Top Tips to Know about Australia

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• Australians are informal: Australians tend to be relatively relaxed and informal.

  • However, students call teachers "Sir" or "Miss" in schools.

  • "G'day," "mate," and "no worries" are everyday expressions for many Australians.

  • Humour is important and Australians often use self-deprecating jokes.

  • Directness is generally not considered rude if delivered respectfully.

 

• Tap water is safe to drink: Sydney's tap water is clean and safe.

  • Refill water bottles from taps and fountains.

  • No need to buy bottled water.

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• Respect the queue: Australians generally wait their turn.

  • Queueing is expected at shops, cafés, buses and attractions.

  • Pushing ahead is considered rude.

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• Punctuality is important: Being on time is important to Australians.

  • “Early is on time, on time is late”

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• Mateship and inclusion matter: Australians value:

  • Looking after one another.

  • Giving everyone a fair go.

  • Including people who are new or different.

  • Helping out when needed.

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• ​The sun is stronger than you think: Even on cloudy or cool days, the Australian sun can cause sunburn very quickly.

  • Wear sunscreen daily.

  • Bring a hat and sunglasses.

  • Carry a water bottle.

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• Road Safety: This catches many visitors out.

  • Australians drive on the left side of the road and will normally walk on the left side of a path.

  • Look right, then left when crossing roads.

  • Cross at designated crossing areas and only on the green person light indicated on the traffic light.

  • Be especially careful around roundabouts and car parks.

  • Seat belts in cars and buses/coaches are a legal requirement when travelling.

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• Indigenous Australia matters: Australia's First Nations peoples have the world's oldest continuing cultures.

  • You may hear a Welcome to Country at official events. This can only be delivered by an Indigenous person from the area where the event is held.

  • If a Welcome to Country can’t be done, then an Acknowledgement from a non-Indigenous person is appropriate.

  • Indigenous perspectives are an important part of Australian life and education.

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• Australia is highly multicultural

  • Sydney is one of the world's most multicultural cities.

  • Diversity is a normal and celebrated part of Australian society.

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• Out and About Pre- and Post RSIC

  • Public transport is easy

    • Use a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch with payment capability

    • Tap on and tap off.

    • Trains, buses, ferries and metro services are widely used.

    • Transport within the Conference is included

  • If you visit the beach:

    • Only swim between the red and yellow flags.

    • Follow lifeguard instructions.

    • Ocean currents can be dangerous even for strong swimmers.

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• Washroom Habits: Australian public toilets are generally clean, free to use, and widely available in shopping centres, parks, schools, transport hubs, and other public facilities. Toilet paper is provided and should be flushed down the toilet after use, while other items such as paper towels, wipes, and hygiene products should be placed in the bins provided; it is also customary to leave facilities tidy for the next person and wash your hands after use.

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• Smart Traveller: Smarttraveller is the Australian Government's official travel advice and consular information service, operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It provides Australians with up-to-date information about overseas travel risks, safety, security, health issues, entry requirements, and emergency assistance. Here is the link to access the website. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

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