Must-Know Facts About Australia: 25 Things That May Surprise You

Australia is a continent, a country, and an island—all in one. Known for its sun-soaked beaches, unique wildlife, and vibrant multicultural cities, it’s far more than just kangaroos and koalas. Whether you’re heading Down Under for the first time or planning a return trip, these top facts about Australia will change how you see this vast and fascinating nation.

In this guide, you’ll uncover 25 surprising facts about Australia, spanning geography, culture, wildlife, history, and modern life. These facts will help prepare you for a richer, deeper travel experience.

Before You Visit: 25 Facts About Australia That Will Change How You See It

Australia is full of unexpected wonders—from pink lakes to underground cities, ancient cultures to modern slang. Whether you’re headed for the cities, the bush, or the outback, these top facts about Australia will help you connect with the country on a deeper level.

1. Australia Is the Only Country That’s Also a Continent

Australia is unique in being a country, a continent, and an island—all at once. It’s the sixth-largest country in the world but the smallest inhabited continent, surrounded entirely by the ocean.

Location: Entire country
Timings: Not applicable
Ticket: Not applicable

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2. The Great Barrier Reef Can Be Seen From Space

Stretching over 2,300 kilometers, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Its immense size and vibrant marine life make it visible even from outer space. It’s home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and countless marine creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

Location: Off the coast of Queensland
Timings: Year-round; best between June–October
Ticket: AUD 80–300 or ₹4,480–₹16,800 (approx.) for tours and cruises

3. Over 80% of Australians Live Near the Coast

Due to its arid interior, most of Australia’s population lives within 50 km of the coast. This has shaped a culture deeply connected to beaches, surf, and ocean life. From Bondi Beach in Sydney to the Gold Coast’s surf breaks, coastal living is at the heart of the Australian lifestyle.

Location: Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Timings: Not applicable
Ticket: Free public beach access

4. The Country Has More Kangaroos Than People

Australia’s kangaroo population exceeds 50 million, far more than the country’s human population. These marsupials are a national symbol—and occasionally a road hazard! They are so numerous that regulated culling is sometimes implemented to manage their impact on the environment and agriculture.

Location: Outback regions, national parks
Timings: Best seen during dawn/dusk
Ticket: Free in the wild; park entry ~AUD 10–30 or ₹560–₹1,680 (approx.)

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5. Uluru Changes Color Throughout the Day

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in central Australia that appears to shift colors depending on the time of day, ranging from deep red to purple. It holds deep spiritual significance for the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners, and is one of the most sacred Aboriginal sites in the country.

Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Timings: Sunrise and sunset tours are most popular
Ticket: AUD 38 or ₹2,128 (3-day pass)

6. It’s Home to the World’s Oldest Continual Culture

Australia’s Indigenous peoples have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years, making them the world’s oldest continuous civilization with rich spiritual and cultural traditions. Their deep connection to the land is expressed through Dreamtime stories, songlines, and sacred sites that continue to shape Australia’s identity today.

Location: Arnhem Land, Kakadu, Uluru
Timings: Cultural tours are available year-round
Ticket: Varies; guided tours ~AUD 50–200 or ₹2,730–₹10,920 (approx)

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7. Australia Has a Pink Lake

Lake Hillier in Western Australia is famously pink due to salt-loving algae and bacteria. Its vivid color remains year-round and contrasts strikingly with the blue ocean nearby. Despite its unusual hue, the lake is completely safe to visit and is best viewed from the air due to its remote location.

Location: Middle Island, Western Australia
Timings: Best viewed via scenic flight
Ticket: Flights from Esperance start ~AUD 400 or ₹21,840 (approx.)

8. Christmas Is Celebrated in Summer

Unlike most of the world, Australia’s Christmas falls during summer. It’s common to celebrate with beach barbecues, swims, and outdoor festivities instead of snow and fireplaces. Santa is often seen wearing board shorts, and seafood like prawns is more popular than roasted turkey!

Location: Nationwide
Timings: December 25
Ticket: Not applicable

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9. There Are More Than 10,000 Beaches

Australia has over 10,000 beaches—more than any other country. Visiting a new beach every day would take nearly 30 years! Many are untouched and postcard-perfect. From iconic stretches like Bondi and Whitehaven to hidden coastal gems, Australia’s beaches are a paradise for surfers, swimmers, and sunseekers alike.

