🇦🇺 Australia

Australia is a vast island continent with a relaxed, egalitarian culture built on 'mateship' and 'fair dinkum' honesty. Australian culture values outdoor lifestyle, direct communication, and not taking yourself too seriously. The concept of 'tall poppy syndrome' keeps egos in check. Indigenous Aboriginal culture, the world's oldest continuous civilization, increasingly influences modern Australian identity alongside multicultural immigration.

Sun Protection: UV levels extreme - slip, slop, slap (shirt, sunscreen, hat). Tipping: Not expected but 10% appreciated for good service. Shouting: Buying rounds of drinks is social custom. Distances: Everything is far - fly between cities, plan road trips carefully. Wildlife Safety: Respect dangerous animals, swim between flags at beaches.

Australian society is informal and egalitarian - titles and hierarchy matter less than character. 'Taking the piss' (gentle mockery) is affectionate, not insulting. BBQs and sports are social institutions that bring communities together. Regional differences exist - Sydneysiders vs. Melburnians rivalry, Queensland's tropical pace, Western Australia's mining culture. Indigenous culture deserves respect and recognition in modern Australia.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot season, beach time, school holidays, temperatures 20-35°C+. Autumn (Mar-May): Perfect weather, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures 15-28°C. Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild in most areas, ski season in mountains, whale watching, 8-22°C. Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflower blooms, pleasant weather returns, 12-26°C. Note: Seasons opposite to Northern Hemisphere.

Domestic Flights: Essential for long distances, Jetstar and Virgin competitive. Car Rental: Best for exploring, drive on left, distances vast between cities. Public Transport: Good in Sydney/Melbourne, limited elsewhere. Trains: Limited network, more scenic than practical. Buses: Greyhound for budget long-distance travel.

Budget Travel (AUD $60-100/day): Hostels $25-45, food courts/takeaways $10-18, public transport $3-8, free beaches and parks. Mid-Range (AUD $100-180/day): Hotels $80-150, pub meals $18-35, attractions $15-30, some car rental. Luxury (AUD $180+/day): Upscale hotels $150-400+, fine dining $50-120+, premium experiences, private transport. Australia is expensive but quality is high.

English with distinctive Australian accent and slang. Common expressions: 'G'day' (hello), 'Cheers' (thanks/goodbye), 'No worries' (you're welcome), 'Fair dinkum' (really/honest), 'Arvo' (afternoon). Australians speak casually and use lots of abbreviations - 'brekkie' (breakfast), 'servo' (gas station). Direct communication style, not meant to be rude.

Australia is very safe with low crime rates. Major risks are natural - sun exposure, dangerous wildlife, ocean currents. Always swim between flags at patrolled beaches. Outback travel requires preparation - water, communication, route planning. Spiders/snakes rarely dangerous if left alone. Emergency numbers: 000 (police, fire, ambulance). Medical care excellent but expensive.

Australian Dollar (AUD) is the currency. Cards accepted everywhere, contactless payment very common. ATMs abundant. Typical costs: Coffee $4-6, Pub meal $18-28, Beer $8-12, Public transport $3-8, Budget accommodation $25-45/night. Tipping not required but 10% appreciated for exceptional service in restaurants.