10 Interesting Things About Living in Canberra, Australia

One of my favorite things to do when I move somewhere new is notice all the new and different things as we build our life here. I started this when we lived in Cartagena Colombia and continued it during our time in Seoul South Korea. It’s fun to look back and see what stuck out to me as different right away. So, without further ado, here are my 10 Interesting Things About Living in Canberra, Australia.

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Top 10 Quirks While Living in Canberra

Being new gives you a uniquely interesting time frame to notice all the quirky customs of your host country.

1. Hustle culture does not exist here. I have largely found it can take 3-5 days to hear back from people you contact. As an American who lived in Korea, this feels difficult to adjust to. Lots of waiting for responses so you can move forward. It’s going to take some getting used to. Most emails come with a standard automated response about work life balance and how you won’t get a response until open working hours.

2. They really do say G’Day all the time. If you thought it was a stereotype, you’d be wrong. But why do I sound so stupid when I say it? Also, they don’t say shrimp on the barbie – they don’t even say shrimp, they call them prawns. Oh, and they are cinnamon scrolls here and not cinnamon rolls. The list could go on and perhaps deserves its own post.

3. It’s called the Bush capital for a reason. The Bush is literally everywhere… you don’t have to go far to be out of the city or feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.  Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers a wonderful way to see most of Australia’s wildlife, but if you have a keen eye, many animals can be spotted throughout town and driving down the roads.

4. There is graffiti everywhere. I wasn’t expecting this from a small to midsize town with little crime, but there is graffiti everywhere, it’s an eye sore for sure.

5. Coffee and Brekki are taken very seriously. Flat whites, long blacks, piccolos… your order is serious business. And supposedly, the coffee in Melbourne is the best in the world. I have lived in and had many a latte while in Colombia, where the coffee is amazing, so we will have to judge this one in person.

6. Feels closer to Europe than America in regards to culture. I was waiting to experience many similarities to American life, but there is much more European reference than I expected. Food, words, dress, and lifestyle. From the full English breakfast, to the very formal private school uniforms, the British English (colour, favourite and maths), it can feel like a laidback version of our friends across the pond, minus the cobblestone streets.

7. Architecture is modern. Not sure what I was expecting, perhaps bungalows or charming cottages. Older Canberra is small brick ranches but the newer, bigger versions are still quite casual, no fuss, modern designs, many with multiple balconies.

8. Australians are scared of Bears. At least that’s what a few of them have told me when I talk about my fear of highly venomous snakes and spiders. It is more to do with being scared of what is unfamiliar to you. I can’t tell you of any time that I have been scared of bears back home, but I do feel like it’s less likely I’ll find one of those hiding in my garden.

9. Magpies are the real threat. You are more likely to get swooped on by a protective magpie during nesting season. Cue people at bus stops holding sticks and kids with zip ties attached to their helmets like spikes, so they can ride their bikes without an impending attack. Magpies are big and beautiful, and also very smart (can recall faces). So many people feed them during this time as to remain on their good side.

10. You must have a hat. No hat, no play is the children’s motto, but the adults really abide by this as well. The sun is extra strong here and it doesn’t take long to notice.

11. All pancakes come with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Not just on the kids menu either. Feels like a step too far.

12. There are Ford Falcons, everywhere. This makes me question the taste of Australians. Someone tell me why these are so popular?

Some of My Current Australian Favorites

The joys of a new country and culture are discovering the many cult favorites available to you. These are the ones I have tried and loved so far.

• Tim Tams Double Coat (the best version according to all the locals)
• Chicken Salt (it makes everything taste better)
• Lucas Papaw Balm (if you know me, you know I’m a balm connoisseur)
• Kora Organics Facial Oil (so great after the sun in this dryer climate)

Why Living in Canberra Has Been An Adventure So Far

Living in Canberra Australia has been a trip so far. Feels so oddly familiar and yet it’s very obvious you are on the outside of many cultural experiences. Like any new place, it’s been so fun to experience this new country and all its quirky bits. Hope to continue this tradition as we learn and experience more life in Australia.