Life in Australia

Australia is a country full of surprises. You can be amazed at the people, landscape, animals and everything around you.  We have researched some amazing things that might get you surprised about Australia. Let’s check them out.

1. Kangaroo and Emu are on Coat of Arms as both animals can only move forward not backwards which is why they were chosen
2. Australians love eating Kangaroo meat
3. Australia is one of the most multicultural society in the world
4. More than 85% of the Australian population live near the coast
5. Australia’s first police force was made up of well behaved criminals
6. Australia is almost similar in size to the United States
7. Canberra, Australia’s capital city, was created as people couldn’t decide whether Melbourne  or Sydney is a capital.
8. Australia has nearly 3 times more sheeps than people in the country
9. Australian Alps get more snow than Switzerland
   

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10. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world
11. Australia has one of lowest density of population in the world. In Fact, there are only 3 people per square kilometer.
12. The official name of Australia is Commonwealth of Australia
13. Australian population is just 25 million people but there are 60 million kangaroos in the country
14. Mount Augustus in Western Australia is the largest rock on earth rising 715m from the ground level. Although most of the people believe that Uluru is the largest rock in the world but it’s not.
15. Great barrier reef is world’s largest reef system and it is made up of 2900 different reefs and spreads over 2300 kilometres
16. You can find over 1,500 species of spiders in Australia and some of them has very dangerous venom
17. Melbourne has been named as the most liveable city for seven years in row since 2011
18. Melbourne used to be known as Batmania before it was named as Melbourne
19. Former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, set the world record of drinking 2.5 pints of beers in 11 seconds.
20. Ugg boots were originated in Australia and named after the inventor’s wife said they look “Ugg-ly”
21. Australia has the longest railway track measuring 480 kilometres, longest road measuring 146 kilometres, longest golf course measuring 1.3 million metres and the longest fence covering 5400 kilometres
22. World’s happiest animal is Quokka’s found in Western Australia 
23. Australians love playing Poker and is home to 20% of the world’s Pokie machines
24. Australians have proudly invented Wi-Fi, blackbox, notepad and even selfies
25. According to the research by University of Sydney, there are 10,685 beaches in Australia
26. Boomerangs were invented by Aboriginals for hunting animals
27. 95% of world’s Opals (gemstone) comes from Australia
28. Australia is ranked 55th in the world for the Internet speed with an average speed of 25.88 Megabits per second (Mbps)
29. Dutch explorers were the first one to discover Australia in 1600’s. But it was British, Captain James Cook who claimed the island for Britain in 1788
30. Foster’s Beer brand is not the Australian choice of Beer as Australians prefer other brands
31. Australia is home to world’s second largest Greek population after Greece
32. Australia has the highest number of natural world heritage sites
33. Australia was the second country in the world to give a voting rights to women after New Zealand
34. Fraser island is the largest sand island in the world
35. Australia has it’s very own pink lake known as Lake Hillier in Western Australia 
    

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36. The largest number of camels in the world are not in the middle east but in Australia. It is estimated to be home to 300,000 Feral camels.
37. Jellyfish is the  biggest threat to human life as it kills more people than sharks, stonefish and crocodiles combined
38. “Burger King” is known as “Hungry Jack’s” in Australia
39. In Victoria, there is a mountain named as Mount Disappointment after the explorers found the view very average from the top
40. In 1975, Australia had a government shutdown and Queen intervened and she fired everyone from the parliament, Australia never has any government shutdown after that
41. If you are Australian citizen, then you must come to vote, otherwise you will get a fine for a no show

How many of these things did you knew about it already? Let us know in the comments below.

Images: Giphy.com

 

Got invited for a Barbecue? Here are 8 barbecue (BBQ) etiquette that might help you when you are going to an Aussie BBQ:

1. Bring along something

Bring along something either for a drink or to eat. It is usually a good idea to ask the host if they would prefer you to bring along something specific.

Sometimes, hosts may say that you don’t need anything to bring, in that case, you can still bring things like Chocolates, Dessert, Salad, Bottle of Wine, Special dish from your home country, cheese platter, etc or maybe a little gift for the host.

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2. Don’t wear formals

Don’t wear too formal clothes like coats, ties, etc. It is perfectly fine to wear shorts and thongs as it a relaxed social event. Leave all your formals at home.

