Some points in Australian culture

There are some points in Australian culture that you should remember to have the best trip to this country.

Australia

Language 

All people in Australia are encouraged to learn English, which is the national language and an important unifying element of Australian society. However, languages other than English are also valued. 

Religion

Indigenous Australians have their own unique religious traditions and spiritual values. Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practise any religion they choose, as long as they obey the law. Australians are also free not to have a religion. 

Clothing 

The types of clothing that people wear reflect the diversity in Australian society and the variations in climate. There are no laws or rules on clothing, but Australians are expected to wear certain clothing in work situations — most workplaces have dress standards. 

Australian culture

Vibrant arts scene 

Australia has a vibrant arts scene that reflects both the nation's Indigenous cultural traditions and its rich mosaic of migrant cultures. All forms of the visual and performing arts have strong followings, including film, art, theatre, dance and music. 

Meeting Etiquette

- Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed

- A handshake and smile suffices

- Visitors should simple say “hello” or “hello, how are you?”

- Australian prefer to use first name, even at the initial meeting

5 famous coffee shops in Darlinghurst, Australia

Gelato Messina, Kurtosh, Bill’s, UNA’S, Bar Coluzzi, are five famous coffee shops in Darlinghurst, Australia that visitors should not miss when travelling in this city.

Bar Coluzzi

Bar Coluzzi coffee shop

Bar Coluzzi is one of the oldest coffee shops in Darlinghurst. It was established in 1957 by Luigi Coluzzi. Everyday, customers come here and enjoy a cup of espresso or cappuccino to start a new day.

Add: 322 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Tel: + 61 412 153 782

 

UNA’S

Una's Schnitzel

Una was opened in 1906 by Una – the Ireland woman. Coming here, diners customers are not only served coffee but also many delicious food, especially Schnitzel chicken. Besides, the beer in this restaurant is very special also.

Add: 340 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

 

Bill’s

Egg dish in Bill's

The trip to Sydney will be not perfect if you do not enjoy a breakfast in Bill’s. This restaurant is famous for the simple but very delicious dishes which attract everyone, even the prissy diners.

Add: 433 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Tel: + 61 9360 9631

 

Kurtosh

Chimney breads

Kurtosh is one of new-opened-coffee-shop which is famous for chimney breads that are stated as the oldest breads in Hungary by the legend. The breads are made in some special occasion in Hungary. Besides, slab cake is the restaurant’s specialty also.

Add: 316 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Tel: + 61 2 9356 2436

 

Gelato Messina

There are a lot taste of ice-cream for customers t

This is seen as ice-cream paradise. In Messina, each dish has its own recipe. The diners can freely choose their favorite tastes.

Add: 241 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

OVERLAND AUSTRALIA TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Everyone told us to book a flight. To drive from Canberra to Alice Springs was just too much of a trek, they said. Especially considering myself and Mike had never before driven a manual; a 4WD towing a trailer no less. Though surely the Australian Outback, with its wide open spaces and endless stretches of road, was a fantastic place to learn!

It took us 4 days to complete the 2,558 km journey. One shattered back windscreen, a dozen camels, hundreds of kangaroos, and one emu pizza later, our determined group of four pulled into watch the sun set in a spectacular fashion over Australia’s most iconic landmark – Uluru.

Traveling overland, and crossing the country by road, is the best way to discover Australia, and the only way to truly experience the Australian Outback. Sure, flights frequently service Darwin and Alice Springs from other popular ports within the country, and you can have Uluru “done” within a day, though you haven’t truly experienced Australia until you have driven overland.

Why? Because what truly makes Australia great are the quirky little eccentric towns in-between main tourist destinations, where you can share a beer with colorful outback characters in a legendary outback pub.

What makes Australia great are its wide open spaces of barren bush land, red earth, rocks and dry trees. What makes Australia great is its incredible range of diverse landscapes and exotic wildlife which you won’t truly experience from the window seat of a plane.

