10 Tips For Traveling In Australia

By: Greg Hawood

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Before heading down under, intrepid travelers should familiarize themselves with the list of 10 tips for traveling in Australia. Many people head to the vast country in the southern hemisphere for sun and sand but beware of the saltwater crocodiles. Here are the 10 top tips for travelling to Oz.

  1. "Expect Beers in Small Glasses." People in England drink beer from a yard glass but the brews down under are mostly served in mugs barely bigger than shot glasses. Due to the excessive heat, beer can heat up up pretty sharpish so don't be surprised when your bartender hands you a midget sized glass.
  2. "Be Careful Swimming." If you come from a country where the only dangers posed by bodies of water are chemical pollutants and old boots then you will be in for surprise down in Australia. The top tip for traveling to Australia is not to swim in bodies of water in the Northern territory because most contain crocodiles or as the locals call them salties. 
  3. "Bring sun block." It is hot in Australia so bringing sun block is not just a top tip for traveling there, it is a life saver. Be vigilant about reapplying sun block especially after swimming because it does not take long to get fried.
  4. "Visit Uluru." The Aborigines call it Uluru and it is a sacred site to them but most travelers know it as Ayers rock. The giant red colored boulder lies in the middle of the desert so it's not a place top hike to but once you you make it there you can expect spectacular views.
  5. "Beware of Bush Tucker." If someone offers you some bush tucker you might agree to their offer without a clue as to what they are talking about but you might soon regret it. Bush tucker is slang for what Americans call road kill. Bush tucker is food that normal people don't like to eat; reptiles and rodents.
  6. "Watch Australian TV." Aussies make great soap operas so a great tip for traveling in Australia is to spend some time away from the sun and in front of the TV. Shows like "Neighbors" and "Home and Away" will amuse and move you while you enjoy the air conditioning.
  7. "Visit the Great Barrier Reef." Alongside Uluru, every visitor to Australia knows that the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see natural wonder. Due to environmental concerns, tours of the reef are more restricted than in the past but it is worth the trouble.
  8. "Sydney Opera House." If you want people to think you are cultured, then a great tip for visiting Australia is top stop by the Sydney Opera house. The opera attracts star performers from around the world and is also one of Sydney's most distinctive looking buildings.
  9. "Know the capital." If you do not want the locals thinking you are dumb, it is a great idea to learn the name of the capital city before visiting Australia. Most people think it is Sydney, Melbourne or even Brisbane but in fact it is Canberra. 
  10. "Learn the local dialect." A great tip for traveling in Australia is to learn a few words of the local dialect before you go. Aussies speak English but in their own special way. If you want a beer, you say "crack a tinny." If you see a complete stranger walking towards you, say "Good day mate." If you get upset, say "Stone the flaming crows." The Aussies will love you.
Posted on: Nov. 07, 2010