TRADITIONS
Two-up
Dating back to the convicts, Two-up was popularised by the Diggers in World War I and involves tossing two coins into the air and gambling on how they might fall. In Victoria, the game is illegal every day except on Anzac Day, while in New South Wales, the game is legal not only on Anzac Day but also other commemorative days.
Muck Up Day
While not condoning the Choppergate prank or putting the principal’s car up for sale, muck up day is a rite of passage for all year 12 students and should be enjoyed responsibly while wearing a ridiculous costume. From parades and water guns to harmless pranks and tearful goodbyes, muck up day is a celebration that all senior year students deserve.
Small Talk with Cabbies
If catching a taxi alone, it’s expected that you’ll not only sit up front in the passenger seat but that you’ll also engage in small talk with the cabbie. If you don’t know how the taxi driver’s day has been and have no clue how he or she found themselves in said industry by the end of the journey, then you need to reevaluate your life in Australia.
ANIMALS
DINGOS
Dingos are the biggest carnivorous mammals in Australia. Carnivorous means meat-eating. They can be found all over Australia except for Tasmania although mainly in the country’s outback. A dingo looks similar to a domestic dog, but has a longer muzzle, larger pointed ears and sharper teeth. It has a brown furry coat and bushy tail.
PLATYPUS
The Platypus is one of the monotremes. The egg-lying animal lives along the river banks in burrows. The platypus has a brown furry body and webbed feet. With a bill like a duck as well as a tail like a beaver it looks truly unique. A platypus can grow up to 60 cm/2 ft in length.
KANGAROO
There are about 50 million kangaroos living in Australia, that means there are many more kangaroos than people living in Australia! There are 55 different species of kangaroos.
