35 Things Only True Aussies Know

By: Hania Syed
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
35 Things Only True Aussies Know
Image: Michael Hall / The Image Bank / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Australia's a quirky country, with the isolation resulting in some pretty funny ways of living. We're known for our interesting lingo, rowdy attitudes and general way of life which focuses on taking things easy. There are plenty of unique things which bring all Aussies together. In fact, we take a lot of pride in what makes us Australian, whether that's heaping up the Milo or slathering on the Vegemite!

However, with all our unique traditions, we've seen plenty of misinformation and stereotypes about what Aussies are like. Do we ride kangaroos to school? Have we all been in a tussle with a shark before? And what childhood memories and pop culture references unite us all? This is the quiz you need to sort fact from fiction and determine how much of a real Aussie you are! 

Think you're the real deal when it comes to all things Australiana? Can you tell your sangas from your snags? Or your cozzies from your mozzies? This is the ultimate test for Australians, covering 35 things only true Aussies know. With Australia being an incredibly diverse and vast country, this quiz might not be as easy as you think! Let's see how you fare with Australian memes, meals and more.

Aussies 1
AtomicZen / Moment / Getty Images
The bustling city of Melbourne is known for its crazy weather. What's it like?
Insanely hot
Frequently flash flooding
Wildly stormy
Incredibly unpredictable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All Aussies know that Melbourne is known for its wild weather, with locals often quipping that the city sees four seasons in a day. Some days it can be boiling in the morning and pouring rain in the evening!

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Aussies 2
Wiki Commons by Spasmsmash
Which Wiggle has been part of the entertainment group for the longest?
Anthony
Jeff
Greg
Murray
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Anthony, far right, is the only original cast member left in the beloved children's show "The Wiggles." The other three original members have since retired from their roles, and the Wiggles now have new members — including the first female Wiggle ever!

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Aussies 3
Wiki Commons by State Library of New South Wales
You bring a pack of Arnott's Family Assorted biscuits to a party. Which bikkie will be snapped up first?
Scotch finger
Nice
Choc ripple
Milk arrowroot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's widely known that the choc ripple biscuit is everyone's favourite Arnott's biscuit. The more "mature" flavours, like the Scotch finger and the Nice biscuit, are typically left until last! Lucky you if they're your favourites.

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Aussies 4
Wiki Commons by Yamavu & frank wouters
How deadly is the Australian drop bear?
Absolutely lethal
Can be dangerous if angered
Not harmful at all
Dangerous if wet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Every real Aussie knows the true danger of drop bears (which sometimes camouflage as koalas). They're known to plunge down from tree canopies to savagely attack humans. Of course, if you're a real Aussie, you'll know this is a joke. ;)

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Aussies 5
Randy Faris / Fuse / Corbis / Getty Images
Your mate is suffering from tall poppy syndrome. What is going on with them?
They're growing too tall.
They are becoming forgetful.
They are outperforming others or overachieving.
They are collecting too many houseplants.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aussies are known for abhorring tall poppy syndrome, which refers to someone outperforming or overachieving above others. It's thought to be pretentious in our egalitarian society!

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Aussies 6
Wiki Commons by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade & Commonwealth of Australia
How many prime ministers did Australia go through between 2007 and 2018?
Seven
Three
Four
Two
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Australia had a whirlwind 11 years which saw seven prime ministers go in and out of office: John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Rudd again, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. No job security there!

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Aussies 7
Jupiterimages / BananaStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Which Aussie tune is guaranteed to start a singalong?
"Africa" by Toto
"I Want You" by Savage Garden
"The Horses" by Daryl Braithwaite
"Eagle Rock" by Daddy Cool
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This song has become a phenomenal meme in Australia and is guaranteed to get everyone singing along at the top of their lungs at any event or social function. Make sure to get familiar with the lyrics!

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Aussies 8
ABC1 / HBO
Which male comedian is known for his role as a teenage girl?
Dave Hughes
Hamish Blake
Adam Hills
Chris Lilley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chris Lilley gained legend status by playing a schoolgirl called Ja'mie in the hit show "Summer Heights High," and then in a spinoff focusing just on her, titled "Ja'mie: Private School Girl." Both sitcoms are mockumentaries.

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Aussies 9
JohnnyGreig / E+ / Getty Images
How old is the Indigenous Australian culture?
Over 40,000 years old
Around 10,000 years old
30,000 years old
5,000 years old
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known as the oldest culture in the world, Indigenous Australians are thought to have inhabited the continent for over 40,000 years. Their traditions and ancestral knowledge continue to influence Australian culture.

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Aussies 10
Nine Network
Who gained infamy for throwing a house party?
Kath & Kim
Paul Hogan
Nick Kyrgios
Corey Worthington
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quickly becoming an internet meme, rowdy teen Corey Worthington remained defiant when interviewed on live television about an out-of-control house party he threw in the late 2000s. "I'm not taking my sunnies off" is now an iconic phrase.

