A young woman has certainly discovered some eye-opening truths about life as an Aussie after relocating Down Under from the UK – and some have left her utterly stunned. Megan initially planned to relocate to Australia for a year to satisfy her wanderlust dreams. However, after becoming so enamoured with the country, she has now been residing in Sydney for two and a half years.
Megan works full time and has “no plans to go home”. Nevertheless, it has certainly been quite an adaptation – and there are some aspects she misses about the UK as well.
So here are five of her key observations….
1. Health/wellness culture
It’s hardly surprising that health and wellbeing forms a crucial element of Australian culture. Residents venture out for dawn jogs, exercise sessions and nutritious brunch destinations.
Studies suggest that a considerable proportion of the population awakens before 7am, with some even getting up before 6am.
Additionally, people typically retire to bed early.
Megan revealed: “Everyone in Australia starts their day at 5am, any later and you’ve had a lie in. Understandable as the sunrise/coffee/early riser culture here is gorgeous. Everyone is at the gym or in their running or Hyrox era. I’ve never seen so many people out running at 5am as I have here in Sydney.”
Furthermore, she noted that gymwear serves as the “Sydney uniform”.
2. Alcohol/drinking rules
Megan noticed how contrasting the culture surrounding alcohol is in Australia, compared with the relaxed attitude to booze we maintain here in the UK. She revealed: “If you’ve had more than three drinks you’ll probably get 500 questions from a bouncer before they decide if they’re going to let you in. Any slight sign of intoxication and they’ll deny you entry to the bar/club and even pubs.”
Megan also observed that she gets asked for her ID far more frequently in Australia, plus people must use bottle shops rather than purchasing alcohol from ordinary supermarkets.
Whilst some states and territories impose restrictions, numerous supermarkets feature attached liquor stores or separate sections for alcohol sales within their premises.
3. Creature misconception
Megan revealed that whilst Australia is typically linked with poisonous snakes and massive spiders, she hasn’t encountered as many as she anticipated.
Megan stated: “So many people are put off coming to Australia because of snakes/spiders. But I haven’t seen a single big/dangerous spider since I moved here. If you’re living remote then yes you will see big spiders.”
The sole occasion she spotted a wild snake was in a national park in Noosa. She continued: “The only creepy crawlies we do get are cockroaches.”
4. Eating out
Megan claims she has been able to dine out far more regularly in Australia, as it tends to be considerably more affordable.
Consequently, she says she’s “put on at least a stone in weight” due to all the scrumptious food she has consumed in Sydney.
Megan further revealed: “Eating out is cheap here, there’s so many local restaurants meaning you don’t need to travel far.
“There are also so many ‘healthy’ takeaway options easily available, so you’re constantly eating out or getting take out. Plus brunch here is huge, you’ll probably go for breaky every weekend.”
5. Car parking rules
Megan said: “A little niche, but there are certain parking rules that every one abides by.
“You can only park in the direction of the traffic and you’ll be fined heavily if you’ve parked in the wrong direction… [but] in the UK no one cares which direction of traffic you park in.”
Queensland Government reports key rules include parking on the left side of the road in the same direction as traffic. You should avoid double parking and adhere to any time limits or restrictions indicated by parking signs.
Things tourists may miss
Megan revealed she yearns for certain aspects of UK life, particularly shopping at beloved retailers like Marks and Spencer, Primark and Zara.
She also noted that sausage rolls Down Under differ significantly from their British counterparts – crafted with beef rather than pork.
Glamming up for evening entertainment is another ritual she rarely experiences nowadays.
Megan explained: “There’s just something about getting glam, hair done, full face of makeup, nice dress and heels, and drinking cocktails in a fancy restaurants. Australia is really casual which I love, but I just miss a glam night out.”
The expat also confessed she pines for British wit – describing how she misses our trademark sarcasm, which truly cannot be matched – and we certainly concur with her assessment!