Australia & Oceania
Explore the culture of Australia and Oceania
start
oceania and australia
Australia and Oceania are regions rich in diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Oceania is made up of thousands of islands, including places like New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. Each island group has its unique cultures, languages, and customs. Festivals and communal events, many of which are linked to religious or agricultural cycles, play a central role in these cultures. Across Australia and Oceania, people often value close-knit communities and respect for nature. The region’s cultures are a blend of ancient traditions and influences from around the world. The region includes the countries of: Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, Fiji,Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu & Vanuatu.
Click here to learn more about Sydney, Australia
where is oceania and australia?
Location
Borders
- East: Pacific Ocean
- South: Indian Ocean
- West: Indian Ocean
key information
Oceania and Australia's Ethnic Cultures
+info
Languages
+info
Religion
+info
Click play to listen to the national anthem of New Zealand.
Culture
Art
Sport
Tattooing is a deeply significant art form in Polynesian cultures,Traditional tattoos, known as tatau in Samoa, often cover large parts of the body and are created using handmade tools. The designs are highly symbolic, representing a person’s genealogy, social status, achievements, and connection to their ancestors. In Māori culture, ta moko is the traditional form of tattooing. These tattoos are unique to each individual and tell a story of their lineage, social standing, and personal achievements.
Rugby is hugely popular in many parts of Oceania, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, is famous worldwide, known for their skill and the pre-match Haka, a traditional Māori war dance.
Dance
Kite Flying
Kite flying in the Pacific Islands is a culturally significant activity that goes beyond mere entertainment; it often carries symbolic meanings and is associated with various traditions and ceremonies. In some Pacific Islands, kite flying is celebrated during festivals, where communities come together to create and fly kites. Kite flying competitions are also popular, with participants competing to see whose kite can fly the highest, stay aloft the longest, or perform the best aerial maneuvers.
The Haka is a traditional Māori dance and chant, performed by groups to display strength, unity, and a connection to ancestors. While it is most famous as part of New Zealand’s rugby tradition, it is also performed at cultural events and ceremonies.
Click here to watch a haku dance
explore more!
Sydney Opera House
Tangariro National Park
Great Barrier Reef
Port Arthur, Tasmania
Australia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The reef is home to thousands of species of marine life, including colorful corals, fish, sea turtles, and sharks.
Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant historical sites, originally established as a penal colony in the early 19th century. Located on the island of Tasmania, it was a place where convicts were sent from Britain. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.
New Zealand’s oldest national park, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes. It holds deep spiritual significance for the Māori people and includes active volcanoes, such as Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.
This architectural masterpiece, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It is celebrated for its innovative design and its role as a performing arts center.
Religion in Oceania and Australia
Christianity is the main religion of the region, especially in Australia, New Zealand, and most Pacific island nations. It has been the dominant faith since the arrival of European settlers and missionaries and continues to play a central role in the cultural and social life of the region. Catholicism and Anglican are the most widespread Christian denominations across Australia and Oceania. Traditional indigenous beliefs and practices also remain significant in many parts of Oceania.
Watch the Samoa's haka dance before a rugby match.
Languages
The languages and language groups reflect the region's complex cultural and historical landscape. Australia: English is the official language in Australia. There are hundreds of indigenous languages in Australia but many are endangered. New Zealand: English is the official language in New Zealand. Māori is the language of the Indigenous Māori people and one of New Zealand's official languages. It is taught in schools and used in cultural ceremonies and media. Oceania: Austronesian languages are spoken on many Pacific Islands including the languages Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian, and Fijian. The Papuan language is spoken in Papua New Guinea. English is a widely spoken second language throughout Oceania. French is spoken in territories like New Caledonia.
Watch the greatest moments of Australia's Rugby World Cup
Oceania and Australia's Ethnic Cultures
Oceania and Australia are home to a vast array of ethnic cultures. Click on each number on the map to the right to learn more about the cultures of Oceania and Australia.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia, is the largest and one of the oldest cities in the country, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Founded in 1788, Sydney was the site of the first British colony in Australia, initially established as a penal colony. Over time, it grew from a small settlement into a bustling port city and eventually became a major center of commerce, culture, and immigration. Culturally, Sydney is diverse and dynamic, reflecting its history as a gateway for people from around the world. The city is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, both symbols of modern Australia. Sydney’s cultural scene includes world-class museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals, celebrating everything from traditional Aboriginal culture to contemporary art and music.
