45+ Pictures That Prove Australia Is Truly A One-Of-A-Kind Country
You have no idea how different Australia is unless you’ve tried to visit. Australia has it all, from the snow-capped peaks of the Australian alps to the deserted bush (not to mention the country’s more than 10,000 beautiful beaches). This isn’t even taking into account the fascinating wildlife. Despite this, the people who have settled in this vast wilderness are Australia’s best feature. Do you need proof? Continue reading!
Lizards Get Everywhere
There are some large lizards in Australia, unlike the small geckos we have in the United States. Because these lizards have little to no fear of humans, they can be found almost anywhere. Like the one in this photo, a lace monitor lizard can grow up to 6 and a half feet long and weigh more than 30 pounds.
Lizards Get Everywhere
The goannas of Australia are one of five families of lizards that are native to the country, including skinks, legless lizards, dragons, monitors, and geckos. Skinks, legless lizards, dragons, monitors, and geckos are also native to Australia. However, it is still dependent on your location within Australia.
Uluru, a Giant Rock
Uluru Rock, also known as the Ayer’s Rock, is the largest monolith globally and is a single rock formation in the heart of Australia. Furthermore, the local Aboriginal tribe, the Pitjantjatjara, refers to the site as Anangu, considers it sacred.
Uluru, A Giant Rock
Uluru is an Australian historic site that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fact that it is such a well-known landmark also makes it a popular destination for tourists.
Australians Swear a Lot
Australians seem to swear a lot, perhaps because they’re all alone on that huge island. So it’s not unusual to hear the most heinous swear words in everyday conversation, and some words that are taboo in the United States are actually words that Australians use for friends.
Australians Swear A Lot
You shouldn’t be surprised by the amount of profanity you’ll hear if you ever have the opportunity to pay a visit to this place. Grannies, too, are known to get involved in the fun. It’s all part of the experience of living in Australia!
It’s Macca’s, Not McDonald’s
Aussies won’t tell you where the nearest McDonald’s is, keeping with our theme of shortening words. Instead, they’ll point you in the direction of Macca’s golden arches. So it’s not just local slang because some of the signs say Macca’s. It’s the real thing.
It’s Macca’s, Not McDonald’s
If you ever have the opportunity to travel to Australia, you will most likely be surprised by the amount of slang, shortened words, and profanities that you hear. No need to stress; it will all become clear in no time!
Magpie Breeding Season
We’ll move on to a peculiar feature of Australia’s native pigeon, the magpie, from natural landmarks. When these birds turn vicious during the breeding season, the locals call it “swooping season.” So if you’re outside, there’s a good chance a magpie attack you.
Magpie Breeding Season
As a result, cyclists have come up with some ingenious counter-measures, such as attaching deterring spikes to their bike helmets, as shown here. However, because they are only cable ties, they will not cause any harm to the birds.
World Cockroach Racing Championship
Each country is known for a variety of strange events and championships, including Australia. For example, in Brisbane, Australia, the annual World Cockroach Racing Championships are held. There doesn’t seem to be many rhymes or reasons in this picture, only a swarm of cockroaches running around.
World Cockroach Racing Championship
Initially, it was held as a gambling event at a casino in Brisbane, Australia’s capital. Cockroaches are extremely fast; their rate of speed to their body length is the equivalent of a human running at 200 mph for a short distance.
Roos Are Everywhere
The kangaroo, a hopping marsupial that appears on Australian currency, coats of arms and is one of the country’s national symbols, is perhaps the most popular animal in Australia. It is well-known throughout the world, and millions of them live in the Australian outback.
Roos Are Everywhere
Kangaroos are often amusing to humans, but their powerful hind legs can be dangerous, as evidenced by how this kangaroo ended up on top of its house. Unfortunately, in Australia, every day is the same.
29 Years of Beaches
Let’s take a break from the things attempting to kill you in Australia and visit one of the country’s numerous draws. Australia has over 10,000 stunning beaches, and it would take approximately 29 years to visit them all if you visited one per day.
