Australians share 15 things they want tourists to know before visiting

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Monica HumphriesOct 7, 2022, 03:44 IST
Australians share 15 things they want tourists to know before visiting

Australians shared that visitors shouldn't interact with wildlife but that they should try Vegemite when visiting the land down under.Khaichuin Sim/Getty Images/Monica Humphries/Insider

  • Insider spoke to 13 Australians about what tourists should know before visiting the land down under.
  • Some said that exploring Australia's outback and trying Vegemite is a must.
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1. "We're laid back people," one Australian said.

1. "We're laid back people," one Australian said.
Australians and tourists at a community pool in Cairns, Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

When it comes to Australians, almost everyone Insider spoke to agreed that the people who live in the land down under are kind, welcoming, and chill.

"We're typically pretty laid back, and you can't really offend us," the Gibson family told Insider. "But our humor can take a bit to get used to."

The Gibsons also said that visitors shouldn't hesitate to chat with locals. Chances are, they will be happy to share their travel tips for exploring Australia.

2. Take time to learn about Australia's rich indigenous culture.

2. Take time to learn about Australia's rich indigenous culture.
Uluru, an Aboriginal sacred site in Australia.Joël DUCANGE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

If Indigo Rampson had one piece of advice for travelers, it would be to learn more about Australia's Indigenous culture and history.

"The Sydney Opera House and the Eye are what's advertised about the country, but there's a lot of really rich and interesting Indigenous culture here," Rampson told Insider.

For example, Uluru, a sandstone formation in the center of Australia, is sacred to some of Australia's Aboriginal people. According to ITV, it's a resting place for ancient spirits of the region.

David Goebel, who works at Doongal Aboriginal Art and Artefacts in Cairns, Australia, said one of the easiest ways to appreciate and learn about Australia's Indigenous culture is to have conversations with Aboriginal Australians.

"How do you go out and meet Aboriginal people? It's how you meet any Australian. Go to a pub," Goebel said.

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3. Make sure to explore Australia's pub culture.

3. Make sure to explore Australia's pub culture.
A ginger beer at an Australian pub.Monica Humphries/Insider

Stacpoole said that visitors should make sure to stop at a pub before leaving the country.

"Pubs are a big thing here," Stacpoole said.

The Australian National University states that pubs "are a key part of Australia's cultural identity and have been central to many great yarns and tall tales in Australian folklore."

The setting is an ideal place to spark conversations with locals, Stacpoole said, plus you'll get to taste some of the country's quintessential meals like fish 'n chips and chicken parmesan.

4. Some visitors don't realize how large Australia is until they arrive.

4. Some visitors don't realize how large Australia is until they arrive.
An aerial view of Australia's coast near Cairns, Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

Australia is the world's sixth-largest country and only slightly smaller than the US. Just as you can't see all of America in a single trip, it's also impossible to see all of Australia.

"People don't realize how bloody big the country is," John McGee, who is originally from Ireland and has lived in Australia for 52 years, said. "You need to take into consideration how far everything is."

Unless you have months to explore Australia, the Aussies Insider spoke with agreed that you should pick one or two places for your vacation.

They also suggested that travelers plan a trip around their interests, which could be anything from a tropical getaway on the Great Barrier Reef to an excursion through the outback to a metropolitan city escape in Sydney.

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5. If you're traveling all the way to Australia, make sure you leave big cities and see the outback.

5. If you're traveling all the way to Australia, make sure you leave big cities and see the outback.
Mount Sonder in Australia's Northern Territory.Posnov/Getty Images

Jack Thomas' advice is simple: "Go regional. Go out to the bush or to any small town."

Thomas, who is from Brisbane, Australia, said that some of the more remote areas of Australia help visitors get a sense of the region's culture, traditions, and norms.

So rent a car and head inland to the country's 2-million-square-mile region, he said.

6. If you stop in a major city like Sydney, budget accordingly, one person said.

6. If you stop in a major city like Sydney, budget accordingly, one person said.
The Sydney Opera House.Monica Humphries/Insider

Australia is ranked a top-visited destination, with 33 million visitors in 2019, according to Australia's online visa website, for a reason: The city is filled with delicious food, trendy neighborhoods, and popular tourist attractions like the Sydney Opera House.

But its appeal comes with a hefty price tag for tourists.

In a 2014 survey in TravelMag, Sydney ranked second for the average cost of lodging, which at the time was about $90 dollars a night. Bryon Bay, another town in Australia, placed first.

Richard Preen, who is from the UK and has lived in Australia for 18 years, warned travelers of Sydney's sometimes steep prices and recommended budgeting extra.

"Sydney is the most expensive city you'll visit in Australia," Preen said.

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7. You won't find koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles everywhere in Australia.

7. You won't find koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles everywhere in Australia.
A kangaroo near Melbourne, Australia.Tsvi Braverman/EyeEm/Getty Images

"People think crocodiles are everywhere. They're not. They're in the estuaries and rivers and such," Paul Donlon from New Castle, Australia, said.

The same thing applies to other native animals like kangaroos and koalas. Chances are, you won't run into kangaroos or koalas in Australia's major cities.

Donlon said that if you want to see the country's native animals, you'll have to travel to national parks, which tend to be farther inland since many of Australia's larger cities are on the coast.

8. You don't need to be afraid of wildlife, but you do need to be aware.

8. You don't need to be afraid of wildlife, but you do need to be aware.
A sign warning visitors or recent crocodile sightings.Monica Humphries/Insider

"There's a lot that can kill you in Australia," Sally Smith, who lives in Innisfail, Australia, said. "So be aware of the danger."

