About Australia?

Question

I've heard so many wonderful things about Australia, and lately I've been thinking about planning a trip there next year. It's always been somewhere I wanted to visit. Since I prefer vacationing during warm months, what time of year is best for visiting Sydney? There a tons of books on visiting Australia at the library and bookstore; which would provide the most currentl and accurate information? And, also, me being a black male, I've heard some 'unconfortable' things from a black male, a co-worker , who's been there ( he says he's been stared at for long periods of time everywhere he went, leered at, pointed at and kids have asked to touch his skin as they've never seen a black person before), but I prefer to hear from people who live there, how I'd be treated. I expect some double-takes since there aren't any black people there. Of course, I wouldn't want to go to a place where I'd be treated like an unwelcome guest. Thanks!

When I say black, I mean, of African descent, as opposed to Australian Aboriginal. And my friend is hardly a wanker. He's a fairly shy guy, and a very decent, kind, good hearted guy. Over all, he enjoyed the trip, but he said he was stared at, alot, everywhere it went. He said he felt like an alien there. The Aussies were nice, but they seemed afraid to approach him. That's why I wanted to hear from you guys, because I really want to come visit.

Answer 1

Anytime is a great time to visit Aussie - but for info the seasons are:::
Summer: December - February
Autumn: March - May
Winter: June - August
Spring: September - November

I would try the 'Lonely Planet Guide'. Seems to be quite popular amongst the tourists and have been around 'forever'.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/pacific/australia

Australia is VERY multicultural so don't think you will be singled out because you are black.
You will fit in fine.

Have a great trip...

Answer 2

And I have flaming red hair and went to Hong Kong, to a Big M and had a young Chinese boy point at me , scream, and then run out of the shop

The rest of the people there were brilliant.

One perception does not a people make. Your friend felt uncomfortable so he felt so many people were watching him. I will give a you a tip. Oz have lives so they do not need to make him the centre of theirs

Come over and find out just what we are like, for yourself

Answer 3

I went in the summertime to NSW and Darwin and the weather was lovely.

When I was there, i found the Aussies to be very kind.
Unlike a lot of big cities in the U.S., when I bumped into somebody, I apologized and so did she :)
Of course, not all people are like that. I'm sorry your friend had such a bad experience.

Answer 4

Well,our summer in Australia is December-January-February.I can't really recommend a particular travel book,it depends on what stuff you are interested in and your budget.
Your co-worker's experience is extremely rare,and claims that Australia is a racist society are completely unfounded.Racism exists in every country-there is still a segment in the United States that is racist.You will be fine.I hope you enjoy your trip.

Answer 5

that's so strange that people were staring and having been asked if people could touch his skin. Unless he's like someone from Guiness records or something. Right now it is winter. Here in Australia it's summer dec-feb, but usually anytime except winter is warm here. It's also the school holidays over xmas for 6wks so it would be very busy and lots of kids out of school from mid dec - late Jan.

Answer 6

Go and visit up north - Queensland and all. It's warmer there during the winter as compared to other states (South). Black people are not discriminated.. anyone is always welcome. Australia is indeed, a very diversified-culture land.

Answer 7

just another vote that you will feel very comfortable there. i am american, but lived in geelong for 4 months. i am not black, but i didn't see anyone being unprejudiced at all- if anything, the majority of people were LESS racial than here in the states...:( it is a great country- check it out!

Answer 8

no black people in Australia ????
the original people of Australia are dark & we are a very multicultry country full of all colours & races
black white green purple we dont give a bugger what colour you are as long as you are not a smartass know-all you will be treated just fine (your co-worker is a wanker or a smartass if he/her was treated like that)
summer here is dec-jan-feb-& still warm 2 months + & - then