Australia and Oceania Culture Slides
Epic Design Team
Created on August 15, 2024
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Akihabara Microsite
View
Essential Microsite
View
Essential CV
View
Practical Microsite
View
Akihabara Resume
View
Tourism Guide Microsite
View
Online Product Catalog
Explore all templates
Transcript
Australia & Oceania
Explore the culture of Australia and Oceania
start
oceania and australia
Australia and Oceania are regions rich in diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Oceania is made up of thousands of islands, including places like New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. Each island group has its unique cultures, languages, and customs. Festivals and communal events, many of which are linked to religious or agricultural cycles, play a central role in these cultures. Across Australia and Oceania, people often value close-knit communities and respect for nature. The region’s cultures are a blend of ancient traditions and influences from around the world. The region includes the countries of: Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, Fiji,Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu & Vanuatu.
Click here to learn more about Sydney, Australia
where is oceania and australia?
Location
Borders
key information
Oceania and Australia's Ethnic Cultures
+info
Languages
+info
Religion
+info
Click play to listen to the national anthem of New Zealand.
Culture
Art
Sport
Tattooing is a deeply significant art form in Polynesian cultures,Traditional tattoos, known as tatau in Samoa, often cover large parts of the body and are created using handmade tools. The designs are highly symbolic, representing a person’s genealogy, social status, achievements, and connection to their ancestors. In Māori culture, ta moko is the traditional form of tattooing. These tattoos are unique to each individual and tell a story of their lineage, social standing, and personal achievements.
Rugby is hugely popular in many parts of Oceania, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, is famous worldwide, known for their skill and the pre-match Haka, a traditional Māori war dance.
Dance
Kite Flying
Kite flying in the Pacific Islands is a culturally significant activity that goes beyond mere entertainment; it often carries symbolic meanings and is associated with various traditions and ceremonies. In some Pacific Islands, kite flying is celebrated during festivals, where communities come together to create and fly kites. Kite flying competitions are also popular, with participants competing to see whose kite can fly the highest, stay aloft the longest, or perform the best aerial maneuvers.
The Haka is a traditional Māori dance and chant, performed by groups to display strength, unity, and a connection to ancestors. While it is most famous as part of New Zealand’s rugby tradition, it is also performed at cultural events and ceremonies.
Click here to watch a haku dance
explore more!
Sydney Opera House
Tangariro National Park
Great Barrier Reef
Port Arthur, Tasmania
Australia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The reef is home to thousands of species of marine life, including colorful corals, fish, sea turtles, and sharks.
Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant historical sites, originally established as a penal colony in the early 19th century. Located on the island of Tasmania, it was a place where convicts were sent from Britain. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.
New Zealand’s oldest national park, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes. It holds deep spiritual significance for the Māori people and includes active volcanoes, such as Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.
This architectural masterpiece, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It is celebrated for its innovative design and its role as a performing arts center.
Religion in Oceania and Australia
Christianity is the main religion of the region, especially in Australia, New Zealand, and most Pacific island nations. It has been the dominant faith since the arrival of European settlers and missionaries and continues to play a central role in the cultural and social life of the region. Catholicism and Anglican are the most widespread Christian denominations across Australia and Oceania. Traditional indigenous beliefs and practices also remain significant in many parts of Oceania.
Watch the Samoa's haka dance before a rugby match.
Languages
The languages and language groups reflect the region's complex cultural and historical landscape. Australia: English is the official language in Australia. There are hundreds of indigenous languages in Australia but many are endangered. New Zealand: English is the official language in New Zealand. Māori is the language of the Indigenous Māori people and one of New Zealand's official languages. It is taught in schools and used in cultural ceremonies and media. Oceania: Austronesian languages are spoken on many Pacific Islands including the languages Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian, and Fijian. The Papuan language is spoken in Papua New Guinea. English is a widely spoken second language throughout Oceania. French is spoken in territories like New Caledonia.
Watch the greatest moments of Australia's Rugby World Cup
Oceania and Australia's Ethnic Cultures
Oceania and Australia are home to a vast array of ethnic cultures. Click on each number on the map to the right to learn more about the cultures of Oceania and Australia.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia, is the largest and one of the oldest cities in the country, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Founded in 1788, Sydney was the site of the first British colony in Australia, initially established as a penal colony. Over time, it grew from a small settlement into a bustling port city and eventually became a major center of commerce, culture, and immigration. Culturally, Sydney is diverse and dynamic, reflecting its history as a gateway for people from around the world. The city is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, both symbols of modern Australia. Sydney’s cultural scene includes world-class museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals, celebrating everything from traditional Aboriginal culture to contemporary art and music.