Location: Coastal Australia
Timings: Year-round; best weather from Nov–April
Ticket: Mostly free; some national park beach access fees may apply

10. Vegemite Is a National Staple

Vegemite, a dark, salty yeast spread, is an iconic Australian food often eaten on toast. It’s an acquired taste, but beloved by locals since the 1920s. Packed with B vitamins, it’s considered a nutritional staple and is often one of the first flavors Aussie kids grow up with.

Location: Grocery stores across Australia
Timings: Not applicable
Ticket: AUD 2–5 or ₹110–₹274 approximately per jar

11. The World’s Longest Fence Is in Australia

The Dingo Fence spans over 5,600 km, built to protect farmland from wild dingos. It’s longer than the Great Wall of China and still partially in use today. Stretching across multiple states, it stands as one of the longest man-made structures in the world and a testament to Australia’s unique agricultural challenges.

Location: Queensland to South Australia
Timings: Not a tourist site; can be viewed on outback tours
Ticket: Varies by tour operator

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12. You Can Ski in Australia

Though known for sun and surf, Australia also has ski resorts. The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales and Victoria offer skiing and snowboarding in winter. Resorts like Thredbo, Perisher, and Mount Buller attract snow lovers from June to August, proving Australia’s climate is more diverse than many assume.

Location: Perisher, Thredbo, Mt. Buller
Timings: June–September
Ticket: AUD 120–200 or ₹6,560–₹10,940 approximately per day (lift passes)

13. Australians Drive on the Left Side

Following British influence, Australians drive on the left side of the road. For travelers from right-hand countries, this can be a quirky—and important—adjustment. Even pedestrian habits differ, with people naturally keeping left on sidewalks and escalators, so it’s helpful to stay aware when crossing streets.

Location: Nationwide
Timings: Not applicable
Ticket: Not applicable

14. Home to Some of the Deadliest Animals—But Attacks Are Rare

Australia has a fearsome reputation for deadly creatures—snakes, spiders, jellyfish—but actual fatalities are extremely rare due to safety measures and awareness. In fact, you’re statistically more likely to be injured by a horse or a kangaroo than by any venomous animal in Australia.

Location: Various national parks and coastal regions
Timings: Avoid jellyfish season in North QLD (Nov–May)
Ticket: Free with park access

15. The Sydney Opera House Has Over 1 Million Tiles

The Sydney Opera House’s roof is covered in over 1 million glossy white tiles arranged in a chevron pattern. It’s as much a marvel of engineering as it is of design. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it took 14 years to build and has become one of the most iconic buildings in the world.

Location: Circular Quay, Sydney
Timings: Tours run daily, 9 AM–5 PM
Ticket: AUD 25–43 or ₹1,400–₹2,420 approximately for tours

16. Australian English Has Its Own Unique Slang

Australians often shorten words and use slang like “arvo” (afternoon) or “brekkie” (breakfast). This linguistic twist is part of the Aussie charm.

Location: Nationwide
Timings: Not applicable
Ticket: Not applicable

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17. The Dingo Fence Is Longer Than the Great Wall of China

This record-breaking fence was originally designed to keep dingos out of fertile lands. It’s over twice the length of the Great Wall of China. Known as the Dingo Fence or Dog Fence, it stretches more than 5,600 kilometers across three states and remains one of the longest structures ever built.

Location: Outback, Queensland to South Australia
Timings: Viewable from some road trip routes
Ticket: Not applicable

18. Canberra Was Chosen as a Compromise Capital

Rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne led to Canberra being selected as a neutral compromise for the nation’s capital in 1908. The city was purpose-built in the Australian Capital Territory and features a carefully planned layout surrounded by nature reserves and bushland.

Location: Australian Capital Territory
Timings: Parliament House open Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM
Ticket: Free entry

19. It Has the World’s Largest Cattle Station

Anna Creek Station is the world’s largest cattle ranch, bigger than the country of Israel. It covers nearly 24,000 square kilometers. Located in South Australia, it’s so vast that it relies on aircraft and satellite technology to manage livestock across its arid, remote terrain.

