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Living and Teaching English in Australia - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Undoubtedly one of the most unique and exciting countries in the world, Australia attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.

There are many reasons for its popularity including the country’s unique landscapes, unusual wildlife, world-class beaches and vibrant cities.

Australia’s multicultural society also provides a strong demand for EFL teachers in many areas.

The following guides look at a wide range of information that you might find useful, including basic travel information, interesting facts, Australian wildlife, the local language, and guides to beaches, national parks and the country’s main cities.

Australia has a famously diverse geography that includes tropical rain forests, huge deserts and snow-capped mountains, and when you also add the laid-back attitude of the local people, it is obvious why it attracts so many visitors from far and wide. On the lighter side, you can also indulge in pavlova and lamingtons which are both popular desserts.

During your stay you will want to try some of the traditional foods that the country is known for, including kangaroo meat, damper bread and meat pies. As well as local foods, this infographic contains a few words and phrases that you may not be familiar with, as well as a few cultural tips to help you feel at home ‘Down Under’.

Before you head off to Australia to complete our TEFL training course or to start work as an EFL teacher, there are a few fun facts we think you should know about this unique country. And the longest fence which is twice the length of the Great Wall of China. But did you know that there are 750,000 wild camels roaming the outback or that the wombat has cube shaped poop?

Due to its huge size it is unsurprising that Australia holds a few ‘big’ records, including the world’s longest straight section of road that stretches for 146 km across the Nullarbor Plain. The fact that Australia is home to 17 of the 26 most venomous snakes in the world simply highlights the country’s well know reputation for deadly wildlife.

Although English is the main language spoken by the majority of Australians, it has developed into its very own unique language that differs in both accent and lexicon from British or American English. Words such as ‘g’day’, ‘mate’ and ‘quid’ may well be familiar to some people already, but what about ‘arvo’, ‘snags’ and ‘ute’?

This A to Z guide to speaking ‘Stralyan’ should give you an insight into some of the words and phrases that you might come across during your stay in the country. If you want to find out what ‘Harold Holt’ and ‘Joe Blake’ might be used for, you should take a look at this informative list.

As it has been isolated from the rest of Asia for millions of years, Australia has developed a truly unique and fascinating wildlife that captivates visitors from all over the world. More unusual animals to look out for include the bizarre looking platypus, which was originally believed to be a hoax when the first preserved body was examined by scientists, and the Tasmanian devil which earned its name thanks to its aggressive nature.

One of the most distinctive native animals is the kangaroo which has become a popular symbol of Australian culture and identity, while the perpetually sleepy Koala is a particular favorite with many visitors. Other species that you will find nowhere else on Earth include the dingo, the wombat and the huge, flightless emu that can grow to over 6 feet tall.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the true wonders of the natural world that stretches for 2,300 km from north to south, covering a total area roughly the size of Japan. All along the Queensland Coast you will find options for scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing amongst the 2,900 individual reefs that make up the Barrier. Another popular option is to head to one of the 600 islands in the region where you will find a wide range of activities on offer.

This natural phenomenon is a must-see attraction for most visitors to Australia and there are many ways in which to enjoy it. If you prefer to stay off the water, you can also get a bird’s eye view of the reef by plane or helicopter.

Although Australia has gained a reputation as the home of the world’s deadliest animals, the reality is that visitors are highly unlikely to come across any of the country’s most infamous residents other than in a controlled environment such as a zoo or wildlife park. This list of Australia’s ten most dangerous animals contains three snake species that you really want to avoid, as well as other well known dangers such as the salt water crocodile and the funnel web spider.

However, while close personal contact is rare, it is still worth being familiar with the potential dangers before you head off. Lesser known species that can really spoil your trip include the blue ringed octopus and the tiny but deadly irukandji jellyfish.

Across the world you will find several great city rivalries, such as between European heavyweights, Barcelona and Madrid, Rome and Milan, Berlin and Munich. Although they are located relatively close to each other, these two cities vary greatly in climate, nightlife, transportation, arts and culture, and cuisine.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the greatest city rivalry has to be between Sydney and Melbourne. In an attempt to separate the rivals, this infographic looks at the stereotypical residents of each city and compares the two to find out who can claim the title as Australia’s top city.

