It’s easy to conjure up a list of things to do in Australia. It’s a vast country/continent with a myriad of natural wonders, diverse cultures, metropolitan cities, unique wildlife and more to explore. But that’s not what this list is about. This is more about the behaviors to avoid, words to refrain from and what not to wear when traveling down under. Sometimes knowing what to abstain from is as important as knowing what to do. So if you don’t want to get into trouble, rub the locals the wrong way or piss mother nature off, here are 20 things NOT to do in Australia.
1. Don’t Say “Put Another Shrimp on the Barbie”
This lame slogan was part of a 1980s ad campaign featuring Paul Hogan of Crocodile Dundee fame, targeting an American audience to come to Australia. Not sure how the campaign impacted tourism, but the catch-phrase sure stuck. It’s one of the first things that springs to mind when Americans think about Oz, and something that makes most Aussies cringe. Australians call those tasty crustaceans “prawns”, not “shrimp”, and saying that tired cliché won’t win you any friends down under.
2. Don’t Take Beach Safety Signs Lightly
When you see those warning signs about crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, octopus and other dangers on the beach, go on and take a picture – but take them seriously, too. Every year people are injured at the beach, some fatally, for not heeding these warnings. However, don’t avoid Aussie beaches altogether because of these potential threats. They say you’re more likely to be hit in the head by a falling coconut than encountering one of these menacing creatures. Definitely pay attention to the red flags, as rip tides are the biggest danger.
