Australian Culture

With its well-established societal demographics, flourishing arts, cuisine and sports, beliefs and attitudes, Australian culture has provided significant influences and changes to the cultures of other societies across the globe.

Statistics show that the population of Australia is among the most urbanised in the world. Australian cities have become the melting pots of various cultures in the country. The native Aboriginal culture successfully survived the influx of Anglo-Irish immigrants; today the Anglo-Irish is considered to be the most pervasive cultural community. The influx of both non-English and English-speaking immigrants after World War II has added significantly to the survival of these cultural groups.

Australian arts are known and recognised internationally. One of the most admired art products of Australia is its contemporary architecture, where numerous iconic structures are common. Such architectural designs include Sydney Opera House, Parliament House, and the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Famous architects include Francis Greenway and Harry Seidler. Painting and sculpture has been part of the flourishing art of the nation. From the early stage of Australian settlement, there were many painting schools that have international reputations, such as Sir Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley, and Sir Russell Drysdale.

As to its cuisine, original wines and beers are internationally renowned. The well-known Vegemite spread that originates from Australia is now in the stores of foreign countries. Australia’s national sport is cricket; this sport has placed the nation in the top league of international cricketing competition. Its most famous winter sport is Rugby — this is common in Queensland and New South Wales. The well-known matches in Australian Rules football competition have comprised a significant part of the nation’s culture, particularly with regard to participation and attending.

Moreover, Australian character and beliefs were strongly shaped by tenets of its societies.