3. Don’t tell the host how to cook

Don’t tell the host how to cook or BBQ as they might take an offense for that unless they ask for your help themselves in that. Also, it is a good idea to compliment and thank the BBQ chef as you would do at any other such occasion.

4. Be a volunteer for help

As much we recommend not to touch BBQ but we do recommend to volunteer to help with the things. Ask your hosts if they need a hand in something. It is always a good idea to offer help then not and usually appreciated by everyone.

5. Bring along some activities

You can bring along some fun activity ideas and things like games or cards etc. Although, most likely you will learn about the backyard cricket as part of the Aussie BBQ tradition.

6. Clean after yourself

Also, it is usually recommended to clean after yourself. Don’t leave your dirty cutlery, cups, and plates hanging around here and there.

7. Leave the unfinished food

It is also good etiquette to leave the unfinished food or drink with the host as a gesture of thanks to the hosts even the one you brought as well. Don’t forget to bring back your utensils though.

8. Don’t forget to socialise

Last but not least, socialise and talk with others as BBQ’s are social events and a great way to network with other people as well. As an international student, it is vital to network with others and a barbecue is one of the places to do so.

Images via Giphy.com

Planning to own a pet in Australia? If you are a pet lover and want to own one in Australia, you will need to consider few things before you decide to do so, especially when you are an international student in Australia. Here are some of the things you need to consider:

1. Costs

As much fun the idea of owning the pet sounds, it might be too costly for some people to make that dream come true. The average costs will vary but as per ASIC (check the infographic below), average cost of dogs per year is $1475, similar costs for cats are $1029, birds $115 per year and a fish costs around $50 per year

2. Space

Some pets require more space than the others. With most of the students living as tenants, it is important to discuss with your landlord before buying a pet. Also, as the pets grow over the time, there might be a need for them to have a larger space than before.

3. Time

You would need to devote some time of your life to play, feed, nurture and care for the pets. Like little kids, pets will need lots of attention and time. Make sure you have enough time in your life to look after them.

4. Care

Do you understand how to look after the pets? Buying the pet is one thing but caring for them requires more than that. Care includes their well being, health, food and grooming as well. Who doesn’t like a well groomed pet but again, there are some details to need to keep before buying them.

5. Lifestyle

Does your lifestyle suits to own a pet? If you are too busy studying, working or going away then owning a pet might be difficult for you. Simply purchasing them from a pet shop might not be a way to go for you if you have a hectic lifetsyle.

Do you own a pet in Australia? What are your thoughts on owning a Pet as an overseas student in Australia? Share them in the comments below.

Getting ready for your birthday?

Cool. We have curated the top free birthday deals that we know you will love.

You could be eating out nearly for a week if you sign up and use all of these deals.

We have got more than 90+ birthday deals on the list so far with new ones coming along often.

Celebrate your birthday with these free birthday deals in style.

Let’s go!

Tips to get these birthday freebies

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While these birthday freebie sounds delicious and most of them are indeed such a good value for FREE.

Please keep these things in mind before redeeming:

• 📝 Sign Up for loyalty programs: Most of these freebies require you to sign up for the loyalty programs (and might expect minimum spend in some cases). We suggest signing up for these businesses’ loyalty programs at least a month or two before your birthday.
• 📜 Check Terms and Conditions: Check the conditions of the voucher or freebie when you get it through email. Some retailers might require you to purchase an item from them before getting the birthday freebies.
• 📬 Keep Emails and Notifications Enabled: Although some retailers may not send any reminder or freebies and the only way to redeem them via app, and you have to scan it to get it. (Wink Wink, we are looking at you Boost Juice).
• 🆔 Bring ID or Proof of Membership: Some businesses might require you present the Identification proof of your birthday
• 📧 Create Seperate Email: To avoid receiving these promotional emails in your regular inbox, it’s a good idea to create a separate email specifically for them.
• 🔄 Check for Changes: Retailers can change these offers at any time, so please check the website for up-to-date offers as well.
• 📅 Provide Accurate Information: Make sure your details are correct to receive these vouchers.
• 🙏 Be Courteous: Businesses are giving away things for free, so the least they expect is to be polite and respectful.

