Andrew Lancaster

Aussie BBQ Safety Tips

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Aussie BBQ

Trim the fat. Smoke some herbs. And carry a meat thermometer. These are among the tips that will assure you of safe and tasty grilling this Australian summer. Here’s your BBQ safety checklist.

New to Australia? Outdoor BBQs are a big part of everyday life here, especially in parks, beaches, and shared housing. Safety rules are taken seriously due to heat and fire risk.

BBQ Handling Safety

Whether you’re stoking charcoal at the beach or manning a state-of-the-art gas BBQ in your own backyard, safety comes first. So says Nancy Hughes, Weber’s oracle of grilling knowledge for the past 35 years. Her tips include:

  1. Always place the barbeque at least 3 metres away from a structure or other combustible surface. In Australia, this distance is especially important during summer when fire danger ratings can be high and total fire bans may apply.
  2. Be sure to place your BBQ on a flat, level surface so it won’t tip.
  3. Never light a gas-fired BBQ with the lid closed.
  4. After reattaching a gas tank, always check for leaks by brushing a soapy solution onto the connections. If you see bubbling at a connection, be sure to tighten the connection before you ignite the grill.
  5. Charcoal grills should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. Since charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes, do not store the BBQ indoors either. Some international students come from places where indoor charcoal cooking is common, but in Australia this is strictly outdoor use only.

“Keep children and pets away from a hot grill,” emphasises Ms Hughes. She suggests placing the BBQ away from traffic patterns and using outdoor furniture to block off the area around the flame. And always, she adds, read the owner’s manual before operating a new BBQ.

Food Handling Safety

Thousands of people every summer wind up in emergency rooms with food poisoning from eating improperly handled, cooked or stored food. Australia has strict food safety expectations, especially in shared housing and public BBQ areas, so basic hygiene matters. Never, says Ms Hughes, use the same plate to bring the food to and from the BBQ.

If you’re using a sauce or marinade, she says, pour it in a separate container before you apply it to the food. And don’t reuse the marinade.

Most BBQ food poisoning comes from bacteria on raw meat (especially poultry and minced meats) spreading to hands, benches, utensils, and ready-to-eat foods. Avoid rinsing or washing raw chicken, since splashes can spread contamination around the sink and prep area; focus on separation, cleaning, and thorough cooking instead. For public-health guidance, see NSW Food Authority advice.

The Dietetic Association recommends these four simple tips for hygienic, illness-free barbequing:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling uncooked foods.
  • Keep raw meats and ready-to-eat foods separate.
  • Refrigerate meat and other perishables to 4 degrees or colder.
  • Cook foods to the proper temperature. Hamburgers should be cooked to 66 degrees, chicken to 77 degrees, and beef, veal or lamb to 63.

Achieving Safe Cooking Temperatures

A food thermometer is the only way to be certain meat is thoroughly cooked, says Ms Hughes. It should be as much a part of your outdoor BBQ kit as your long-handled tongs and a timer, she adds.

If you don’t have a food thermometer handy, visual cues can be misleading and should not be relied on for food safety, especially for poultry and minced meats.

  • For beef patties, rissoles and sausages, check to see that only the very center is light pink.
  • For chicken, make a cut with a small, sharp knife. The flesh should be opaque all the way to the bone with no sign of pinkness.
  • Use a fork to prod fish. When it’s done, it will be firm and on the verge of flaking.

Food should never sit unrefrigerated for more than two hours. If the outdoor temperature is above 32 degrees, shorten that interval to one hour. In an Australian summer, heat can spoil food quickly, so coolers or eskies are commonly used to keep food safe outdoors.

Mayonnaise often gets the rap in food-poisoning cases, but many times it’s an ingredient in the salad that’s the real culprit. Tuna, pasta, potatoes and eggs all need to be refrigerated before being mixed into a salad. This prevents bacteria from possibly being introduced into the finished product

BBQ Technique

Flare-ups not only are dangerous but the fastest way to ruin a BBQ meal. Remember, you want to sear the food, not burn it. To prevent flare-ups, remove excess fat from meats and shake off extra marinade.

