In 1770, Captain James Cook named Australia "The New South Wales." It's the world's largest Island. A vast and wild land. Australia has 3 time zones. There is no sales tax. Gold was discovered in Australia in 1852. They also have 600+ fine wines, a source of national pride. Many of these wineries are located in the popular Barossa Vally and make great Hostess gifts! Even with Australia's Western style economy, it's surprisingly an "Old World European" society (see post from August 12, 2020), where respect is based on your achievements, not on who your family is, or your educational level. Please be sure to use your best Old European Manners and do not compare Australians to the British.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, and is 3 million square miles with a population of 19 million. 85% of the population lives in urban cities. Melbourne has a population of 3.5M, Sydney 3.7M, Brisbane 1.4M, Perth 1.25M, and 330,000 live in Canberra. GDP is $23,600 USD per capita.
As a British Colony, Australia is a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II currently as Sovereign, but the head of the government is the Prime Minister.
Natural resources include: coal, copper, iron, lead, zinc, tin, uranium, crude oil, NG, and gold! Australia is the #1 producer of wool in the world. They are known for their delicious meats, sugar, fine wines, fruit and "shrimp on the barbie."
Although Australians have an independent attitude, in conversation, don't argue, as it is considered rude. Stay away from all hand gestures, especially the "thumb's up" gesture, as it is considered to be obscene. Keep your hands out of your pockets other than to make change. Europeans wonder what you are doing in there! Also, speak quietly. Do not be loud or boisterous. Do not get drunk at the Pub. Rude!
Weather is tropical and dry. The sun is intense! Wear sunscreen, UV clothing & always wear a hat. Australia's beautiful & many beaches are marked "Family" & "Topless." Always pay attention to the flags on the beach and ALWAYS swim within those boundaries. Mind the beach where you pick to swim. Waters can have crocks, sharks and stingers. Mind the tides which can change very quickly and become dangerous rip tides. Do Not litter on any beach. Speaking of wild life, be very careful around kangaroo's and Koala's. They are, after all, wild animals. Never, ever hike alone.
The multi-cultural ethnic make up of Australia is: 25% Australian, 15.8% Aboriginal, 26% British, 3.3% Italian, 7.5% Irish, 6.4% Scotish, 3.1% Chinese and 2% each Indian, Dutch, Greek and New Zealander.
Religion is reported to be 26% Roman Catholic, 13% Anglican, Protestant 23%, Hindu 2%, Muslim 2.6% and 30% unspecified. While more diversified than in the past, best not to talk about religion.
Dress is smart casual. Look pressed & tucked in, not sloppy with dirty shoes. When out in the evenings, Ladies, please, no bra straps showing or tube tops. Gentlemen, please wear long pants & collared shirts.
Popular Sports include Cricket, soccer, surfing "Footy" (Australian rules football) & Rugby. Australians have a great sense of humor, are adventuresome, have strong opinions, so always be a good sport. They are family oriented. Friendly. Communication is direct, but don't shout. NEVER wink at a woman.
Hand shaking is 2 firm shakes, then down. A woman offers her hand first. Women "Air kiss." Use formal names until invited to do otherwise. Conveniently, "Ms." is preferred over Miss or Mrs.
Cover your mouth when yawning. Women DO NOT stand at the Bar. Gentlemen, this is your time to shine. Order your women friends a "1/2 Pint" at the Bar, and bring it to them at your table. Men can order "A Pint." Scotch Whisky is popular. Use quiet hand gestures to summon a waiter.
English Breakfast of sausage, bacon, ham, tomato, egg, toast & jam, is traditional and is served between 7:30am-8:30am. Continental breakfast is later and popular too. "Elevensees" tea is 10:30am-11:00am. Lunch is between 12:00-2:00. Afternoon Tea is 4:00-5:00. Dinner is 6:00pm-8:00pm. Eat in the Continental style only. Don't say: "I'm stuffed" after a meal. This means you are pregnant.
Tipping is not widespread. Wait staff are paid a living wage. Tip the waiter 10% if the service is excellent. Enjoy Australia's varied ethnic cuisine and famous seafood, "John Dory" local fish, rock oysters and Victorian "rabbis" (like lobster), "carpetbagger steak" (beef stuffed with oysters & lamb). Try "Veggiemite" but NOT with jelly. "White coffee" is coffee with milk.
Toasts are "Bottoms Up"and "Cheers." Do not drink a toast to yourself, but rather smile and sit quietly. Do visit a Pub, but don't talk too much or too loud, and don't brag. Also important to NOT drink too much. This behavior is considered unacceptable and rude.
When taking a Taxi, sit in the front seat and round up the tip for the driver. Tip the Maid $4 per day. Tip the Porter $2 per bag. If you ride the bus, when exiting, thank the bus driver.
Currency is the Australian dollar, with the same denomination as the American dollar. Always exchange your money before you leave. Takes about 3 weeks at your local bank. Never exchange money with a street vendor. You don't know if they are legitimate and/or you will get a worse rate of exchange.
Say "Koala's" instead of Koala Bears." Do not imitate "G-Day." Considered rude. Say Good Day instead. Also, don't discuss the Kangaroo "Chew the Rho" as it's a controversial delicacy.
"Cutting down the tall poppy" is an expression used to describe those persons who, for no particular reason but jealousy, put down others for their successes or achievements.
Gift Giving includes: fresh flowers, fine chocolates, coffee table books or specialty foods from your home region (i.e. Virginia peanuts), and crafts.
Remember: Treat everyone as equals. Don't compare Australians to the British.
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