 Our Top 10 Picks

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There are many birthday deals out there but these are our Top 10 picks below. Check out more details for these deals in the sections below:

🚢 Captain Cook Cruises – Free Cruise

🍗 Nando’s – $15 birthday voucher

🥤 Boost Juice – Free Juice

🌯 Mad Mex – Free Burrito

🍔 Hungry Jacks – Free Whopper

🍫 San Churros – Free Churros for Two

🍩 Krispy Kreme – 4 pack Original Glazed Donut

☕ Gloria Jeans – Free Drink

🍦 Baskin-Robbins – Free scoop of Ice-cream

🍹 Chatime – Free birthday drink.

🥗 Taco bell – Free birthday meal

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All Food Deals

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1. 7-ELEVEN – Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut on your birthday. Redeem via app.
2. BANJO’S BAKERY CAFE – Join Banjo’s VIP Club and receive a free bakery treat (valid 3 days prior and 3 days post the birth date)
3. BASKIN ROBBINS – Free scoop of ice cream valid up to 14 days after your birthday. Sign up via the website.
4. BOOST JUICE – Free Boost Juice for Vibe club members. You can redeem the free juice offer between two days before or two days after your birthday. VIBE card (or app) must be presented in order to redeem the Birthday Boost
5. BRUMBY’S – Free bread loaf or coffee on birthday.
6. CHATIME –  Free Drink in the Birthday Month. You must sign up for their program and make at least one purchase 3 months before your birthday.
7. CHAT THAI – $10 Birthday Rewards Voucher ($30 minimum spend required).
8. COLD ROCK – 1 Free Ice Cream on your birthday
9. DONUT KING – 1 Free Donut king drink via app.
10. GELATISSIMO – Free one scoop of gelato in the month of your birthday (card or app). $5 off your first purchase as well.
11. GLORIA JEANS – Free Drink on the Birthday. Get the app to redeem.
12. GRILL’D – Free snack chips when you buy a burger or salad. Must join their Relish loyalty program. Free to sign up.
13. HARD ROCK CAFE – Free birthday dessert with entrée purchase (valid for birthday month)
14. HOGS BREATH – Free main meal (Valued up to to $33.95) on your birthday. One-off membership fee of $19.90
15. HUDSONS COFFEE– Free Coffee on your birthday.
16. HUNGRY JACKS – Free Whopper on your birthday. (With $1 minimum spend)
17. JAMAICA BLUE – Free slice of cake for the birthday month. You can sign up via the Jamiaca Blue App for this freebie.
18. KRISPY KREME – Free 4 Pack of Original Glazed Doughnuts. You must sign up for their rewards program at least 4 weeks before your birthday.
19. LONE STAR RIB HOUSE – Free meal on your birthday (Must purchase a 2nd meal – from $8.95)
20. LORD OF THE FRIES – Free voucher on your birthday. Sign up via the link.
21. MAD MEX – Free burrito on your birthday. Expires after 1 month.
22. MAX BRENNER – Free regular sized hot drink in your birthday month.
23. MCDONALD’S – Free Cheesburger, Fries or Sundae on your birthday via My Maccas App.
24. MONTY’S/ALH GROUP VENUES – Different Birthday deals each year, sign up at least more than a week before the birthday
25. MRS FIELDS – Free cookie on your birthday
26. MUFFIN BREAK – Free Muffin in your birthday month
27. NANDO’S –  $15 voucher during your Birthday month. Sign up for Peri perks and get free chips after signing up as well. Must purchase something in last 3 months to be eligible for birthday freebie.
28. NOODLE BOX – $10 voucher on your birthday. $5 off on your first purchase as well. Must get the app
29. PIZZA CAPERS – Free Pizza on your birthday month. Get the app.
30. RED ROOSTER – Enjoy free meal on your birthday. Download the Royal Rewards Program app.
31. RIBS AND RUMPS – $30 gift voucher redeemable in birthday month, valid up to 2 months.
32. SALSA’S – Free burrito or bowl from 2 days before to 2 days after the birthday. You must join the Salsa’s Mex Club before your birthday for this freebie. Must purchase something in last 3 months to be eligible for birthday freebie.
33. SAKE – Free Ice Cream Cookie on birthday, (must download the app) (NSW and VIC only).
34. SAN CHURROS – Free churros for two during the birthday month. Must have made a purchase in last 12 months.
35. SHINGLE INN – Free cookie and coffee/tea in birthday month (collect card in-store)
36. SPUDBAR – Free spuds on your birthday. Sign up via app. (Victoria only).
37. STARBUCKS – Free drink on your Birthday available up to 60 days
38. SUBWAY – Free cookie and small cup drink with the purchase of any sub/salad/wrap or panini
39. SUMO SALAD – Free salad Valid for 7 days from birthday. Collect card in-store or download the app
40. TACO BELL – Free meal on your birthday.
41. TGI FRIDAY’S – A meal valued up to $15 in your birthday month. Sign up via app required.
42. TOP JUICE – Free medium drink on your birthday (purchase of salad required).
43. THE COFFEE CLUB – Free drink on your birthday, Sign up via app to reedem.
44. THE CHEESECAKE SHOP – $5 voucher on your birthday
45. THE GROOVE TRAIN – Free meal up to $25 value
46. THE MEAT AND WINE CO. – Minimum $20 voucher on your birthday
47. THE PANCAKE PARLOUR – Free Pancakes on your birthday. (Victoria only).
48. THE SPORTING GLOBE – Get $25 credit on your birthday via app (one time only)
49. VAPIANO – BOGOF pizza, pasta or salad. Birthday emails are sent one week prior to your birthday
50. WOKINABOX – $12 Wok Wallet credit from 1 day before birthday for 7 days (collect the card in-store)

