If you’re up for some adventure, you’ll surely find the adrenaline you need in Australia, the land of natural wonders and cute koalas. Although some fear travelling to the country due to the risk of encountering an animal around town ―such as snakes, magpies and spiders, as long as you take all precautions and travel accompanied, you’ll be safe anywhere.

Maybe one of the most confusing things about Australia is the weather. Considering the size of the country and its geographical placement, the climate is different in all regions. Central Australia has semi-arid temperatures, while the Northern Territory experiences tropical-like weather. However, you can find freezing temperatures in Tasmania, so wherever you go, make sure to prepare the proper clothing and gear so you won’t be surprised by a storm.

Here are some of the things you must get ready for ahead of the trip.

Slow and expensive internet connection

Some consider that Australia has the world’s most inefficient internet connection, which has been overthrown by countries like Singapore and New Zealand. Therefore, you may need to research an eSIM online for tourists in Australia to access unlimited data and reliable internet with no roaming charges.

Still, the reasons why the internet there is so slow are pretty understandable. The country's size makes it difficult to lay fibre-optic cables, while low-population areas are prone to expensive and limited internet connections. Finally, limited international connectivity contributes to slow bandwidth.

People walking barefoot

In Australia, seeing someone walk barefoot outside their house is expected, but that doesn’t mean people don’t wear shoes. While some consider this behaviour to be an influence of the country's Indigenous cultures, others simply believe Australians are incredibly relaxed and enjoy walking barefoot.

Regardless of the reasons, it would be best to be respectful of people and not brag about it on the internet, as many other tourists have done. Take this as an opportunity to wear whatever shoes you like and even experiment with barefoot shoes for walking without being stared at.

Party life is pretty boring

If you’re expecting restaurants and bars to overflow with people, know that most of them have a pretty strict schedule and like to take regular breaks during the day. Urban restaurants close at around eleven PM, while rural ones might end the deal at eight in the evening. Even nightclubs may not be open after two AM.

At the same time, most restaurants and cafes take a break between three PM and five PM, so it would be best to stash up some food before this time of the day in case you want to eat a late lunch. However, this break is well-deserved and can benefit you if you want some quiet time to relax and sleep.

Regional variations of the English language

While most people speak English in Australia, their accents and influences will make it difficult to understand them at times. The history of language is fascinating, so you can research it if you want to understand it. However, you should focus on learning more about slang and maybe listen to some interviews to prepare for how the language sounds.

If you want to blend in with locals, you could say “arvo” as in good afternoon, or “brekky” if you want to have breakfast at a restaurant. Many words and expressions are abbreviated, so prepare to solve the language puzzle. Australia’s colourful language is impressive but challenging to master.

Beware of the Outback

One interesting but scary place in Australia is the Outback, a significantly remote and vast area in the country where there’s no place for unprepared tourists. Although there is a large population in the area, most of the space consists of an intact natural environment and diverse wildlife. The place is known for being home to Aboriginal people, so it’s a great spot for learning about heritage and folklore.

However, as a first-time tourist, you may want to avoid going deep in the region, as the hot and dry conditions will make it easy to experience heat exhaustion or dehydration that can lead to worse health conditions.

Rip currents and Australian beaches

Australia has thousands of beaches across the country, so you can go anywhere you like to have a tan and swim in the ocean. Unfortunately, swimming can be dangerous in most places due to rip currents that even professional swimmers struggle to identify and get out of. Usually, lifesavers assess the safer swimming spots by placing red and yellow flags in that area, so you should stick to it.

A rip current has several specific features, so when you see a gap between the waves where there’s darker water, it might mean a rip current is forming. At the same time, you might notice more sand than usual, along with seaweeds and sediments.

Choose your destination wisely

As previously mentioned, the climate in Australia is pretty diverse, considering its size. For example, if you’re planning a summer getaway in the country, make sure you’re booking your trip in December, January and February and choose locations within Northern Australia or Sydney. Places like Cairns and the Whitsundays have a humid and hot climate with a lot of rainfall, so be prepared with proper gear.

On the other hand, a winter trip is best done from June to August in New South Wales and Victoria. Even in Melbourne and Sydney, the winter months are great, but they might not be as good for winter sports, so make sure to research these things thoroughly to make your vacation perfect.

Are you ready for Australia?

Australia is one of the biggest countries in the world, and it’s renowned for its impressive natural ecosystems, unique wildlife, and changing climates. Considering its Aboriginal past and mixed-cultural influence, Australia might surprise you with shoeless people, unintelligible language, and fewer parties than you might expect. Still, the memories made here will be unforgettable.