Discover few things about Australia:

- Multiculturalism
- Entertainment
- Shopping Etiquette
- Australia For Free
 

Multiculturalism

Australia continues to benefit from its multicultural make-up – one of the most diverse in the world – enjoying a wealth of ideas, cuisines and lifestyles.

The last census reported that 23% of the population is foreign-born, and over 40% of Australians are of mixed cultural origins. Every four minutes and eight seconds Australia gains another international immigrant.

Many foreign-born Australians came from Italy and Greece after WWII, but recent immigrants have mostly come from New Zealand and the UK, as well as China, Vietnam, Africa and India, among many other places.

Some 2.2% of the population identifies itself as of Aboriginal origin, and most live in the Northern Territory. Australia's other Indigenous people, Torres Strait Islanders, are primarily a Melanesian people, living in north Queensland and on the islands of the Torres Strait between Cape York and Papua New Guinea.

Entertainment

Australians also love their pubs and bars - you'll usually find one or the other wherever you are in the country.

Australia has long had a strong pub culture, which extends from the big cities to 'the bush' (that is, anywhere away from the cities).

There are classic Aussie pubs in tiny country towns like the Birdsville Hotel in outback Queensland, and more refined versions, such as Sydney's Paddington Inn Hotel in Oxford St, Paddington. Bar culture is a more recent phenomenon, with the big cities leading the way, especially Melbourne with its incredible number of bars. Many pubs and bars across the continent also regularly feature live bands and/or DJs.

Then there's cinema, theatre, dance, clubbing, opera, classical music, jazz. the list of entertainment options is endless.

The best way to find out what's on is through local newspapers and free entertainment magazines, newspapers and/or websites.

Shopping Etiquette

Bargaining is not the norm in Australia, unless you're at a second-hand market or buy a whole new wardrobe from one store, in which case it probably wouldn't hurt to ask for a small discount.

Tipping is becoming more common in Australia, particularly in cafes and restaurants in the bigger cities; a 10% tip is usual. However, you won't cause offence if you don't tip. Taxi drivers are always grateful if you leave the change.

Australia For Free

There are plenty of activities that cost nothing or next to nothing for those on a budget.

Appreciate Australia's stunning natural beauty and native animals with walks through its pristine national parks – there are more than 500. Enjoy endless walks along endless beaches; go people watching at fantastic markets; learn about Australia's art and heritage at excellent free galleries and museums (see the Culture section); or attend some typically Australian festivals, like the surf life-saving competitions on beaches all around the country during summer. The list of free or cheap things to do is endless, so there's no need to let a student budget come between you and good times.