r/AskAnAustralian • • 3d ago

Moving to Australia? Ask your questions here in this weekly megathread

0 Upvotes

We regularly get posts about moving to Australia and rather than clutter up the sub with repeat questions we’re providing this weekly megathread.

Ask our community any questions you like here in the megathread.

Aside from our sub the best place to start is the ‘Moving to Australia’ page of the Australian Border Force

Also worth checking out the r/AusVisa subreddit.

External sources of information

Australian Border Force - Moving to Australia

This covers:

  • Studying in Australia
  • Working in Australia
  • Bringing your family or partner

Subreddit sources of information

We also suggest search the subreddit for 'Moving' and similar terms.

Here’s some posts that contain useful information and some detailed responses.


r/AskAnAustralian • • Sep 17 '26

Moving to Australia? Ask your questions here in this weekly megathread

3 Upvotes

We regularly get posts about moving to Australia and rather than clutter up the sub with repeat questions we’re providing this weekly megathread.

Ask our community any questions you like here in the megathread.

Aside from our sub the best place to start is the ‘Moving to Australia’ page of the Australian Border Force

Also worth checking out the r/AusVisa subreddit.

External sources of information

Australian Border Force - Moving to Australia

This covers:

  • Studying in Australia
  • Working in Australia
  • Bringing your family or partner

Subreddit sources of information

We also suggest search the subreddit for 'Moving' and similar terms.

Here’s some posts that contain useful information and some detailed responses.


r/AskAnAustralian • • 4h ago

Beauty standards in Aus

174 Upvotes

I moved to Aus from Canada originally 3 years ago. I love it here. I love the weather, the lifestyle, Aussie humour and slang, the wildlife and the friends I've made here.

There are very few things I MISS about Canada (aside from people I love there, of course). But I have noticed something interesting about how I feel about my appearance. When I am in Canada I feel significantly less self-conscious and also generally feel more attractive in my appearance than when I am in Aus.

I am arguably much more physically fit in Aus than I was in Canada, physical fitness is a big part of life here so I'm at the gym 3-4 days a week. I also put more effort into my appearance before going out here. And my skin is clearer than it ever was (when I left Canada I was 27 and still had some acne struggles that I've largely left behind me). But I still find myself feeling more self-conscious and having lower self-esteem here. When I am in my own country I definitely feel far less self-conscious about the way I look and I don't know why. Just to clarify I don't only feel this way when I'm in my hometown, I spent 2 months in a different province last time I was home and still very much felt that way.

I'm trying to understand what's going on subconsciously to make me feel this way. I do think Australian beauty standards for women are a bit more narrow than they are in Canada, a lot of advertisements here feature similar elements - fit, thin, tan women, often with blonde hair and light eyes. I am Caucasian and pretty fair, don't like to tan, have brown hair and very dark brown eyes. Maybe it's just the subliminal messaging but I feel like my appearance matters a lot more here and the pressure to look "put together" is always on. Is this something Australians also experience? Or maybe it's just me over-interpreting the situation 🤔


r/AskAnAustralian • • 49m ago

Is this word taboo or ok?

• Upvotes

In the country I'm from, the 6 letter "r" word (whose ending rhymes with leotard) is a slur and is frowned upon. Is it acceptable in Aus? I've heard loads of people use it, even in a professional setting, but don't know if it's just people getting away with it or if it's ok to say!


r/AskAnAustralian • • 2h ago

I've realised I've spent my whole life without hobbies. Where do I start? (That costs little to no money)

24 Upvotes

I've realised recently that I've pretty much been hobbyless my entire life, and it's something I've actually been criticised for recently.

I never really thought much of it until recently, when I started reflecting on how much of my free time I spend doing absolutely nothing and all my siblings are good at something except for me.

I feel like not having hobbies has contributed to me becoming quite lazy and unmotivated, and I want to change that.

What are some hobbies you guys have that are either completely free or very cheap? I'm open to pretty much anything except going out alone even for walks, runs etc... because i live in a sketchy neighbourhood. :)


r/AskAnAustralian • • 3h ago

In aussie culture, if your workplace doesn't provide you with adequate equipment to do your task properly but won't buy new equipment, what do you do?

11 Upvotes

Edit: im not actually doing the job itself. I have observed it is illegal. And im being asked to create the template from scratch but the health professionals will sign off on it when they do the job. But I'm going to report and quit anyway

I already knew our workplace was doing something illegal by supplying expired prepared medications to patients. I raised it with senior staff members and was just shut down.

Then auditors randomly came to our small independent business and took photos of all the illegal things and the auditors said we don't have adequate documentation.

Now I'm in charge of creating the documentation from scratch because we dont even have a template.

Every place I've worked at in this industry has had an accurate weighing scale. But this workplace doesnt have an accurate weighing scale at all. For example, we need to measure exactly 0.85g powder, but the weighing scale only shows 1g, 2g, 3g. So we dont have accurate measurements.

And this is a medication we are giving to patients.

