Guide to Australia

Get on in ya Scallywag!

Crikey, G'Day Mates! 'Bout time you made it here, to the Land Down Under. Here is your Unofficial Survival Guide that we call Australia, well we might call it 'Straya' for short as we struggle to pronounce our own country's name sometimes.

Now, you might be a bit jet-lagged and sun burnt from your cab to the hostel (seriously, the sun deserves a life sentence with the damage its done down here) and you are sure to be jumping to getting into action and join us along with skippy the kangaroo and the shrimp on the barbie. You might also be a bit worried about all the animals like shark, snakes, and scorpions but fear not, this guide will save the day and have you saying 'Fair Dinkum' or 'True Blue' in no time.

Why on earth Australia mate?

Is it the natural unspoiled beauty, pristine beaches that will knock ya thongs off, the largest barrier reef in the world on the east coast or the largest fringe reef on the west coast, the outback where our first people go on their traditional rite of passage called 'Walkabout', or the premier wine and food?

Heard that we have a good income, works easy to get, and visa extensions are simple? Like where else can you come for 1 year forget to look at the time and race 3 years at the click of your fingers? Or are you here just for a quick dash, get up close to the native wildlife, hike some trails, see ancient art and culture, swim in perfect gorges, learn to surf, or just have a thing for Aussies? Just remember, Australia is all about living life to the fullest, travel at your own pace, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Budgeting the Aussie Dream

Australia can be a bit pricey aye, luckily there's many tricks to make dollars, Euros, Yens, Dongs or whatever your bringing in go further and protect the wallet so that you can focus on having a bloody good time.

First Trick
The working holiday visa is a perfect way to get to know the locals, grab some money off them, and then head out on your travels. Just make sure you know the laws like getting the correct visa and making sure the drongo pays you correctly.

Second Trick
Budget accommodation keeps your costs low. Stay at campsites, hostels, even sleep in your vehicle like so many do, its all about the experience.

Third Trick

Food and drink is expensive in Australia! Do yourself a bloody favour and cook and if you need to drink, get it from the bottle stores. It won't take you long to become best mates with a goon sack - its not just a box of wine but also a pillow!

Fourth Trick

Become a Todo Aussie Ventures member to see where to go, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. But before you do that, check out our pages 'Cooking Cheap', and 'Travel Savings'.

Staying safe

She'll be fine, Australia is super safe to travel but awareness of where you are goes a long way.

Skin Cancer

Did you know Australia then New Zealand are the leading countries for skin cancer? If I was you, I would rush to the closest supermarket, pharmacy, surf shop, or visitor information centre and grab a 50+ SPF bottle of sun block and if you don't already have sun glasses, long sleeve shirt, and a hat, then you probably want to get that stuff too!

When outside always remember: Slip, Slop Slap, Seek, Slide, and seek
Slip on a shirt
Slop on water resistant 50+SPF sun cream
Slap on a hat

Slide on sun glasses
Seek shade

Failure to remember will guarantee that you'll be redder than a shrimp on the barbie.

Aussie Animals
Australian animals can bite, scratch, crunch, and sting. But you should be fine.

Snakes

If you see a snake, provide space and try not to move. If you haven't seen one and think one could be around, step heavy footed so the vibrations tell them to stay away.

Sharks
Always swim with someone else, stay close to the shoreline, and don't swim at night.

Jellyfish
Ocean currents and wind transport jellyfish to beaches and can create an irritating sting. Check the waterline before going in water and if you unfortunately get stung, make sure to clean the area quickly by applying saltwater then vinegar.

Crocodiles

When travelling in Northern Australia, Crocodiles can pose significant risk. Make sure to check signs before getting into water and when getting into water, always check for submerged items by getting in slowly.

Magpies

Perhaps the biggest animal danger is the magpie swooping in spring (August to November). Being vigilant in this time is important.

Aussie Weather

Beyond the sun-drenched beaches, Australia experiences a diverse range of weather conditions. From scorching heat waves to unexpected snowfalls, our climate can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful.

Don't be fooled by the stereotypes! We get cyclones, thunderstorms, hail, and even more snow than Switzerland. So, stay weather-aware, check forecasts before heading out, and be prepared for anything. And remember, even in the heat, staying hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can be a serious risk, especially for those enjoying outdoor activities.

What food do Aussies eat?

Honestly mate, our grub is pretty good. Australia's past makes it such a young country which celebrates food from all around the world. In reality, Australia's cuisine is the international cuisine.

Aussie favourites include:
Juicy steaks, BBQs, Vegemite, chicken burgers, and the classic pub parmie.

For all your budget food ideas, try find our hidden page 'Cooking Cheap'.

Don't rush off just yet!

For more in-depth information, check out these resources:

Smart Traveller: Up-to-date safety information by country
Parks Australia: Elevate your travel visiting national parks
GAFFL (Get A Friend For Life): Connect with other travellers

So what are you waiting for! Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide your way in.

Grab your sense adventure, pack your bags and us Aussies will welcome you with open arms, a cold beer, and maybe even a slice of Vegemite toast.