10 Facts About Australian Culture That I’ve Learned in 13 Months

Windin Falls

Growing up in the United States, Australia was always romantically elusive. Kangaroos, beaches, surfing, sunshine, crocodile Dundee, and relaxed vibes. Throw in a few massive spiders and poisonous snakes for a splash of adventure. When you’re 10,000 miles away, you can dream up whatever your heart desires.

Fifteen-year-old Katie daydreaming away in world history class would have never guessed that 27-year-old Katie would end up engaged to an Aussie with a one way ticket Down Under. Would reality meet expectation?

After being in Australia for over a year, I’ve learned a few facts about Australian culture that I didn’t know before stepping off the plane. (Mind you, my travels have been limited to Tasmania and Queensland with brief jaunts in Sydney and Melbourne.)

Based on my personal experience, here are 10 facts about Australian culture that I’ve learned over the past 13 months.

Red Rock Trail, Agnes Water

1. Australians Abbreviate Anything and Everything

If you want to talk the talk Down Under, just use abbreviations!

Here are some examples to get you inspired:

Brisbane : Brissy
Tasmania: Tassie
Sausage: Snag
Chocolate: Choc
Biccy: Biscuit… what American’s refer to as cookie
Breakfast: Breakkie
Mozzie: mosquito
Bathing Suit: swimmers/boardies
McDonalds: Macca’s (click HERE for a review!)
Sunglasses: sunnies

2. No Shoes? No Problem!

In Queensland, as soon as we got out of more populated cities, the shoes came off. I was shocked by all the bare feet treading around outside, in shopping centers, and even in grocery stores! While I couldn’t quite bring myself to pad around Coles without my Birkenstocks, I did embrace the barefoot craze outside.

3. The Mullet is Alive, Well, and Even Trendy!

I thought the mullet died in the 80s, but it has made quite the comeback in Australia. In fact, little did I know that the mullet is often “seen as this quintessential mark of Australian identity.”(Click HERE to read more!) The business in the front, party in the back hair do is popular among city hipsters, country bogans (the Aussie term for redneck), and famous sports stars alike.

According to the celebrity stylist Deni Todorovic , “Australian men are leaning into a very woke space of self-expression where they can have fun with completely hilarious haircuts without fear of judgment.” I will add I’ve seen a few women sporting the do too!

4. There’s Very Little Crime

Before heading Down Under, I was living in New York City, which isn’t quite known for its safe streets and welcoming locals. I was accustomed to triple locking my door and gripping my bag with an “anyone can rob you at any minute!” mindset.

The safeness of Australia was a culture shock.

I can just leave my bag on the beach? These honesty box roadside stalls just trust me to pay? What do you mean you aren’t locking the door? Why aren’t there any police with radar traps?! Wait a second…. why aren’t there any police around in general?!

People are generally both trusting and trustworthy, and there’s an uncanny feeling of security and safeness. There isn’t a large police presence, especially once you get out of the big cities, because there just isn’t a huge need for one. Click HERE for some interesting crime statistics!

5. Not Only Is There Very Little Crime, but There Are Hardly Any Guns

Hmmmm… what an intriguing correlation!

In 1996, there was a mass shooting in Tasmania in which 35 people were killed. The National Firearms Agreement (NFA) banned certain types of firearms and the government carried out a huge buy back program. Check out THIS source for some interesting information on how this has impacted homicides and suicides, both which have declined since.

In 2020, there were 3,778,025 civilian guns in Australia, which is a rate of 14.83 guns per 100 people. For comparison, in the US, there were 400 million civilian owned guns in 2020, which out numbers the population by roughly 80 million.

Let’s save the deep dive into guns for another time, but this has contributed to my sense of security.

6. Australia Isn’t All Beaches, Surf, and Sun, There’s Rainforest Too

I admittedly had no clue that Australia was home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest: Daintree. The Daintree Rainforest is in Tropical North Queensland, and it is a whooping 180 million years old. It’s chocked full of outstanding flora and fauna, and it has an aura of regal rarity that feels humbling.

7. And Oh Yeah… There’s Snow!

Contrary to my endless summer expectations, seasons do exist in parts of Australia. In fact, it even gets pretty cold! Particularly in Tasmania. The climate ranges from 3-11 C/ 37-54 F in the winter and 17-23 C/ 62-73 F in the summer. Mt. Wellington was often snow capped during my time in Tasmania.

8. Health Care Is Awesome

I’ve had a few trips to see the doctor, and each time I’ve been shocked at how affordable and easy the process is. A trip to the urgent care in NYC set me back $250. The same type of visit in Australia was $80AUD/$58USD. And that’s without insurance!!!

For tax paying citizens, it’s even better. There is an amazing universal healthcare system that makes visits to the GP, consultations with specialists, hospital treatments, so and so forth outrageously affordable.

9. Grey Nomads Are Everywhere

Millaa Millaa

Grey nomads are commonly defined as retired Australians over the age of 55 who go on long term camping trips in their decked out caravans.

I had no idea that grey nomad culture existed until Jeremy and I hit the road. These baby boomer gypsies dominated the various Queensland caravan parks we stayed at, and some of the set ups were quite impressive. Elaborate cooking areas, outdoor TVs, and all types of caravans ranging from mega-budget to ultra-luxury.

The sheer volume of grey nomads compared to spritely whippersnappers at the moment is partly due to closed boarders. Backpackers can’t get in and older travelers can’t get out. But it’s also just a part of Australian culture.

10. If You’re Going to a Pie Shop, Expect Savory, Not Sweet!

Savory pies are a classic Australian comfort food, and Australians consume around 270 million pies a year. While pie shops might have a few sweet slices out on display, expect to find options like minced beef and scallop (quite popular in Tasmania) instead.

In fact, bakeries in general feature far more savory pastries than my American upbringing is used to with savory muffins, scones, and breads lining the glass cases. While I still will opt for a chocolate chip muffin over pumpkin feta, I do quite enjoy the more salty side of baked treats here in Australia. Click HERE to learn more about the history of pie.