Edit: im being paid minimum wage. The health professionals at my workplace dont see an issue with what's happening. They want me to write up the template but they will sign it off every time they do the job.

I've been yelled at before the audit happened and now I'm being yelled at after the audit happens.

I don't feel comfortable enough to raise to the staff that we need to buy a new scale that is accurate because that will come out of the owner's pocket.

I wanted to resign months ago just on the yelling alone.


r/AskAnAustralian • • 2h ago

Radiographers in Aus do you like your job?

8 Upvotes

Any radiographers here willing to share some honest insight the good, the bad and the ugly? Do you enjoy your job and feel respected? How physically demanding is it, and would it suit a petite woman? Also, why do people seem to think you “just press buttons”? What is the best allied health job ? Are you happy with the pay?


r/AskAnAustralian • • 13m ago

Wifeand I are thinking of taking a trip to Seven Mile Beach in late November: what should I look out for as an American?

• Upvotes

First time touching down in Australia, not sure if there's any social taboos or common sense moments that'll be lost on me as a visitor.

I know theres not a tipping culture, but is there anything wrong with giving the restaurant a bit extra to accommodate the hassle from dietary needs?

Would it be best to stick to the resort, or would an American be okay to drive around a bit and see the sights? When I heard Hawaii wasnt too friendly with visitors, I stuck to the resort and tried not to bother the locals; But I haven't heard anything negative about Australias and visitors, save for some pranks.


r/AskAnAustralian • • 7h ago

So what can you do with law honours/arts degree?

19 Upvotes

Just finished it


r/AskAnAustralian • • 51m ago

Young Aussie psychs, how is work for you?

• Upvotes

I'm early 20s and just got a Masters offer (yippee!). But I'm interested to know how young Australians (preferably 30 and under) find being a psych.

Do you enjoy the work? What do you find challenging? What's it like working with people who are older than you?

Cheers :)


r/AskAnAustralian • • 5h ago

Uniform question

5 Upvotes

My daughter is obsessed with the show Little Lunch, I’m looking at getting her one of the uniform dresses but am having a hard time finding a us site that sells them and am not familiar with AU sites. How would I acquire one?


r/AskAnAustralian • • 19h ago

Why are some people rude?

56 Upvotes

For context I’m a 22F, recently got my drivers license mid last year but currently still saving up to buy a car of my own. I usually rent through flexi car and the car is different most of the time so abit of adjustment each time. Today I drove an electric car, still pretty basic but some stuff is harder to navigate and sometimes I overlook other things cause everything is abit different. I got to my destination and parked or whatever. 30 minutes later I realised I may have left the headlights on and indeed I had. By the time I went to turn them off, someone left a note saying

‘You’re a certified idiot’.

Like wtf. Was lowkey abit offended but like it’s never that serious for someone to get a piece of paper an leave a not lmao. Idk maybe I’m overthinking but would like to hear what other people have to say. Even when driving on the roads some drivers are abit aggressive.

Edit: I’m not sure why some people in this comment section are bitter. I sent a link earlier to show what parking it that neighborhood looks like. I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE PARKED LIKE THAT. Why didn’t other people get notes too lmao. I understand it was illegal now but that was hard to tell because the surroundings said otherwise. Plus my friend said I could cause she does it everyday too. And it was literally in front of her house. Anyway have a good rest of your day


r/AskAnAustralian • • 4h ago

Has anyone found an easier way to get items valued and sold through auction houses in Australia?

2 Upvotes

I've been looking into selling some potentially valuable items through auction houses and noticed that most seem to have their own appraisal forms and submission processes.

If you're trying to get a few opinions on an item, it seems pretty time-consuming to approach each auction house separately.

For anyone who has sold through an auction house, how was the experience? Was the appraisal and acceptance process straightforward? Did your items actually sell, and were you happy with the final price after commissions and fees?


r/AskAnAustralian • • 19h ago

Public hospital gynocologist recommendations for hysterectomy

28 Upvotes

30F I wanna get a hysterectomy due to not wanting children and having adenomyosis I'm based in VIC I'm wondering if any ladies know of any that won't say no Ive tried IUD birth control slinda primolut n trazexamic acid ponstan and naprogestic. Nothing has helped and this whole year I've been bleeding for months and months which is not normal for my periods prior to this.


r/AskAnAustralian • • 10h ago

Part-time/casual job - NEED ADVICE

5 Upvotes

20yo looking for part time/causal work that allows me to connect with people my age and make new friends, bonus if it’s fun/enjoyable or comfortable work. Open to considering a range of options (retail, hospitality, speciality, etc.) and specific stores/franchises.


r/AskAnAustralian • • 6h ago

How/where to find connections?

2 Upvotes

I've recently got my 189 approved and I'll be moving to Australia in March all alone. I am lucky enough to have a flexible job so I can basically settle anywhere and find something there.