Catching a flight means you miss the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the middle of a hot summer’s night with a perfect view of the Milky Way. Catching a flight means you miss witnessing the color of the earth as the sun beats down its last rays. Catching a flight means you miss spread out sheep stations and road trains rolling by. Catching a flight means you miss experiencing the “true Australia”.

Driving across Australia fulfills every film cliché. Kangaroos jump out from the woodwork, and emu’s run alongside your 4WD. Hiking trails end at dramatic, cavernous gorges where the year round warm weather makes for perfect swimming conditions, 4WD tracks lead straight to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We stopped in little unheard of towns, and drove through off the beaten path destinations; where technology hardly existed and exotic wildlife roamed free. We admired aboriginal art and enjoyed the flexibility and freedom to explore off the beaten path; stopped the car to trek through rocky gorges and slept in swag underneath the Southern Cross eating bush food.

And while the journey itself was the most fantastic experience of my life, nothing prepared me for the experience of Uluru. The large sandstone rock stands 348 m high (1,142 ft). It is extremely impressive, and glows a magnificent red at dawn and sunset – an absolutely spectacular sight to see.

So if destinations like Chambers Pillar, Nitmiluk National Park, Kakadu National Park, Kings Canyon and Uluru (Ayers Rock) are on your bucket list, consider driving.

Drive cross country across Australia and you’ll forever remember it as the time you traveled overland.

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BIOGRAPHY

1. Jarryd Salem (27) and Alesha Bradford (30) - Australian couple.

2. Our blog is http://www.nomadasaurus.com, and we also freelance to a number of different publications in Australia and around the world. Jarryd is anaward-winning travel writer, and Alesha is an acclaimed photographer, having been featured by BBC Travel, The Guardian, Afar Media, Forbes,News.com.au, and more.

3. 365 days travelling last year in Southeast Asia.

4. In 2015 we are travelling through China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkey. 2016 we will either travel around Europe or start making our through Africa. Our current objective is to travel from Thailand to Cape Town without flying, with no set time frame.

5. We are PADI certified rescue divers/wreck speciality/nitrox speciality, with over 50 dives each. We have extensive experience in multi-day treks in both jungle and mountains. Both advanced snowboarders (Jarryd is into backcountry touring), having lived in the mountains of Canada for 4 years. Beginner-intermediate wakeboarders/rock climbers/surfers. 10 months riding motorbikes in Southeast Asia. Caving in Central America and Asia (including to Hang Son Doong, the world's largest cave). Crewed on a sailboat in the Caribbean for 2 months. We are very adventurous and love trying new activities. There is almost no adventure we would say no to.

6. For 2015, Asia and the Middle East is our preference. In 2016 it would be Europe and Africa. For a large partnership, we would be willing to travel elsewhere under the right circumstances.

Trip Planning

Planning a trip to Australia can be a challenging experience. Knowing that Australia offers a lot of great places to explore, it requires you to consider several Australia traveling tips. Although Australia is a safe place for tourists to travel anytime of the year, following Australia traveling tips can make the experience enjoyable with less trouble. It gives you the chance to explore as many tourist spots and unique landscapes as you can. As you plan a trip to Australia take time to read Australia traveling tips to ensure you are prepared for long walks and for a safe travel. Be guided on important information we’ve complied such as flights, airport transfers and many more to help you for an enjoyable vacation.

Flights

Choosing from the vast tourist destination in Australia is easy since there are numerous airlines to choose from. Planning a trip to Australia can be done in advance so that you can secure discounts. There are direct and connecting flights available to choose from according to your desired flight schedule. Most visitors choose to fly first to Sydney for them to see the famous Sydney harbor and Sydney Opera House. Australia traveling tips encourages you to book early if you plan a trip to Australia so that you will get the best seat in your favorite event. If you are a sports fan you can get the chance to watch any sports match event you want. A choice of airlines includes Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Delta, American Airlines and many more. If you need assistance, you may contact travel agencies.

Airport Transfers

Shuttle bus, modern coaches and mini coaches are use to provide fast service to clients. Public transportations are also available and this includes taxi, bus and train. Check your Australia traveling tips manual for any available transfer service agency that employs professional and trained drivers.

