G’day, mate! Whether you’re here to work, study, or start fresh, Australia has a lot to offer—stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, laid-back cities, and friendly people.
But like every country, there are some unspoken rules and cultural quirks that’ll help you settle in and avoid awkward moments.
Here’s a handy list of 15 Dos and 15 Don’ts for life in Australia: easy to remember and sprinkled with local insight.
Things you definitely should do in Australia
Do say “please” and “thank you”
Aussies appreciate manners. A simple “cheers” or “ta” goes a long way.
Do queue up
Waiting your turn is a big deal—whether it’s at a café, the train station, or the post office.
Do wear sunscreen
The sun is harsh in Australia. Always slip, slop, slap (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat).
Do learn some Aussie slang
It’s fun and helps break the ice. Example: “arvo” = afternoon, “servo” = petrol station.
Do greet people casually
A simple “Hey, how’s it going?” works great, even with strangers.
Do try local foods
Give meat pies, lamingtons, Tim Tams, and Vegemite a go (but maybe a tiny bit of Vegemite first).
Do recycle properly
Most homes have separate bins for general waste, recycling, and sometimes food scraps.
Do tip modestly (if at all)
Tipping isn’t expected, but a few dollars for great service is always appreciated.
Do respect Indigenous culture
Learn about the Traditional Custodians of the land you’re on and respect cultural sites.
Do take off your shoes when visiting someone’s home
It’s not always expected, but it’s polite to ask: “Shoes off?”
Do carry a reusable water bottle
Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere—and it saves you money.
Do be punctual
Aussies like to be on time—whether it’s a job interview or brunch.
Do keep left
On roads, footpaths, and escalators—left side is the right side here.
Do try to learn about sports
AFL, rugby, and cricket are big. Even knowing which team your city supports helps you connect.
Do check fire bans and beach flags
Bushfire danger is real, and beaches have flagged areas for safe swimming. Red and yellow flags = safe zone.
Don’t Be That Person in Australia
Don’t mock the accent or slang
Aussies are proud of their lingo—teasing it might not go down well.
Don’t expect kangaroos in the city
They’re not hopping around in Sydney or Melbourne! (Try a wildlife park or regional area.)
Don’t underestimate the sun
Even on a cloudy day, you can get sunburned fast.
Don’t litter
Aussies take pride in clean surroundings. Fines can apply, especially in public parks and beaches.
Don’t expect late-night shopping
Most shops close around 5–6 pm, especially outside big cities. Plan ahead!
Don’t forget to tap your Opal or Myki card
Public transport systems use tap-on/tap-off cards—forgetting may result in a fine.
Don’t interrupt the barbie (BBQ)
Let the host man the grill. It’s almost sacred. Offer help, but don’t touch the tongs uninvited!
Don’t walk in cycle lanes
Cyclists take their space seriously, especially in major cities.
Don’t skip small talk
Aussies love a chat, even with strangers. Dive into a casual convo—it’s part of the culture.
Don’t be offended by sarcasm or humour
Aussie banter is dry, cheeky, and often includes teasing. It usually means they like you.
Don’t assume everyone drinks
While drinking is common, many Aussies don’t. It’s perfectly fine to say no to a beer.
Don’t ignore swim safety signs
Rips can be deadly. Always swim between the flags.
Don’t assume tipping is required
Australia has a decent minimum wage. Tipping isn’t a must unless service is exceptional.
Don’t call it “shrimp on the barbie”
Nobody says that here—it’s prawns, mate. That phrase was from an old tourism ad for Americans.
Don’t bring up politics or religion too soon
Aussies tend to avoid heated debates with strangers—save it for when you know someone better.
So there you have it—your crash course in surviving (and thriving) in the land of Vegemite, vicious magpies, and dangerously casual greetings like “How ya goin’?” when no one actually expects a detailed answer.
Follow the dos—be polite, wear sunscreen like it’s your second skin, and never underestimate the power of a “cheers, mate.” Dodge the don’ts: don’t walk into the cycle lane unless you’re looking for a polite-but-terrifying bell ring, and whatever you do, don’t touch someone else’s BBQ tongs. That’s borderline illegal in Aussie culture.
Remember: Australia’s all about balance. A bit of sun, a bit of sarcasm, a dash of slang, and heaps of chill. Respect the land, the people, the rules of footy (even if you don’t get them), and you’ll do just fine.
Now go grab a flat white, avoid the bin chickens, and enjoy the ride—welcome to the Aussie way of life!