 Since 1788 , the primary influence behind Australian culture has been Anglo @-@ Celtic Western culture , with some Indigenous influences . The divergence and evolution that has occurred in the ensuing centuries has resulted in a distinctive Australian culture . Since the mid @-@ 20th century , American popular culture has strongly influenced Australia , particularly through television and cinema . Other cultural influences come from neighbouring Asian countries , and through large @-@ scale immigration from non @-@ English @-@ speaking nations . 
