After almost 5 years in Australia, has it lived up to the expectation?

It’s kind of crazy to realise that I’ve been in Australia for almost five years now. Time really flew by. Living and working here was always a dream of mine, so the big question is: has it lived up to my expectations?

Honestly? Yes. Absolutely.

The nature is stunning, the people are friendly and the weather is amazing (although I have to admit, winter somehow does start to feel cold now… even though it really isn’t, especially compared to the Netherlands. I guess I’m spoiled these days). But more than anything, it’s the lifestyle that really fits me.

One thing that stood out pretty quickly is how much Australians value their “5–9 before their 9–5.” And I’ve definitely become one of those people. Starting the day with something active or fun just makes such a difference. Early morning swims in the ocean? Still one of my favourite things. There’s honestly no better way to start the day.

But besides all that, there are a lot of little things I’ve noticed over the years. Some great, some less great and some just funny.

The funny things

One of them is the whole barefoot culture. People just casually walk into shops without shoes. Supermarkets, cafés, you name it. The first few times I saw it I was honestly a bit shocked. Now, I have to admit, I’ve started doing it too, but mainly around beaches and parks. I’m not quite ready for the supermarket yet.

And then there’s magpie season. No one properly warned me about this. One minute you’re walking or cycling peacefully, the next you’re getting swooped by a bird that seems personally offended by your existence. I’ve seen people attach zip ties to their helmets to protect themselves, which says enough. There are also signs everywhere to warn people. It really is a thing.

One of the weirdest ones for me at the beginning: BYO (Bring Your Own alcohol) at restaurants. Not everywhere, but quite a few places allow it. You just bring your own wine or beer and pay a small corkage fee. I still find it a bit strange, but also kind of brilliant?

And then there’s the drive-through bottle shop (or “bottle-o” as they call it here). Yes, you literally drive your car into a liquor store, pick what you want and drive out again. The first time I saw that I was very confused and it actually brings me to the next point.

The not-so-great

Alcohol is definitely a big part of the culture here. There’s a lot of drinking, often quite early too. After-work drinks, happy hours from around 4–6 pm (which probably makes sense, because alcohol is expensive here). But pubs are not really my thing. They tend to be loud, with big TVs everywhere. Not quite the cozy gezellige terrasjes you get in The Netherlands. I do miss that vibe sometimes.

The little cultural surprises

Something I noticed quite quickly is that activewear here is basically a lifestyle. I had seen the jokes online, but didn’t think people would actually walk around in gym clothes all day. But they do. Especially in the beachy suburbs. Coffee, groceries, brunch, it’s all done in activewear. Whether they’ve actually worked out or not is another question.

Something else that really stood out to me is how people interact in small, everyday moments. For example, almost everyone thanks the bus driver when they get off. Just a simple “thank you!” as they step out. It’s such a small thing, but really nice and something I had never seen back in Europe.

Also, the phrase “no worries.” is used for absolutely everything here. You’re welcome, it’s okay, no problem, all covered by those two words. At first I thought it was just a phrase, but it really reflects a mindset. Things feel more relaxed and a bit more easygoing. And without even noticing, I’ve started using it all the time myself.

Another thing that really stands out is how aware people are of the sun and for good reason. “Slip, slop, slap” isn’t just a slogan here, it’s something people actually live by. Sunscreen, hats, seeking shade, it’s all part of daily life. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I don’t leave the house without sunscreen (most of the time…).

And then there’s the timing of social life. Parties here start early, often around 6 pm and by midnight things are pretty much done (unless you go to big clubs). At first that felt a bit strange, but it actually fits really well with the whole early morning lifestyle. People are up early, so they also call it a night earlier and honestly, I don’t mind it at all!

The expensive reality

Rent in Sydney… wow. I still remember when I first moved here and thought the prices listed were per month (like in Europe). I was like, “Oh, that’s not too bad!” Then I realised it was per week. That was a big shock. It’s crazy expensive and takes a big chunk of your salary or stipend. Saving money is definitely harder and buying a place? Let’s not even go there. But at the same time, I live a 10-minute walk from the beach. So it kind of feels like I’m on holiday every day. That does make up for a lot.

Transport (or lack of it…)

Something I still struggle with: how car-dependent everything is. People drive everywhere. Distances are big and public transport isn’t always great. Cycling could be amazing here, the weather is perfect for it, but the infrastructure just isn’t there. I do still cycle, but fully dressed in neon-coloured clothes and lit up like a Christmas tree. It feels like a survival strategy more than transport sometimes.

The things I absolutely love

One thing I’ve really come to appreciate is how accessible basic things are. There are free public toilets everywhere. At the beach, in parks, in shopping centres and mostly clean too! No awkwardly asking at a café if you can use the bathroom and definitely no paying a euro or more like in the Netherlands.

The same goes for drinking water. Tap water is standard (and free!) in restaurants and there are water fountains everywhere in public spaces. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference. Honestly, having to pay for bottled water when tap water is perfectly fine just feels a bit ridiculous to me now.

And then there’s the wildlife. It still feels a bit surreal sometimes. Instead of pigeons, you have parrots and ibises (aka bin chickens) flying around and it’s completely normal to see lizards in your garden. It’s one of those things that makes everyday life here feel just a little bit different, in a very good way.

So… was it worth it?

Without a doubt.

Australia really has given me the lifestyle I was looking for. It’s not perfect (nowhere is) but it fits me in a way I didn’t fully expect. I’d love to stay here long-term, so fingers crossed for permanent residency… although Australian immigration is no joke. It’s expensive, time-consuming and constantly changing. But I guess that’s part of it you have to work a bit harder to stay in a place this good. And for me, it’s definitely worth it.

Sunrise at my favourite spot in Sydney.