British woman moves to Australia and experiences five major culture shocks
A young woman has definitely learned some things about life as an Aussie after moving Down Under from the UK – and some have sent her into culture shock. Megan planned to move to Australia for a year to fulfil her travel dreams. But, after falling in love with it so much, she has now been living in Sydney for two and a half years.
Megan works full time and has "no plans to go home". But it has definitely been an adjustment – and there are some things she misses about the UK too. So here are five of her observations...
1. Health/wellness culture
It's no secret that health and wellbeing is a significant aspect of Australian culture. People head out for sunrise runs, fitness classes and healthy brunch stops.
Research indicates that a significant portion of the population wakes up before 7am, with some even rising before 6am. Plus, people tend to go to bed early.
Megan shared: "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."
What's more, she said gymwear is the "Sydney uniform".
2. Alcohol/drinking rules
Megan observed how different the culture around alcohol is in Australia, compared with the laid-back approach to booze we have here in the UK.
She explained: "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 noticed that she gets asked for her ID a lot more in Australia, plus people have to use bottle shops instead of getting alcohol from regular supermarkets.
While some states and territories have restrictions, many supermarkets have attached liquor stores or separate sections for alcohol sales within their premises.
3. Creature misconception
Megan said that while Australia is commonly associated with venomous snakes and large spiders, she has not seen as many as she expected.
Megan said: "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 only time she has seen a wild snake was in a national park in Noosa. She added: "The only creepy crawlies we do get are cockroaches."
4. Eating out
Megan says she has been able to eat out a lot more frequently in Australia, as it tends to be significantly cheaper.
As a result, she says she's "put on at least a stone in weight" due to all the delicious food she has eaten in Sydney. Megan further explained: "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 said she misses some things about the UK, including shopping in Marks and Spencer, Primark and Zara. She also observed that sausage rolls are different in Australia - made with beef instead of pork.
Getting dressed up for a night out is also something she doesn't do often. Megan said: "There's just something about getting glam, hair done, full face of make up, 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."
Megan also says she misses British sarcasm – which you really can't beat – so we agree with her on that front!
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