 

You might also like to read our article on Top 5 cheap eats under $10 in Melbourne

Non-Food Deals

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1. AMCAL – $5 off (in-store only)
2. AMF BOWLING –  One free game of bowling
3. ANACONDA – $10 birthday voucher
4. ASOS – 10% promo code for your birthday month
5. BONDS – $10 eGift Card
6. CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES – Free Cruise on your birthday
7. CITY CHIC – $20 Birthday Voucher
8. COTTON ON –  $5 birthday voucher ($20 minimum spend)
9. CROSSROADS – $10 to $15 birthday voucher
10. EBAY  – 10% off voucher
11. GENETAL PANT CO. – Special birthday deal plus $20 off when sign up.
12. GLUE STORE – $10 birthday reward
13. H&M – 25% off item of your choice in the birthday month.
14. HOYTS CINEMAS – Free small popcorn or choc top on your birthday
15. IKEA – $10 voucher for IKEA Family members
16. INTENCITY – Free $10 worths tickets
17. JAG – $20 voucher on birthday
18. JEANSWEST  – $10 birthday voucher
19. KATIES – $20 birthday voucher
20. KATHMANDU – $20 birthday voucher. Not
21. KIKKI.K – $10 birthday voucher
22. LEVI’S – $20 birthday voucher
23. LINCRAFT – Free $1o gift voucher
24. MIMCO – $15 minimum voucher for the birthday
25. MYER – $10 birthday voucher for silver members, $20 for gold members
26. PALACE CINEMA’S – $10 voucher to use at the cinema bar
27. PRICELINE – $5 birthday voucher
28. ROCKMANS – $20 birthday voucher plus $20 off on sign up when spending $100 or more.
29. SABA – $25 birthday voucher
30. SEAFOLLY – $20 voucher on your birthday
31. SHERIDAN OUTLET – $25 birthday voucher
32. SPEEDO – $20 off voucher
33. SPORTCRAFT – $20 birthday voucher
34. SPOTLIGHT – $10 off on your birthday
35. STUDENT UNIVERSE – $20 off on international flights
36. TED CAMERAS – $20 voucher on birthday (minimum spend $40).
37. TIMEZONE – $10 free game credit
38. TONY BIANCO – $30 birthday voucher plus $20 off sign up offer.
39. VILLAGE CINEMAS – Free Small popcorn for the Vrewards members
40. WITCHERY -$10 Gift Voucher for standard members, $20 for Bronze members, $50 for Silver members, $100 for Gold members
41. WOOLWORTHS REWARDS – 5 times points on every shop for 1 week
42. ZONE BOWLING – Two free games of bowling on your birthday.

This list is on-going, so any new deals we come across or if you can suggest us to add on to this list, would be great for all of us. Remember, Sharing is Caring!!!

If this list of free birthday deals sounds interesting enough then be sure to watch this video on a complete 3-day plan for free food on your birthday. Enjoy!

Image via Giphy.com

Most of the overseas students prefer to share accommodation while studying in Australia. It is not only cost effective but you also get to see and meet new people. But quite often there are problems in sharing the house with the others. While we don’t focus too much on the problems, we are going to look at some of the solutions. Here are our top 9 tips for sharing accommodation with others.

