6 Things That Will Surprise You About Life in Australia

Living in Australia is the dream of many people all around the world. The economic stability, quality of life, and unparalleled work-life balance of this country have a magnetic allure drawing in people from all nations and walks of life.

Having said that, Australia is much more than just this side that many people rave about. This country is steeped with a fascinating history, a vibrant culture, and an eclectic social etiquette that even the most researched individual may not fully know or understand until they actually live in the country.

If you’re set to move to Australia in the not-so-distant future and want to prepare yourself for proper integration into the country, you’re in the right place. We’ll let you in on some Australia-exclusive quirks that may surprise you in your journey towards learning more about this country down under.

Let’s jump right into it.

1 - Aussies Prioritise Work-Life Balance

One of the first things that might surprise newcomers is just how seriously Australians take their work-life balance.

Unlike other countries where long work hours are tied to one’s worth in the workplace, Aussie leadership promotes a healthy balance between work and rest. Working beyond the standard work hours is discouraged by executives, and workers also value the separation of their time inside and outside of work.

We admit: Learning how to embrace Australian culture isn’t too hard with this norm being respected by both parties.

Given this cultural norm, it’s not uncommon to see many Aussies spending their after-work hours doing the things they love. You can see many working-age Aussies lined up in the sandy shores or going out to a cafe to meet up with friends in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday. And it’s totally normal.

The prevalence of this norm isn’t because they’re lazy and enjoy messing around, but it’s because they genuinely value time spent away from work.

When they’re clocked in, they focus and work hard, but when they’re clocked out, they choose to live freely, work on fulfilling their bucket list, and enjoy their free time their way.

2 - Wages are High, But So Is The Cost of Living

A lot of people like the idea of moving to Australia because of the stable economy, good quality of life and a high minimum wage floor. And while it’s true that Australia offers these guarantees, the drawback is that living in Australia can be quite expensive—especially if you’re earning a salary close to the minimum wage threshold.

It’s not uncommon, for instance, for newcomers to experience shock when they see that their hourly wage barely covers the cost of a decent lunch. Eating out is somewhat of a luxury if you’re not earning a lot. Regardless, if you climb up the career ladder or have a good job offer, your wage could be enough to live a good quality of life in Australia.

In any case, it’s important to create a budget and stick to it as consistently as you can. This way, you won’t only have enough money to cover monthly bills, but you can also have some funds left over to put in your emergency fund or future investments.

With a smart investment and budgeting strategy, migrants can enjoy a good quality of life without needing a large income. All it takes is some smart financial choices and consistency to get to that level.

3 - Australian Slang is Widespread

If you speak fluent American English, you’ll probably understand about 90% of Australian English—and that’s no exaggeration.

Australians have developed a different tongue over time, and it’s not uncommon for them to occasionally throw in words that may throw other English speakers for a loop.

The good news? It’s fairly easy to pick up these words and use them when conversing with other Aussies over time. A lot of these words are just shortcuts or nicknames of other common words, like “brekkie” for breakfast or “arvo” for afternoon.

Other words or phrases have to be dug a little deeper to be understood. For instance, thongs may mean an intimate covering in other parts of the world, but in Australia, they just mean flip-flops.

And the phrase: “throw some snags on the barbie”? It means grilling sausages in a barbecue—nothing literal. “Cheers”, “No worries”, and “She’ll be right” are some other phrases that Aussies may casually throw around.

These expressions reflect the laidback and optimistic attitude that Australians tend to portray. Over time and with enough interactions, you’ll adopt these expressions and blend in with the locals effortlessly.

4 - Weather Forecast Can Change A Lot in A Day

Australia’s weather can change at a moment’s notice. One morning you could need a jacket to handle the early day chills, then you’ll feel the heat come lunchtime, then in the afternoon you could be seeing torrential downpour for a couple of minutes only for it to be mild and sunny again.

This, unfortunately, is a common occurrence in much of Australia, and it’s necessary for Aussies and migrants to adapt to this norm by having enough layers to counter the turbulent weather conditions of the country.

Moreover, it’s also important to constantly check your smartphone’s weather app to help you know whether you need to bring a buff, an umbrella, warming gloves, and so on. While this may seem like a little bit of extra work at the start of your day, it’ll be routine in no time.

In any case, it’s a good idea to research the seasons and weather of the place you intend to live in. This way, you won’t be met with any unexpected temperature surprises and will have the right set of clothing to handle the various temperatures and conditions in the location.

5 - People Are Kind But Value Personal Space

Another thing that may surprise newcomers who move into Australia is the general easygoing nature of Aussies. Aussies may strike up a conversation out of nowhere in bus stops or in passing with no intention other than just being friendly.

This warmth is infectious, and you could find yourself being more extroverted and social just by being surrounded by Aussie energy.

That said, don’t be fooled. While Australians are friendly, it can take quite a bit of knocking to enter the door to their deepest thoughts and feelings. It’ll take time, effort, and a lot of chemistry to truly be able to call an Australian a true friend, and for them to consider the same for you.

In any case, once you’ve found the perfect Aussie companion, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got a down-to-earth friend who embodies loyalty and sincerity to the highest degree.

6 - Coffee is Kind of a Big Deal

Aussies take their coffee seriously. They’re a morning culture, and grabbing a cup of joe isn’t just a caffeine pick-me-up; it’s a big part of their morning routine.

One way you can see this in action is by looking at the vibrant cafe culture in cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia’s coffee scene is full of independent cafes that continuously hone their craft and offer unique roasts and experiences. You don’t see many corporate chains thriving in this country—Aussies value independent and unique experiences significantly more.

Many Aussie locals gather by these cafes not just to drink coffee, but to socialise and feel part of the broader cafe culture. It’s, by far and away, the Aussie way of life.

We hope that you’ve learned more about how Australians tend to live their life. All the best in your journey towards Aussie citizenship!