12 Quirky Australian Habits That Make Them Happy, No Matter What Others Think

Barefoot in the mall? In Australia, it’s completely normal!

Australia is not just a land of sunshine, beaches, and surfers. It also boasts many other interesting things! Just think about it, the platypus is unique to its wildlife, and even the stars in the sky are different from what we’re used to in the Northern Hemisphere. So, it’s no wonder that Australians have their own peculiar habits.

Curious about how Australians live, ranking 11th on the list of the world’s happiest people, here’s what I found:

They Dress Warmly Indoors to Beat the Chill

First, let’s clarify the concept of winter in Australia: it lasts from June to August, and while many believe it’s always hot, that’s not true in winter. The average temperature hovers around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), so no need to think of polar bears. However, warm clothes are necessary indoors, and trusty slippers are a good idea because houses are often built without heating. So, in winter in Australia, a sweater and UGG boots can come in handy.

They Don’t Tip

Tipping is not a common practice in Australia. If you ask for the bill at a restaurant, you won’t find separate lines for a service charge. Tipping is entirely voluntary – and no one will look at you strangely if you don’t leave one.

They Eat Salty Yeast Spread

There’s a rather unique Australian national food called Vegemite. It’s a dark brown, salty paste with a slightly bitter aftertaste, made from yeast extract. While the rest of the world enjoys chocolate or peanut butter on their bread, in Australia, salty Vegemite is the cool thing.

They Go Barefoot Everywhere

We usually wear shoes, but that’s not the case everywhere. In Australian cities, it’s common to see barefoot people on the streets. Since the streets are regularly cleaned and there’s no litter, Australians can easily go shopping or to the mall barefoot. And no one bats an eye!

They Are Very Careful About the Cleanliness of Shoe Soles

Because Australia has a unique ecosystem, with many animal and plant species found only there, strict rules apply to entering the continent. Customs officials thoroughly check that everything in suitcases is clean to prevent soil or seeds from entering the country. They even check shoe soles! Clean shoes are fine, but muddy ones won’t be allowed in.

They Collect Furniture from the Street

In Australia, you don’t necessarily have to go to a furniture store to furnish your home. If someone no longer needs a piece of furniture or a household appliance in good condition, they put it out on the street for anyone to take for free.

They Don’t Use Locks

Australians trust each other. It’s common to leave doors or cars unlocked. Moreover, there are hardly any houses with bars on the windows.

They Spend Time Outdoors

Australians love spending their free time outdoors. Although streaming platforms and computers allow for unlimited binge-watching or gaming, Australians prefer to go outside. There are plenty of beaches, surfing, cycling, and barbecues in the park – millions of opportunities, and Australians take advantage of them.

They Have Their Own English Dialect

The official language of Australia is English, but they have their own style. They shorten words a lot and change the usual sound of words. Even native speakers take time to get used to the Australian accent. So, we can safely say that Australians have their own English dialect.

They Watch the Flags on the Beach

Australia has many beaches, and locals love being there. But they know they need to be careful because dangerous situations can arise. In some regions, jellyfish, sharks, rays, and even underwater currents are common and dangerous in certain seasons. While elsewhere people immediately rush into the water at the sight of waves, in Australia, they pay attention to the yellow and red flags that indicate where it’s safe to swim.

They Use Lots of Sunscreen

There’s a downside to the strong Australian sun. Australia has one of the highest levels of UV radiation, which tourists should keep in mind. Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburned if you have sensitive skin. And on sunny days, protection is especially important. That’s why locals regularly use sunscreen and often reapply it. Tourists, however, often forget this and get burned.

Vast Areas Lie Empty

Most Australians live along the coast, mainly in the eastern part of the country. This is where the largest cities are also located: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane. However, if you go inland, the population density becomes very low. The central region of Australia is as large as Spain, even slightly larger, but only 41,000 people live there. This is not surprising, as the climate is extremely harsh – very hot and dry.

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