Local culture

Food

These days there’s far more to Australian cuisine than just ‘throwing a shrimp on the barbie’. In the 1950s Italian immigrants brought southern European styles of cooking with them which became increasingly popular. In the 1980s, many Asian immigrants also arrived and today a fusion of spices from the east and ingredients and styles from the Mediterranean make up modern Australian cuisine.

Drink

More than 550 major companies and small winemakers produce wine commercially in Australia. There are dozens of recognized wine-growing regions, but the most well known include the Hunter Valley in New South Wales; the Barossa Valley, the Yarra Valley in Victoria; and Margaret River in Western Australia.

Festivals

Jan 31 - Sydney

The New Year’s Eve celebrations are an absolute must see which regularly attract huge crowds of over a million to watch the spectacular fireworks at Sydney Harbor Bridge.

July/Aug – The Melbourne International Film Festival

Now the largest film festival in the southern hemisphere, this event attracts more than 150,000 to its 19 day film extravaganza. The festival presents an annual showcase of outstanding filmmaking from all around the world.

Adventure

For a real Robinson Crusoe adventure, the staff at the 5* Qualia resort will escort you to your own deserted beach in the Whitsunday Islands, complete with beach mats, an umbrella, snorkeling gear and a gourmet picnic. Just use the 2-way radio when you're ready for collection.

Books

West Australian Tim Winton writes stunning prose using local vernacular, and has been nominated for two Booker prizes. Try The Riders or Dirt Music.

Movies

Rabbit-Proof Fence is a moving story of racial prejudice, agoraphobic desert vistas and amazing endurance as three girls walk 1,500 miles to find their mothers in 1930s Australia.

Muriel's Wedding is a classic Australian comedy which tells the story of Muriel Heslop (Toni Collette), a young woman who dreams of getting married and moving far away from her boring life in Porpoise Spit. Comes with an unforgettable soundtrack.

Music

Aboriginal music has been around for tens of thousands of years. In fact the didgeridoo, made from a hollowed-out tree limb, is perhaps the oldest musical instrument in the world.

For more information on Australian culture and insider tips, please contact our Australia travel specialists.