Summary

The article "Surprising Things About Australia And Aussies" provides a personal account of unique cultural and natural aspects of Australia, from its wildlife and language to its fitness culture and seasonal celebrations.

Abstract

The author shares their experiences from a recent trip to the Gold Coast, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of Australian life that never cease to amaze them. These include the Aussie's nonchalance towards dangerous wildlife, the rich and unusual biodiversity, the quirks of Australian English, the tradition of celebrating "Christmas in July," the high level of fitness among Australians, and the laid-back attitude towards footwear. The article paints a picture of a vibrant, active society deeply connected to its environment and with a unique linguistic and cultural identity.

Opinions

The author finds Australians' casual attitude towards potentially dangerous wildlife, such as sharks and crocodiles, both surprising and indicative of a cultural acceptance of risk.
There is an appreciation for Australia's diverse and sometimes bizarre wildlife, with a special mention of the country's efforts to protect animals through initiatives like wildlife bridges.
Australian English is seen as a source of charm and confusion, with its colorful slang and abbreviations that can challenge even non-native speakers who are accustomed to English.
The author expresses fondness for the Australian tradition of celebrating Christmas in July, viewing it as a creative way to experience a winter-like Christmas atmosphere during the Southern Hemisphere's winter.
The fitness level of Australians, including older individuals, is admired by the author, who was humbled by being outperformed by a 62-year-old in a running event.
The casual dress code, particularly the widespread use of thongs (flip-flops) and the occasional barefoot appearance in public places, is noted as a distinct aspect of Australian culture that reflects the country's relaxed lifestyle.
Overall, the author conveys a deep affection for Australia, its people, and its unique way of life, suggesting that visitors may find themselves falling in love with the country and its culture.

Surprising Things About Australia And Aussies

It’s a different planet

Photo by the author, Southport, Queensland

The Beauty of Down Under

I just came back from a holiday on the Gold Coast, Australia. Even though I go there every year, there are always new and old things that surprise me and make me chuckle. Some make me shake my and say, “These Aussies…”

These are the ones on top of my list…

1. Australians’ sense of immortality.

Australians love saying,

“You have more chances of dying in a plane crash than being attacked by a shark.”

It’s a cultural thing.

My husband calls me dramatic when I sprint out of the water in panic while all the Aussies are having fun in the waves. Not only do they have sharks, but they even have saltwater crocs but worry not; the odds are in your favor...they are just “curious.”

2. The Wild Life

Down Under is wild: sharks in the canals, saltwater crocs swimming IN THE OCEAN, poisonous snakes and spiders, and more. Kangaroos are not only in the zoos: you can see them around on beaches, and koalas are out there munching their way away (did you know these little fellows sleep 18 hours a day?).

Then you have the entire gang of plain weird animals that only live in Oz: the Tasmanian devil, dingoes, platypuses…

One of the first things that surprised me when I first visited was the wildlife bridges: huge bridges built on top of highways to allow animals to cross from one side to the other to access nature without being killed by drivers. Over 4,000 koalas are killed every year by cars, and Aussies have a true sense of the environment.

3. Australian English

The Aussie accent can be tricky for a non-English speaker. It took me two years to understand my father-in-law properly, and I still struggle with some, particularly if they come from more remote places (and there are many of those). But the best part is the native words and expressions:

It’s chockablock: it’s crowded
A barbie: a barbecue
This arvo: this afternoon
A ciggie: a cigarette
A mozzie: a mosquito
Mate: everyone, regardless of age and gender (even dogs can be mates)
Bogan: loud and obnoxious people with poor manners
Thongs: flipflops

This list goes on and on. Make sure you learn your Aussie words, abbreviate everything, and call everyone “mate.”

Photo by the author: Moreton Island, Queensland

4. Christmas in July

I love spending Christmas in Australia: it’s the middle of the summer, it’s warm, the days are long, people go to the beach in the arvo, places are chockablock, and you have a barbie to finish the year in style.

However, I miss the cozy feeling of the white Christmas, the snow, a mug of Gluhwein in the cold, and the winter clothes to keep you warm. Aussies do too, but they have the perfect solution!

The first time I was invited to a “Christmas in July party,” I thought it was a joke. It turns out it’s a national sport, and people love throwing a Christmas party in the middle of July (winter Down Under) to wear the bad jumpers, eat turkey and pretend it’s Christmas…it’s a lovely tradition, and kids love it!

Photo by the author: Xmas in July party at friends’

5. Fit people

The level of fitness in Australia is a different beast. My 70-year-old mother-in-law runs 10km races. Beaches are packed from 5:00 am with surfers, mums, and dads pushing prams, packs of runners and triathletes, and groups doing yoga in the park. The fitness bar is significantly higher in this country, particularly when it comes to sports that involve water. No wonder Australia always does extremely well in swimming in the Olympics.

I recently ran a 5km Park Run race and came second of all women. When I checked the results, the woman was “Jane,” a 62-year-old!

Photo by the author with my super fit MIL (Noosa Half Marathon)

6. No shoes

Australians are very casual and friendly, from how they speak to how they dress. Thongs are a critical part of the dressing code, particularly in beach areas.

But then, I started noticing that some people were not wearing shoes on the street. At all. First, I thought it was the quick run from the car to the beach. We have all done that. But it was also in the supermarket, the shopping mall, the petrol station…

Of course, most people wear shoes, but you will always bump into the barefoot family happily shopping at Coles supermarket, the dad doing the barefoot pickup. I’m not making this up: I went to the graduation of my oldest from prep school, and all parents were there clapping for their little ones and taking pictures. Well, well, one of the dads did not have shoes. I even received a note from my daughter’s kindergarten asking parents to send their kids with shoes on…

Australia is a country like no other: from the stunning golden beaches to the unique wildlife, the contrast between the landscapes and its friendly and welcoming people.

This big island will not disappoint you. In fact, you might fall in love with an Aussie, just like I did, and call this big island your second home.

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