29 Years Of Beaches
Australian beaches are a major tourist attraction, despite the country’s reputation for its “outback.” So remember to bring your sandwich from the next entry on this list with you if you decide to pay a visit.
Of Course, a Stinging Tree
It would seem that only in Australia would they need a warning sign about a stinging tree. At this point, we don’t even need to say it. The scientific name of the particular tree is Dendrocnide excelsa, but they call it the Giant Stinging Tree.
Of Course, A Stinging Tree
Peptides found in the small hair of the tree are believed to be very similar to those found in the spider venom. It’s not clear why this particular tree injects unconscious venom on passers-by, but the pain can be terrible and last for weeks or even months.
They’re Obsessed with Vegemite
A Vegemite sandwich is mentioned in a song called “Land Down Under.” But, you may be wondering, “What is that?” Vegemite is a savory brown paste made primarily from yeast extraction, and it is considered Australia’s national food.
They’re Obsessed With Vegemite
According to the recipe, some Australians eat it on toast, sandwiches, soups, and even straight out of the jar. Even though it is almost entirely fat-free, vegetarian, and sugar-free, it does not contain gluten.
Guinness Record for Christmas Lights
In Australia, they enjoy going to extremes, as evidenced by the fact that an Australian family held the Guinness World Record for the most Christmas lights on a house in 2013. The Canberra-based Richards family used over 500,000 lights in their display.
Guinness Record For Christmas Lights
While a New York family has since reclaimed the record for the largest LED light display, Mr. Richards was also instrumental in setting the largest LED light display record in 2014. In addition, the dude is a huge fan of the holiday season!
The Widowmaker Pinecone
This is an intriguing one. They have a giant pinecone there, in the vein of everything in Australia trying to kill you. These things weigh about 22 pounds and come from a 120-year-old Bunya Pine. The pinecones would do a lot of damage because they’re so high up.
The Widowmaker Pinecone
It’s unclear whether this is a common occurrence, but the town where the pine is located has issued an official warning to stay away from the tree until the situation is resolved.
Mischievous Local Wildlife
While wallabies, wombats, and koalas are just some of the adorable, cuddly animals that have helped endear Australia to the rest of the world, they are also known to cause mischief. Just look at this wallaby, who has decided it’s time to TP the living room.
Mischievous Local Wildlife
Wallabies are frequently rescued from the wild in Australia, and some are even kept as pets. They can make a great family pet, and they’ve even been introduced to the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and France, where there are currently a few in the wild.
Steven Irwin, Crocodile Hunter
Steve Irwin epitomized Australia in several ways. The Crocodile Hunter was everything the rest of the world imagined life was like in the great Down Under. He was a brash guy with a killer accent who wasn’t afraid to roll in the mud with enormous crocodiles.
Steven Irwin, Crocodile Hunter
Unfortunately, Steve died prematurely after being stung by a stingray. Still, his legacy lives on through his daughter, Bindi, who has taken up his mantle as one of Australia’s foremost animal preservationists.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, a vast array of coral off the coast of Queensland in Australia’s northeastern corner, is another natural wonder. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system, and thousands of different marine species call it home.
The Great Barrier Reef
In its current state as a national marine park, the Great Barrier Reef is almost completely protected, but it still faces several threats, including pollution and climate change.
Don’t Forget Tasmania
Most people are only familiar with Tasmania because of the Tasmanian Devil from the Looney Tunes cartoon series. Tasmania is a small island off Australia’s southeastern coast that is relatively unknown. It is actually a state of Australia, having been admitted to the union in 1901.
Don’t Forget Tasmania
Tasmania has a history that is very similar to that of the rest of mainland Australia. Believe it or not, Tasmania is referred to as “Tassie” by Australians who live there. It’s consistent with the rest of their nicknaming conventions, which is good.
More Animals to Kill You
If deadly snakes, venomous monotremes, and giant lizards weren’t enough, Australia is also home to several other dangerous creatures. The funnel-web spider and the blue-ringed octopus, to name a couple of examples, are both highly venomous and dangerous creatures.