Location: South Australia
Timings: Not open to the public
Ticket: Not applicable

20. Tasmania Has the Cleanest Air on Earth

Cape Grim in Tasmania records the world’s cleanest air, due to its location far from pollution sources. It’s a paradise for nature lovers. Scientific monitoring stations there have been measuring air purity since the 1970s, and the data helps track global climate trends.

Location: Northwestern Tasmania
Timings: Year-round
Ticket: Tours from AUD 40–100 or ₹2,190–₹5,470 approximately

21. Australian Time Zones Include a 30-Minute Offset

Unlike most countries that use hourly time zones, South Australia runs on a half-hour offset. So it’s 30 minutes behind Sydney, not a full hour. This unique timekeeping applies to Adelaide and other parts of the state, adding a quirky twist to cross-country travel planning.

Location: South Australia, NT
Timings: Not applicable
Ticket: Not applicable

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22. Australia Was Once a Penal Colony

In the late 18th century, Britain sent convicts to Australia, establishing penal colonies. Sites like Port Arthur now serve as sobering historic landmarks. Over 160,000 convicts were transported between 1788 and 1868, and their stories are deeply woven into Australia’s early colonial history.

Location: Port Arthur, Hobart, Sydney
Timings: Daily tours available
Ticket: AUD 40–60 or ₹2,190–₹3,280 approx. for heritage sites

23. AFL Is One of the Most Popular Sports

Australian Rules Football, or AFL, is wildly popular in the southern states. With unique rules and massive fan followings, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Originating in Victoria in the 1850s, AFL now draws millions of fans annually, with the Grand Final being one of the most-watched events in the country.

Location: Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
Timings: March–September
Ticket: AUD 30–90 or ₹1,640–₹4,930approx. per match

24. The National Anthem Was Changed in 1984

Australia replaced “God Save the Queen” with “Advance Australia Fair” in 1984 to reflect its national identity. The anthem remains a subject of cultural debate. Many Indigenous Australians feel the lyrics don’t represent their history or presence, prompting ongoing discussions about inclusivity and national unity.

Location: Nationwide
Timings: National holidays and official events
Ticket: Not applicable

25. There’s a Town That Lives Underground

Coober Pedy in South Australia is so hot that many residents live in underground homes called “dugouts” to escape extreme temperatures. These subterranean dwellings maintain a comfortable climate year-round and are built into hillsides, making the town one of the most unique places to live in Australia.

Location: Coober Pedy, South Australia
Timings: Year-round; best from April–Oct
Ticket: Underground tours from AUD 20–30 or ₹1,090–₹1,640 approx. 

FAQs

1. What is Australia best known for?

Australia is famous for its unique wildlife (like kangaroos and koalas), iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, outback landscapes, and laid-back beach culture. It’s also known for its high quality of life and friendly locals.

2. Is Australia expensive to visit for tourists?

Australia can be moderately to expensively priced, depending on your travel style. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have high living costs, but budget accommodations, public transport, and free natural attractions (like beaches and national parks) help keep costs manageable.

3. What’s the best time of year to visit Australia?

The best time depends on the region:

• Southern cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide): October to April (spring to autumn)
• Northern regions (Cairns, Darwin): May to October (dry season)
• Outback/Red Centre (Uluru): April to September for cooler temperatures

4. Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

Yes, most international visitors need a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Australia. You can apply online before your trip through the official Australian immigration website.

5. What are some cultural facts about Australia that travelers should know?

Australians value equality, humor, and informality. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. It’s also important to be respectful of Aboriginal culture and sacred sites like Uluru. Australian slang may be confusing, but it’s part of the fun!

6. Is Australia safe for tourists?

Yes, Australia is considered one of the safest countries for travelers. Crime rates are low, and the country has excellent healthcare and emergency services. However, natural hazards like strong ocean currents or wildlife encounters require caution and awareness.

7. What are some of the most surprising facts about Australia?

Some of the top facts about Australia that surprise visitors include:

• Christmas happens in summer
• There’s a pink lake
• Kangaroos outnumber humans
• Some people live in underground towns
• Australia was once a British penal colony

8. Can I drive in Australia with a foreign license?

Yes, you can drive in Australia with a valid international driver’s license or a license written in English. However, remember that Australians drive on the left side of the road.