If you were brought up on a daily diet of Neighbours and Home & Away, then you would be forgiven for thinking that Australia is all sunny days by the beach, backyard pools and hanging out at the surf club everyday.
I mean, that does happen – but Australia has so much more to offer. With its multicultural population, stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife there are few places in the world that compare.
If you’re taking a gap year and are thinking about travelling to Australia, then here are 10 things you need to know before packing your bags.
1. It’s big, really big
Australia is enormous, and it’s not until you arrive and begin to travel around that you realise just how big it is.
To give you an idea of how big Australia really is, here are some facts:
- Australia is as wide as the distance between London and Moscow.
- It’s home to the world’s largest cattle ranch – which is the size of Belgium.
- You could fit the UK into Australia a whopping 31.4 times!
- The whole of Europe fits into Australia… with room to spare.
To put it simply, when Australians say they are driving up the road, what they really mean is that they are going for a three-hour drive. Bear this in mind if you’re planning on hiring a campervan or car when you’re Down Under.
2. The wildlife
Much of Australia’s wildlife is unique to Australia – think emus, kangaroos and kookaburras. Did you know that there are 1,500 species of Australian spider alone?
When you spend time in Australia you’ll soon get used to being told horror stories about shark-infested waters, deadly spiders, box jellyfish and snakes by the locals. But don’t let that put you off; the reality is that most people in urban areas don’t come into regular contact with many of these creatures.
3. The sun
SPF 8 or 15 isn’t going to cut it in Australia. The sun is harsh and radiation is at its most intense between 10am and 3pm. Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are standard here – don’t learn the hard way. No one looks good rockin’ the pink lobster look.
4. The coffee
It’s a well-known fact that the coffee you will drink in Australia will probably be the best you’ve ever had. Within weeks you’ll find yourself a regular at your local coffee shop ordering a ‘flat white’.
5. Australia takes road trips to another level
Australia is one of the best places to go on an epic road trip. The roads are often long, straight and quiet and the landscape and scenery are unbeatable. Australia is home to one of the longest national highways in the world at an incredible 14,500km.
Hiring a campervan, or looking to pick up a campervan for sale is easy and once you’ve picked up the keys, put on your favourite playlist, wind down the windows and hit the open road.
6. Football and soccer
If there’s one thing that Aussies love as much as cold beer and a ‘barbie’ – it’s their sport. Sport rules supreme in Australia and while cricket may be the national sport, it’s Australian football that gets the conversation going. Not to mention the Melbourne Cup, which brings the country to a stand still.
7. Every state is different
Australia has six states – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia – and two territories; the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. You should be aware that each of these states and territories have their own list of laws, regulations and even time zones.
For example, if you are on a road trip then you should pay attention to the speed limits in that particular state.
8. BBQ etiquette
As we’ve already mentioned Aussies love a good ‘barbie’ and being invited round by your new found friends is something that is likely to happen while you’re travelling around. If you are invited, it’s common to bring your own beer and meat (unless it’s a works do, then it’s ok to turn up empty handed and fill your boots – you are on a budget after all).
9. Motels and hotels
If you are looking for a room for the night then ask for a motel, not a hotel. In Australia, a hotel is sort of a roadhouse, or place where you go and play slot machines – some offer rooms, but most don’t.
10. Believe it or not, it does get cold
Believe it or not winter in Australia does happen. Although it’s not often talked about in the UK, it does get cold in Australia and you’ll find yourself reaching for jeans and a jumper. It’s a little known fact but the Australian Snowy Mountains receive more snow than the Swiss Alps.
So if you are planning on being here in the winter – particularly in Sydney or Melbourne, bring some warmer clothes with you.
Oh, and while UGG boots may be cheaper in Australia, they still aren’t cool.
Writer: Ruth Cole, a Brit who’s currently working in Australia
Image: Robyn Mackenzie/123rf.com