More Animals To Kill You
You’ll notice Australians because they don’t appear overly concerned about all of the dangerous creatures they encounter. We would almost certainly never leave our house if we moved there. Just saying.
Shrimp On The Barbie
“Throw another shrimp on the barbie,” aside from “g’day mate,” is one of the most frequently quoted sayings in Australia. Barbeque is short for barbeque, but shrimp are referred to as prawns. The phrase was made popular in the 1980s by a series of tourism ads starring Paul Hogan, better known as Crocodile Dundee.
Shrimp On The Barbie
Numerous Australians cringe when they hear the saying because it is frequently misquoted (he said “slip,” not “throw”). Still, it has become part of the American lexicon of Australian cliches.
The Dingo Fence
In the 1920s, the Australian government began construction of the Dingo Fence in southern Australia because dingoes had become out of control. This fence was built in 1946 and remains in place today. Its mission is to keep dingoes contained and away from human-inhabited areas.
The Dingo Fence
The landowners whose property borders the fence are reimbursed by the government for their efforts in maintaining the fence. The fence is designed to keep dingoes out of the farmlands in the northern part of the property and the northern part of the property.
Huge Sheep Industry
Sheep are Australia’s most common and popular livestock, with wool and sheepmeat being one of the country’s most profitable industries. In Australia, where the wide-open spaces lend themselves to sheep farming, there are 63.7 million sheep.
Huge Sheep Industry
Agriculture workers must also be concerned about the various dangerous animals that inhabit Australia, including pythons and dingoes, both of which have been known to prey on sheep.
And They Use Slang, Too
The amount of slang used by Australians will astound you (like the word Aussie, for instance). However, the distinction between “yeah, nah” and “nah, yeah” is one of the most perplexing. Both have completely different meanings (hint: the last word gives you your yes or no answer).
And They Use Slang, Too
Have no fear if you’re depressed by that picture. Australians don’t take themselves too seriously, so they’ll be more than happy to explain their lingo to you. You’ll be speaking like an Aussie before you know it! Love, she’ll be right.
Leaving the Door Unlocked
Although it appears that everything in Australia is dangerous, outsiders who move or travel there are surprised by how trusting Australians are in general. Many of them will leave their doors completely unlocked, but this isn’t a problem since snakes can’t open doors.
Leaving The Door Unlocked
The majority of Australians are extremely friendly and get along well with one another, so it stands to reason that they may not see the need to secure their homes, particularly in less populated areas.
Shark On a Golf Course
Consider that you’re out on the links enjoying a nice day and have a couple of minutes between holes to rest next to a water hazard. You take a look at the water and immediately notice a shark fin protruding from it.
Shark On A Golf Course
That’s just another day in Australia, and if you happen to see a shark fin in the water while on a golf course, you might just chalk it up to being “par for the course,” as they say.
So Many Venomous Snakes
In case you didn’t know, Australia is home to many dangerous animals. We’ll later go over these in more detail, but first, let’s look at venomous snakes. Did you know that Australia is home to 21 of the top 25 most venomous snakes on the planet?
So Many Venomous Snakes
The Inland Taipan, Mulga Snake, and Eastern Brown Snake are just a few examples. These names should terrify you if they don’t already. Snakes can be found anywhere in Australia, including in your toilet and on the wing of a plane.
Akka Dakka, AKA AC/DC
If you like classic rock, Australia, the birthplace of AC/DC, is the place to visit. However, you are unlikely to hear Australia referred to by its American name if you ever visit. Instead, the Australians refer to their most famous band as “Akka Dakka,” which fits in with their habit of shortening words.
Akka Dakka, AKA AC/DC
Its name comes from the brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who founded the group in 1973. They simply refer to their music as rock and roll, no matter what you’ve heard about it, and we’re excellent with that!
Beautiful Pink Lakes
Lake Hillier, pictured below, is one of several beautiful pink lakes that add a splash of color to Australia’s landscape. According to recent research, the lakes’ pink color is due to a unique combination of algae, halobacteria, and other microbes.
