Every year the fabulous Shellyrae from Book’d Out runs an Australian Day blog hop in which commenters can win a whole host of books. I think I’ve participated every year and I’m happy to participate again this year.
In celebration of Australia Day I thought I’d celebrate my favourite Australian things. Here goes, in no particular order:
Vegemite – seriously, there’s not much better than Vegemite on toast as comfort food, or anytime food!
- The Moriarty Sisters – If you haven’t heard of Liane Moriarty now, I don’t know where you’ve been. She’s one of my favourite, must-buy authors, but I also adore her sisters’ books. On
e of my top ten books I’ve ever read is I HAVE A BED MADE OF BUTTERMILK PANCAKES by her sister Jacyln Moriarty. And there’s another sister, Nicola, who also writes. So much talent in one family 🙂
- The Sunny Cowgirls – love this Aussie country music duo! My fave song of their’s is SIX PACK SHORT!!
- Offspring – undoubtedly one of the best TV dramas ever made. I’m m SO excited there’s going to be a series six after all!
Aeroplane Jelly – I love Aeroplane jelly, Aeroplane jelly for me!!! I still remember that advert from my childhood days and one of my favourite jelly things to make is Jelly Slice. Click here for a simple recipe.
- Our convict history
- Grant Denyer – when I had little little kids, Grant (as the travelling weatherman) kept me entertained on Sunrise in the mornings. When he left, I stopped watching breakfast TV.
- Liam Hemsworth – if you’ve seen THE DRESSMAKER, this requires NO explanation what-so-ever!!!
- Tim Tams – you’re surprised they’re so far down my list, aren’t ya? But remember, this isn’t in order 🙂 And nothing beats a Tim Tam Milo slam on a cold, winter’s day (yes, we do occasionally have them in Australia).
- Milo – see above. Although I also love it on its own on a cold day or in the evening while reading a good book 🙂
- Rural Romance – love reading our Aussie stories about small country communities and the wonderful, sometimes eccentric characters that live here. We’re so lucky that there are so many Aussie authors writing Aussie books now! And us authors are lucky there are so many wonderful readers hungry for them.
GIVEAWAY: So Aussies, what have I missed? And if you’re not an Aussie, what’s your favourite thing from where you live?
I’m giving away two prizes to two lucky commenters – to on Aussie commenter, I’ll give a signed copy of THE ROAD TO HOPE and to an international commenter, I’ll send you a print (non-signed) copy of JILTED!! To enter, just let me know your favourite thing and don’t forget to leave your location.
Entries for this contest close January 27th at midnight EST (Australia) and I will email the winners and also announce on my FB page the next day.
Now, once you’ve commented on my post, don’t forgot to HOP ON OVER to Book’d Out where you’ll be able to enter ANOTHER giveaway AND see all the other blogs that are participating.
Happy Australia Day!
x
Rach!
Lisa Heidke
Love your work, Rach!
Prawns, sunshine and Aussie authors are my favourite things … and tennis. Did I mention tennis? xx
admin
OOh I do like tennis too 😉 Not very good, but am going to start lessons soon actually!!! xx
Catherine Heloise
Ooh, you have me craving jelly slice now! I sense a shopping trip in my future.
I’m a Melbourne girl, and a bit perverse, so one of my favourite things is our weather, especially the dramatic cool changes and the totally unseasonal temperatures at any time of year. Last year, I was out at afternoon tea with a friend who was having a bad day, and we looked out the window just in time to see a flurry of snow… in the middle of Brunswick! Picture a whole café full of people with their noses to the glass windows…
Thanks for doing this giveaway, Rachael!
Catherine
admin
Wow – that snow afternoon sounds amazing. I think your love of Melbourne weather is awesome. And, enjoy that jelly slice! x
Rachael Johns
Congrats Catherine – you’ve one a copy of THE ROAD TO HOPE!!! Email me at with your address and I’ll post your prize.
Bronwyn smith
Nothing better than to sit down with refrigerated tim tams, cup a tea and a good aussie read
admin
Yep – that’s pretty much my idea of bliss too. x Rach!
Stephanie
What a great post, Rachel.
I’d add beaches because as a brand new Australian permanent resident, I still can’t get over the abundance of gorgeous beaches. Now, if the rain would stop so I could actually go to the beach!
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂 And Happy Australia Day!
admin
Totally agree. I love our beaches. Hope the weather decides to play nice for you soon! x Rach!
Jess F
Hey Rachael, What a fantastic giveaway you are offering up! I’m not entering (I own your books) but wanted to show support to fellow blog hoppers. I totally agree with you on the Moriarty sisters. I first was introduced to them through Jaclyn and her teen books and then Liane and finally Nicole. That’s one really creative family there and I can’t sing their books high enough praises!
Also there is no better food then vegemite and butter on freshly cooked toast…yum!
Have an awesome Australia Day on Tuesday 🙂
admin
Waving – thanks for stopping by and sharing the love!! And hmm… I feel like some Vegemite on toast right now as it happens 🙂 x Rach!
