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Melbourne's vacuuming law -

If you live in or are visiting Melbourne, keep in mind that vacuuming between 10 pm and 9 am on the weekend and between 10 pm and 7 am during the week is illegal!

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Thong throwing -

The thong-throwing competition is an Australia Day tradition. Participants compete to throw a thong (flip-flop) as far as possible. Those who place first and second win a prize.

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Enjoying a drink -

The consumption of alcohol is entwined with many Australian social and cultural activities, whether that's after a day at work, at a sporting event, or at the weekend. It's common to clink glasses with your drinking partner and say 'cheers' before the first sip.

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Coffee culture -

Melbourne is known as the coffee capital of Australia and is sometimes even referred to as the coffee capital of the world. Some believe the "flat white" (espresso and steamed milk) originated in Australia. 

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Bushwalking -

Bushwalking involves exploring nature on foot, ranging from short walks to extended expeditions, and immersing yourself in the Australian landscape.

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Coming together over food and drink -

Whether you're dining in an ocean-side restaurant or a friend's backyard, enjoying fresh food with loved ones is an integral part of Australian culture. 

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Enjoying the coastline -

Australia boasts 16,010 miles (25,760 kilometers) of coastline, and Australians find countless ways to enjoy the endless beaches, be it surfing, picnicking, kayaking, or just relaxing in the sunshine.

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Cooking and baking -

According to survey results, cooking and baking are the most popular hobbies enjoyed by Australians. Traditional bakes include Lamington, pavlova, and Anzac biscuits.

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Sacred sites -

Natural features such as hills, rocks, and waterholes have great cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous Australians. Uluru is one of the most famous sacred sites, and climbing the formation is banned.

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Walking barefoot -

Many Australians enjoy going about their daily routines barefooted. Some cite health benefits, comforts, or cultural reasons why they choose to go shoe-free.

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Drinking from shoes -

To do a "shoey" involves pouring alcohol (usually beer) into a shoe and drinking it. It has been around since the 1970s and is often associated with celebrations, parties, and dares.

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Australian BBQ -

It's believed the Australian barbecue dates back 40,000 years. Today, barbecues are an excuse to spend quality time with friends and family, enjoy the weather, and enjoy simple but tasty food.

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Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras -

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is Australia's largest celebration of its LGBTQ+ communities. The annual event begins on the second Thursday in February and ends on the first Saturday in March.

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The Australia Open -

The Australia Open is a tennis tournament held annually in Melbourne, it is the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events, preceding the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. 

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Bush tucker -

Bush tucker, also called bush food, is any food native to Australia and traditionally eaten by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Bush tucker can be found on many restaurant menus around the country.

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Smoking ceremony -

Smoking ceremonies are traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices believed to ward off evil spirits and bad omens.

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Beer can regatta -

The beer can regatta is a festival event held annually in Darwin since 1974. Participants build boats using cans and cartons and compete to raise money for charitable causes.

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Yabby racing -

Yabby racing is an age-old tradition in which 25 yabbies (freshwater crustaceans) are numbered and placed in a circular ring. The first one to make it to the boundary is the winner.

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Banjo Patterson -

Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson was an Australian writer and poet renowned for his ballads and poems about life in rural Australia. 'Waltzing Matilda' is one of his most famous works.

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Constitutional monarchy -

King Charles III is Australia's current head of state. While Australia has been a constitutional monarchy since 1901, the King does not have a role in the daily running of the country.

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British colonization -

Australia was a British penal colony between 1788 and 1868. Over 160,000 convicts were transported to Australia serve their sentences. 

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Language -

English is the national language of Australia. There were around 250 indigenous languages, however only about 70 have survived.

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Australia Day -

Australia Day is observed annually on January 26 and celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia. Australia Day is also referred to as Invasion Day or Survival Day by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

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Sport -

Australia is a nation of sports lovers. The most popular sports include Australian Rules football, cricket, rugby, and tennis. 

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Sausage sizzle -

A sausage sizzle is an outdoor social event at which sausages are cooked on a grill and sold, often to raise money for charity.

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Anzac Day -

Anzac Day is held on April 25 each year and honors members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in World War I.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples -

Australia is home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have inhabited the land for 60,000 years. 

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Dance -

For the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, dance has historically been a significant part of their culture and traditions. It is seen as more than an art form and represents a deep connection with the natural world.

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Comedy -

Comedy is integral to the Australian identity. The Australian sense of humor is dry, irreverent, and self-deprecating. Barry Humphries', known for his Dame Edna Everage character, was one of Australia's most famous comedians.

Sources: (Australia.com) (ABC News) (Working Abroad)

See also: The prettiest lighthouses of Australia

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