Beautiful Pink Lakes
They are also extremely salty, with salt concentrations comparable to those of the Dead Sea in these bodies of water. As a result, researchers believe they may be able to restore the pinkish hue of Lake Hillier after it has recently lost its pinkish hue.
Yeah, it Gets Really Hot
During the summer (which coincides with the northern hemisphere’s winter), some parts of Australia can get extremely hot, particularly in the northwestern part of the continent. Asphalt can melt in this extreme heat, and seat belts can cause a burn on your arm, as shown in the image below.
Yeah, It Gets Really Hot
The hot weather has prompted several people to report putting their clothes and shoes in the refrigerator to cool down before venturing out into the scorching sun. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
The Signs Are Insane Here
Signs are generally placed to let passengers know or warn them about something ahead. Thus, they help regulate traffic and greatly facilitate the relationship between pedestrians and drivers. In Australia, however, it’s kind of different.
The Signs Are Insane Here
It is necessary to install warning signs to alert the public to poisonous life forms on land and water because of poisonous life forms. To illustrate, take a look at this sign.
Egg-Laying Mammals
The fact that two mammals lay eggs, the duck-billed platypus and the spiny echidna, both native to Australia and its surrounding islands, is probably one of the only things you remember from science class.
Egg Laying Mammals
It is important to study these animals because they are the only living examples of monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs, an important component of evolutionary biology. Fascinating!
Dingoes, Australia’s Version of Wolves
A family camped near Uluru in 1980 and suffered a tragedy when a dingo dragged their two-month-old infant from their tent. Despite being acquitted in the end, her parents were found guilty in several courts, claiming that the story of a dingo eating their child was implausible.
Dingoes, Australia’s Version Of Wolves
For the record, Australia is home to anywhere between 10,000 and 50,000 of these feral dogs, which have been roaming the continent for thousands of years. They can be a nuisance to farmers who have livestock to care for.
And Tons of Rabbits
The introduction of foreign animals to Australia’s ecosystems has played a significant role in its history, as well as the current issues it faces. For thousands of years, Australia was a delicate ecosystem as an island. Unfortunately, rabbits are another introduced species that have become invasive.
And Tons Of Rabbits
Rabbits now number in the billions in Australia, and they eat everything. As you might expect, the country makes a significant effort to reduce the population, and they are responsible for the extinction of several native species.
The Australian Bush
Much of Australia is uninhabited wilderness, much like the “forest” in the United States. The term “the bush” is commonly used by Australians, and you can assume they’re referring to areas with trees and plant life rather than the desert, though it can refer to an uninhabited area.
The Australian Bush
In some circles, it is believed that the word bush is related to the Dutch word for forest (bosch). The term was introduced to Australia by European immigrants from South Africa, and it has since spread throughout the country.
Greeks in Melbourne
In the 1850s, during Australia’s gold rush, a large group of immigrants arrived from Greece. As a result, outside of Greece and Cyprus, Melbourne now has the largest Greek population (over 173,000)!
Greeks In Melbourne
Even though Greek culture is no longer widely practiced in Australia, the country still maintains a significant bilateral economic trade relationship with Greece, valued at more than AUS $140 million in value.
The Only Country-Continent
Australia is the only country on its own that occupies a whole continent, and Australians are quite proud of that. The fact that they are an island in the heart of the ocean helps and makes the Australian people quite autonomous.
The Only Country Continent
Even though the vast majority of Australia’s landmass is uninhabited wilderness, even though it doesn’t appear to be very large, Australia is roughly the same size as the continental United States.
People Shop Barefoot
You might be surprised to see people out shopping without shoes the first time you go grocery shopping in Australia. Australians, it appears, have a different perspective on wearing shoes, and they will frequently enter places barefoot that is not permitted in other parts of the world.
People Shop Barefoot
Australians are perceived as relaxed, fun-loving individuals who are not tense compared to the rest of the world due to all of these factors coming together.
