But it’s only through travel and personal experience that we can learn the truth about a new place. The non-Aussie members of the r/AskReddit community spilled the beans about what they found the strangest about Australia. Read on for their thoughts and culture shock experiences.
Bored Panda reached out to Bree Clarke from South Australia, aka redditor u/Desperate-Narwhal817, the author of the intriguing viral thread. She was kind enough to shed some light on the biggest culture shock moments that tourists face when visiting Australia, as well as how to find the confidence to travel far and wide. Read on for our full interview with Bree!
Toecutt3r , Peter Addor Report
“Life and Aussie culture seems so normal to me, and I wanted to get real insight from everyday people, from all over the world. And I certainly achieved that! I didn’t expect the post to blow up like it did, that’s for sure. I was quite chuffed, to be honest… and full of pride, amusement, and warmth for my little (big) land down under,” she told Bored Panda how happy she was that the discussion got a lot of attention.
Bored Panda was curious to get Bree’s take on the biggest culture shock moments that foreigners might experience when they first visit Australia. In her opinion, one of those moments is “realizing there are cities here, and busy ones at that.”
italkaboutbruno , Craig McKay Report
Secret-You-8624 , llee_wu Report
Bree said that Australians love a lot of things: their country, taking the mickey out of others, the tourists, as well as the view the rest of the world has about them. “The snakes and sharks and spiders and isolated cattle stations are definitely here, we’ve all encountered them, but I do not know a single person who’s had a bad experience with any of them. They tend to leave you alone if you do come across one.”
She shared some more things that Aussies have in common: “We all have a mate called Gazza, (hi, Dad!) and we all know someone called Kylie (hi, bestie!) We all have broken a Hills Hoist [clothesline] as kids, and we all like our Vegemite. Everyone’s our mate, even if it doesn’t sound like it from the ’not safe for work’ language we use.”
Depression_God , ELEVATE Report
yourlavenderplug , Bob Deacon Report
Krissybear93 , Jon Bunting Report
The author of the viral thread pointed out that getting along with the locals is “practically a given,” which should put a lot of us travelers at ease. “The second we hear an accent, we don our Aussie hats and take you directly under our wings. As long as you can take a joke, and are aware that we love our culture, and are full of pride for it, you’re good as gold to us,” she shared some advice with all tourists.
Bree also had some encouragement to share with anyone hoping to travel to and around Australia. “Traveling anywhere new is equally exciting and terrifying, and my advice for anyone wanting to visit Australia is simple: just do it! I feel so incredibly fortunate to live in such a diverse, accepting, laid-back corner of the world where it is safe and welcoming,” she opened up to us.
HorrorSorbet , Kelvin Valerio Report
Top_Of_Gov_Watchlist , Tima Miroshnichenko Report
Denzalious , Eduardo Soares Report
On a more serious note, she warned that any travel in the Australian Outback should be taken very seriously. Travelers have to be extremely well-prepared. They should never take these trips lightly. On a lighter note, Bree said that Australia is a huge country, and she urged everyone to visit the smaller towns “on the outskirts of the cities for a true Aussie vibe and experience.”
Most of the country’s towns are near the sea, and the redditor added that the beaches are “insanely accessible and beautiful.”
Spectronautic1 , Dmitry Zvolskiy Report
anon , Mathias Appel Report
amfra , SEDACMaps Report
Another upside of Australian life, according to her, is the lack of notable violence in the country. “We just don’t see it here very often and it gives you such a sense of security and protection. It really is unique.”
The land Down Under is incredibly biodiverse. According to the Australian Government, the continent and surrounding seas support a whopping 600k to 700k native species. Most of them are not seen anywhere else on our planet!
A jaw-dropping 85% of Australian plant species won’t be found anywhere else on Earth. Moreover, the Australian continent is home to half of the world’s marsupial species.
Ok-Duck2458 , Adrienne Andersen Report
vagga2 , Joonas kääriäinen Report
vaxene , Karolina Grabowska Report
The Victoria State Government has some handy advice on avoiding spider bites. For one, you should always aim to wear gloves, long pants, and shoes while gardening. You ought to avoid walking barefoot around your garden. And be sure to shake out your shoes before you put them on. You should also not leave your clothes lying around on the floor.
If you happen to stumble across a potential spider lair, do not go rummaging around it with your hands! Use a stick. Or better yet, leave it alone and contact someone who works in pest removal services.
Creative_Recover , John Benwell Report
Twuggy , Felix Haumann Report
ReignofHorror678 , Pixabay Report
Meanwhile, add screens to your windows and vents, and make sure that there’s no space underneath your doors for spiders to squeeze through.
NickyDeeM Report
Ilovestraightpepper , Omar Alejandro Report
Homosexualtigr Report
The key to gaining confidence in travel is… to travel! You have to start out small. Like, really small. Think about some massive adventure that you’d like to have someday. Now, make that your long-term goal. In the meantime, plan a whole series of smaller trips.
Sergeant_Metalhead , Allan Henderson Report
lowflyingsatelites , The Walt Disney Company Report
anon , Christine Report
You should also figure out what type of travel and tourism you’re most comfortable with. Are you better off being a solo traveler, or do you thrive when you’re on an adventure with a gaggle of friends? Do you prefer having quality accommodation, or are you fine with crashing on someone’s couch? Do you want to travel by plane, train, and car, or are you a fan of hitchhiking? Do you enjoy long hikes (hi!) or lazing about in the pool (hi again!)?
Jpnoth4 , PNW Production Report
ALazy_Cat , Collin Nederhood Report
rrfe Report
In the meantime, be sure to do at least some basic research about any city, region, or country you want to visit. Knowing how to get along with the locals can be a wonderful way to make the most of your experience! But what matters the most is having an open heart and mind.
What did you find the most shocking the first time you visited Australia, dear Pandas? What advice would you give non-Aussies to help them get along with the locals? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
emunny_99 , Mary and Andrew Report
Imhereforthewearp , August de Richelieu Report
Krusty_Burglar_ , Wutthichai Charoenburi Report
MammothJust4541 Report
Thetford34 Report
F13_404 , Jason Thompson Report
Themanwiththevoice Report
only1der , Tiana Report
Follow Bored Panda on Google News!
Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!