Don’t overcrowd the BBQ plate or grill. Overcrowding causes your food to steam, not sear. And refrain from poking and turning. “A lot of guys think that grilling means turning everything 40 times,” says celebrity chef Bobby Flay and contributor the FoodTV.com. “I use really high heat, turn it once and let a nice crust form. It sears in the flavor and keeps food from sticking.” Brushing oil onto the metal plate also helps to keep food from sticking.

If you’re someone who likes the intensely smoky flavour, Ms Hughes recommends adding wood chips from trees such as Oakwood, Jarrah and Ironbark. Start by soaking the chips in water for 45 minutes before wrapping them in aluminum foil. Puncture the foil to let the smoke escape. Place the bundle on the hottest part of your BBQ — but never directly above the flames.

Herbs can be used in a similar way to add scent and flavor to an entree, especially seafood. Simply soak and drain dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage and tarragon, and sprinkle them directly on the coals just before cooking.

Good Food Options: Quick Healthy Meals and Dinner Ideas

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Healthy low fat breakfast

Just because you want to enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet does not mean you have to stop eating your favourite dishes. You can still enjoy most of them regularly by adapting recipes in ways that improve food quality without making meals miserable.

New to Australia? Supermarkets are well stocked with fresh meat, dairy, and produce, and most people cook simple meals at home rather than relying on daily takeaway.

The biggest upgrade for most people is not “low fat.” It is reducing ultra-processed food and keeping refined carbs and added sugar under control. Build meals around real ingredients: meat, fish, eggs, dairy, vegetables, fruit, legumes (if you tolerate them), and minimally processed starches when you want them. Use fats on purpose for flavour and satiety, not as something to fear.

If you are exploring nutrition as a field of study, you may find this overview of Australian nutrition and health programs useful: nutrition and health programs in Australia.

Quick Healthy Meals and Dinner Ideas

Many people simply want good food options they can cook quickly after work. A useful rule is to build a meal around a protein, add vegetables, and then include a starch if you want one. Below are practical meal ideas that work for lunch or dinner and can usually be prepared in under 30 minutes.

In Australia, common ingredients such as chicken, mince, eggs, rice, and frozen vegetables are affordable and widely available, making these meals easy to prepare even on a student budget.

  • Grilled chicken, roast vegetables and potatoes
  • Pan-fried salmon with rice and steamed greens
  • Beef mince stir-fry with vegetables and soy or garlic sauce
  • Omelette with cheese, spinach and mushrooms
  • Greek yoghurt bowl with fruit, nuts and honey (simple lunch option)
  • Eggs on sourdough toast with avocado
  • Chicken salad with olive oil dressing
  • Tuna mixed with mayo, served with crackers or salad
  • Slow-cooker or leftover roast meat wraps
  • Bean chilli or lentil soup with buttered bread

For nights when cooking feels impossible, even simple combinations such as cheese, fruit, nuts and yoghurt can function as a complete meal. The goal is not perfection. It is replacing highly processed takeaway habits with real food most of the time.

Cooking Methods

  • Instead of frying everything in large amounts of oil, use the method that fits the food. Pan-fry, grill, roast, slow-cook, and air-fry all work. The goal is better ingredients and sensible portions, not “no fat.”
  • When cooking meat and poultry, favour simple methods that keep food satisfying without needing sugary sauces or heavy breading. Season well with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, garlic, and lemon. Pre-mixed spice blends are easy to find in Australian supermarkets if you are building a basic kitchen from scratch.
  • If you enjoy Sunday roasts, roast vegetables separately so you control the texture and avoid turning them into sugary, starchy sides. Aim for a larger share of non-starchy veg (greens, zucchini, capsicum, mushrooms, cauliflower).
  • Instead of battering and deep-frying fish, grilling or baking with herbs and spices keeps the flavour while using fewer processed coatings.
  • For crispness and comfort food texture, oven roasting or air-frying with a small amount of oil often replaces deep-frying successfully.

Better Protein and Real-Food Fats

  • Protein often anchors meals (meat, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese) and tends to reduce between-meal snacking. Halal and other dietary-specific meat options are widely available in major cities and many suburban areas.
  • Fats can be used deliberately for taste and satiety: olive oil, butter, cheese, avocado, nuts, and full-fat dairy can all fit into normal eating patterns.
  • Processed meats and processed “meal kits” are easier to keep occasional rather than daily staples.
  • Tomato-based sauces, pesto, herb sauces, and pan sauces made from stock and butter or oil usually replace sweet bottled sauces effectively.

