat everything and they release a lot of methane gases that contribute to climate change. They're such pests that we've taken to eating them too. You can find kangaroo steaks and burgers at the local supermarket or the pub.

Now that we've schooled you on the basic facts of Australia, how about we lend you another helping hand and get you here? A no-hassles personalised visa report to guide you through the complex Australian immigration system. You don't want to risk it all, it's a small price to pay for getting it right the first time. Check out our visa report here.

 

For more tips and tricks, have you read our post on the top 8 reasons why Australia is the place to be?

 

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