Australia means sun, beaches, surf, kangaroos, and jaw-dropping landscapes. But the reality of daily life might surprise you. Here are all the little things no one really tells you… and that makes all the difference.
Alcohol Rules Are Serious Here
In Australia, whether you’re 18 or 30, you’ll always be asked for ID when buying alcohol, whether it’s at a shop, bar, or nightclub. And don’t be surprised if you’re denied entry without it, even if you clearly look of age.
🛒 Alcohol isn’t sold in regular supermarkets. You’ll need to go to a “bottle shop”, stores dedicated only to selling alcohol (like BWS or Liquorland).
And that’s not all:
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On public holidays, bottle shops are usually closed.
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In some states, alcohol sales are banned after a certain hour, often 10 pm or midnight, depending on the region.
📜 These strict rules are part of a long-standing effort to tackle alcohol abuse and nightlife violence, especially in city centres. While it can be surprising for newcomers, it’s deeply embedded in Australian law.
Smoking? Not That Easy Either
Smoking also comes with its own set of rules:
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You can’t smoke on patios or outdoor dining areas.
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There are designated smoking zones in public places.
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You’re not allowed to walk and smoke, you must stop and smoke only in marked areas.
Yes, Australians Walk Around Barefoot. And No One Cares
It’s super common to see people walking barefoot in the street, at the supermarket, the airport, or even on public transport. And no, it’s not because they forgot their shoes, it’s just part of the lifestyle.
This is cultural, and comes down to a few things:
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The hot, sunny weather, which makes shoes feel unnecessary.
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Many Aussies live near the beach and just walk barefoot straight to the sand.
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Most of all: it’s about the laid-back philosophy. Going barefoot means being relaxed, free, and grounded.
👣 Historically, this also traces back to Aboriginal culture, where walking barefoot was a way to stay connected to the land. This simplicity has carried over into modern habits, especially in coastal towns.
You might find it strange at first, or never get used to it 😅, but trust us, it’s totally normal here.
Australians Are REALLY Chill
In Australia, people don’t say “you’re fine” or “don’t worry”, they say “no worries”. All the time. And the best part? They genuinely mean it.
Stress? It’s just not part of the vibe here. There’s a real culture of flexibility, especially at work. Australians are often incredibly laid-back, maybe too laid-back, especially if you’re used to a more structured or fast-paced system.
🗿 This mindset is partly due to the climate, outdoor lifestyle, and the influence of surf culture, which is deeply rooted in Aussie identity. Add to that the Anglo-Saxon idea of the “fair go” (everyone deserves a chance), and you’ve got a country where no one takes life too seriously.
Of course, this can go two ways:
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Some people love the stress-free attitude,
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Others find it frustrating, especially when dealing with admin or trying to get fast answers.
Trust-Based Fruit Stands by the Road
Here’s something you don’t see every day: on the side of the road, especially during a road trip, you’ll often find fruit and veggie stands with no seller. Just a box to drop your money in, and that’s it.
No, it’s not a prank. Theft isn’t even considered. It’s part of a deep-rooted culture of trust, and honestly, it’s beautiful to witness.
🙏 So play along and respect the local mentality. That’s what it means to live like an Aussie
More Kangaroos Than People
Yes, you read that right: there are more kangaroos than humans in Australia.
The country has about 26 million people, but current estimates say there are over 50 million kangaroos.
You won’t see them in cities, of course, but step outside urban areas and you’ll quickly spot kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, emus, colorful parrots, giant lizards… It’s a wildlife paradise.
🐾 For Aboriginal peoples, animals like kangaroos and koalas have long held cultural, spiritual, and practical significance. Today, they remain powerful symbols of Australian identity.
Australia is a huge country, mostly empty
Look at a map and you’ll see: almost all Australians live on the coasts.
The inland, known as the Outback, is vast, dry, and sparsely populated, with a few traditional Aboriginal communities scattered throughout.
📏 Just for perspective:
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Australia covers 7.7 million km²
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But has only 26 million residents
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In contrast, the European Union, with 4.2 million km², has around 450 million people
Translation? Australia is massive, wild, and wonderfully empty, and that’s part of its charm.
It Gets Cold, Seriously
Despite the stereotypes, Australia has all four seasons. But because it’s such a large country, the weather varies wildly from place to place.
For example, winter in Cairns (tropical north) is warm and sunny. But in Melbourne or Canberra, temperatures can drop below 5°C, and houses rarely have central heating.
So if you’re staying in the south during winter, bring a good blanket and warm clothes, because yes… it gets freezing indoors.
🌏 This goes back to housing design: homes were built to withstand heat, not cold. Since most of the population lives on the east coast where winters are mild, heating was never a big priority.
So yes, you could be freezing in Melbourne while sweating in Darwin on the same day, welcome to Australia!
Every day in Australia teaches you something new, sometimes weird, often amazing. If you’re ready to adapt, you’ll fall in love with this country.
📩 Want to study in Australia but not sure where to start? Contact us today for free expert advice on student visas, courses, and university options!