Carb Quality and Portions

  • Refined carbs are easiest to overeat. Bread, pastries, chips, and sugary cereals tend not to keep people full for long.
  • Common practical carb foods include potatoes, oats, rice in moderate portions, legumes (if tolerated), and fruit. Rice and flatbreads are easy to find if you prefer familiar staples from home.
  • “Health” snacks such as sweetened yoghurt, muesli bars, and bottled smoothies often function more like desserts.
  • Many people find a smaller serve of dessert after a proper meal more satisfying than grazing on snack foods.

Drinks That Don’t Undermine Meals

  • Soft drinks and sweetened drinks can add large amounts of energy without affecting fullness. Water, sparkling water, and unsweetened tea or coffee are simpler everyday choices. Tap water in Australia is safe to drink in most areas, which makes it an easy default. See: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Sugary Drinks.
  • Alcohol is often easiest to manage when occasional and spaced with water.

Note: This is general nutrition information only. If you have diabetes, fatty liver disease, high triglycerides, or another metabolic condition, the appropriate dietary approach may vary. A qualified clinician or dietitian can provide individual guidance.

How Did the Tasmanian Tiger Become Extinct?

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Black and white photo of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger photo

The last known thylacine died in captivity at a zoo in Hobart, Tasmania on September 7th 1936. The species was officially declared extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1986. How did this happen?

In short, the Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, became extinct due to a combination of factors, especially hunting, habitat loss, and disease. It was already in small numbers and confined to the island of Tasmania when Europeans arrived. Hunters with guns soon decimated what was left of the species.

Let’s explore more about the fate of this intriguing animal.

What Happened to the Tasmanian Tiger?

The fate of the Tasmanian Tiger has been the subject of intense debate and investigation since the last known Thylacine died in captivity on 7 September 1936.

Artistic impression of the mythical Tasmanian Tiger

CFZ Zoological Director Richard Freeman has told the Guardian newspaper that he has “no doubt” the species still exists“. According to Freeman,

The area is so damn remote, there are so many prey species and we have so many reliable witnesses who know the bush that I’d say there is a reasonable population of them left. … The people who say they’ve seen it have nothing to gain and everything to lose. I’d say there is a population of at least 300 of them.

Hunting, Habitat Loss and Disease

The fossil record provides evidence that the thylacine lived on mainland Australia, to perhaps around 2,000 years ago. Competition from dingoes may have wiped out the species there. It was left vulnerable and isolated and, therefore, unable to withstand modern hunting.

Hunting: The thylacine was hunted extensively by European settlers in Tasmania, Australia, who saw the animal as a threat to their livestock. Bounty schemes were put in place to encourage hunting of the thylacine, and by the early 20th century, the species was considered to be rare.

Habitat loss: The arrival of Europeans in Tasmania also led to the destruction of the thylacine’s natural habitat, as forests were cleared for agriculture and urban development. This reduced the animal’s range and made it harder for them to find food and shelter.

Disease: Some scientists have also suggested that disease may have played a role in the thylacine’s extinction. The thylacine was known to be susceptible to the same diseases as domestic dogs, and it’s possible that diseases such as distemper or mange were introduced to the population by domestic dogs.

Disappearance from Mainland Australia

The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was native to Tasmania, an island state of Australia. But there is evidence that it also lived on mainland Australia in the past.

Fossils of the thylacine have been found at various sites across the mainland, including the Nullarbor Plain, Victoria, and New South Wales, dating back to around 2,000 years ago. These fossils provide evidence that the thylacine once had a wider distribution than just Tasmania and that it lived on the mainland at least until the time of human arrival.

The fossil record is incomplete and some gaps exist, and it’s not entirely clear when the thylacine went extinct on the mainland.

Some scientists believe that the thylacine may have persisted on the mainland for much longer than the current evidence suggests, and that it may have become extinct on the mainland only relatively recently.

Other scientists propose that the thylacine became extinct on the mainland around 2,000 years ago, possibly due to competition with dingoes (wild dogs) or due to changes in climate.

Tasmanian Tiger Sightings

The Tasmanian tiger is a species of marsupial that is believed to have become extinct in the 20th century. Despite this, there have been occasional reports of sightings of the animal, particularly in Tasmania, Australia, where it was native.

