How to Drink the Australian Way

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by in Advice, Destinations, Guest posts, Oceania

If there is one thing I learned from my time in London, it’s how to drink like an Australian. For the rest of you here is Chris from the Aussie Nomad to fill you in:

Australia is popular for a lot of things; kangaroo’s, Steve Irwin and that infamous phrase “Throw another shrimp on the barbie”. Something else most people associate with us is our love of beer, well our love to drink it to be exact.

Nobody can hide the fact Aussie’s don’t mind a drop of the amber liquid(that’s beer for all you foreigners). Records taken in 2004 had us ranked 4th in the world for consumption with the United States way down in 13th (that’s only 2 above New Zealand you know #justsaying). Blame it on our amazing weather or our laid back don’t worry about it attitude, we always know when its beer o’clock (even if it is at 12 in the afternoon… on a Tuesday).

You could be in Queensland and have a hankering for a XXXX (its pronounced four-ex don’t say X 4 times you’ll look like a dill) or be way down in Tasmania and want to try a glass of James Boag’s to see what the pure waters of Tassie can do for you. They are special, just watch this authentic video the brewery released:

Wherever you are just remember the following rules about beer etiquette and you’re sure to have a great time drinking in Australia:

  • Don’t under any circumstances order/speak/think of Fosters. Real Aussie’s don’t drink Fosters
  • Each state has a beer they are loyal too, check the logos on the beer taps before ordering
  • Your beer should never be more than arms length from you at all times. if you must visit the loo it must go with you
  • The only complaint you can make about a free beer is that it’s too warm
  • Never drink so slow that you let your beer get warm. You will have to finish it
  • Beer can only be bought in stubbies from the liquor store unless there is a possible issue with breakage in transport
  • If you find yourself buying rounds of drinks with an Aussie pray he has a girlfriend to go home too or you’re in for a long night
  • When someone says it’s your shout don’t scream at the top of your lungs. They just mean it’s your turn to buy the beer
  • When happy hour is on you will be expected to buy drinks in multiples
  • If going to visit a mate for a few drinks under no circumstances are you to arrive with less than a 6 pack
  • If your drinking light beer you better be of the female variety

While there are many more rules to beer drinking down under that should hopefully save you from the obvious question of “your not from around here are you mate”.

Lastly before you all turn into Aussie’s and comment the hell out of this post I wanted to tell you what beer Aussie’s really drink. After all I know from the moment I started this article you’ve all been dying to know. Well the time has arrived…

WE DRINK ANYTHING

Lastly let me leave you with a glimpse of some of our all time favorite beer advertisements. If they don’t leave your mouth dry then really you’re not welcome in Australia perhaps you should try New Zealand.

Chris is The Aussie Nomad . Your typical Aussie who loves a beer and a laugh. Burning the suit and packing his career into a backpack he’s setting off to travel and work the world over.

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39 Responses to “How to Drink the Australian Way”

  1. Johnny Vagabond

    25. Feb, 2010

    The best beer is OP beer: Other People’s! Or maybe that’s a Texas thing…
    .-= Johnny Vagabond´s last blog ..The Power of Good Friends and Facebook =-.

    Reply to this comment

  2. Garrett

    25. Feb, 2010

    I have to admit that the WORST hangover I have ever had came after a night of drinking mini-pitchers and watching rugby in downtown Sydney. I didn’t get up until 5:30 PM the next day.

    It was HORRIBLE.

    Reply to this comment

  3. SpunkyGirl

    25. Feb, 2010

    Haha, okay this is fantastic. I’ll have to remember this post if I ever end up in Australia!
    .-= SpunkyGirl´s last blog ..My 3 Best Kept Travel Secrets =-.

    Reply to this comment

  4. Nancy

    25. Feb, 2010

    Fantastic. Now I’m prepared to drink my arse off when I make it down there. Great tips. Great guest post.
    .-= Nancy´s last blog ..Musings on Used Bookstores =-.

    Reply to this comment

  5. Pete

    25. Feb, 2010

    Way to perpetuate stereotypes Steph. Everybody is always drunk in London, it’s the only way to get through the day there.

    Reply to this comment

  6. Becs

    25. Feb, 2010

    Learn what the term “goon” means before you arrive.

    (ps. the stories on the back of goon boxes (hint, hint) crack me up!!!)

    god, i sound like such a backpacker…

    Reply to this comment

  7. Candice

    25. Feb, 2010

    Oh Chris, this is my favorite post by you yet. I am going to take all these instructions to heart when I make it to Australia!
    .-= Candice´s last blog ..Disappointment, Running Into Doors, and Donkey Riding =-.

    Reply to this comment

  8. @annajura

    25. Feb, 2010

    Nice one Chris – show em how it’s done!

    and here’s the Aussie drinking song…

    All together now!

    “Here’s to Chris he’s true blue
    He’s a piss pot through and through
    He’s a bastard so they say
    He tried to go to heaven but he went the other way
    He went…*down down down down (continue till Chris finishes his drink).

    *Chris starts skulling(chugging) his beer.

    This group singalong is most likely to occur if you’re drinking with a bunch of Aussies and it’s someone’s birthday.

    cheers everyone!
    Anna

    Reply to this comment

  9. Abbey Hesser

    26. Feb, 2010

    Wow, Chris. This was my favorite post by you so far. Especially those videos. I’ve been cracking up for like 5 minutes straight! Hahaha. Can’t wait to try my hand at all Aussie beers this fall. Thanks for the tips and great idea for this Steph! Maybe you could start a series? One for each continent?
    .-= Abbey Hesser´s last blog ..Setting the Scene: Galway, Ireland =-.

