- There are six states in Australia and I’ve now visited all of them. I’ve also managed to visit the two main territories – the Northern Territory (Alice Springs) and the ACT Australian Capital Terriroty (Canberra). The six states are:
- New South Wales (Sydney)
- Victoria (Melbourne)
- Western Australia (Perth)
- Queensland (Brisbane)
- South Australia (Adelaide)
- Tasmania
- There are clean public toilets everywhere….it’s amazing
- People are prompt – no messing around or being late for the Aussies
- There are water fountains and places to refill your water bottle everywhere
- For the most part drivers seem to obey the speed limit… even on the motorway – I struggled with that one.
- Tipping is not a big thing over here.. even for services like nails etc…
- You always get milk to have in your room for your tea… fresh milk – love it
- Aldi has made it to Australia
- Table service is not the norm in most bars and restaurants, you order and pay at the bar
- There are wild camels in Australia – I’m not kidding!
- A toasted sandwich is called a jaffel
- You would think people are winding you up but when they say “be careful of the sharks”, they’re not joking. A number of people said this when Anne and I were going to the Margaret River but we didn’t actually go swimming, the day after we left a pro surfer was knocked off his board and attacked by a shark, he’s currently fighting for his life in hospital!
- It’s illegal to own a rabbit in Queensland, it’s ok in New South Wales but as soon as you cross the border that bunny’s gotta go
- Queensland is the only state where you’re allowed to hold a koala!
- People are very law abiding and always walk on the left. There are strict rules where you can walk or cycle your bike… even in the city on a regular street people walk on the left.
- Showgirls and topless bars are all over the place in Brisbane, it’s quite bizarre. As you walk along the main shopping area you’ll see H&M, McDonalds then Topless Girls!!
- It’s easier to get a pie than a sandwich and they love putting ketchup on their pie… arghhhhh that’s just wrong! I ate plenty of pies (seriously you’ll be singing “who ate all the pies” when you see me!!) – steak and mushroom, chicken, minced beef, crocodile, vegetarian … all delicious.
- If you don’t have ID you are likely not getting into a bar, no matter how old you are.
odohertyelaine 