Donlon agreed but added that visitors don't need to be fearful during their trip.

"First-time travelers, there's definitely a fear factor. I've had to pacify so many people," Donlon said. Instead of traveling in fear, Donlon suggests staying calm and not interacting with the wildlife you encounter on your trip.

Mia Santos shared a similar sentiment and stressed that visitors shouldn't feed any wildlife when visiting.

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9. Some Australians mentioned that their lingo could be hard to pick up.

9. Some Australians mentioned that their lingo could be hard to pick up.
A menu advertises "toasties" instead of "sandwiches" or "grilled cheeses."Monica Humphries/Insider

Most Australians speak English, but some Aussie words and phrases can stump travelers, the Gibson family said.

"That's the hardest part — learning our lingo," Alex Gibson said.

During a trip to Australia, you might hear the term "bushwalking," which means hiking or walking.

And while you may be more familiar with french fries, you might see "hot chips" written on the menu instead. What's more, you'll dip your hot chips in tomato sauce, not ketchup.

Additionally, Donlon said that it's not just the words Aussies use but how they form sentences that can also trip up tourists.

"People here shorten everything when they talk," Donlon said.

So if you get stuck on what someone's telling you, ask for clarification. Like the Gibson family said, Aussies are laid back and will be happy to teach you their favorite slang words.

10. Multiple Australians agreed that exploring the country by car is the best way to see the land down under.

10. Multiple Australians agreed that exploring the country by car is the best way to see the land down under.
An aerial view of a car driving in Australia's outback.Felix Cesare/Getty Images

While Australia's major cities have accessible public transportation, transportation options can be limited when you leave the city.

While travelers can still see these more remote areas by tour bus, Thomas recommends renting a car instead. By being behind the wheel, travelers can explore off-the-beaten-path activities and have a flexible schedule that allows them to explore Australia's hidden gems.

If you decide to rent a car, RV, or van and drive in the outback, Preen recommends only driving during sunlight hours.

During dusk, dawn, and night, large animals like kangaroos can jump out, which leaves you at a greater risk of hitting an animal, Preen said.

"They're like deer. They just stand there, and they swerve with you," Preen said. "So don't drive at night."

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11. If you swim in Australia, make sure to swim in designated areas and keep an eye out for rip currents.

11. If you swim in Australia, make sure to swim in designated areas and keep an eye out for rip currents.
Bondi Beach in Sydney.Monica Humphries/Insider

Australia has plenty of beaches where tourists can take a swim, but make sure you're swimming in designated areas to avoid any unwanted encounters with sea creatures.

Swimmers should also be prepared for rip currents, Brittanie Stacpoole told Insider. These are powerful channels of water that can carry swimmers out to sea.

"One important thing when it comes to swimming is if you ever get caught in a rip, don't swim head on to the beach. Swim at an angle or parallel to the shore," Stacpoole said.

If you swim directly toward the shore, you might lose energy, which puts you at a greater risk of drowning. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most rip currents are less than 80 feet wide, so if you swim parallel to the shore, you'll be able to swim out of the current.

12. Make sure to sample local foods like meat pies and Vegemite.

12. Make sure to sample local foods like meat pies and Vegemite.
Vegemite, butter, and toast is a common breakfast in Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

Australia has some classic foods that visitors should try when heading to the land down under.

Since many of the country's major cities are on the coast, seafood is a must. Smith said that barramundi is a popular fish, while fish 'n chips is an easy, grab-and-go meal.

You'll also be amiss if you don't try Vegemite in Australia, Stacpoole said. The yeast spread is typically slathered on bread and served for breakfast.

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13. Eating kangaroo, crocodile, and emu isn't as common as some tourists think.

13. Eating kangaroo, crocodile, and emu isn't as common as some tourists think.
An arrow points to a crocodile curry on a menu in Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

Some Australians agreed that restaurants that serve crocodile, kangaroo, and emu meat are typically catering to tourists.

While some Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians eat kangaroo, the meat tends to be tough and gamey, Goebel said.

Goebel recommends avoiding kangaroo, but if you are determined to try it, he suggests eating it in a meat pie, where flavors and juices from the pie's ingredients can better mask the toughness of the kangaroo meat.

14. Australia's tipping culture is simple — you don't need to tip.

14. Australia's tipping culture is simple — you don't need to tip.
Few restaurants in Australia even gave customers the option to tip.Monica Humphries/Insider

A few Aussies mentioned that you don't need to tip when visiting Australia.

Instead, restaurant workers receive a liveable wage, so tipping isn't expected. Santos said the same applies to other jobs like cab drivers, bartenders, and hotel staff.

For example, Santos said it's not expected to tip your Uber driver after completing your ride.

If you receive exceptional service, she said you could leave a tip, but it's not the norm or required.

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15. Talk to locals, listen to suggestions, and don't get fixated on having specific Australian experiences.

15. Talk to locals, listen to suggestions, and don't get fixated on having specific Australian experiences.
Kangaroo skins at a tourist shop in Kuranda, Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

Terry Edwards from Innisfail said visitors sometimes come to Australia expecting to see kangaroos everywhere and run into crocodile hunters at restaurants.

But Edwards said he hopes visitors arrive with an open mindset and a willingness to explore.

"Don't be fixated on certain Australian things," Edwards said. "Try new experiences."

While exploring the Sydney Opera House and crossing the Sydney Harbor Bridge are popular activities, some of the most exciting parts of the country are places you've never heard of, he said.

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