When traveling to Australia, what are some dos and don'ts, and what are some things that must be avoided?

Question

What are some dos and don'ts (cultural, tipping, legal, eating, etc.) and what are some things to avoid (clothing, behavior, places/activities, etc.)

Thank you very much in advance ~ Joe

Answer 1

Joe
The majority of people will need a valid passport and a visa to travel to Australia that would be first and for most to check on that.

One thing that Australians hate is "putting on airs". Friendliness will get you everywhere. Dress is extremely informal at home and in resorts, slightly more formal in the cities.

Tipping in hotels and restaurants I'd tip at least 10-20%
Hotel porters at least 1.00 a bag

Water and milk can be drank without fear. The things to watch out for - sharks, snakes and the heat. To avoid these don't swim at unguarded beaches, and don't explore the vast, largely uninhabited desert interior by yourself

Australians are great meat eaters. Big Steaks and legs of lamb are reasonable in price. Seafood is also plentiful and have a wide variety. You might want to try the Australian national dish of kangaroo - tail soup.

Beer is also excellent in Australia. They have a few favorites -
Swan Lager, Victoria Bitter or Foster's.
15 oz glasses are known as "schooners" 10 oz glass is called a "midis". There beer is also stronger then US or British beer. Local wine is also very good, no need to pay for expensive imports
The Marble Bar in Sydney Hilton was rescued from the Old Adams Hotel is a national monument

Answer 2

First, let me say have a great time while in Australia, Joe.
We really are a friendly bunch, but here are a few tips.
By the way, I've never eaten Kangaroo Tail soup in my life and I don't know anyone who has.

1. Never for any reason turn your empty beer glass upside down on the bar. (Some people may suggest it as a "really funny" joke.) When I was younger it meant you wanted to fight any and all in the bar. Now it can also mean you want to "shout" the bar (buy everyone a drink).

2. If you're in your local RSL (Returned Servicemen's League) Club. Do as others do and stand quietly when they read the Ode (in memory of the fallen). This happens every evening, it is a respectful thing to do. You'll also get thrown out if you don't.

3. Tipping is in no way compulsory. There will be people who hear your accent and think you don't know this. It's only necessary if you feel you've had exceptional service or just want to.

4. Personally, I wouldn't enter into conversations about the Middle East, George Bush or our involvement in the war. It would be a good way to loose a few teeth.

Answer 3

"You might want to try the Australian national dish of kangaroo - tail soup." - Bull, if you want anything kangaroo - eat a kangaroo steak, no one I know has even tried "kangaroo-tail soup" and I've lived in Aus for 21 years!

Ok,
Tipping isn't a big deal - if you want to do if you don't think the service was good or the food was decent, don't.
Don't impersonate the Australian accent. It offends us and you probably won't sound anything like us if you do try.
If you plan on going off-road take spares of all essentials. Most importantly water and petrol (gas).
Be aware we're in the worst drought in many many decades so although you wont (and you don't need to) go thirsty, just be conscious of that and use water sparingly.
Clothing wise - unless you're going somewhere religious or fancy where what you want. Be aware that some resteraunts have the 'men must wear jackets' code but 98% don't have that. They biggest you'll get is no thongs (the shoes - flip flops, etc) or men must wear long trousers.
Culturally, take everything with a grain of salt. Our sense of humour can be a little demorilising sometimes. (Like calling our friends d**kheads as a joke.) It's all in the way it's said. If it's said with a smile, don't take any offence whatsoever, it's more that we like you if we're doing stuff like that. However if the same stuff is said obviously angrily - get the heck out of where ever you are, haha.
Finally, if you get into any trouble, our emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) are all available via the phone number "000". It's useable on all phones.
Have fun!!

Answer 4

Pan Am is a defunct airline. Its advice is also defunct. Kangaroo tail soup is not the national dish. In over forty years in this country I have never seen it. Of the three beers mentioned, the only popular one is Victoria Bitter. Swan is a western Australian beer seldom seen in the eastern States and Fosters is gnats' pi*s drunk in large quantities in the UK but not in Australia. The Marble Bar at the Hilton is not a national monument but it is worth a look if you don't mind the smell of futures brokers.

Tipping is not compulsory in Australia as people get paid a decent wage. Tip if you get exceptional service but if you don't get it, don't tip. In taxis you usually round up to the nearest dollar. Sometimes the driver will round down charging you, say $20 when the meter says $20.20.

If you are driving, remember we drive on the left. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence and you can be stopped and breath tested by any police officer at any time. Random breath testing is legal here (it isn't in the USA).

We have some dangerous wildlife but it won't bother you. Snakes are shy creatures and will get out of your way. People bitten by snakes are usually trying to kill the snake. Just watch out for dropbears.

People will treat you as they find you. Most Australians are friendly and helpful and you will have a great time.

Answer 5

What the...? Think you need to update your sources.

I don't know if I'm too late, but just wanted to say that if you stick to what the other two said, you'll be fine. Australia is a very laid back country. Just be yourself and take it easy. If your going to a pub, some after 6pm have dress codes, as they might turn into a club, you can generally just go casual.

Hope you enjoy it here

Answer 6

Just be yourself.

The RSL advise was good, it is respectful.

Tipping is not compulsary. We get paid well enough. IF you you feel like leaving a tip, then thats' fine, but we won't chase you out the door for one...