My first week in Australia was full of culture shock.

Greetings to you from down under! Or shall I say, kaya!

Viewpoint from Kings Park in Perth.

I've touched down in Australia, and I'm doing well, considering I decided to go to the farthest possible place from home.

I'm slowly adjusting to my new temporary life. Still, before we get into the juicy stuff from this post, I want to take a second to appreciate this beautiful beach, which I've spent most of my time on for the past week.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth WA

Cottesloe at Sunset

Anyway, this post is all about the culture shock I've been experiencing during my first week in Australia.

With the long flights, time differences and now an entirely new culture, it's safe to say that it's taking me a bit longer than I thought to settle in.

Some might think that moving from one English-speaking country to another would be easy, and I used to think that too. I believed I would quickly adapt to the cultural norms and seamlessly melt into the Aussie life.

However, I was wrong to think I wouldn't feel many differences between Canada and Australia besides the hot weather and a few more enormous spiders.

Despite my excitement and new profound love for everything Australian, I was unprepared for the differences.

I assumed that living in Australia would be a straightforward transition. I thought that there might be a bump in the road here and there, but overall, I didn't do much preparation for thinking that I might feel culture shock. However, the more I've explored Perth, the more I've recognized the significant contrasts between my home and Australia, and of course, instead of comparing everything to back home, I've been slowly trying to accept the differences and take on this new culture.

The same thing happened when I was living in Europe back in 2024. The beginning was hard learning the new culture and understanding how to fit in, but with time, the culture shock fades, and the new culture you are surrounded by will embrace you if you put in the work to embrace it as well.

Anyway, here's a list of the things I've noticed that differ from Canada to Australia (besides the weather and big spiders).

The sun and UV are no joke here. This photo might look relaxing, but I got so burnt this day.

1. Driving on the left side of the road. 

This is definitely the most obvious change, and I feel a bit foolish for thinking it wouldn't be a big deal. 

However, I'm struggling to adjust to this difference and still can't grasp it fully.

Even though I'm not driving any cars here, I can't tell you how many times I've almost looked the wrong way when crossing the street or how often I've walked to the "passenger" side of a car only to realize that there's a driver inside.

I can't help but notice the layout of the roads, too. There are so many roundabouts and U-turns, and the number of pedestrian walkways where pedestrians have the right of way—forcing cars to stop—is something I'm not used to. Also, I feel like people drive fast here, or maybe they don't... that's just my observation.

I've been fortunate to make some friends with cars and experience driving on the left side of the road, allowing me to learn firsthand what it's like driving on the other side. However, the most amusing part has been those moments of panic when I think my friend is driving on the wrong side of the road, and I have a mini freak out in the passenger seat.

2. Waving down the bus driver at a bus stop 

I've noticed that people often wave down the bus driver at the bus stop in Australia. If you don't wave, the bus will drive right past you. 

Before coming to Australia, I saw a TikTok about this, and I thought it was a little funny, but I can assure you, it's 100% true.

If you're waiting at an Australian bus stop, you must extend your hand and wave to the bus driver; otherwise, they will skip your stop. This differs from Canada and the European countries I've visited, where you don't have to do this at all and can always count on the bus driver stopping at every stop.

If it weren't for the TikTok I watched about this, then I probably would have been stranded at many bus stations and confused as to why no bus driver wanted me on their bus. 

3. NO KETCHUP

Okay, I might sound very North American, but ketchup isn't really a thing here and it's something I am not used to.

You can buy it at stores, but at a restaurant, if you order fries, that's all you get… fries—no dipping sauces.

You can ask for ketchup on the side, which isn't the end of the world, but in Canada, ketchup and other condiments are usually readily available at the table. Also, the ketchup here tastes quite different; it's not the classic Heinz or even really ketchup at all.

Aussies prefer 'tomato sauce,' and it's much more sour than regular ketchup.

As a ketchup connoisseur, this has been a struggle…… but I'll make it through…. I might have to start trying mustard instead. 

4. Early bird and outdoor Aussies 

Since moving here about a week ago, I've quickly realized how many people are up and out of bed at the crack of dawn and how many Australians genuinely appreciate the outdoors.

Everyone seems to engage in some form of physical activity and is always busy outside the house.

Since being here, I've started waking up earlier and walking everywhere. If you know me, you understand that seeing me awake before 10 a.m. is as rare as spotting a dodo bird—essentially nonexistent.

I guess you could say the Aussie lifestyle has been rubbing off on me. I'm not yet at the "pilates mom" level, but I have been outside and walking a lot more.

5. Screaming Crows???

Okay, this is the only negative change I have noticed since being in Australia, and I call it the "screaming crows." 

Let me explain this concept to you. They are crows…. that scream. 

Maybe this is a Perth thing, or all the crows in Australia make a noise that sounds like a goat, but I have never heard of a bird making a noise like these Australian crows before.

I was so confused when I first heard the crows. I had no idea what was making the noise, and I was even more shocked to find out it was coming from a bird, and these crows make noise all day.

This has been a weird adjustment, especially since one crow loves to wake me up at 6 am every morning, bang its beak, and scream at my window. 

6. Aussie Slang 

Aussie slang is strange, for sure. I didn't think I would have a hard time understanding the accents, considering Aussies speak English, but there have been a few moments where I've heard a word, and I think…. Huh? 

I'm finding that Australians have a short form/nickname for everything. For example,  sandals/flip flops are called thongs (I laughed a little when I figured this out)….. and McDonald's is called Macas. 

Overall, I've been learning some new words for fun.... like a "lolllie" is a candy…. but not a lollipop, and a "cuppa" is a cup of tea. 

7. Cafe Culture

Arguably, I've saved the best for last. 

The cafe culture in Australia is at the next level. People really do love their coffee here.

So far, on campus where I'm studying, I've tried a new cafe every day. There are cafes at basically every corner, and I've never seen an empty one. 

I love nothing more than sitting in a cafe drinking coffee while working, and I have come to the right place to do just that. 

There are so many unique cafes, though, in Perth. I've made a list of all the cafes I want to try, so a possible future blog post about some of my favourite Cafes in Perth might be in the making.

Overall, I can say that the adjustment from Canada to Australia has been strange, but in the best way possible. Even though there are a lot of things different here, I haven't been feeling homesick. 

So far, I love it here. I've made many friends and honestly loved the hot weather, and I'm not usually a fan of the heat.

Sorry, Mom and Dad, but I might not be coming home. 

KIDDING, your girl has a time limit on her visa.

Anyway, this is the first blog of many that I will be writing about Australia, so don't you worry, my little gooses; a lot more will be coming your way. 

But I do feel it's only fair that I answer some stereotypical questions for people wondering at home. 

Yes, the spiders are huge. 

No, the toilets don't flush the opposite way. 

And yes, I did get into a brawl with a kangaroo, a python, a black widow, and a great white shark all at the same time...it was humbling.  

(kaya ~ a Noongar word that means "hello" or "yes." It's used as a greeting in the Perth area of Western Australia. The Noongar people are the Traditional Custodians of the land.)