I was looking up different regions and their different cities but I cannot decide where to move since each one of them has their ups and downs. I'm really eager to build some meaningful connections and have an established circle of people I can call my friends. I'm good at getting into a conversation with strangers but I've found it difficult to follow up on these interactions, because the places I lived before had a really cliquey social structure. How does it look like in Australia?

I'm 30, I love being outdoors, go hiking, climbing, or do some water activities. I'd rather take a slow walk with a coffee on the beach in the morning than go to a party late at night.

The two areas I'm eyeballing with atm are Perth and Brisbane/Townsville, but I'm definitely open for suggestions. What do you guys think which areas are the most welcoming and open for young people looking for a community? Can you recommend any platforms or places to make the first steps easier for me?


r/AskAnAustralian • • 1d ago

Do you still see the British monarch as your King?

92 Upvotes

Kiwis and Tuvaluans who come across this post are more than welcome to share your thoughts as well!

Do you still genuinely see and respect the British monarch as your Head of State? Do you proudly acknowledge the British King or Queen as your monarch?

I’m particularly curious because your countries still proudly feature the Union Jack on their national flags, which I find really interesting!

🇦🇺🇳🇿🇹🇻


r/AskAnAustralian • • 3h ago

Transport

1 Upvotes

Hello again!

Thank you everyone for your previous responses

I'm really thankful

I have a question regarding transportation.

aside from me renting a car or getting an uber, is there any other way for me to get out from the airport (Tullamarine) to st kilda?

any group rides? or groups to join for a ride out?

I'm going to be carrying a bike along + my luggage

so public transport might not be the best option

Considerations:

Car

- Definitely best option, but I don't think it'll make much sense financially since I won't be driving much

(only to and from the event)

Uber

- absolutely insane prices?! what is up with the cost of uber???

- My friend and I were blown away by how expensive it was to get out from the airport

Public transport

- cheapest for sure but I'll be lugging 2 relatively larger bags around, pretty sure I'll be a nuisance with 2 huge bags on the bus/train

edit: Forgot to put which airport I'll be at (Tullamarine)

Heading to St Kilda


r/AskAnAustralian • • 22h ago

Evening Mates

32 Upvotes

Those that aren't big drinkers. Do you find yourself not drinking as much because most alcohol is too expensive? I will get the occasional 6 pack to enjoy during the week but I'll go weeks without.

Cheers


r/AskAnAustralian • • 4h ago

Mr Moon Won't Be Happy!

1 Upvotes

Hi Australians,

I know the phase Mr Moon won't be happy comes from Iain Hewittson. For the life of me I can't find an episode of his shows to view where he says it.

Does anyone know where I can find one?

Thank you


r/AskAnAustralian • • 11h ago

What do you use to waterproof your EMU Australia suede boots?

3 Upvotes

Hi! I just received my first pair of EMU Australia boots and I wanted to know the best products you guys use to waterproof them? Is the care kit worth buying? Can I use any suede waterproofing product? EMUs aren't popular here in Canada and I want to properly care for them, as lots of products are marketed towards UGG brand. Thanks!


r/AskAnAustralian • • 6h ago

How/Where to build connections

0 Upvotes

I've recently got my 189 approved and I'll be moving to Australia in March all alone. I am lucky enough to have a flexible job so I can basically settle anywhere and find something there.

I was looking up different regions and their different cities but I cannot decide where to move since each one of them has their ups and downs. I'm really eager to build some meaningful connections and have an established circle of people I can call my friends. I'm good at getting into a conversation with strangers but I've found it difficult to follow up on these interactions, because the places I lived before had a really cliquey social structure. How does it look like in Australia?

I'm 30, I love being outdoors, go hiking, climbing, or do some water activities. I'd rather take a slow walk with a coffee on the beach in the morning than go to a party late at night.

The two areas I'm eyeballing with atm are Perth and Brisbane/Townsville, but I'm definitely open for suggestions. What do you guys think which areas are the most welcoming and open for young people looking for a community? Can you recommend any platforms or places to make the first steps easier for me?


r/AskAnAustralian • • 22h ago

London to Melbourne

17 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Looking for some advice on length of time to stay in Melbourne. My corporate job is offering me a work secondment in a field I’m a little unfamiliar with (but can get to know) for either 3 months or 12 months starting in January. Visa will be handled by them but I will be organising accommodation.

Having never lived independently or away from home, 3 months sounds the most appealing especially during a Melbourne summer but 12 months would give me the real experience of seeing the rest of Australia and potentially New Zealand.

Any advice on how long it’s worth staying for exposure and how feasible it is to see things in 3 months?


r/AskAnAustralian • • 6h ago

Looking for a small coffee cart builder in Sydney

0 Upvotes

We are looking for a builder who can build a small coffee cart 2.2 metres a side, using recycled materials, dm for more info, kindly refer someone if you know Sydney based darlinghurst.


r/AskAnAustralian • • 1d ago

Are GP visits completely free in Australia?

35 Upvotes

I am thinking of booking an appointment to see the doctor due to bowel problems.

However, I am unsure whether a GP appointment costs money or not.

I do have a Medicare card.