Although there is no doubting the wide appeal of the city to foreign travelers, many visitors to Sydney find that it can be an expensive place to spend time in. This handy list of 25 free things to do in Sydney is full of great ideas for budget-friendly fun, from relaxing on the city’s famous beaches at Bondi and Manly, to exploring a variety of fascinating art galleries and museums.

However, if you know where to look you will find plenty of free attractions to enjoy across the city. You can also take in iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, before heading off to the Blue Mountains National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Although English is the national language of Australia, the local version has developed its own unique set of words and phrases that you are unlikely to hear anywhere else in the world. Some of the more unusual phrases shown here include “to go off like a frog in a sock”, “flat out as a lizard drinking” and “to spit the dummy”.

This fun list of Aussie idioms will give you a great insight into Australian English before you arrive in the country. If you want to know the translations for all these idioms and more, take a look at this infographic.

As Australian culture and cuisine is based on a varied mix of its indigenous roots, colonial past and the wide diversity of its population, the foods it has made its own are equally eclectic. If you have a very sweet tooth, you might want to try a slice or two of fairy bread, while coffee lovers can try out the flat white which originated in the region during the 1980s.

During your stay you are sure to come across some of the items listed here, from sweet treats such as lamingtons and Tim Tams, to savory specialties like damper bread and Vegemite.

If you have not visited Australia before you may not be familiar with the phenomenon known as Australia’s ‘big things’. These sculptures include many varieties of big fruit, big animals and big everyday objects that attract a cult following among Australians and visitors alike.

The big things are a collection of novelty architecture and sculptures that have appeared across the country over the last 50 years. With over 150 spread throughout the country’s states and territories, from the Big Banana on the East Coast to the Big Crocodile on the West Coast, you will have your work cut out if you plan to spot them all.

Since it was first demonstrated by Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku in Sydney in 1914, surfing has become an important part of Australian culture, particularly in many of its communities that dot the country’s 37,000 km of coastline. Take a look at this infographic for a brief history of Australian surfing, plus other facts and figures relating to riding the waves Down Under.

In fact, around 2.5 million Australians regularly take to the waves at some of the best surf locations in the world, including the iconic Bells Beach in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and the Northern Beaches in New South Wales.

Whale watching is a very popular activity for visitors to Australia as there are excellent opportunities to spot a variety of species all around the country’s huge coastline. If you take to the seas in a whale watching boat off the East Coast of Australia, make sure you look out for Migaloo who is believed to be the only pure white humpback whale in the world.

This detailed guide shows where to go for the best viewing options, the best times of the year in different areas, as well as what whale behavior to look out for when you get there. He was first spotted back in 1991 and still travels the length of the coast every year.

The state of Queensland in the north-east of Australia draws millions of visitors per year thanks to its diverse landscapes and the wide range of activities it offers. As well as stunning scenery, Queensland’s extensive national parks are home to a variety of unique and fascinating wildlife like the dugong which is the only herbivorous marine mammal in the world, and the flightless cassowary which is one of the tallest and heaviest birds in existence.

In total, there are over 1000 parks and forests to explore throughout the state, including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, and the Gondwana Rainforests. This guide to Queensland’s National Parks provides a great introduction to the region’s stunning outdoor environments.

As it has nearly 37,000 km of coastline, it is no surprise that Australia is well-known throughout the world as a beach lover’s paradise. This handy guide breaks down the best known locations into various categories so you can choose the best destinations to suit your preference. The clear waters of Heron Island, Avoca Beach, and Coral Bay are perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers, while whale watchers should head to Hervey Bay, Exmouth, or Byron Bay.

Visitors to the country can choose from over 11,000 individual beaches, but which ones are right for you? If you love to surf or simply want to learn, then you should head to one of the country’s surfing hotspots such as Bells Beach, Noosa, or Crescent Head. Read on for more information regarding Australia’s best beaches.