Sixteen times Australia proved Down Under is on top

Gigi Silk
Jan 23, 2015, updated Jan 23, 2015

Australians may have invented WiFi, the Hills Hoist and the Victor Mower, but it’s our sharp wit on the internet that has 21st century web-users talking about Australia.

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1. The Aussie Selfie Stick

‘Wand of narcissism’? Not this guy.

2. Constant fear of wildlife

Public service announcement: always check the inside of your shoes before putting them on.

3. Steven Bradbury: speed skater, gold medalist, internet sensation

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Who could forget that Australia’s first ever Winter Olympics gold medal was won by Steven Bradbury in 2002. The short track speed skater was coming last (by quite a bit) when everyone in front of him fell over.

The only reason he was in the final was because the same thing happened in the semi-final. And the only reason he was in the semi-final was because the guy who beat him was disqualified.

As the popular Tumblr post says: “I’m not sure if he’s the luckiest skater alive or a skater that has the power to curse other competitors.”

4. The Great Kangaroo Brawl of 2014

Remember that time when a pair of kangaroos belted each other in suburban NSW?

5. Boomerangs: the latest in weapon technology

6. Caramello Koalas

7. Celcius vs Farenheit

8. World’s most intense fire danger rating system

9. Harold Holt Swim Centre

10. “This is actually quite uplifting”

11. Just a koala doing the shopping

12. Hotseat Millionaire

This must have been the day before the guy who writes the Millionaire questions went on leave.

13. NT News

As all Aussies know, there are too many NT News covers to choose from.

14. That time Peppa Pig was banned in Australia

After a complaint from a viewer, the ABC had to ban screening an episode of children’s show ‘Peppa Pig’ because it taught children not to fear spiders.