The typical Aussie bogan

The typical Aussie bogan.

When you travel people know you’re Australian. Aside from a reputation for being friendly and laid-back, we have a very unique accent that is all too well known around the world. I’ve heard many a Kiwi have to explain, albeit with a bit of a grumble, that they aren’t Australian at all. With easy recognition comes an easy application of stereotypes…so just how many Australian stereotypes hold true?

Still the most famous, typically Australian characters known to the world are the likes of Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee. Yes, people think we say ‘struth’ and ‘crikey’ a lot more than we do, but in reality I haven’t had anyone ask me to show them what a real knife is, or how to wrestle a crocodile just yet. However, people do seem to forget just how large Australia is, they assume that most of us have the same pass time – surfing.

Now don’t get me wrong, surfing is more popular in Australia than a lot of countries in the world but, being from Melbourne – originally near Ballarat for that matter – I seem to be constantly repeating that it isn’t always sunny, we don’t all live on a beach and owning a surfboard is not actually the norm for Australians. I must also explain why I am only an average cricket player, not the strongest of swimmers and that we actually tend to put meat on BBQs (in fact, I can’t remember the last time I saw someone put a shrimp on one).

The good news is that Australians are pretty well-liked almost everywhere. We have a reputation for being outgoing, accommodating and accepting, and, if you are heading to Western Europe and South East Asia, you will not be in short supply of fellow Australians that support these positive assumptions. Every nationality has its stereotypes; when it all comes down to it, the Australian stereotype certainly seems one of the most positive. So if you do decide to travel then say it loud and proud, “I’m Australian.”

Also, did I mention there are many who find the Australian accent quite attractive?

Keep an eye out for a whole lot of articles noting all the similarities and differences while comparing Melbourne, in all its glory, with places around the world. And of course some stories of people from Melbourne eating, drinking and partying in faraway places. The world is a big place but there seems to be enough travelling Melbournites to take it on.