    Reply to this comment

  10. Andi

    26. Feb, 2010

    Haha, this was really funny and oh-so-true! :)
    .-= Andi´s last blog ..Brasil: Day 5 (Part 1) =-.

    Reply to this comment

  11. jim

    26. Feb, 2010

    I think those rules have to be adopted everywhere. :)
    .-= jim´s last blog ..How to Avoid the Norovirus! =-.

    Reply to this comment

  12. DTravelsRound

    26. Feb, 2010

    Hahahaha. Absolutely brilliant, Chris!! I want all of my Aussie friends to read this.

    Steph — you need one on how to drink like an American ;)
    .-= DTravelsRound´s last blog ..Preparing for my RTW trip: bye bye blonde =-.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Feb, 2010

      Yeah I think we need a series! “How to drink like a brit, how to drink like a russian…”

      Reply to this comment

  13. Stephanie

    26. Feb, 2010

    When I venture my way Down Under, I’ll be sure to keep all of this in mind =) Hehe thank you!

    Reply to this comment

  14. Dave

    26. Feb, 2010

    I learned early, in Byron Bay, that Foster’s is NOT Australian for beer.
    .-= Dave´s last blog ..Friday Flashback: Southern Laos & The Mekong River =-.

    Reply to this comment

  15. ayngelina

    26. Feb, 2010

    Word on the street is if Chris wakes up and there aren’t 25 comments heads will be rolling so I’ll weigh in.

    Fosters isn’t that bad, I wouldn’t order it but if it were free I’d take it.
    .-= ayngelina´s last blog ..Saving for Long Term Travel =-.

    Reply to this comment

    • Chris - The Aussie Nomad

      27. Feb, 2010

      There was only 22 comments when I checked in and that was after breakfast :(

      In saying that Ayngelia you best only ever drink fosters when its given to you freely or I may have to re-think our friendship…

      Reply to this comment

  16. Au

    27. Feb, 2010

    I’m at the sunshine state and yet to try XXXX. There’s just too much variety here! I’ll have a swig or two of it with my mates next time. Btw, there’s a Filipino song called ‘Beer’ by Itchyworms. Hehehe

    Reply to this comment

  17. AdventureRob

    27. Feb, 2010

    I’ve been in Australia 8 months now, and still haven’t met an ozzie that can drink as long as I can :-( Any challengers out there?

    XXXX is nice, I also like VB (Victoria Bitter) I suppose because it’s like an English beer. Funnily enough I’ve only seen Fosters once here but am not having it, as it compels me to instantly vomit out the amber piss.

    Nice tips though Chris, good to read before going, but as with anything, you pick these things up when here. Goon is in every backpack in Australia I think.
    .-= AdventureRob´s last blog ..Hello Sydney =-.

    Reply to this comment

    • Chris - The Aussie Nomad

      27. Feb, 2010

      Thanks Rob, I’m not much of a VB fan. Much prefer a Coopers Pale Ale or a cheap one like Pure Blonde.

      Your right goon is a ritual and must also be tried by every visitor, the fact that its the cheapest drink you can buy in a 2 litre bag is beside the point :)

      Reply to this comment

  18. Cyprus Girl

    16. Mar, 2010

    24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence?

    Reply to this comment

  19. Michael

    19. May, 2010

    Hi Steph,

    Great article…looking at the comments it seems to me that there is a close following of all things Australian and drink-related.

    One of my favorite Australian experiences is having a cold one while on the east coast. Beautiful country!

    Australia all’n all is best done in Style!

    Have you seen what Harpers Bazaar, Esquire, Etihad, Tourism Queensland and Sydney have teamed up to for? aussieBum too!

    Check http://www.australiainstyle.co.uk

    Very stylish!

    Thanks again for the great post!

    Reply to this comment

  20. Caz Makepeace

    16. Jun, 2010

    I love my country and I miss these beer code of ethics. I can’t wait to return home soon for a couple of ice cold beers in frosted glass of Toohey’s New, and Carlton Draught and Crown Lager and James Boag and… so many to choose.
    Bottom’s Up
    See ya at the bottom!

    Reply to this comment

  21. Ian [EagerExistence]

    04. Aug, 2010

    Hahaha!

    “If you find yourself buying rounds of drinks with an Aussie pray he has a girlfriend to go home too or you’re in for a long night”

    So true.

    My favourites are the blokes who say “ok, we’ll hit the pub after work for a sneaky beer or two”… and we leave at 2am.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      04. Aug, 2010

      haha, a “cheeky beer” as I recall. Was just thinking you might want to check out Chris (the author of this guest post’s site for some inspiration) his plans were similar to yours.

      Reply to this comment

  22. Emily @Travelated

    17. Nov, 2010

    Fantastic and entertaining advice :) Now I’m prepared to get toasted in Australia :)

    Reply to this comment

  23. joe

    19. Mar, 2011

    Fourex when busted. Gotta be 2 degrees above freezing. Wine when flush from the Macedon Range, Cheers and tread lightly… that’s my foot.

    Reply to this comment

  24. carl

    06. Oct, 2011

    Give your head a shake,aussies can’t drink i’ve been a few times your light weights,Even drinking “before 12 ” ???

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      06. Oct, 2011

      Where are you from Carl? Somewhere hard drinking I’m guessing.

      Reply to this comment

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