Since airport transfer service is available to travelers, you can choose from the list on your Australia traveling tips manual so that you can arrange the airport transfer early. The need to book airport transfer should be included on your list of things to do when you plan a trip to Australia. Airport transfer services are available daily. They can pick up visitors or travelers from major hotels and surrounding areas. Australia traveling tips guides you that some transportation operators have limited destinations. Check their services well. They also require booking for 48 hours before the scheduled trip.

Visas

Apply for the proper visa if you plan a trip to Australia. Travelers, except Australian or New Zealand citizens should secure a visa upon entering the country. Depending on your need, you can apply for student, working or tourist visa. Secure valid passport and the corresponding visa if you plan a trip to Australia before leaving your point of origin. Tourist visa is usually allowed for three months and if you want you can apply for an extension. If you are doubtful on the proper visa you need, it is better to verify from the Australian Embassy.

Customs and Quarantines

Arriving and departing travelers are bound to follow border protection guidelines. They are required to submit documents and give important information for clearance from customs. If you plan a trip to Australia, travelers should declare the items they brought with them. This includes currency on hand. As you travel the different favorite destinations in Australia avoid buying souvenirs not qualified for custom clearance. With this, travelers should secure the necessary guidelines on what to bring back to Australia. This is important if you intend to travel overseas. Items such as weapons, firearms, drugs, steroids and protected wildlife are not allowed on any trip going to Australia.

Customs and quarantines play an important role in protecting Australia’s environment and agricultural industries. Strict implementation to screen all passengers’ baggage can be done using an X-ray machine or detector. Be prepared for any screening if you plan a trip to Australia. The use of dogs and physical inspection is another way to screen items brought by sea and air passengers. Following the guidelines will help preserve Australia’s environment. Plan a vacation and remember the restrictions you need to comply. This helps you to enjoy every travel destination when you plan a trip to Australia.

Medications

Any personal medicines a traveler need to bring to Australia should be declared upon arrival. They are subject to approval and because of this it is important to bring prescription or certification from the doctor regarding any medical condition and medicines you carry on your trip.

More Travel Tips

If you are travelling with a disabled companion or one needing special care, check availability of facilities to avoid discomfort. As you plan a vacation, safety should always be your first concern. Avoid sun exposure by wearing hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and shirt. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Planning a trip to Australia is easy since there are various guides you can refer to. If you go swimming Australia traveling tips reminds visitors not to swim alone. You also need to check water level and depths. Always observe Australia traveling tips at all times.

Australia, Dolphin project

Company : Budget Volunteering 
Activities: Tours / Animal Volunteer Projects / Conservation Projects
Country: Australia
Location : Bunbury, Australia
Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months
Approx Costs: 1000 to 2000 £ Pound (UK)

Up close and personal with wild Dolphins! Contribute to the well-being of dolphins in an idyllic setting at a non-profit Centre committed to dolphin research, education, conservation and tourism. 

You'll meet people from all around the world, not to mention the dolphins! Apart from being in the water with the dolphins, you'll spend about 80% of your day talking and answering questions from people who come down to the beach to see the dolphins, thus educating them about  the dolphins. You'll talk about their characteristics and making the visitors aware of how crucial it is to conserve these wonderful animals.

Some of the work tasks and responsibilities you may be involved with include:

• Talking to visitors on the beach - explaining what the Dolphin Centre does.
• Assisting to coordinate the Interaction Zone when dolphins visit.
• Managing the front entrance and Dolphin Room area.
• Participating in ’’Coastcare” activities and assisting with current research projects.
• Assisting with the research program, recording observations in the bay and monitoring dolphin visits to the zone.
• Inputting the research data into databases for analysis
• General maintenance and cleaning.
• Tour guiding through the Interpretive Centre for the general public, tour groups and school students.

The work that you'll be involved in depends on what is available at the time of your placement.

You may also  involved in depends on what is available at the time of your placement.

Training:
You'll learn a great deal through during training which covers a wide range of issues and skills and includes presentations from a selection of guest speakers relevant to the operation of the Centre.