Giant Flying Bats
Imagine looking out your bedroom window and seeing this massive bat staring at you. One of four megabats native to Australia, this flying fox, or megabat, can grow to be the size of a small child. Thankfully, these enormous bats eat fruit, nectar, and pollen; otherwise, we can’t imagine why anyone would want to live there.
Giant Flying Bats
Megabats are threatened by extinction in Australia, where several species have become extinct due to various factors, including habitat loss and illegal hunting.
Tons of Camels
The camel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of iconic Australian wildlife, but they are everywhere. There are so many herds roaming the bush that Australia actually exports camels to the Middle East! They were brought to the continent for the first time in the 1800s, and their population quickly exploded.
Tons Of Camels
Even though the amount they export is relatively small, it is still quite impressive, and they export both camel meat and live camels, which are used in dishes all over the world.
Tolmer Falls, Another Natural Attraction
Tolmer Falls, located in the Northern Territory, is Australia’s many natural wonders and stunning locations. The hike up to the top of the falls, where there are two viewing stations, is pleasant and easy.
Tolmer Falls, Another Natural Attraction
Even though it is not likely to win any international competitions for the tallest waterfall, Tolmer Falls is just one of many natural features contributing to Australia’s unique and beautiful landscape.
The Sydney Opera House
Although Australia isn’t known for its artificial wonders, the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is perhaps the country’s most recognizable landmark. Its distinctive clamshell design is unquestionably what sets it apart from the competition.
The Sydney Opera House
Originally estimated to cost only $7 million, the completed project ended up costing $102 million, with the majority of the money coming from a State Lottery grant. Every year, over 10.9 million people come to see what it has to offer.
It Gets Very Cold
The Australian Alps are located in the southeast of Australia and are named after they receive more snow than the Austrian Alps. As a result, Australia is actually a popular skiing destination, with some of the best skiing in the world, believe it or not.
It Gets Very Cold
With its diverse climate and terrain, Australia is one of the few countries on the planet that can boast a climate and landscape that includes deserts, jungles, and snow-capped mountains all in one place.
Even the People Are Wild
It should come as no surprise that the way people behave in Australia may be just as fascinating, if not more so, than the way all of the country’s wild animals live. This is because humans are equally as wild as their animal counterparts in some regions of the country.
Even The People Are Wild
To illustrate, consider the case of this individual, who appears to be every bit as insane as the ostrich on which he is perched. However, from point A to point B, they collaborate in a symbiotic manner described above.
Some People Put Their Clothes in the Fridge
Due to the extreme heat that Australia experiences, people have come up with various creative ways to keep themselves cool in this country. But have you ever considered that putting your clothes in the fridge to keep them fresh and cool before going out might be a good idea?
Some People Put Their Clothes In The Fridge
There are some people in Australia who, according to reports, do this for about half an hour before they go out. So don’t be surprised if you find a pair of shorts and a T-shirt in the fridge of your Australian friend.
The Original Fight Club
Even if you’ve never watched the film Fight Club, the title should enough. Guys get together and take out their frustrations on one another, forming a bond. The kangaroos in Australia could be said to have inspired them.
The Original Fight Club
When you look up “kangaroo” in an encyclopedia, you’ll discover that the word actually means “large foot.” This supports the theory that they are natural-born fighters who will kick to ensure their own survival.
Spider Frost
“Huh, that frost over the park looks kind of weird,” someone must have thought. Of course, this is because it is not technically frost. But, according to reports, individuals should bring a lighter and hairspray with them when venturing out during Australia’s rainy
Spider Frost
This is done to ensure that you do not become entangled in any of the crazily entangled web fields. Spiders will construct these incredible clusters to gain elevation and avoid drowning in puddles. Don’t be concerned; they’re just trying to make it through!
Even Police Have a Sense of Humor
People have a complicated relationship with their police forces depending on the country they live in, and there is no denying that. The majority of police officers in Australia, on the other hand, appear to be able to deal with most situations in a lighthearted manner.
Even The People Are Wild
For example, one of the “force” members dressed up as if they were from “a galaxy far, far away” in one of the most recent incidents. However, in reality, they were simply looking to see if any cars were going over the speed limit.
