45 Photos That Show Australia Is Truly a Land Like No Other
Lizards Get Everywhere
Australia has some big lizards, not like the little geckos we get here in America. These lizards have little to no fear of humans, so you’ll find them all over the place. The one in this picture is a lace monitor lizard, and it can get up to 6 and a half feet long and weigh over 30 pounds.
In Australia, there are goannas, and there are actually five families of lizards in Australia – skinks, legless lizards, dragons, monitors, and geckos.
Uluru, a Giant Rock
Uluru Rock, which is also referred to as Ayer’s Rock, is a single rock formation in the center of Australia, and it’s the largest monolith in the world. It also has the distinction of being sacred to the local Aboriginal tribe, the Pitjantjatjara, who call it Anangu.
Uluru is a historic site in Australia, with a status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a popular tourist destination as well, since it’s such a recognizable landmark.
Australians Swear a Lot
Maybe it’s because they’re all alone on that giant island, but apparently, Australians swear a lot. It’s not uncommon to hear the worst of the worst swear words in normal conversation, and certain words that are very taboo in America are actually words that Australians use for friends.
If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t be surprised by the number of profanities you might hear. Even grannies sometimes get in on the action. It’s all part of the grand down-under!
It’s Macca’s, Not McDonald’s
In line with our theme of shortening words, Aussies won’t tell you where the closest McDonald’s is. Instead, they’ll point you towards the golden arches of Macca’s. Some of the signs even say Macca’s on them, so it’s not just local slang. It’s the real deal.
If you get the opportunity to visit Australia, you’ll probably get thrown for a loop with all the slang, shortened words, and profanities you hear thrown around. Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up very quickly!
If you’ve never been there, you have no idea how different Australia is. From the snow-capped peaks of the Australian alps to the deserted bush, (not to mention the more than 10,000 gorgeous beaches all around the country), Australia has it all. This is without even considering the fascinating wildlife. The best thing about Australia, though, are the people who settled in this vast wilderness. Need more proof? Keep reading!