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The 16 Phrases Every Tourist Must Know Before a Trip to Australia

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Australia is a land of gorgeous surroundings, unique wildlife, and unhurried vibes, and it is also home to a language twist that can leave even English speakers scratching their heads. Aussie slang is a cultural treasure, blending humor, practicality, and a penchant for abbreviations.

If you’re planning to visit the land Down Under, it’s important to learn a few key phrases that can make conversations a breeze. Whether you’re ordering at a café, chatting with locals, or puzzling out directions, these expressions will help you blend in like a pro—or at least avoid a few awkward moments.

G’day

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“G’day” is Australia’s quintessential greeting—short and sweet. It’s the Aussie way of saying hello, suitable for any time of day. Want to sound even more local? Pair it with a casual “mate” at the end: “G’day, mate!”

How’re ya going?

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Don’t let this one confuse you—it’s just the Australian version of “How are you?” It’s not about your travel plans; it’s a friendly check-in. A simple “Good, thanks. How about you?” works as a response.

Arvo

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Short for “afternoon,” you’ll hear this word everywhere. If someone tells you, “Let’s meet this arvo,” they’re asking to catch up later in the day. Aussies love abbreviations, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Fair dinkum

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This phrase is all about authenticity. It can mean “Are you serious?” or “That’s true!” depending on the context. If a local tells you a wild story and follows it with “Fair dinkum,” they’re insisting it’s the real deal.

No worries

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This isn’t just a phrase; it’s practically a way of life in Australia. The individual is trying to say “It’s all good” or “Don’t worry about it.” Spilled your coffee? “No worries.” Running late? “No worries.” It’s the ultimate chill-out expression.

Avo

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No, not arvo again—this one’s short for avocado. Aussies are known for their love of smashed avo on toast, so don’t be surprised to see it prominently featured on menus across the country.

Thongs

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Before you raise an eyebrow, “thongs” in Australia refer to flip-flops. So if someone suggests wearing thongs to the beach, they’re not being cheeky, they’re just talking about footwear.

She’ll be right

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This optimistic phrase means everything will be okay. It reflects the Australian spirit of staying strong and composed, no matter the challenge. Got a flat tire? “She’ll be right.” Lost your way? “She’ll be right.”

Macca’s

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Craving a burger? Head to Macca’s—what Aussies affectionately call McDonald’s. The locals love giving nicknames to just about everything, and this one is practically ingrained in the culture.

Bloody

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This handy adjective is a go-to for adding emphasis. Whether it’s “bloody hot” to describe sweltering weather or calling someone a “bloody legend” as a compliment, it’s versatile, and uniquely Aussie. Just don’t overdo it—less is more for that authentic vibe.

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Brekkie

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Short for breakfast, “brekkie” is another abbreviation you’ll hear a lot. A proper brekkie might feature eggs, bacon, and of course, some smashed avocado. It’s casual, simple, and so Australian.

Servo

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Short for “service station” or gas station, the servo is where Aussies fuel their cars, grab snacks, or make a quick pit stop. If someone says, “Let’s hit the servo,” they’re not just talking petrol, they might be eyeing a meat pie too.

Barbie

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The phrase “Throw another shrimp on the barbie,” made this word famous. It means barbecue. Aussies are serious about their barbies, so expect plenty of grilled meats and camaraderie.

Straya

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This playful abbreviation for “Australia” really sums up the country’s love for shortening words and making things all suitably informal. You may typically see it used, even humorously, in memes, jokes and as a part of casual chats.

Chockers

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If something is “chockers,” it is full or crowded. A packed pub on a Friday night? It’s “chockers.” Ate too much lunch? You’re “feeling chockers.”

Ta

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This is a quick and casual way to say “thank you.” It might just be the next phrase you hear when handing over change or getting directions. It’s very Aussie, short and sweet.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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