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| All things Australian... |
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| Food |
- Aussie Barbie (Barbeque / BBQ)
- Aussie Style Hamburger
- Lamingtons: a small sponge cake covered in a thin layer of chocolate icing (frosting) and then dipped in desiccated coconut
- Pavlova: a meringue cake with a cream topping usually covered with fresh fruit - a popular alternative to traditional Christmas pudding during the holiday season
- ANZAC Biscuits (cookies)
- Meat Pies
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Damper: a traditional type of bread that was baked by stockmen during Colonial times whilst in the Outback. It is made with the most basic of ingredients and usually cooked over a woodfire. Do not expect to find this bread in urban bakeries, it is only commonly served to tourists on camping trips in the Outback.
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| National Symbols |
- Australian National Flag: The colonies of Australia federated to become a single Commonwealth in 1901, and the national flag was first flown in Melbourne in September that year.
- Aboriginal Flag: First designed in 1971, this flag is used to represent Indigenous Australians
- National colours: Green and gold has strong environmental connections. Gold reflects colours of Australian beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvest and the fleece of Australian wool. Green evokes the forests, eucalyptus trees and pastures of the Australian landscape.
- National floral emblem: The golden wattle, green and gold in colour, is Australia’s national floral emblem.
- Australian National Anthem: Proclaimed in 1984, the Australian National Anthem identifies Australia at home and overseas. It unites the nation and is a public expression of joy and pride in being Australian, and is sung at important public ceremonies, sporting and community events
- Australian Coat of Arms
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| Landmarks |
- Ayers Rock (NT)
- Sydney Harbour Bridge - opened in 1932 after 9 years of construction. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest single arch bridge in the world, and is nicknamed the coathanger because of its unique look.
- Great Barrier Reef, located in the north of Queensland, is deemed the largest coral reef in the world!
- Sydney Opera House - opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 20th of October, 1973, is easily recognised by its multiple sail roof.
- Fraser Island, largest sand island in the world!
- Also see: Australian Landmarks
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| Famous People |
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| Songs |
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| Public Holidays |
Australia's national public holidays include:
- New Years Day (January 1)
- Australia Day (January 26): Commemorates the commemorating the establishment of the first European settlement on the continent of Australia in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip arrived with the First Fleet.. It is one of the biggest days of celebration in the country. The day is a celebration of this great nation, its people, our land, diversity and freedom. Queensland celebrations include free festivals, concerts and fireworks!
- Easter weekend (Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday): A four day weekend in March or April (according to Western Christian dates)
- ANZAC Day, stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (April 25): Marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. It was officially named ANZAC day in 1916, where over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed in Gallipoli. Today, its meaning has been broadened to commemorate the lives of Australians lost in all wars, including those who lost their lives in military operations in which Australia has been involved. Commemorative ceremonies are held at war memorials around the country.
- Queen's Birthday (Second Monday in June): Not celebrated in WA, which celebrates Foundation Day a week earlier
- Labour Day (celebrated in Queensland on May 5): Originally called Eight Hours day, Labour day celebrates the achievements of workers in the 1850's to establish an 8 hour work day which we adhere to today. This change came about in 1948, after nearly a century of labourers working 10-12 hours per day, 6 days a week. Labour Day is celebrated on different dates across the nation according to when the 8 hour day was achieved.
- Exhibition Holiday (EKKA) (August): The EKKA is a large carnival or fair held in Brisbane every year. It includes rides, livestock and vegetation displays etc.
- Christmas Day (December 25): Celebrates the birth of Christ
- Boxing Day (December 26)
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| Indigenous films |
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Snakes and Spiders
If you think you have been bitten, call:
Ambulance Services: Phone 000
National Poisons Information: 13 11 26
(24 hours a day)
General first aid for bites and stings
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Snakes of South-East Queensland
- Brown Snakes are highly venomous and are among the most dangerous.
- If a snake bite occurs, call an Ambulance on 000 immediately
- If you need a snake removed from your residence, contact:
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 130 372
- Do not attempt to kill or capture a snake yourself! NEVER antagonise a snake!
- See: Frequently asked questions about snakes in Australia
- For more information on Queensland snakes, see the Queensland Museum website
Spiders of South-East Queensland
For more information on other venomous / poisonous creatures, including cane toads and bats, see the Queensland Government website
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| Natural beauty |
Land:
- Natural surroundings: Australia is a beautiful country with tropical coastal strips, great mountain ranges and deserts, breath-taking rainforests and spectacular Islands, such as Fraser, Stradbroke and Moreton (also see: Lavish Parks and Gardens)
- Living with wildlife: The Queensland Government website provide useful information about living with wildlife, including Brushtail Possums, Brush Turkeys (many live on the St Lucia campus!) and Kangaroos
Water:
- Marine stingers: Jellyfish, stonefish and cone shells are among some of the Marine creatures found in Queensland. To prevent being stung by a marine stinger, observe signage on the beaches, and do not enter the water when beaches are closed due to the presence of marine stingers. For more information, including first aid, see: Marine stingers.
- Mammals of the sea: Marine mammals that live in the waters off the coastline of Australia includes Whales, dolphins and porpoises, sea lions and seals. There are many places to go whale and dolphin watching where you can see these beautiful marine mammals in their natural environment.
- Sharks: Australian waters are home to many species of sharks, namely the Great White, Tiger and Bull sharks. Read here for more information on sharks in Australian waters.
- Crocodiles: Australia is home to two species of crocodiles, freshwater and Estuarine crocodiles. Often referred to as freshies, freshwater crocodiles are mainly found in Northern Queensland and the Nothern Territory. Estuarine crocodiles are most commonly found in tidal reaches of rivers, but can also reside in freshwater lagoons and rivers. For more information, see the frequently asked questions section on the Queensland Government website, as well as how to be croc wise
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| Sports |
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| Road signs |
- Beware - Kangaroos, Camels, Wombats crossing
- Keep Left
- Watch out for roundabouts - enter from the left
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| Singers / Musicians |
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| Actors |
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| Quizzes |
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