13 Proofs that Australia never ceases to surprise and delight us

For some, Australia is a faraway country that is all about beaches, kangaroos and happy people. Well, just when you think you know a thing or two about this place, you discover a dozen more new facts and realize that you actually know very little. A 3,000-mile-long fence, “fairybread,” robber cockatoos — you can find all that and more in enigmatic and beautiful Australia.

We, from awesome.club, we describe our desire to see Australia as follows: a mixture of excitement and adventure, with a touch of dread. Well, after reading our article today, you can decide for yourself. And at the end, a cute bonus about Australian wildlife awaits. Check out!

The “Cence dos Cães” or “Cerca dos Dingos” was built in 1885 to keep wild dingoes out of the fertile land and to protect the herds of sheep that graze there.

There is also a rabbit-proof fence, a wood, metal and wire barrier built between 1901 and 1907 that is “only” 3,256 km long.

You can find a giant huntsman spider around the house and, although these arthropods look scary, there is nothing to be afraid of: they hunt flies, insects and cockroaches, and when they find a person, they prefer to run away. The sand fly is much more dangerous. They are found on Australian beaches: their bites cause a terrible itch, which becomes inflamed and takes a long time to heal.

3. The day of “naked gardening” is celebrated in Australia

In May, Australians have fun by participating in World Naked Gardening Day. They take pictures of themselves in their gardens with gardening tools, fruit and vegetables, but without clothes, and post the images on social media. Of course, it is not forbidden to cover parts of the body with whatever is at hand.

In Western Australia, a law is about to be passed banning domestic cats from being outside without a leash. This is necessary to protect the local fauna: city cats are a threat to wild animals.

People who move to Australia are surprised that even the big stores, malls and cafes close very early. For example, in the state of Queensland, these establishments close between 4 pm and 5 pm. Some work until a little later, but they are the minority.

Australians consider UGG boots to be at-home footwear: warm and cozy, these fur boots help them survive the cold, because the weather in Australia is not always warm.

I live in Australia. And here UGG boots (the correct pronunciation is “aggui”) replace slippers. The houses do not have central heating and are built with warm rather than cold weather in mind. When winter comes, UGG boots come to the rescue. Using them outside the home is synonymous with bad taste. © austral_i_ya / Instagram

Australians don’t like people who “show off”. This phenomenon has even been given a special term — “Tall Poppy Syndrome”: when someone is deliberately belittled for their successes and accomplishments. Soon, over there, people usually “cut the flower” that likes to grow taller than the others.

In a job interview, it’s best not to mention that you have a college degree, and if you have more than one, forget it, otherwise the boss will be uncomfortable. It is not customary to stand out. And abbreviate your name, because long names are a nuisance. © austral_i_ya / Instagram

8. Movie theaters have special sessions for mothers with babies

Sessions labeled BYB (Bring Your Baby) are available in many theaters and usually take place during weekday mornings. The movies are for adults, but the volume is reduced so as not to disturb babies. During the session, no one will scold the mother if her child cries, you can rock him while standing in the hall and even change the diaper by putting the little one on the steps.

9. People who move to Australia are surprised that local day care centers, despite being expensive, don’t have rooms or beds

According to emigrants, child care is so expensive in Australia that, if a couple has two or more children, it is more profitable for one of the parents not to work. However, the income here is also quite high, so you can get by even if there is only one working person in the family. And if the parents still want to place their child in a day care center, it’s good to be prepared for the fact that there won’t be a separate room for the nap corner — the children simply sleep on mattresses spread across the floor.

10. In Australia, they don’t congratulate women on March 8

However, International Women’s Day is not forgotten: on March 8, it is common to talk about inequalities between men and women, the difference between their salaries, the prejudice of employers towards employees who have young children. On that day, an action is also carried out on social networks called #choosetochallenge (“Choose to challenge”, in free translation from English): women post a photo of themselves with the palms of their hands up and talk about what they would like to change.

There is also a men’s rights organization in Australia: Tomorrow Man fights gender stereotypes and holds lectures and workshops that help young people understand that showing emotions and talking about their feelings does not make them less of a man.

A thick, salty, dark brown paste with a strong smell and a hint of yeast is considered an incredibly healthy national dish and has been loved by locals for 100 years. It is eaten with bread or biscuits, spreading a thin layer of paste over the surface.

13. Burgers in Australia include beetroot, pickled pineapple and an egg, in addition to the familiar meat and lettuce.

While the latter two aren’t all that common over there, beetroot is a must-have ingredient in an Aussie burger, even if it’s not the locals’ favorite vegetable.

What do you most want to see in Australia? Would you dare to venture into the country’s natural landscapes? Tell us in the comments section.