Australian place names commonly mispronounced

Even for the most accomplished linguists (a person who studies and may speak different languages), phonation (the production or utterance of speech sounds) is full of confusing rules. For example, in place names. 

Names with unfamiliar cultural and historical influences have become an absolute challenge to pronounce. Especially in Australia. So, this month, check out our pronunciation guide of Australian place names. As a result, improve your travel IQ and find inspiration for your next great adventure! 

• Bathurst: Bath-est 

• Wollombi: Wol-lum-bye 

• Brewarrina: Brew-ar-een 

• Goonoo Goonoo: Gunna g’noo 

• Walcha: Wol-ka 

• Moombooldool: Mum-bool-dool 

• Ballan: Ba-laan 

• Moe: Mow-ee 

• Beaconsfield: Bec-kons-field 

• Lalor: Law-ler 

• Geelong: J’long 

• Creswick: Crez-zick 

• Canberra: Can-bra 

• Manuka: Marn-ukka 

• Fairbairn: Fair-burn

• Kata Tjuta: Kah-tah choor-ta 

• Ubirr: O-beer-ee 

• Quorn: Kworn 

• Gumeracha: Gum-er-ack-ah 

• Pooraka: P’rak-uh 

• Mallala: Mal-uh-lar 

• Wudinna: Wood-na 

• Launceston: Lon-ces-ton 

• Breadalbane: Bre-dole-bin 

• Mandurah: Man-drah 

• Wangkatjungka: Won-ka-jon-ka 

• Cairns: Cans 

• Goodiwindi: Gunda-windy 

• Capalaba: Ke-pal-eba 

• Mackay: Mack-eye 

Source: Instagram; Wikipedia; news.com.au

So, Australia has some place names that are hard to pronounce. But, it also has clean air and beautiful beaches. A strong economy and cultural diversities. These are just some of the reasons why so many people consider Australia the perfect place to call their new home. Do you dream of living in Australia for work or study? IELTS is one of the key tools you’ll need to secure permanent residency in Australia.