Melissa Woods
Ohh, the good old bbq is not to be missed and also a swim at the local, whether it is pool or ocean. And not to missed out on, is a good glass or two of Aussie wine.
admin
Swimming is definitely an Australia Day must!! And amen for Aussie wine 🙂 x Rach!
Mary Preston
I would add the smell of crushed eucalyptus leaves to the list. Nothing compares.
I’m an Aussie through & through.
admin
Oh I totally agree, Mary! Gorgeous smell. x Rach!
Bett
Your last entry (Rural Romance) definitely hits the spot Rachael. I can’t live without my books.
admin
A heart after my own!! x Rach!
Kate
I use to love Sunday roasts, or any meal, usually chops and veg at my Grandparents place, I can’t get them cooked like my Gran use to cook them 🙂 wonderful memories, all finished with jelly and icecream
admin
I still haven’t managed to conquer cooking the perfect roast veggies other 🙁 x Rach!
Tanya Baker
I so love your competitions and reading Aussie rural romance.
This Australia Day my husband will be working (shearing) but I will definitely be having an Emu Export Beer!!!
admin
Yay – for a good cold drink 🙂 x Rach!
Naomi
Eating Prawns and pavlova, swimmimg with friends or sitting out along the river drinking and reading and Australian novel book.
admin
OMG – Pavlova! How did I miss that off my list. Love it! x Rach!
Margaret Milton
the beaches and the sunshine and do love vegemite on toast and what about Tim Tams yum yum 🙂 Love Aussie authors they are great 🙂
admin
Oh yes, always Tim Tams 🙂 And our Aussie beaches are to-die-for! x Rach!
Jane Elliott
Loving the beach, books & bbq for Australia Day !!
Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Have a great day all
Thanks Rach for the great offer, would love to share with my mum
admin
You’re welcome. Good luck 🙂 x Rach!
Julia Reynolds
My favourite Aussie thing is we still have the freedom to express ourselves, along with vegemite sunshine and the great outdoors
admin
Well said and so true! x Rach!
Len Klumpp
Our ANZACS. They fought to make this great Country what it is today.
admin
What a wonderful answer. So true. 🙂 x Rach!
Amy
Lamingtons, definitely lamingtons. There is also something wonderful and Australian about a good sausage sizzle. Oh, and I love our summer Christmases! I can’t imagine it being any different.
admin
You know I ALMOST put Lamingtons on my list. But then again, I could have gone on forever. x Rach!
Erin Noack
Living on the river is beautiful and one of my favourite things would be having a BBQ down the driver fishing or sking
admin
That sounds absolutely divine! x Rach!
Judy Ireland
BBQ in the summer, the outback anytime and the good Aussie spirit of helping others les fortunate, like the Burrumbuttock Hay runners.
admin
I couldn’t agree more 🙂 x Rach!
bev shields
Camping by the river with a good aussie romance book and a bottle or three of good australian wine
Bec Brown
The only thing i dont agree on your list is vegimite but you forgot pavalova!!! We really do live in the lucky country. (Aust)
admin
I can’t believe I forgot Pavlova! I have NO excuse. x Rach!
Wendy S
Lamb chops on the BBQ, avocado and vegemite on toast! And a good Australian book, there’s so many to choose from these days!
admin
Yum – you’re making me very hungry!! x Rach!
Janeen Bentley
Most fav think is chocolate & Matso’s Ginger Beer.
Vegemite on toast every morning except weekend when we have pancakes or nothing.
admin
Ooh but what KIND of chocolate? And I love pancakes on the weekend too. x Rach!
Amanda Barrett
Mem Fox – a national female Australian icon, teaching children the magic of reading from an early age 🙂
Amanda Barrett
My location is West Australia too 🙂
admin
Totally agree with you on Mem Fox. I think I STILL know WHERE IS THE GREEN SHEEP off by heart. x Rach!
Anne P
Love your list Rachael. Need to add lamingtons. Finished listening to Liane Moriarty’s The Husband’s Secret about an hour ago and loved it. I’ve just made some lamington balls (recipe on Taste.com.au) for friends (previously South African, became proud Aussies nearly 12 months ago) coming to stay tomorrow night to watch the fireworks here in Geelong.
admin
Ooh lamington bites sound amazing!! I’ll definitely have to give those a whirl! x Rach!
It’s the 2016 Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop! | book'd out
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Wendy L
Hi Rachael,
Absolutely love your books!
What I love about Australia is its bush. I grew up on the back of a horse riding in the country, under the eucalyptus trees, along the river banks, on treeless plains and through scrub, enjoying the magnificent and unique flora and fauna. What could be better!
Looking forward to your next book.
admin
Couldn’t agree more. I love the bush too. We live in the hills and are surrounded by natural bushland. Yes, we’re in a high risk fire zone but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. x Rach!
Michelle McKinnon
Love this post, I am lucky enough to see the harbour in Sydney everyday and I’m so lucky!
admin
Wow – that would be an amazing daily view. I’m lucky enough to usually see it a couple of times a year these days 🙂 x Rach!