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Aussies 11
Wiki Commons by Gemsling
Which of these items does not belong at a children's birthday party?
Supermarket mud cake
Fairy bread
Sausage rolls
HSP
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While all these items are classic Australian foods, the HSP (or Halal Snack Pack) is the one that doesn't quite belong at a children's party. It's instead a much-loved late night snack for many Aussies.

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Aussies 12
Wiki Commons by Velovotee
Which Australian politician is known for their nasal catchphrase "Please explain"?
Sarah Hansen-Young
Julia Gillard
Pauline Hanson
Jacqui Lambie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Controversial politician Pauline Hanson quickly became famous for her interesting way of speaking, with this snippet in an interview now being a well-known meme that we love to parody. Her political party is called Pauline Hanson's One Nation.

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Aussies 13
Wiki Commons by Bidgee
What is the hardware store Bunnings most known for?
Their great selection of hardware
Their friendly staff
Their sausage sizzles
Their giveaways
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yep, the Bunning's sausage sizzle is so loved that many people only go to the hardware store for the humble sausage, onions and tomato sauce wrapped up in a slice of white bread. Have some nuts and bolts on the side?

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Aussies 14
Wiki Commons by Stevage
Imagine you're lost in the bush. What's the best way of orienting yourself?
Never Eat Soggy Weet-Bix
North Easy, South Wicked
Not Every Surfer Waves
Now Every Snake Wiggles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Every primary school kid learnt to orient themselves by keeping Never Eat Soggy Weet-Bix in mind. This adage still helps many Aussie adults remember their directions! It's a great example of a mnemonic.

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Aussies 15
xavierarnau / E+ / Getty Images
What coffee order do Aussies love the most?
Cappucino
Mocha
Flat white
Latte
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Australians invented the flat white, which consists of espresso and microfoam. It's similar to a latte, but smaller and more concentrated. We Aussies are incredibly fond of our coffee, with the flat white reigning supreme.

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Aussies 16
Wiki Commons by Katja Schulz
You've just spotted a bin chicken — what is it?
Magpie
Raw chicken in the bin
Ibis
Seagull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The freaky-looking ibis is known by Australians as the bin chicken, due to its scavenging habits. It's even been voted as the runner-up in Australia's favourite bird competition as a joke!

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Aussies 17
Seven Network / ABC
Which TV show jingle starts with "Have you ever/ Ever felt like this?"
"Saddle Club"
"Round the Twist"
"Play School"
"Giggle and Hoot"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Round the Twist" is an iconic Aussie kids' show with a focus on fantasy and comedy. The opening theme song is something many Aussies still remember, and people even visit the lighthouse featured in the show.

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Aussies 18
FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images
Which instrument has every Aussie kid mastered?
The triangle
The recorder
The bongo drums
The ukulele
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aussie kids all know the horrific sound of the recorder and the feeling of having to perform "Hot Cross Buns" for the entire school. Were you one of the kids who went from learning the recorder to playing another woodwind instrument?

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Aussies 19
Belinda Howell / Moment / Getty Images
What was traditionally the most essential component of any Australia Day hangout?
A dip in the backyard pool
A game of Twister
The triple j Hottest 100 countdown
A Macca's run
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aussies around the country vote for their favourite songs of the year, which are then announced on the annual triple j Hottest 100 radio show. In recent years, controversy over the appropriateness of celebrating Australia Day has caused radio station triple j to choose a new date for the countdown.

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Aussies 20
ABC
Which Australian PM infamously chomped down on a raw onion?
John Howard
Kevin Rudd
Malcolm Turnbull
Tony Abbott
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tony Abbott was famously out of touch as a prime minister, once taking a bite out of a whole raw onion, not even peeled, while touring a farm in Tasmania. He's also been known for donning Speedos!

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Aussies 21
petekarici / E+ / Getty Images
What will most year 12 students be found doing on their last day of class?
Participating in muck up day
Throwing graduation caps in the air
Applying to university
Going to Bali
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Muck up day refers to pranks carried out by year 12 students on their last day of school before exams. From toilet papering the school to getting creative with chalk, Aussies have heaps of fun traditions for muck up day.

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Aussies 22
Simon McGill / Moment / Getty Images
How are wheelie bins typically used in the summer?
For storing drinks
For keeping out snakes
For backyard cricket
For taking out the rubbish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wheelie bins are typically used as cricket stumps for backyard cricket games, with stickers or sticky tape being used to mark the stumps. What better way to spend the summer? Note to non-Aussies: a wheelie bin is simply a large outdoor trash can with wheels.

