Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

Brunch, Aussie style

The Australian brunch culture phenomena featuring our beloved ‘avo’ (avocado) on toast is spreading all over the world, for good reason. The real deal includes a menu of delicious veggie-filled options, acai bowls, and hearty plates of goodness (with avocado on everything of course). Wash it down with a speciality Aussie flat white coffee. Made up of a single espresso, steamed milk and a gorgeous layer of foam, it’s like heaven in a cup. If you want the very best, head to one of Melbourne’s best cafés; the ‘Coffee Capital of Australia’ never disappoints.

Discover Australia’s bucket list foodie experiences

Enjoy our epic coastline

Australia’s coastline is simply extraordinary. When your beaches are this good, it’s difficult to stay away – so we don’t. For many of us, the ocean is ingrained into our daily life and most days are punctuated with sunrise surfs, afternoon beach strolls or evening swims. Grab a surf lesson, swim in our ocean pools, paddle in breathtaking bays and marvel at marine life. Enjoy the ocean like we do.

Find Australia’s best beaches

Visit an outback pub

To really experience Australia like a local, journey into the outback where regional towns perch amid the wide-open wilderness that encompasses over 80 per cent of the country. Here, you’ll find the true blue outback Aussie pubs; typically modest establishments with big hearts. Grab an ice-cold beer and have a ‘yarn’ (chat) with a friendly local.

Discover iconic outback pubs

Spend Christmas day at the beach

A white Christmas exists in Australia – we simply swap the snow for sparkly white sand. For a real taste of Aussie culture, plan your holiday around the festive season and be ready to don your red cossie (swimming costume) and Santa hats on the beach alongside the locals. Swim, surf and sunbathe before tucking into your Christmas barbeque in the sunshine.

Explore Australia’s best beaches for families

Go to an AFL match

Australia’s sporting culture is woven into our way of life, and nothing will make you feel more like a local than by chanting along with thousands of Aussies at an AFL (Australia Football League) match. These games are so much more than the players on the pitch – it’s the comradery, the colourful team clothes, the match-day entertainment and the feeling of being a part of the team itself, not to mention post-match pub fun!

Read our guide to Australian sports events

Try our native ingredients

Australia’s seasons deliver an abundance of mouthwatering native ingredients, most of which have phenomenal health benefits which Indigenous Australians have been harnessing for over 60,000 years. Try out our native flavours at local markets and restaurants across the country, from Kakadu plum to mud crab and green ants (which are surprisingly tasty in a glass of gin). You might even come across an honesty box along your travels, a popular Aussie tradition particularly along Queensland’s Rainforest Way, where you can pick up farm-fresh produce straight from the source.

Read more about our native ingredients

Have a Sunday session

The ‘Sunday session’ – a relaxed afternoon drink in the sunshine to mark the end of the weekend – is a long-standing Aussie tradition. Think ocean views, refreshing beverages, lively ambience, and plenty of sunshine – it’s tough not to get on board with this one. Let your hair down at any one of Australia’s picturesque rooftop bars.

Discover Australia’s best rooftop bars

Hit the walking tracks

From coastal paths to mountain hikes and rainforest treks, Australia’s not short of epic walks in awe-inspiring landscapes. Walking is one of the best ways to truly get to know the country, whether through encountering native wildlife, witnessing beguiling rock formations, connecting with the wilderness or learning about the Indigenous Australians who have been occupying the land for over 60,000 years. Immerse yourself in the land like a true Aussie on a hike, or soak in our rich heritage during an Aboriginal guided walking tour.

Find the top guided walks in Australia

Experience New Year’s Eve in Sydney

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks have been a special part of Australia’s festive season since 1976. The fireworks take place on the harbour, lighting up the city's iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge with a mesmerising display of sound, colour and light. Pack a picnic and choose a spot along the harbour to enjoy the display.

Read our major events calendar