Australia: Facts & Stats

CULTURE

Traditions:

The most famous part of the Australian culture is its aboriginal history. Aborigine artwork has been preserved for centuries, and even contemporary artists explore this past.

Rock music has also played a large part in the culture, as many famous bands emerged out of the land down under, such as The Bee Gees, INXS, AC/DC, Midnight Oil, and the Little River Band.

You will find live music throughout the country in the outdoor markets and local pubs. Opera is also popular music in Australian culture. Nellie Melba, a Melbourne native, was once the largest opera star in the world. Australians loved her so much they named Melba toast and Peach Melba after her.

Although the film industry is small in Australia, many well-known thespians throughout the world claim Australian heritage: Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, and Naomi Watts - to name a few.

Celebrations:

Public holidays in Australia are designated on a state and territory basis with the exception of national public holidays such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory have also designated Monday 27th April 2009 as a Public Holiday.

Boxing Day It's the day after Christmas Day, a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand.

Canberra Day Canberra Day, a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory, takes place on the second Monday in March.

Labor Day This public holiday in Australia and New Zealand is celebrated on different dates in different states.

Queen's Birthday Holiday It's a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand but celebrated on different dates. In New South Wales, it also marks the start of the ski season.

Waitangi Day New Zealand's national day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between Pakeha and Maori.

Alcohol:

Australia used to be one of the world's great drinking nations. It is believed that during the Convict era, when rum was used as currency, the colony's inhabitants drank more alcohol per capita that any other time in human history. The high rate of consumption is understnadable considering that the first fleet brought enough food for two years and enough grog for four.

Even though Australians are drinking far less than the past, there is a lionising of alcohol consumption which perhaps isn't seen in other countries. Furthermore, alcohol still plays a very important role in the social fabric of Australian society. University students often discuss their ideas at the pub after lectures. Boozing is often part of post-match celebrations of football teams. Most importantly, the shout is still the mainstay of the Australian pub. It is a custom that allows an outsider to be inducted into the social group and treated as if they are of equal status - irrespective of their socio-economic, political or national background.

The drinking age here in Australia is 18.

Sports and Hobbies:

Sports in Australia are very popular and so in Australia most sports are available. In many ways Australia seems to be the sports and outdoor activity capital of the world. The various climates available around Australia, throughout the year, enables a wide range of activities all year around.

Surfing is the obvious sport associated with Australia, and if brave enough (or owner of a wetsuit) you can enjoy this sport all year around. Swimming is very popular both in swimming pools, and of course at a large number of Australia's spectacular beaches. If you do go surfing or just want to enjoy the fabulous Australian beaches then you should make sure that you follow the safety rules. For information check out the Australian Explorer Surf Safety guide.

Fishing around Australia is excellent from the shore, boat, river or sea. It is an extremely popular passtime, with the added benefit that you can eat the rewards.

Other sports to enjoy as you travel around include walking, jogging, cycling and much more. The onset of winter is seen as a positive factor by many Australian's and oversea's visitors alike for one reason; snow. Australia offers great excitement on the snow, with skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding being popular winter sports.

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