Australians have a great appreciation of the arts & performing arts. There is a symphony orchestra in each state, and a national opera company, Opera Australia. Ballet and dance are represented by The Australian Ballet and various state companies. Each state has a publicly funded theatre company. A lot of the arts receives funding through the federal government's Australia Council.

Australian are great lovers of history and culture. The National Gallery of Australia and other state galleries house large Australian and overseas collections. Australia has one of the world's highest attendances of art galleries and museums per head of population, more than Britain or America.

Each area has its own unique attractions too numerous to mention here, so we suggest you visit the local Visitor Centers in each town to find out what to do. You will find more things to do than the amount of days you have in an area!

Family Picnic

River Festival Brisbane

While the long, sunny days and beautiful surroundings encourage a range of active outdoor pastimes, there are many dining, shopping and entertainment options to enjoy. Australians have a reputation for partying hard, and they love fine dining, the arts and music, sport and the beach.

About 24% of Australians over the age of 15 regularly participate in organised sporting activities. Australia has strong international teams in cricket, hockey, netball, rugby league, and rugby union, having been Olympic or world champions at least twice in each sport in the last 25 years for both men and women where applicable. Swimming is the strongest of these sports; Australia is the second-most prolific medal winner in the sport in Olympic history.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, food in Australia has increasingly been influenced by immigrants to the nation, particularly from Southern European and Asian cultures. The wine regions in each of the states produce different wine varieties and styles.

Australians love to barbeque. The smell of sizzling food can be smelt in the warm summer night air. What are the components of a good barbeque? Food, drink, music and mates!