There is something world famous about Australians, namely their open and friendly attitude. Of course food, events, art and history are an important part of Australian culture, but what really sets Australians apart is their relaxed outlook on life. It's how friends show up unannounced to chat (but always with a six-pack of beer) It's the reason you'll hear “don't worry, bro” between strangers on the street. Most importantly, it's about pushing aside stress to appreciate the good things in life that are right in front of you.

To Australians, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. Friendship is at the heart of the Australian spirit – it is a national trait. Australians pride themselves on being good friends and neighbors, and not just to people they know. They tend to greet everyone from mail carriers to taxi drivers with “g’day” or “how ya going?”. For Australians, this emphasis on friendship fosters a cheerful and friendly attitude, and that everyone can be friends.

And who says only humans can be friends? With neighbors like little penguins, koalas and wallabies, animals are great companions, and our unique wildlife is part of what drives Australians' enthusiasm for the environment and sustainability.

From the red earth of Uluru to the clear blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests rich with flora and fauna, Australia is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world – so it's no surprise that Australians love being outdoors. This enthusiasm for nature runs in the blood of Australians, and stems from the foundations of the country's history; A respectful relationship with the earth has been central to Aboriginal culture for more than 50,000 years.

Seasonal wildlife means you can swim with whale sharks one month and manta rays the next. But locals also want to explore their own backyard. Sydneysiders enjoy swimming in the ocean at sunrise, Canberrans cycle around the lake at the weekend, and Perth's Kings Park is a favorite picnic spot for locals.