Regular volunteer meetings are held to ensure you are kept up-to-date with the latest issues regarding marine mammal management and the operations of the Centre.

After having completed a minimum of 20 hours training, you'll receive an official Volunteer T-Shirt which will identify you to the public as a trained representative of the Centre.

Staff members attend monthly meetings, as well as regular video and BBQ nights, which you'll be invited to attend. 

Hours of duty and Work Schedule
This project is a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks.

You’ll work between 20-40 hours a week, with weekends off. 

This placement is definitely for animal loving enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty - the rewards are well worth it!

Whilst volunteering is rewarding in itself, time spent at a project such as this is an excellent springboard for traveling around Australia. Meeting other volunteers from around the world, and listening to their stories and recommendations can give you the confidence to travel and experience more.

ACCOMMODATION IN BUNBURY

You'll live in a backpackers conveniently located in the heart of the town. We team up with two different hostels that are very similar in the facilities they provide and in their excellent location that is close to everything! You'll have the beach, the City Centre and lots of other attractions all within two minutes walk and you’ll be able to explore the nearby forests, national parks, beautiful waterways, historic towns, many vineyards and the incredibly beautiful coast-line on your days off.

In the town there is a colourful street of sidewalk cafes called the "Cappuccino Strip" that buzzes all day. There are lots of sidewalk cafes and a variety of waterside dining options offer numerous opportunities to taste the wonders of the local produce. These cafes and the award-winning restaurants, as well as atmospheric historic pubs, ensure the town hums. There are also plenty of Entertainment Centres, Art Galleries and cinemas.

FOOD

Is not included in this project so you should budget for meals. We feel that a good guide would be a weekly budget of around AUD$70.

Start Dates

The project runs from 1st October - 31st May every year. Start dates are flexible

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1195 for six weeks. You may be able to participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive an information pack about your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a BVOL programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

My Travels in Australia – by Brooke Shoenman

This interview is part of a series on Travel in Australia through the eyes of travellers. Backpacking Australia is popular for people on a working holiday Australia visa.

Today we talk with Brooke Schoenman…

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your traveling experience?

I’m an American girl from the Midwest that has been exploring the world since September of 2007.

My travel experience involves a semester of study abroad in Italy (2004), a month-long archaeological dig in Spain (2007), a couple months in Central America (2008), 5 months focusing on Russian in Kyrgyzstan (2008), 5 months of teaching English in Ukraine (2008 – 2009), and nearly 2 years in Australia.

Of course, there have been bits and pieces of travel in between to countries like England, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, New Zealand and Kazakhstan.

How long have you been in Oz and what places have you seen so far?

I can’t believe it’s been almost 2 years in Australia. To be honest, my time in Australia has been less about seeing as much as possible, as quickly as I can, and more about establishing residency.

My boyfriend is Australian, so we’ve been building a life together in order to apply for the partner visa.

That said, I have seen my fair share of the east coast, all the way from Cooktown to Melbourne. Some points include Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef, the Gold Coast and even Broken Hill. My goal this year is to make it over to WA for a while.

Cooktown

What’s your style of travel in Oz? Independent travel, group tours etc?

Ultimately, my style of travel is always independent, but in Australia, there is a lot to be said for some group tours thrown into the mix. When I was on Fraser Island, I was thankful that we didn’t try to rent a 4WD and drive it through the sandy terrain on our own.

In that case, a tour was much appreciated. Also, getting to the Great Barrier Reef probably wouldn’t have been possible without a tour.

I’m definitely not a tour person, but Australia travel warrants investing in at least one or two.

What type of accommodation do you mostly stay in? Is there a Hostel/Hotel/Campsite you love?

I’m a hostel or campsite type of traveler since it’s generally the cheaper way to go. I loved Bungalow Bay YHA on Magnetic Island because Patrick and I got a private bungalow to stay in with air conditioning (just 2 of 20 reasons to stay).

As for campsites, the Big4 company amazes me with their caravan parks, some of which reach the 5 star level! I’m sure Heather Rudd is going to write about this one, too, but the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort was by far the most amazing campsite in Australia. I mean, they have their own water park and mini golf course.

