Australia – A Laid-Back, Friendly Nation
Australia is an accommodating country that celebrates diversity across cultures from around the globe and prioritizes fairness and equality above all else.
Amid its stunning beaches is an enthusiastic appreciation of outdoor pursuits such as surfing, sailing, kayaking and swimming; locals also love playing beach cricket or watching it played elsewhere on the coast. And their favourite sports include cricket, Australian rules football (AFL), tennis (Tennis), soccer and rugby league!
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Beach culture
Australia is known as a nation that values nature and that can be seen on their beaches too. From surf beaches to quiet bays, there’s something special for everyone on Australia’s 60,000km of coastline, making summer one of the best times to find one you call your own!
Australians know that life is better at the beach – whether for an ocean swim, BBQ with friends, or simply relaxing under the sun. Australia’s beaches have long been seen as central components of its lifestyle and symbolic of culture.
As part of a country that prides itself on being egalitarian and fair-minded, beaches serve as great equalizers. But they come with risks; recent controversy at Sydney’s Bondi Beach surrounding cabana usage was evidence. Crusaders against cabana use have claimed they pollute public space while creating “privilege barriers” that deny access.
Food
Australia’s diverse population and diverse cuisine are both reflected in its cuisine, which emphasizes wellness and clean eating, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options readily available.
An experience in Australia wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of its iconic cuisine, like Vegemite – an intriguing dark brown spread similar to British marmite but more salty and savory with added vegetables and yeast extract – which should be spread thinly over buttered toast for best results.
Mud crabs have long been a mainstay in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diets; join a guided wilderness adventure to catch your own alongside Traditional Custodians. Australians take their coffee seriously too – cafes serve a range of flat whites and lattes to fuel morning commuters!
Sweet treats such as lamington cakes – sponge cakes covered in chocolate and coconut – and sausage rolls can be found at football matches, often served with tomato sauce (ketchup). Milo powdered cocoa mix can also be found sprinkled onto baked goods for hot beverages or for decorating baked treats.
Sports
Australia is renowned for being a sporty nation, thanks to a climate which encourages outdoor activities all year long. Australia has long been known as an innovator in water sports – Olympian swimmers Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould, and Ian Thorpe all hold multiple Olympic gold medals as champions in water swimming.
Cricket, however, remains one of the nation’s premier sports; indeed the new women’s Big Bash League has overshadowed men’s A-League matches in popularity. But none can rival association football for global appeal since its arrival on European shores in 1863.
Australia loves their sport and puts a unique, fun spin on it. One such competition is Quilton Australian Dunny Derby in outback Queensland where participants wear watermelons rinds as skates to try pulling a toilet on wheels. Meanwhile, Tunarama, held annually for more than 100 years now, tests who can throw their rubber tuna the farthest.
Art & culture
Australia’s dynamic art and music scenes reflect its multicultural heritage and creative spirit, from indigenous art that depicts ancient traditions to music festivals that draw crowds from all around the globe. Australia’s arts and culture scene provides a vibrant tapestry of creativity and expression.
Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin of the Heidelberg School began to depict uniquely Australian subjects such as landscapes and outback settings in their plein-air paintings during the 19th century. By late 20th century painters like Sir Sidney Nolan had achieved international renown for their striking depictions of bushranger (bandit) Ned Kelly.
Opera Australia is widely celebrated for its performances at Sydney Opera House. Classical composers have drawn influence from Aboriginal and South-east Asian musical traditions as well as American jazz and European avant-garde movements into their compositions. Australia also boasts an active popular music scene that has produced performers like Kylie Minogue, Missy Higgins and INXS as well as rock bands AC/DC and Powderfinger, all producing highly popular musicians that contribute to Australian society and culture.