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Aussies 23
Rimfire Films
The classic Aussie film "Crocodile Dundee" features what famous line?
"How's the serenity?"
"Look at me!"
"You're terrible, Muriel."
"That's not a knife. That's a knife."
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Crocodile Dundee," released in 1986, is an iconic Australian movie featuring a classic depiction of an Aussie bloke. The action-comedy is still well-known and adored by many Aussies.

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Aussies 24
Network Ten
Who won the first season of "Australian Idol"?
Ricki-Lee
Shannon Noll
Guy Sebastian
Delta Goodrem
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Guy Sebastian is the wildly successful winner of the first season of "Australian Idol," now an internationally recognised artist. Other famous contestants include Jessica Mauboy and Matt Corby.

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Aussies 25
Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures / Kennedy Miller Mitchell / RatPac-Dune Entertainment
What's the highest grossing Australian film of all time?
"Australia"
"Crocodile Dundee"
"Happy Feet"
"Mad Max: Fury Road"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One reason "Crocodile Dundee" is such a classic is its legendary sales around the world. The movie has in fact shaped how many people view Australians. Paul Hogan played the title character.

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Aussies 26
Village Roadshow / Miramax Films
If you've just won a new trophy, where should it go?
Straight to the pool room
On the bookshelf
On a mantel
In the trophy room
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This classic line comes from the legendary Australian film "The Castle," in which any prized or treasured possession is taken straight to the pool room, which is essentially a man cave! The beloved movie was shot in just 11 days.

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Aussies 27
skynesher / E+ / Getty Images
How do Australians say "no"?
"Nein"
"Nope"
"Yeah, nah"
"Nah, yeah"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Often confusing for visitors, "yeah, nah" is a sort of casual, dismissive "no," while "nah, yeah" is a "yes." Context and tone are key here, so make sure to listen out for this when met with a "yeah, nah" or "nah, yeah."

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Aussies 28
Wiki Commons by BrisbanePom
Which of these "big things" does not exist in Australia?
Big Banana
Big Prawn
Big Pineapple
Big Chip
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Australia is known for its big things, with some of the most famous including the Big Banana, Big Prawn and Big Pineapple. Unfortunately, the Big Chip does not exist (yet)! How many of these landmarks have you visited?

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Aussies 29
Wiki Commons by Nick carson
Which one of these is not an Australian invention?
Flight recorder
Hills Hoist
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For a country with a relatively small population, Australia has developed some very important inventions. Unfortunately, we can't claim Bluetooth, which was invented by a Dutchman. For non-Aussies: a Hills Hoist is an awesome rotary clothesline.

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Aussies 30
John Carnemolla / Manuel ROMARIS / Corbis Documentary / Moment / Getty Images / Wiki Commons by Cfitzart
Which birds do Australians fear the most in spring?
Crows
Magpies
Emus
Turkeys
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Magpies are known to be savage creatures, especially during spring — September and October — when they are more determined to protect their nests. This is known as swooping season, with magpies swooping down on humans who get too close to their nests.

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Aussies 31
Motor Finance Wizard
What is Motor Finance Wizard going to say to you?
No worries
Done deal
YES
Absolutely!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Car loan provider Motor Finance Wizard was known for their incessant advertisements in the 2000s, in which they continuously repeated, "Motor Finance Wizard says yes!" The catchphrase is well known by all Aussies!

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Aussies 32
Wiki Commons by Yousuf Karsh / CandO_Designs / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
Which of these is not a real historic event?
The Great Emu War
An Australian Prime Minister going missing on a swim
A live platypus being sent to Winston Churchill
Parliament House being rebuilt after a fire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While Canberra has an Old Parliament House and New Parliament House, the new one was only built to accommodate the needs of the government better — not because the old one burnt down!

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Aussies 33
TourismAustraliaUSA via YouTube
Who asked, "Where the bl***y h**l are ya?" in an ill-fated tourism ad?
Kylie Minogue
Nicole Kidman
Lara Bingle
Margot Robbie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A tourism ad featuring supermodel Lara Bingle asking, "Where the bl**** h** are ya?" quickly became a joke among Aussies, due to how forced it sounded and how it didn't translate well to other countries. The ad was banned in the U.K.

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Aussies 34
TAFE NSW
What phone number can true Aussies never get out of their minds?
000
911
13 22 00
1300 6 555 06
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Reading Writing Hotline had a famous jingle in their TV ads that featured their phone number. You can bet every Aussie remembers the melody of their "one three double oh six triple five oh six!"

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Aussies 35
Network Ten
What will you find on Ramsay Street?
"The Bachelor" house
The "Bondi Rescue" team
The set of "Home & Away"
The fictional location of "Neighbours"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The classic Australian soapie "Neighbours" is set on the fictitious Ramsay Street in the equally fictitious suburb of Erinsborough. The actual location of filming is in the Melbourne suburb of Vermont.

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Michael Hall / The Image Bank / Getty Images