Things You Didn’t Know About Aussies, They Drink Out of Shoes!

Australia is more than just a land with unique wildlife and varied landscapes. This place is rich in culture, which will no doubt surprise you once you finish reading this article. We have curated below the top 7 things to know about Australian culture that you might not know about. So, let’s delve in!

Many Australians Eat Kangaroo

Why does Australian eat kangaroo meat? Culture-wise, kangaroos have been a staple in the survival of indigenous people for ages. Nutrient-wise, kangaroo meat is exceptionally lean, rich in protein, low in fat, and relatively high in iron. All in all, the meat of this jumping animal is one of the best red meats for your health.

It’s easy to locate restaurants serving kangaroo meat in the country. Most Australians will not give any second thought whenever this sort of meat is available in any establishment. For first-timers, try the kangaroo shanks or the meat in the form of sausages (kanga bangers).

Australians Are Passionate About Sport

Sport is something that Australians are borderline obsessed with. It’s partially due to the country’s pleasant warm climate that encourages many Aussies to be active outside. Sport also has economic value, where most popular sports in Australia account for around 2-3% of the country’s total GDP.

The existence of various unusual competitions further demonstrates the Australians’ remarkable passion for sports. Apple race, beer can regatta, cow racing, cane road racing, and even cockroach racing are among the many unique sports in Australia.

Australians Really Like Alcohol

Binge drinking is a popular pastime in Australia. This country ranks 19^th overall and third outside of Europe on the WHO’s list of the world’s booziest countries. Data shows each adult Aussie consumes around 12.2L of alcohol-containing drinks per year.

It’s not a surprising fact that Australians truly love alcohol. They always have drinks on almost all occasions, whether with friends, family, or colleagues. Their affection for a drink is mainly attributed to the best wine regions nationwide.

Home to the World’s Oldest Living Civilisation

One of the most important things to know about Australian culture is the First Peoples—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people known to be this planet’s oldest surviving civilization. Archeological evidence indicates that they have lived on the continent for roughly 60 thousand years.

Today, around 650 thousand people of indigenous descent live in Australia, making up 2.8% of the whole country’s population. For Aboriginals in Australia, their defining characteristics are devotion to family and community and a strong bond with the land. Their rights to live and control in specific areas can be seen through traditional dances, songs, stories, and art.

Has a Tradition of Drinking Out of Shoes

Australia drinks out of shoes, popularly dubbed as “do the shoey” is by far the most distinctive culture the country has ever had. What does it mean to do the shoey? As you might have guessed, it’s when you pour your drink (mostly champagne or beer) into your shoe. Some pour it down into someone else’s before chugging it down in one.

While the shoey wasn’t invented in Australia, it quickly became a staple of the country’s popular culture. It has been traditionally done as a part of hazing punishment, a party piece, and a good luck charm. 

Support Equal Rights and Opportunities

Australians have long been known for having open minds and hearts. They believe everyone has the right to a fair chance regardless of their skin color, beliefs, status, and whatnot. 

The egalitarian belief manifests in the form of universal support for education and health care systems that are publicly funded. This good deed is attributed mainly to the well-blended multiculturalism in Australia. The country is also known to be less socially hierarchal than its motherland.

Australia Has a Strong Coffee Culture

Australia coffee culture is one of the strongest in the world. It is also believed to be the world’s most advanced coffee culture, and baristas all across the globe can learn a lot from it. Coffee wasn’t a thing until immigrants from Italy and Greece arrived in the middle of the 20^th century.

Although Australians are obsessed with coffee, a well-known coffee company like Starbucks can’t survive in Australia. It’s because Aussies are not fans of poor-quality coffee. They demand high-quality coffee with authentic aromas, flavors, and quality processing.

There are so many things to know about Australian culture. The above ones are just a few of the many. Australians are known to highly value the spirit of friendship and have a laid-back attitude. Knowing all these in advance help you adapt to the diverse environment of Australia.