5. Don’t Climb Uluru
Many of the 400K annual tourists to Australia’s Red Center climb Uluru, otherwise known as Ayer’s Rock. The views at the top of the rock are phenomenal, and it’s one of those iconic bucket-list activities people seem to want to do. It’s not a particularly difficult 348 meter climb, but there have been about 35 deaths (mostly heart attacks) and injuries throughout the years. Not everyone is aware, however, that the local Anangu people prefer tourists not to climb Uluru because of its spiritual significance to them. There are other activities and sites around the base of the rock that they are happy to share with visitors, but climbing this sacred monolith is considered offensive and disrespectful. So for cultural, environmental and safety reasons, give some thought to your decision to climb or not to climb. If you want to be sensitive to the local people, put this on your list of things not to do in Australia.
6. Don’t Just Ask for a Beer
Brush up on your beer lingo before hitting an Aussie watering hole. There’s a whole amber fluid slang you need to learn before a trip down under, with some regional variations thrown in just to confuse you. For starters, a brownie is a bottle, a tallie is a long-necked bottle, a stubby is a small-necked bottle, a tinnie is a can and a slab is a case of 24 cans. Don’t miss the Darwin stubby, a Northern Territory specialty up to a 2.25 liter capacity. Then there’s the glass size which, ranging from larger to smaller, could be a pint, schooner, middy or pot. When it’s your turn to buy a round, say “my shout”.
