A Guide to Australia’s Culture
Australia is a continent situated surrounded by oceans and is most known for its great barrier reef. Additionally, Australia’s beautiful beaches form an integral part of national culture.
Indigenous plants and fauna play an integral part in Australia’s heritage, while national monuments and war memorials also contribute. A casual yet welcoming ethos pervades society; with “g’day” serving as the universal greeting.
Table of Contents
History
Australian culture reflects both a British influence, while indigenous and Asian influences can also be observed. Artistic styles, inventions such as boomerangs and didgeridoos, as well as Australian humour have all helped build up a unique “Australian” tradition.
As soon as the first convict ships arrived from England in 1788, a government decree stated that both groups would “live together peacefully and with consideration for one another.” Unfortunately, tensions remained high between these groups, often leading to violent confrontations between settlers and Aboriginal people.
Australia was a founding member of the United Nations and its troops have participated in many international conflicts since. For instance, in 1999 Australian forces were sent into East Timor after its independence vote to quell pro-Indonesian militia violence and ensure its smooth run-off vote. Starting from 1950s onward, immigration from Europe brought diversity and multiculturalism to Australia’s shores.
Culture
Long before Europeans settled Australia, indigenous Australians created an unique culture. Aborigines lived harmoniously with nature while developing spiritually. They maintained their customs and traditions until 1788 when British settlers brought convicts over on The First Fleet voyage.
Since colonisation, Western culture has dominated in Australia; today it’s more of a multicultural society where many values and traditions from other nations are respected and accepted as part of everyday life.
Australians are known for being friendly and laid back people, prioritising fairness, equality and mutual respect over physical affection. Handshakes tend to be preferred over hugs. Australian families tend to be matriarchal with mothers responsible for disciplining children; members tend to share household tasks together while enjoying each other’s company.
Beaches
Australia is home to stunning beaches that range from urban city beaches to remote island retreats, making the most of their stunning coastline. Surfers can test their skills on iconic waves like Bondi Beach and Manly Beach; snorkelers can explore pristine coral reefs near Turquoise Bay; you may even spot rare humpback whales from the water or camp along pristine stretches of Cape Range National Park beachfronts!
Many Australians make unforgettable beach memories during childhood vacations, teenage romance and life transitions – from childhood vacations and first romantic encounters, to first crushes and life changes that mark milestones rites of passage. Australia’s world-class beaches can help fulfil any dream imaginable; from watching surfers ride spine-tingling waves or reading under an umbrella to sighting native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies or Tasmanian devils!
Gold Rush
Gold’s discovery in Australia during the 1850s caused massive migrations from Europe, North America, and Asia; these immigrants helped shape colonial Australia while being an essential driver of economic development.
Miners lived in simple tents or temporary huts on rural goldfields. They were exposed to extreme weather, snakes, thieves, disease and accidents that often claimed their lives. Many died as a result.
Successful miners were known as ‘diggers’ and formed strong ties among themselves and fellow miners. Unions often formed and sought to improve working conditions – often calling for reforms such as an eight-hour day and major road, rail, port, and water infrastructure development projects. Gold discovery also gave birth to Australian-made coins as a form of money.
Bushrangers
Australian bushrangers were armed outlaws who made use of Australia’s vast wilderness as an area to hide from colonial authorities. Similar to British highwaymen and American Old West outlaws, Australian bushrangers would rob small towns and coach services while engaging in many shootouts with law enforcement officers. During the 1860s Gold Rush period, prominent leaders such as Ned Kelly, Ben Hall and Mad Dog Dan Morgan emerged; becoming folk heroes renowned for their bravery against corrupt officials while taking aim at corrupt government bodies.
However, their lives were often short and often cruel; contrary to popular perception, bushrangers were criminals who often did harm to innocent individuals.
