Australia : The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the most isolated city in the world, it is closer to Singapore than it is to Sydney. Australia is the world’s largest island, smallest continent and today it has one of the world’s highest standards of living.

The belief in being “Fair Dinkum” – honest, up-front and a person who keeps to their word harks back to pioneering days. That isn’t to say that the phrase is obsolete today because immigrants were quick to pick it up. They converted to what epitomized the Australian way of life and with a new intensity.

Culture Smart! is a concise guide to understanding the Australian people. It will illuminate the complexities of their collective personality. Familiarise yourself with their customs, traditions and culture and experience Australia authentically.


"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

BARRY PENNEY is an Australian teacher, trainer, and management executive. After graduating from the University of Adelaide, he worked in education before specializing in sales, sales management, and marketing for several multinational corporations. He went on to study at The Australian Administrative Staff College, Victoria. Barry has lived and worked in the United States, Britain, and Turkey. On returning to Australia he established a management training business. He has devised and conducted marketing and presentation courses, has published several short stories, and teaches English to foreign language students. He is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.