The interesting and weird facts about Australia brought here will surprise you, as there is more to meet in this sunny country than its beautiful nature and balmy climate.
Everyone has heard of Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and possibly the hit tv show Neighbours, right?
But did you know Australia is the fortieth most visited country in the world according to the World Tourism Organization? And what are some more slightly bizarre facts you probably didn’t know about Australia?
Keen to learn more? We will be surprised if you are aware of these things…
- The biggest property in Australia is a cattle ranch. It’s bigger than Belgium.
- Political allegiances aside, it’s a source of national pride that when studying at Oxford in the 1950s former Prime Minister Bob Hawke set the world record for sculling a yard of ale in 11 seconds. We’re not saying anything – other than this says a lot.
- You may fancy yourself as a bit of a beach bum, but if you visited a new beach every day in Australia it would take over 27 years to see them all. That’s a big bum.
- Perceived to be permanently sundrenched, the Australian Alps actually receive more snowfall than Switzerland. Snow kidding! We’re not. Nor are we apologising for the pun.
- It’s illegal to walk on the right-hand side of a footpath in Australia. Tricky.
- Apparently the selfie is an Aussie invention. Thanks for that.
- In a cruel twist of criminal fate, the best-behaved of Australia’s convicts were drafted to form the nation’s first ever police force
- In the 1930s the Australian military waged war on Western Australia’s emu population. Rather humiliatingly, they lost.
- Aussie and Kiwi rivalry is legendary, but is this a bid too far? In 2006, a Brisbane man tried to sell New Zealand on eBay. In the auction blurb, the item was described as having ‘very ordinary weather.’ Bidding started at a very reasonable $0.01 AUD and reached $3,000 AUD before it was removed. Apparently it’s against even eBay’s policy to sell countries.
- In Victoria, it’s illegal to wear hot pink pants after midday Sunday. What, only on Sundays?
- In accordance with an ancient British law that Australia has yet to bother appealing, taxi drivers in Queensland are required to carry a bale of hay in their trunk. For when their horses are hungry. Obviously.
If you would like to learn more about Australia you really should consider travelling here. We’ve written some great guides for things to do here, including:
• Best east coast Australia itinerary
• Where to visit on the west coast of Australia
• Top places to see in South Australia
• Northern Territory travel tips
Or if you are looking for something more long term view our guide with everything you need to know about working in Australia.
Plan a trip down under and discover this amazing country for yourself!
