Suppose you find yourself in the lucky country of Oz with all that slippery slang. If you don’t want to be treated like a Seppo who’s a chop short of a barbie, no worries mate! I’ll give you the drum so you could chew the fat with the blokes and sheilas like fair dinkum Aussie.

Australian slang (strine) is easy to understand - it is either a shortening of words like chokkie for chocolate, a rhyme (noah’s ark is shark), or a reversal (a bluey is a redhead). They could also be a reference to places, people, and things (Buckley’s chance - reference to the store Buckleys & Nunn - which rhymes with ‘none’). Or they could be invented just for the fun of it (woop woop - an imaginary remote place that’s never been heard before). Read on and enjoy!

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Posted in Australia, Language |

The first opportunity that you get to spend some time in Australia is going to be a magnificent experience. You are probably already dreaming about the pictures of wildlife and plant life that you’re going to be able to bring home. Indeed, the Australian Outback and the Great Barrier Reef are two of the most stunning areas of Australia (and throughout the rest of the world) for those types of experiences. Additionally, each of the major cities in Australia has wonderful parks and gardens that bring nature to its urban areas and provide the traveler with a pleasant retreat from city life. Make sure that you pack a good camera because there’s going to be a lot that you see in this country that you just can’t see anywhere else!

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Posted in Australia |

In less than two days, people all over the world from different cities will be celebrating an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove what human beings are capable of to take care of the Earth and make a difference in the fight against global warming.

On March 29, 2008, from 8 to 9 in the evening, lights will be turned off for the whole 60 minutes, thereby, the Earth Hour. Each individual can do a lot to contribute. Aside from doing a ‘lights-out’, invite family, friends and the whole community to do the same.

The first ever Earth Hour was initiated by the city of Sydney in Australia last March 31, 2007. By turning off its lights for one hour, Sydney has made a powerful statement leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. Their stand against global warming has been noticed all over the world so now in 2008, more than 24 global cities will be participating too.

Are you ready to do your share?

Posted in Asia, Australia, Events |

All over Australia, people are celebrating Australia Day this 3-day long weekend (and some even long before and after that!). Australia Day is celebrated every 26th of August, with the following Monday a nationwide holiday.

But to the winners of this year’s Australian of the Year Award last August 25 at a ceremony in front of Parliament House in Canberra, the celebration is doubled. Congratulations to the following winners of the Australian of the Year 2008.

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Posted in Australia, Events |

Noosa represents the best of Australia – sand, sea and sun plus a whole lot more. It is hardly surprising that this is an immensely popular holiday destination found at the mouth of the Noosa River

Just 1.5 hours drive north of Brisbane on the aptly named Sunshine Coast, Noosa captures a wonderful mix of macho activity-based entertainment with rather more sedate creative outpourings from the local artistic community. The end result is a fashionable perhaps even exclusive all year round destination with a long list of ‘to-dos’ that will keep even the most demanding holiday maker occupied. Throw in an outstanding eclectic mix of restaurants and bars and it’s hard not to enjoy Noosa. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Australia |

The sprawling metropolis known as Sydney is a beautiful city full of life and lights and activity. With a thriving nightlife and all the offerings of the big city, great times can always be had. But where does the romantic couple go for a little time away from the bright lights to take in breathtaking views and each the company of each other? Sydney is an ocean city with many marvelous vistas and different perspectives of the harbor and sea. There are so many places to pick from; I’ve just outlined a few in this article. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Australia |

Sydney has proven a popular site for film locations. Sydney Harbor, winding streets and old parts of the town along with the newer areas all provides a natural movie backdrop. There are even local walking tours of the various former movie sets. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Australia |