1. Establish and follow the basic house rules

Set some of the very basic house rules for your shared house and make sure that everyone follows those rules. For example – you can establish the rule that no guests will stay beyond 10 pm in the night or no parties during the weekdays etc.

 

2. Pay your rent share on time

When you sign up for a shared house, you will know the dates when you have to pay your share of the rent. It is very important to discuss with others to ensure that the rental payments are going on time.

 

3. Be considerate of other people living

When you are in a shared house, you don’t have the freedom to do what you like. You must consider other people before taking some of your actions. If you work late night or going early morning, try to keep the noise levels to the minimum.

 

4. Keep the house as clean as possible

Usually, it is a good idea to create a schedule/roster of the house cleaning and all the responsible persons must doing their tasks effectively. Try to make as little mess as possible. Clean as go is the best policy in the shared house.

 

5. Be friendly with other housemates

Don’t be too serious all the time. Try to have fun together with your housemates. Have a friendly relationship, some casual chats, playing games, cooking together or watching TV together can be a great way to develop a friendly relation with the other housemates.

 

6. Make the shared space accessible for everyone

Common issues among the shared housemates include unfair using of the common spaces like common bathrooms, kitchen and living areas. Make sure to share the common space fairly.

 

7. Help others when they need

We all been through tough situations in life. Sometimes just getting sick or feeling homesick can be really challenging for some people. Ask your housemates if they need any help for food or other tasks. If you can help them when things are tough, most likely they will do the same if in case you need it one day.

 

8. Know your tenancy rights

Find out about your duties and rights as a tenant. Each state/territory in Australia has its own body that looks after the tenancy and landlord rights. It becomes extremely important to know your rights when sharing the house as you don’t want to be penalised for someone else’s wrongdoings.

 

9. Be ready to compromise on certain things

Let’s be honest, you won’t be in living in a perfect house and with the perfect housemates. There will be certain things that you won’t like and certain things that your housemates won’t like. You will need to find a middle ground and try to compromise on certain things while sharing.

 

Do you live in a shared house? What are your tips for the shared accommodation? How do you find these tips? Do you think we missed out on any tips? Let us know in the comments below.

Images credit: Giphy.com

When catching public transport in Australia, you must follow some basic etiquette. Here are 10 of them:

1. Let others exit first

First things first, it is important to let people in the public transport to exit first and then make a move to get in after all of the exiting passengers are out. Before entering, just check if there is anyone planning to get out of public transport.

2. Stand in a queue to catch transport.

Always queue up before getting on public transport. People hate queue jumpers and you might even get told off as well.

 

3. Don’t push others to get in

Very important to know that people don’t push others to get into any public transport in Australia, and they also don’t like to be pushed as well. Keep a fair distance from others as well.

4. Don’t talk too loud 

When you get into any public transport in Australia, you will notice that there are not many people talking. Infect most of the people don’t like to talk at all. In case you need to talk, you must try your best to keep the volume to lower levels.

5. Avoid eating food

As tasty and nice it might smell to you,  it is still annoying for lots of people to see and smell your food in the public transport. Avoid eating, especially hot foods in the public transport at all costs.

6. Respect other’s privacy

If there is someone writing a text or doing work or reading a book on the public transport, try not to interfere and look too much into their private matters. You can try to get into conversation with others but if they show little or no interest, then it is better not to talk much. The best policy to follow is MYOB – Mind Your Own Business.

7. Give a seat to the needy

If you see an elderly person, pregnant woman, disabled person or anyone you think might need a seat, set an example and stand up to offer them a seat. It is indeed good karma.

8. Don’t litter around

If you decided to bring a bottle of water, or you were just slurping on the juice or having a hot coffee on a very cold day then you must always bring along with you all the rubbish and don’t leave it in the transport for someone else to clean after you. There are penalties for littering on public transport as well.

9. Be mindful of personal hygiene

When travelling in public transport, especially in the peak hours, chances are that you will be standing close to other passengers, be mindful of your personal hygiene that includes body odour, mouth odour and general cleanliness. Use deodorant, brush your teeth or get yourself some mints, change clothes, socks and take a shower every day. These things are not good only for public transport but better for your own personal hygiene.

10. Pay your fare

Last but not least, pay for your ride. Never travel without a ticket on public transport. Public transport officers will most likely to fine you if you are caught without a ticket or not following the right amount of payment.

Images credit: Giphy.com