Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, consists of the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and several smaller islands.

In Australia, most of the land is arid or semi-arid, with patches of desert, grassland, and forest. A continent makes up 85% of the country’s territory, and it borders the South Pacific Ocean. The climate of Australia varies according to its elevation and location. As the country is far from the equator, its seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Things To Know About Australia Before You Visit.

Number 10. It’s not cool to smoke

Smoking is up to you, but in Australia, it’s not cheap. One packet of cigarettes over here costs $40 (£22), so you won’t want to get into the habit unless you’re willing to spend a significant amount of your holiday budget.

Number 9. It Is Very Friendly and Chatty In Australia

Aussies (as they call themselves) are friendly and positive people. You can expect to meet a lot of strangers in shops, bars, or on the streets. Travel is a passion for Australians, and they enjoy hosting visitors as well.

Number 8. Don’t expect to be online

Some parts of Australia have slow and expensive internet, so it would be a real shock to many of us used to easy access. The best and cheapest way to stay connected is to buy yourself a hotspot to take with you. In addition to keeping you connected on the go, some can also double as portable chargers for your phone.

Number 7. Left-hand driving is the norm

Public transport isn’t always the best in Australia, though that depends on which city you’re in. If you’re from the UK, remember to keep left when driving. When you’re walking, look right before crossing. If you want to be extremely safe, look both ways several times before crossing.

Number 6. Dangerous Animals in Australia

Sharks, spiders, crocodiles, and snakes are among these animals. Australia is known for having some of the world’s deadliest snakes. The inland taipan is the world’s most venomous snake. There have been no deaths caused by this species so far; however, one bite contains enough venom to kill any species almost instantly – including humans.

Number 5. Languages spoken in Australia

Travelling to Australia won’t be difficult since English is the national language. Native English speakers should be able to understand Australian English relatively easily since it has a unique accent and vocabulary. It is estimated that over 200 languages are spoken in Australia, with Mandarin being the most commonly spoken non-English language.

Number 4. Call 000 in an emergency

In Australia, call Triple Zero (000). Depending on the severity of the emergency, you will be directed to either the police, fire, or ambulance departments. Where necessary, they will assist you by phone. It’s a valuable piece of information, even if you don’t need it.

Number 3. Australia is a huge country

It’s true, Australia is huge. You may think you can hop on a quick flight to get from one side of the country to the other, but in reality, it takes over five hours to fly from Brisbane to Perth, and it takes three days to drive. Each state is so vast, however, that there is plenty to do. No matter how many states and territories you visit, there is never a dull moment. You don’t have to see everything in one go – you can always return.

Number 2. They indeed eat Kangaroo meat! Yes, of course.

Many people might find eating Kangaroo meat in Australia very surprising, maybe even disturbing. Kangaroo meat can be found in almost every supermarket next to beef or chicken. 

Number 1. The Australian Capital is not Sydney

Despite Sydney’s popularity, Canberra is Australia’s capital, not Sydney. In 1901, Australia became an independent nation, and Melbourne was declared the national capital. However, in 1927, Canberra was declared to be the country’s capital, and it has remained that way ever since.

Start planning your trip now. Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and scenic locales make it a dream destination for many.