A Symbiotic Nation
You can expect some interesting and unexpected relationships to develop between certain species when you live in a country with as many animals as Australia does. In this instance, we are comparing and contrasting human beings with the rest of the animal world.
A Symbiotic Nation
These days, it’s not just cats and dogs that are kept as pets in this area. More often than not, you will come across people like this young lady who enjoy taking selfies with small, adoring pets.
Some Koalas Have “Jobs”
You can trust us when we say that koalas do not spend their entire day clinging to a tree. Instead, they are inquisitive individuals who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in other people’s situations. As an example, consider the case of this little guy who ended up intruding on a news crew.
Some Koalas Have ‘Jobs’
They were specifically on their way to the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales when one of the koalas decided to hop on one of the cameras and pretend to be filming a scene.
Real-Life Snakes on a Plane
If you’ve seen the film Snakes on a Plane, starring Samuel L. Jackson, you’ll know that it’s completely absurd and could never happen in real life. Right? We can confirm that this photo was taken on a plane flying over Australia and real.
Real Life Snakes On A Plane
The fact that wild snakes can not only climb onto aircraft but can also remain affixed to them if their lives depend on it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The length of this python is incredible: three meters!
Surf If You Dare
There is no denying that surfing is a pastime that man Australians love to do. In fact, its many beaches and waters attract millions of surfers from around the world every year. However, these visitors are certainly putting a lot on the line, especially when these guys show up in the waves sometimes.
Surf If You Dare
Now and then, a crocodile may be washed up on the shore and drown. Therefore, you must be prepared to act quickly if you are riding a wave and teeth appear out of nowhere.
All Kinds of Ways to Cool Down
If you’ve learned anything from this article, you now know that it can get boiling in Australia, depending on the time of year. With that in mind, you’ll be surprised at how many bizarre ways people try to stay cool during the hottest months of the year.
All Kinds Of Ways To Cool Down
These people used their pets as props to demonstrate some unusual techniques, resulting in hilarious photos. A dog standing in front of a fan because he didn’t have air conditioning and a cat who had literally frozen to the touch were among them.
World’s Longest Golf Course
The world’s longest golf course, Nullarbor Links, is located along the 1,365-kilometer Eyre Highway that runs through the Nullarbor Plains in Australia. Basically, each hole is located along the highway in a different town.
World’s Longest Golf Course
The course will take you approximately four days to complete and will cost you $70 to complete. If you are traveling to Australia and enjoy golfing, you must take advantage of this one-of-a-kind golfing experience!
An Unsavory Past
Australia has a shady history, which dates back to the late 18th century when England began shipping her criminals thereafter, the Revolution; they made it impossible to deport them to America.
An Unsavory Past
In several British colonies worldwide, this practice persisted until 1868, when the United Kingdom officially abolished transporting convicts out of the country.
Life on the Coasts
Even though Australia is roughly the size of the continental United States, the vast majority of its landmass is uninhabited. This may have something to do with the fact that everything in the interior appears to be designed to kill people.
Life On The Coasts
Approximately 67% of the population lives in the largest coastal cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, which together account for over half of the country’s total population. As a result, it is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the face of the earth!
Odd Australian Coins
Australia does not have round coins, unlike most of the rest of the world. Instead, their fifty-cent piece is shaped like a dodecagon, which means it has 12 sides. Unfortunately, it is also their smallest coin, the five-cent piece, which we imagine makes it difficult to change money at times.
Odd Australian Coins
In addition to their paper currency, Australians have a $1 and a $2 coin that they can use to make purchases. We, on the other hand, are still not over their 12-sided 50-cent piece. That’s incredible!
Did We Mention The Pythons?
If venomous snakes weren’t enough to scare you, Australia also has some truly massive pythons. You should simply assume that the entire continent is attempting to murder you. Scrub pythons, which are the country’s largest, can grow up to 25 feet in length.
Did We Mention The Pythons?
Australia is actually home to 14 of the world’s 31 species of python, demonstrating once again the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be found in such a small geographical area.