11 Things Locals Want You to Know About Australia

There's More to See Than Just the East Coast

While Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Whitsundays are amazing destinations along the east coast, many people (including myself) will visit without even thinking twice about other parts of the country. From the Margret (Margo) River outside Perth to the incredible landscape of the country's smallest island-state, Tasmania, there's way more to see than just the east coast. Many locals will recommend places beyond the popular east coast backpacking route, like Adelaide for its amazing wine region or the Northern Territory to see Uluru.

And while most people view Australia as a small country, it's actually the size of the continental U.S. Don't believe it? Check out this map.

RELATED: Australia's Northern Territory: A Bucket-List Must

You're Pronouncing 'Melbourne' Wrong

… among other things. Melbourne is actually Mel-bin, Cairns (where the Great Barrier Reef is) is pronounced Cans, Canberra (the capital) is pronounced Can-bra, and Brisbane is Bris-bin. Take note, locals will laugh at you for pronouncing these the "American way."

Every Word Is Abbreviated

By now most Americans have realized that Aussies speak their own kind of English (thanks to viral videos like this one) and find it hilarious, which it is, until you get used to it. Aussie English is basically just shortened words mixed with uncanny phrases, and everyone speaks this way whether it's at a restaurant or in the boardroom—it really is just another part of the laid-back lifestyle. (I've included some of my favorites for your amusement)

RELATED: 10 Innocent Hand Gestures You Should Never Use Abroad

Locals Take Rugby Very Seriously

Fondly referred to as footy, there are actually three different ways the sport is played. First, there's rugby union, which is the style most widely recognized and is the official sport in the Olympics. Then there's rugby league, which is more popular among tradies (that's tradesman i.e. working class) and was developed into a faster and more entertaining version for fans. This is also played internationally. Then, there's the AFL (Australian Football League), which is basically a combination of American football and rugby and is almost an entirely different sport all together.

This means one city, state, or territory in Australia could have three or four different rubgy teams—confusing? Most defo.

Yes, You'll Find Kangaroo on Menus

Seeing kangaroo on a menu was one of the most surprising things to me when I first got to Australia. While somewhat controversial and not entirely popular, it is legal to eat and sell kangaroo meat for human consumption, and you will find it at grocery stores and restaurants.

No One Drinks Fosters

While Fosters is marketed as "Australian for Beer," you won't find it in many (really any) pubs. In fact, most of it is actually brewed in the UK. Instead you'll find VB, Carlton, and Tooheys to name a few, as well as a large variety of craft beers. Fosters did originally start in Melbourne in 1887, but after being sold multiple times, it became part of SABMiller (where the European rights are owned by Heineken International).

A little side note about Australian drinking culture. While they have a reputation for being boisterous drunks, I found this to be changing. Because of increased late-night violence, the New South Wales government has been cracking down on drinking, instituting a widely unpopular lockout rule in Sydney where no one can enter a venue serving alcohol past 1:30am. And, since fines are so high for over serving patrons, every establishment has a strict security crew that will gladly kick people out if they seem too drunk. So much for the laid-back lifestyle …

No One Drinks Starbucks

If there's one thing Aussies take seriously, it's their coffee. From the laneway shops in Melbourne to beach side cafes in Sydney, a flat white is a part of almost every Aussie's day. The cafe culture is so prominent that Starbucks actually had to close 60 of its original 84 stores along Australia's east coast.

RELATED: World's 10 Best Cities for Coffee

The Best Time Of Year Is 'Silly Season'

Every Aussie knows that the best time of year is silly season, kicking off with the Melbourne Cup in November and ending on Australia Day at the end of January. This is when most people take their holiday and offices shut down for a period of time. If you visit during these months you'll find endless events and beach parties during your visit.

Not Everything Can Kill You

While box jellyfish, sharks, crocodiles, and poisonous snakes and spiders are all found in Australia, they account for around five fatalities per year. Shark attacks have been on the rise and dozens of people do get nonfatal bites, but locals really don't worry about these animals as they tend not to be a huge threat and are not found in cities. Urban areas do see spiders, like the Huntsman, which are large and frightening but not poisonous. As intimidating as some of these may be, you'll be more than fine as long as you're smart and aware of your surroundings.

Not Many People Are Actually Australian

Australia has a pretty strange history and diverse citizenry. Its already small population (just over 23 million total compared to the U.S. at 318.9 million) is mostly expats, immigrants, or second-generation Australians. According to statistics from last year almost 30 percent of its population was born overseas.

Once a formal penal colony, the country didn't fully gain its independence from Britain until 1901. As a result, most of the population has British heritage and British culture—including British spelling, blunt sense of humor, and phrases—which can be seen throughout the country since it is still a part of the Commonwealth. Sydney's main park, for example, is called Hyde Park and the "Royal Clock," appointed to Queen Elizabeth II sits inside the Queen Victoria building in Sydney's center.

The Beaches Really Do Look like the Pictures

You'll just have to see it to believe it.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Best Places to Go in Australia
• Nine Things You Didn't Know About Flying Qantas
• 10 Pro Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

Ashley Rossi lived in Australia for nine months and still thinks they speak an entirely different language. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more advice on travel hacks and destination ideas.