Jenna Oh
I live in Finland and I love those thousand lakes we have here!
admin
Oh I would love to go to Finland one day. Those lakes sound beautiful! x Rach!
Rachael Johns
Hi Jenna – congrats on winning a copy of JILTED, email me your address to and I’ll arrange your prize! x Rach!
Julie McBride
Hi Rachael,
All of the things you mentioned as well as, The bush, the beaches and the bbq’s…..and cricket! 😉
admin
So much to love about Australia 🙂 x Rach!
Kelly
I think being an Aussie is just about being able to dream big, with opportunities you probably wouldn’t find in other countries. That we pride ourselves on our multicultural heritage and that it’s not an Aussie weekend without Bunnings on a Saturday and the good old sausage sizzle while you shop 😀
admin
Good answer, especially the Bunnings sausage sizzle!! x Rach!
Veronica
Not entering the giveaway ( I already have your books) but still wanted to join in.
I love that in Australia we can have the quiet of the outback and the hustle and bustle of the city. I love them both.
admin
Hey Veronica – thanks for already reading my books, and I totally agree with you re the outback and the city 🙂 x Rach!
Angel
I’ve heard so much about Vegemite, some say it’s the best thing ever and others….don’t agree 😛 Wish I could try it out myself. I’m all curious ^_^
oh, hi from the Netherlands 😀
admin
It might be an acquired taste!!! But if you acquire it, its the perfect comfort food! x Rach!
Dale
Favourite things from where I live are the pristine beaches. Another favourite thing is AFL and in particular The Sydney Swans.
admin
Oh Cathryn Hein will approve of your Sydney Swans love! x Rach!
Ann-Marie Day
Favourite things that are Australia…..the best thing ever….fairy bread.
How many memories does it bring.
Can never say no to fresh bread with vegemite. 😀
admin
Oh yes!! Fairy bread. I love it even as an adult 🙂 x Rach!
Sarah ellwood
There’s nothing more Aussie than a bbq at home with mates playing cricket in the backyard. We enjoy exploring tasmania in our 4×4 and finding the best secluded spots to set up camp and enjoy a night in nature’s peace and quiet.
admin
I love the camping part of this and I’m sure I’d enjoy the cricket part if I was remotely sporty 🙂 x Rach!
Alicia L
Milo! Got to love putting 10 billion spoons of it all over a bowl of ice-cream!! Fantastic prize 🙂 From Australia
Nat H
Backyard Cricket – where if it went over the fence it was 6 and out… The Silver Brumby and Brumbies in general… Definitely Pav..
Nicole
I love that we live in a country with the oldest living culture on Earth, even if we don’t always do the best job of recognising it.
admin
Great answer! x Rach!
Karen
Aussie music, movies and authors!
There is so much talent and diversity here in Australia, and it’s wonderful that we are able to share this talent with the world.
All of these things also go perfectly with Vegemite on buttery toast, Milo and Tim Tams.
Thanks for the chance to win one of your books Rachael. I have just finished Cleanskin Cowgirls, and absolutely loved it.
admin
Oh I totally agree. Especially the movie part, which I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet. My latest fave Aussie movie is definitely THE DRESSMAKER! x Rach!
Sue Gerhardt Griffiths
Hi Rachael, I’m with you on the vegemite – best taste ever. I’ve always wanted to read one of Jaclyn Moriarty’s books and now I will. Sunny Cowgirls are great. I grew up listening to John Williamson and he’s still my favourite country singer of all time.
My favourite Aussie things: BBQ’s, country drives, exploring our great land in a caravan, Aussie country music, Aussie authors, A Place to Call Home and Hugh Jackman.
admin
I’m determined to REREAD A Bed Made Of Buttermilk Pancakes this year. It was so cleverly structured if I’m remembering properly! And yes, I adore A PLACE TO CALL HOME as well. xx Rach~
Jay hicks
Digging deeper here Rach. Thinking of our national treasures: All the wonderful actors, artists, authors, sportspeople, activists, warriors, sharers and carers. Past and present – they are what makes us a truly great nation.
Awww. Geeez mate, pass the Kleenex.
admin
LOL on the Kleenex but I couldn’t agree more 🙂 x Rach!
bn100
the weather
admin
I quite agree 🙂 x
Laura Boon
Great sporting events like the Australian Open (Tennis).
admin
Oh yes, my son is LOVING watching to Open at the moment! x
Kira Jessup
There’s so much to love about being Australian and a lot of it’s already been covered. But I’ll add my 2c anyway. Beaches, bush, native fauna – echidna’s are my favourite, Aussie slang, and of course, the humble meat pie.
Happy Australia Day. 🙂
admin
Aw gotta love echidna’s. Must admit I’m not a fan of most meat pies but I do like a homemade one I make that has vegemite in it. Very Aussie 🙂 x
Stacey
Great list! I enjoy a good road trip with some BBQ shapes!
admin
Yay on the road trip – and hubby is a big fan of BBQ shapes too! xx
Rachael Johns
This contest is now CLOSED! Congrats to Catherine H and Jenna O who are the winners! x