Australia: a land of geographical gems, ‘work hard play hard’, gorgeously tanned surfers drinking quality coffee at Hungarian cafes, and tourists wandering the beaches sunburned, sand-drenched and smiling as they enjoy the best holiday of their lives
Once you get here, you’ll instantly want to integrate. Slipping into the life of the locals is easier in Australia than any other country in the world: we are a diverse bunch and, as long as you can take a joke, we are all going to get along just fine!
Would you like to ‘go Oz’ for a cultural holiday change? Here are a few quick tips to ensure you blend in like wax to a surfboard:
Be prepared to laugh at yourself
You don’t have to be a standup comedian, but be ready not to take yourself too seriously around an Australian. ‘Taking the mick’ is our way of getting comfortable and cool with each other. If you can laugh along and perhaps hold your own banter, then all the better for you!
Cafe hopping
Challenge yourself not to default to the biggest, fanciest or most generic looking cafes you come across, otherwise you’ll end up stuck with all the other tourists. Make it a personal project to discover those obscure ‘pokey’ little cafes dotted around cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Oh, and definitely get talking to your barista. Chances are they will have a few fantastic activity suggestions up their sleeves, and they’ll know how best to get there.
Shop it up
Experience neighborhood culture by shopping at local markets. The high end shops of Sydney will certainly promise glamorous and luxurious service, but the local markets can be just as exciting. Just don’t go crazy on nic-nacs if you don’t want to appear too ‘touristy’: buying five Australia keyrings for your family is a dead giveaway.
Yes of course you can still go to the Opera House
But here’s an idea; instead of showing up and taking loads of pictures of it, why not attend an event there? There are at least 40 events held at the Sydney Opera House every week! Pick one and have a great time!
Hit the beach
We are all equal on the sands of an Australian beach. Wear your comfiest sunproof togs or your designer bikini: everyone’s too busy enjoying themselves to judge you!
A stroll in the sunrise/sunset
Pop the camera away, lace up those comfortable walking shoes, and get yourself down to the coast for a life-changingly scenic coastal walk. Take in the dazzling oceanic vistas in a walk to remember. Lots of friendly folk walk and jog along the coastal tracks, so all you social butterflies might just find a new friend to join you!
Think you can handle all that? All you need now is your own temporary Australian home and you’re all set and ready to live like a local! Start searching our website now to select a destination for your own gorgeous Australian retreat.