Since Australia’s predominant language is English, you might think it unnecessary to brush up on any languages before heading off on your Australian vacation. However, you might want to have a handle on some common Australian slang. We’ve all heard “put the meat on the barbie” however there are many words and expressions that will go right over visitors’ heads and might even come across as downright scary!
The general term “tucker” refers to all food, and “bush tucker” refers to eating foods that are native to Australia, including plants, herbs, birds, and animals. If your waiter asks if you’d like some bugs don’t fear, he’s just offering you some tasty shellfish. Likewise, don’t be alarmed if someone refers to your tomato sauce as dead horse. Damper is traditional Australian bread. A snag refers to sausage, chook to chicken while smoko is the morning or afternoon tea.
If you’re having a session then you are drinking at the local pub, and restaurants that are BYO usually mean that you can bring your own alcohol, or grog. A slab is a carton of beer while a stubby is an individual bottle, and beware if someone wants you to shout because you’ll be buying the house a round of drinks!
If someone suggests you are having a whinge then you are whining too much, however someone who is dinkum is considered honest and sincere. Calling someone a ratbag is just a friendly swipe, however calling someone a yobbo means they are loud and obnoxious. A galah is an Australian parrot, and anyone compared to this bird is considered to be an idiot. If you are “mad as a cut snake” then you’re very angry.
Australians refer to their flip-flops, not their underwear, as thongs. Mexicans are those who live below the Queensland border, and banana benders are Queenslanders. A cocky is a farmer, a digger a soldier or war veteran, and an ankle-biter is a small child.
Part of Queensland’s northern coast, these two areas share a common history in that both were important places during Captain Cook’s journey of exploration to the area in the 1770’s. Cape Tribulation is where his ship ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef, and Cooktown is where he settled to make subsequent repairs to the ship. Today, both are somewhat isolated and do take a little planning to get to, but are definitely worth the effort.
There are two roads from Cairns that take visitors into Cooktown – the coastal and the inland. The coastal route is more direct but is recommended only for four wheel drive vehicles as there are several creek crossings, while the inland road is suitable for all vehicles. Although a cyclone destroyed the town in 1949, it was rebuilt and is now becoming a tourist centre for visitors heading to the Cape York region. As a small frontier town, Cooktown’s population is only about 1300 and the town literally only has a few streets. However, the town is rich in history, has a multitude of recreational opportunities such as fishing and river cruises, and offers exceptionally friendly hospitality. Be sure to check out the Grassy Hill Lookout for a tremendous view of the area.
Cape Tribulation is a lush and rainforest-covered national park. It is a unique area since the rainforests stretch right out to the wide, sandy beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds. There are many ways to enjoy the park, including walking, swimming, and diving. Horse-back riding, particularly on the beach is also a very popular activity and the Marrdja Botanical Walk is an easy boardwalk where visitors can explore the rainforest. There are tours available from Cairns, and if you are planning on taking your own vehicle be sure to call ahead to the Daintree Ferry to ensure that you’ll be able to cross the river to get into the park.
Located on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, this region has four unique areas, each with many attractions to draw visitors. Rainbow Beach is named for its multicolored sand, and with seventy-four different shades it makes it a natural wonder not to be missed. Also at Rainbow Beach is the Double Island Pointhouse where you might see whales during migration seasons, and the Carlo Sand Blow where you can watch hang gliders and paragliders. There is excellent scuba diving area, and divers can expect to see manta rays, eagle rays, the giant Queensland groper, and also the endangered grey nurse shark.
For those who want to get out on the water, Tin Can Bay is a great spot for fishing or renting a yacht to cruise around the bay. Also, houseboats can be rented here for a truly different vacationing experience. If you’d rather stay on the shore, an environmental walkway allows visitors to view local wildlife without disturbing them.
Gympie is an old boomtown from the goldrush era, and still retains its mining roots. Here visitors can ride an old steam train or peruse the Gold Mining and Historical Museum as well as the Woodworks Forestry and Timber Museum. Those hoping to strike it rich can try their hand at panning for gold, just be sure to pick up a fossicking permit from the local information centre.
Mary Valley is a beautiful and natural area of rolling hills. Lake Borumba is a popular fishing spot and also a great place to enjoy waterskiing and other water sports. Visitors can also look for bell-birds in the specially preserved bell-bird habitat or take the fourteen kilometer forest drive through Imbil State Forest. Country music fans may choose to visit the area over the last weekend in August to enjoy the National Country Music Muster. With the natural setting as a backdrop, campers enjoy a beautiful setting and great music!