Favorite city and why?

How about island? My boyfriend and I absolutely loved Magnetic Island. It was so secluded, peaceful, tropical and relaxing. We felt miles away from reality.

Favorite other region?

I absolutely love the rainforest areas around Port Douglas and up to Cape Tribulation. The winding roads may be difficult to navigate, but the scenery is unbelievable.

I also quite enjoy the drive along the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas. Words can’t express the beauty of a seaside drive like that as the sun rises.

wallaby with a carrot

Most over-rated place you’ve visited?

Mission Beach. It really is beautiful, but for some reason I think I was expecting more. I was only there for a day, and I have no idea what I would have done if I stayed longer.

How do you like the food? Favorite local meal?

There are things I love and hate about Aussie food. Being American, I loathe Australian hamburgers and lack of quality Mexican food. I love the amount of Asian restaurants available in the cities, and you can take me out for a pub dinner (schnitzel) any day of the week.

Meat pies have entered my world of cheap eats, and Australia’s selection of tropical fruits will not disappoint.

It’s no secret Australia is an expensive place to travel. What tips could you give on ways to keep expenses low?

Grow to love the outdoors. If you can camp, you’ll save money on accommodation. Besides that, I’d recommend choosing tap water over any other types of beverages.

Soda, in particular, is grossly overpriced in Australia, and alcohol prices might make you scream.

What inspired you to visit Australia? Have you always wanted to go there?

My fascination with Australia started young and was probably enhanced as a tween when I fell in love with Silverchair. I always thought it sounded like an exotic place to travel, and you never meet an Aussie traveling that doesn’t love their home country.

When I was planning my great big RTW trip, Australia was going to be the last stop so that I could hang out for a while on the working holiday visa.

However, I came to Australia sooner rather than later since I met a lovely Aussie boy in Eastern Europe. Love happens, and you end up in Australia.

At what moment of your visit did it hit you that…”shit, I’m really in Australia?”

This may have been when I saw kangaroos on the beach down on Sydney’s south coast. They were giant and so close; I couldn’t help but pinch myself.

Finish this sentence: The people in Australia are_____

laid-back!

Giant mango - Bowen

Australia has plenty of deadly inhabitants (snakes/spiders/Sharks/Crocs). Have you had any animal encounters that freaked you out?

Thankfully, I’ve been quite lucky when it comes to the creepy crawlies down under. We have had the occasional giant Huntsman spider in our apartment. Although harmless, they sure are ugly!

A friend of mine, though, doesn’t live very far from me in Sydney and he recently had a funnel web spider in his basement. Now that is creepy!

We are big sports fans down under. Have you had a chance to experience any of the local action live, or possibly watch a game in a pub with other Aussies?

Yes, I’ve watched a live Australian rules football game when I first arrived, but didn’t understand any of it. My favorite sporting event in Oz was watching the World Cup with a bunch of Aussie friends at 4:30 in the morning. Strange feeling to walk out after that into the morning sunshine and start your day!

Australia is a big place. If someone only had 2-3 weeks to visit, what advice would you give them as far as regions to see and ways to get around?

The answer would depend on the person visiting, their budget and what they enjoy. If you only have two weeks, I would definitely say no to any sort of campervan trip and instead go with budget flights to a few areas of the country.

For three weeks, you can do a very quick drive up the east coast to Cairns, but you will have to pick and choose which sort of adventures you want to take part in along the way.

If you can, it would be a great option to choose an area in each of Australia’s regions, such as time in a big city, time in the outback, and time in the tropical north. For those that haven’t been before, and may not come again, getting a taste of it all is my recommended way to go.

White Cliffs

What do you feel are the experiences people MUST have whilst down under?

Learning to surf, eating Vegemite and holding a koala.

How do you research you travels in Oz? What resources do you use to figure out places to see, accommodation, flights etc?

Well, I have a lot of Aussie friends that clue me in, but I mainly seek out other travelers. As for resources, I search on WhyGo Australia (shameless plug) first and go elsewhere if that hasn’t yet been covered.