What do foreigners think of Australia? Really?

Question

What do foreigners think of Australia? Really? The people? THe weather? The culture? The government? Comments on anything about this Great Southern Land.

Answer 1

I am American, like most people on this site. I think Australia is wonderful, with great people and a great climate and a wonderful place to live. My only negative criticism might be Austalian's xenophobia. I think you all should have a much more liberal immigration policy, and let more people in. I am looking forward to the day when the whole world speaks English, and Australia could help a lot in this direction. I am also looking forward to the eventual development of the space plane, allowing airline travel to Australia from anywhere in the world with flight times of 90 minutes or less.

Answer 2

Australia is certainly beautiful in its variety of terrain, weather, and animal life. The people? I've liked every Australian I've ever met, and we have quite a few here in Canada. Mighty tough to understand until you've tuned your ears to them, lol.

The weather? Well . . . . I'd be moving there now if I could!

I have heard a couple people who have lived in Australia say that they found women are not treated as well there as in Canada. I didn't ask for specifics and don't know the individual situations, so it has not affected my own opinion.

The government? I know nothing about the current government in Australia so I can't comment in any way on that.

Of all my friends who want to live in a different country, Australia is the most popular choice. Two of them are saving up to move and working on aspects of their resumes in order to qualify to be sponsored for work visas of some sort. So when the time comes I'll be going over to visit and I'll finally be able to form my own opinions based on experience.

Answer 3

I can honestly say, as foreigners go, you're not a bad lot. In fact, I kind of admire your country. I get the feeling you still have a few guts left, some of that pioneer spirit that is fading fast in this country and around the world. Like you ain't gonna take no crap from a bunch of pc wimps. Like "This is our country and if don't like the way we live, our culture, get the hell out or don't come at all". Yep, you're all right mate. I just wish you talked english down there.

Answer 4

I'm Canadian, and I've never been to Australia; only met two Aussies in my life. This is what I think or know about Australia, and pardon my ignorance, please; inform and educate rather than slam, please
the people are by and large Aboriginals and Whites. The Aboriginals have been in Australia for at least 50,000 years. The Whites started showing up in the late 1700's, initially as explorers, then as colonisers. The British government deported a lot of poor Britons and any Irish they didn't want to deal with to Australia for most of the 1800's. This led to the colonisation of Australia by people with little to lose and much to gain.
Today, I see the people of Australia as being educated, hardworking, harddrinking, hardsporting and with a strong sense of Nationhood. I think it is extremely hot in most of Australia, with moderate weather on the east coast and temperate weather in the south. I think fresh water and accessiblility to it must be a serious problem for many people in Australia.
I think the Australian government has in the past been rather eurocentric in its approach, but that it has evolved to include Aboriginal rights and needs. I think Australia's government has dealt better with Australian natives than my country's government has done for natives here, but I am largely ignorant on this matter.
When I was a young adult, I wanted nothing more than to emigrate to Australia; seemed like hard work and a good attitude could do much for you there and that maybe folk weren't quite so materialistic as they are here at home. I guess this may have changed in large Australian cities, but it still seems to me that an honest hardworking person could still have a very good life in Australia.
good on you, mates; the world loves you guys!

Answer 5

Mainly we think of Steve Irwin the great outdoors man who died recently and of Crocodile Dunn Dee (Paul Hogan), the big fight you guys had down there between the Christians and the Muslims that occurred on the beach. We think that you mates like to drink lots of beer (Fosters) and have some hot women and hunky independent men. We think that the outback is beautiful but scary and a good place to film sci fi films. We see the opera house and wonder how did that get there? and who goes to it from there? We think the weather is great and y'all have good beaches for volleyball. The government is responsive to the people and although I can't name a one of your politicians, I think that they at least decent folks who try to lead you well.

The older I get the more people I talk to that would love to be able to stay down there for a month or two. It sounds sort of like a better California.

Answer 6

I'm an American who has worked with 2 Australians, and count them as freinds. One of them even shot a Whitetail Deer here in Virginia with one of my rifles. We had fresh steaks on the grill that night, and my friend who shot the deer bought the beer!
I've always thought the Sydney Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and Australia has many natural treasures I'd love to see some day.
I also respect the government of John Howard for telling the muslims that they must shape up and live as Australians or go back where they came from. Thank God you Aussies have some courage...

Answer 7

I think it's paradise... Fraser Island's 70 mile beach, the changing colours of Uluru, the street cafes of Melbourne and the awesome sand islands around the Barrier Reef. All this and more in my panoramic photos: http://www.360travelguide.com/results.asp?StartNum=1&CountrySelect=Australia&LocSelect=All+Locations

Answer 8

I am an American and think Australia is great. Infact, Australia is the only other country I would live in.

Answer 9

i have met a lot of nice australians and i know a handful of relatives who migrated there. some of them says that its a good place to live while some are shouting "discrimination". i do not want to generalize things because its a fallacy. i have never been there so would not know the real score.

Answer 10

Generally speaking, I think in Australia,

The people? = friendly, warm, out-going, courteous,
The weather?= excellent
The culture? = civilized,
The government?= transparent.
Of course there are negatives to above but they are in the minority just like there is this Ms Pauline Lee Hanson - the fish & chip owner. Want to know more about her, check below site.