However, most experts believe that these sightings are likely to be of other animals or misidentifications, and there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the Tasmanian tiger still exists.

Some of the most credible sightings have been reported by people who have had previous experience with the Tasmanian tiger, such as park rangers, zookeepers, and naturalists.

One example is David Fleay who is a naturalist, he reported that he saw a thylacine in the wild in Western Tasmania in the early 1940s. Another example is the sightings of thylacine in south-western Tasmania by Wilf Batty, a farmer and hunter, in the early 1980s.

However, it’s worth noting that even these credible sightings can’t be considered as definitive proof of the animal’s existence. The lack of concrete evidence such as photographs, video footage, or physical specimens make it difficult to confirm the existence of the Tasmanian tiger.

But is Survival of the Species Plausible?

There is no doubt that Tasmania has plenty of remote wilderness that is rugged and virtually impenetrable to humans. It is possible that, if native animals were living in the thick bush, they could go for quite some time without detection.

But there are two very good reasons why we can be sure the Tasmanian Tiger is extinct.

The first is that the Thylacine was struggling to survive before European settlers arrived in Australia. It was already extinct or almost extinct on mainland Australia.

Interestingly, Queensland Museum paleontologists recently found a Tasmanian Tiger tooth in central Queensland. The tooth was deposited prior to rainforest being replaced by a more arid environment, suggesting a climate change cause of local extinction. The issue is one for the paleoecology branch of paleontology.

The Tasmanian population was stronger but numbers were quickly decimated by hunters.

Tasmanian farmers really hated the carnivorous marsupial. VV Hickman, a biology professor at the University of Tasmania, wrote in 1955:

a single thylacine often killed several sheep in a night, merely sucking their blood and eating a little of the kidney fat.

Second, the only “evidence” we have of the species continuing beyond the 1930s are “eyewitness” accounts. These are not plausible.

Lessons from the Bigfoot Phenomenon

Anyone who has watched Bigfoot Hunters has had the opportunity to starkly see the fallibilities of human perception. These guys are hunting for giant human-like creatures who apparently live quite close to populated areas.

Bigfoot drawings
The Bigfoot myth is impossible to believe and yet we have eyewitness sightings.

Without any firm evidence emerging, there is no other sensible conclusion to draw: bigfoots simply don’t exist. It would be impossible for a large creature with human-like needs to maintain a viable population and go undetected.

And yet there is no shortage of bigfoot believers. Every Bigfoot Hunters episode draws out multiple eyewitnesses swearing to have seen these mythical creatures.

The bigfoot phenomenon demonstrates that, by themselves, eyewitness accounts of seeing a rare creature do not constitute evidence of its existence.

Tasmanian Tiger vs Bigfoot

The Tasmanian tiger and Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch) are two very different animals. But they’re often compared due to their elusive nature, plus the fact that they’re both believed by some to still exist despite being officially declared extinct or unproven.

The Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, was a marsupial that was native to Australia and was believed to have become extinct in the 20th century. There have been occasional reports of sightings of the animal, but most experts believe that these are likely to be of other animals or misidentifications. There is no concrete evidence to suggest that the Tasmanian tiger still exists.

Bigfoot, on the other hand, is a cryptid, an animal whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated. It is said to inhabit forests, mainly in North America. The creature is usually described as a large, ape-like being, and there have been many reported sightings, footprints and vocalizations attributed to it. Most scientists and experts consider the evidence for Bigfoot’s existence to be weak and often based on anecdotal evidence. The majority of scientific community doesn’t consider the existence of Bigfoot as credible.

In summary, the Tasmanian tiger is a known species that is believed to have become extinct, while Bigfoot is a cryptid whose existence is disputed.

Unusual and Fun Things to Do in Melbourne

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Melbourne, Australia has some strange activities and fun things you can do. If you want to travel there, you need to know each and every one of those activities. So, this article is going to break them down for you. What can you do in Melbourne?

Unusual Activities for Visitors to Melbourne

1. Go directly to jail

Old Melbourne Gaol

When on vacation why not… visit a prison? You probably think you’re reading that wrong, but you really aren’t. The Old Melbourne Gaol used to be a prison that has now been turned into a museum in the center of the city. From 1842 to 1929, it housed some of the most dangerous criminals in Australia and over 133 executions also took place here. What a strange activity to do while on vacation, right?

