STORY BY PAUL HUGHES, JANUARY 2023 - THE BEACH IS A GREAT PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE - IMAGE BY JAY WENNINGTON
It's no surprise that Australians are known as one of the world's most laid-back, friendly and happy people.
A key reason Australians in general are well-liked and welcomed around the world is that the country has been a beacon for people for more than 250 years and the place where the dreams and aspirations of millions of travelers, migrants and residents have come true.
With such a significant influx of newcomers it's a common practice to welcome strangers and help them both settle and understand Australia's enormously diverse culture.
If you’re planning the trip of a lifetime “down under”, our friendly advice is that you recognise that Australia is the largest island continent in the world and only a fraction smaller than the whole of Europe.
Given its sheer size, Australia packs a massive punch in the world of diversity, natural beauty, modern cities, friendly people and “bucket list” items to tick off.
In the north, 3.6 million hectares of soaring mountainous lush tropical rain forests stretch all the way to amazing beaches and the sensational world heritage Great Barrier Reef, which in itself is bigger than England, Switzerland and Holland combined.
You can travel 4,500 kilometres from the "top end" to the southern tip of our island state Tasmania, with a similar distance from the east to the west coast.
So it is really important to work out where and how you want to holiday in Australia to make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew!
A key reason Australians in general are well-liked and welcomed around the world is that the country has been a beacon for people for more than 250 years and the place where the dreams and aspirations of millions of travelers, migrants and residents have come true.
With such a significant influx of newcomers it's a common practice to welcome strangers and help them both settle and understand Australia's enormously diverse culture.
If you’re planning the trip of a lifetime “down under”, our friendly advice is that you recognise that Australia is the largest island continent in the world and only a fraction smaller than the whole of Europe.
Given its sheer size, Australia packs a massive punch in the world of diversity, natural beauty, modern cities, friendly people and “bucket list” items to tick off.
In the north, 3.6 million hectares of soaring mountainous lush tropical rain forests stretch all the way to amazing beaches and the sensational world heritage Great Barrier Reef, which in itself is bigger than England, Switzerland and Holland combined.
You can travel 4,500 kilometres from the "top end" to the southern tip of our island state Tasmania, with a similar distance from the east to the west coast.
So it is really important to work out where and how you want to holiday in Australia to make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew!
Australia is home to some of the friendliest, most relaxed down-to-earth people you will find anywhere for a number of reasons, such as:
- Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world (lower even than Iceland), so when Aussies meet someone they're usually happy to stop and 'have a chat'.
- Supporting your 'mates' is part of the national identity, forged through armed conflicts around the world and entrenched in the community through a massive volunteer movement that encompasses surf life saving, emergency services, environment and wildlife conservation, community service and much more.
- Australians enjoy socialising, so meeting up from pubs or picnics and barbecues to some of world's finest restaurants with every style of international cuisine makes for a relaxed outing, especially when feasting on our own specialities like locally sourced grass-fed meats and the best seafood on the planet.
- Australia has immense religious freedom. While up to 40% of the population have no strong religious beliefs, there are more than 120 different religious faiths actively practiced, including every Christian denomination and strong Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judeism communities. Even the ancient religious minority Yezidis faith is openly practised.
- Australia is a very diverse multicultural society, with almost 50% of the population born overseas or having at least one parent born overseas. With more than six million migrants from 150 countries calling Australia home in the last 60 years (25% of the total population), people are interested in welcoming newcomers, learning more about different cultures and helping them integrate while retaining their individual lifestyles.
- While parts of Australia experience storms, floods, bushfires and occasional cyclones, much of the country has a warm, temperate climate with outstanding natural and built recreational facilities, making it easy for people to meet in a fun environment.
- Australians generally have a very dry sense of humor. Passionate about almost every sport in the world, they rarely take themselves too seriously.
- Poking "friendly fun" at someone is a sign of endearment - if we don't like you, we won't bother. That's refreshing to many visitors.
Read why Australia was crowned the Happiest Nation.