On February 14, 1966, Australia replaced its existing currency with the Australian dollar, which remains in use today. The transition was known as decimalisation, reflecting the shift to a system built around multiples of ten, with one dollar divided into one hundred cents. The government selected that specific date to help manage the changeover smoothly…
Tag: Australia
Fun Facts and Trivia About Emus
The scientific name for emu birds is Dromaius novaehollandiae, which translates to “fast-footed New Hollander.” While the ostrich lives in Africa and the emu lives in Australia, they are distantly related. Although emus cannot fly, they can run at speeds of up to 30 mph. The tiny 8-inch wings on an emu aren’t useless—they help…
Fun Facts and Trivia About Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit actually originated in China and has existed as early as the 12th century during the Song Dynasty. Originally, they were known as Chinese gooseberries. In Chinese, “kiwi fruit” is called 猕猴桃 (mí hóu táo), which translates to “macaque peach” or “monkey peach.” They didn’t really reach New Zealand until the 20th century. In…
Fun Fact: Valedictorian Alternatives in Australia
In Australia, instead of a traditional valedictorian they have a dux which is Latin for “leader.” Instead of GPA, it’s more determined by how much they contributed to the school.
Fun Fact: Hawaii and Macadamia Nuts
While native to Australia, it was actually Hawaii to be the ones to produce macadamia nuts on a commercial level.