2. Chase waterfalls

Go chasing waterfalls. That may sound a bit odd, but there are a lot of beautiful waterfalls for you to find and “chase” in Melbourne and the surrounding countryside. These include the highest one in Victoria. Chasing waterfalls is a fun way to explore the Australian bush… Learn more

3. Inspect fabulous street art

Melbourne street art

Over in Melbourne, the city council has actually said that street artists can paint in certain areas of the city. So one strange activity you can do in Melbourne is to look at all the street art while you’re there. Some of it is incredibly gorgeous, so if you don’t, you’re really missing out! Word of advice: watch where you step as the alleyways are popular with revelers and drug users late at night.

4. Go to the library… seriously

The State Library of Victoria has lots of secret rooms and hidden, fun surprises. You can take a tour and have them show you all of these strange and hidden things. If doing something slightly creepy and unusual is something you would like to do, then this is something you may want to try.

5. Stand-up paddling

Stand-up paddling

Stand-up paddle boarding as St Kilda Beach. Unusual? Maybe, but also a lot of fun as you paddle out into the gentle waves. Plus, it has some of the most incredible views here! Lessons available… Learn more

6. Dine on the go

Over in Melbourne, they have trams that often come with dinner and are counted as restaurants, literally on a tram. Now that is unusual, but really epic. Dining on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is something you should definitely try while you’re there.

Fun Things to Do While in Melbourne

7. See bathing boxes at the beach

Brighton Beach bathing boxes

Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach? These are heritage-listed beach buildings from a time when modesty mattered. Built more than a 100 years ago, the beautiful wooden structures add something special to a beach trip in Melbourne.

8. Drink coffee

A poll by Booking.com, with feedback from over a thousand users, found that in Melbourne, you can drink the best coffee in the world. I’m not sure everyone else in different places of the world would agree with that, but it would at least be worth a taste while you’re there, right? One little fun fact is that Melbourne prides itself with having the best coffee, so much that even cafes in London say they have baristas from Melbourne to attract customers!

9. Listen to live rock music

Even if it’s not the sort of thing you normally do, think about checking out some rock artists while staying in Melbourne. Loud, heavy music is known to have a calming effect after all. The city is known for its live music, especially in the rock genre. So while you’re there, you’re going to have to stop to listen to some of it.

10. Go to Scienceworks

Adults and kids can all see different examples of how the city works and learn more about science while they’re at it. Visiting Scienceworks is a popular activity and the museum is a major tourist attraction.

11. Botanic Gardens

If you’re someone who loves gardens, then you’re going to have to stop by and see the Botanic Gardens at the city’s center. It will fill you with peace and tranquility as you stop by and look at the garden with over eight thousand different plants! It has places for joggers and will give you a nice break from the city.

12. Eat Greek

Tsindos Greek Restaurant
Tsindos Greek Restaurant

When you’re in Australia, the last thing you might expect to eat would be Greek food right? Well, one unlikely activity you can do in Melbourne is to eat a delicious Greek dinner. Melbourne’s Greek population is super high, which is completely unexpected, due to past immigration waves.

13. Immigration Museum

Visit the Immigration Museum. It’s a place to celebrate all the different cultures that made Australia the country it is today. And it’s something the USA probably needs, but it’s worth a stop and a visit while you’re in town (and in the country). Melbourne is not only a multicultural phenomenon but is also an incredibly popular destination for international students. Melbourne is rated as Australia’s biggest and best student city.

14. Gaming at a casino

Visit the Crown Casino Complex. It’s the largest Casino in the southern hemisphere which definitely earns it at least a look, right? It’s open 24/7, so feel free to stop by anytime you want!

15. Queen Victoria Markets

Last but not least is the Queen Victoria Markets. Not that strange, except for the meat and cheese sold there. Yum. It makes me hungry just thinking about it, but why not stop by and give it a try for yourself?

Melbourne is one of the most interesting and intriguing places to visit when you’re on vacation, especially if you go to Australia. The items on this list might sound a bit strange, but they’re guaranteed to be fun for you and your family if you give them a chance.