Living in Australia

Everything you need to know about living in Australia

November 30, 2022

Everything you need to know about living in Australia

1. Australian money explained

Australian money might seem tricky initially, but anyone can become a currency expert with some explanation. At the top of this unique currency system is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. 

The current coins in circulation include 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins, but all higher denominations are notes, such as the $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills.

2. The climate in Australia

With Australia being the world's largest island and sixth-largest country, it is no surprise that the weather varies from state to state. Generally speaking, Australia has four seasons:

  • Summer (December 1st - February 28th)
  • Autumn (March 1st - May 31st)
  • Winter (June 1st - August 31st)
  • Spring (September 1st - November 30th)

Work as freely as you live.

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Climate in Victoria

Victoria has a temperate climate. This means that it generally stays cool in summer and cold in winter. The average temperature in January (the middle of the summer) is 26 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature in July (the middle of the winter) is 10 degrees Celsius. 

Victoria experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average of about 850 millimetres falling each year. However, the majority of this rain falls during the cooler months from April to October. Snow is relatively rare in Victoria, although it occasionally falls in the mountains. Notably Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Falls Creek. 

Overall, Victoria has a mild climate, making it a great place to live!

Climate in New South Wales

New South Wales has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The average daytime temperature in summer is around 25 degrees Celsius, while in winter, it is approximately 10 degrees Celsius. 

Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with the wettest month being June. However, New South Wales is a large state, with some climate variation from one region to another. For example, the city of Sydney has a milder climate than most other parts of the state due to its location on the coast. Inland areas are usually hotter in summer and cooler in winter than coastal areas. 

Despite this variation, New South Wales is generally a great place to live, with a pleasant climate suitable for a wide range of activities.

Climate in Western Australia

Western Australia is a large and diverse state with a wide range of climates to suit every taste. In the north, the weather is tropical and humid, with average temperatures sitting around 30 degrees Celsius. This region experiences a wet season from November to April, followed by a dry season for the rest of the year. Moving south, the climate becomes arider, with hot summers and cool winters. 

The average temperature in this region is 22 degrees Celsius. The further south you go, the cooler it becomes, with average temperatures in Albany and Denmark falling to just 17 degrees Celsius. This part of the state also experiences more rainfall than the north, with an annual average of 830mm. 

Whatever your preferred climate, you're sure to find it in Western Australia.

Climate in South Australia

South Australia has a temperate climate, with relatively mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in the capital city of Adelaide is 19.5 degrees Celsius. However, the state can experience extreme weather conditions like heat waves, bushfires and floods. Most of the state's rainfall occurs in the winter, between May and August. This rainfall is vital for the agricultural industry, significantly contributing to South Australia's economy. 

Despite its relatively dry climate, South Australia is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including eucalyptus forests, deserts and wetlands. The state's unique landscape makes it a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to experience its unique beauty.

Climate in the Northern Territory

The climate of the Northern Territory is tropical and humid. Consequently, the region experiences two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. The wet season typically lasts from November to April, while the dry season runs from May to October. 

During the wet season, the region experiences heavy rains and high humidity levels. As a result, the average temperature during the wet season is around 31 degrees Celsius. During the dry season, the weather is much drier and cooler, with average temperatures sitting around 20-25 degrees Celsius. 

The Northern Territory is also home to Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, which experiences snowfall during the winter months.

Climate in the Australian Capital Territory

The climate in the Australian Capital Territory is temperate and can be classified as oceanic. 

The region experiences four distinct seasons, with average temperatures ranging from 12 degrees Celsius in winter to 20.6 degrees Celsius in summer. 

Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of around 640mm. However, the region can sometimes experience heavy rain and strong winds, especially during the spring and summer months. Thunderstorms are also common during these months. 

Despite the variability in weather conditions, the Australian Capital Territory is a great place to live, work and play.

Climate in Tasmania

Tasmania is an island off the southeastern coast of Australia with a temperate climate. 

The winters are cool and wet, while the summers are mild and dry. The average annual temperature is around 13 degrees Celsius. Tasmania experiences a lot of rainfall, particularly in the island's west. However, the island is also exposed to strong winds, which can make the weather feel colder than it actually is. 

Despite the cool temperatures, Tasmania is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty. The island is home to forests, mountains, and beaches, as well as numerous wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and camping in the summer months and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Whatever the season, Tasmania is a unique place to visit.

3. Australian slang and how to use it

In Australia, Australians speak quickly, babble and have a rather interesting way of pronouncing words. 

Aussies really like to shorten worlds by adding an 'o' or an 'ie' at the end. 

For example, instead of saying 'service station', Aussies often pronounce the word 'servo'. Similarly, the word 'ambulance' is likely to be shortened to 'ambo'. 

Below is a list of frequently used Aussie slang terms:

Word/Phrase/
Expression

Explanation

Example

Ace

Awesome, great

“Ace!”

Arvo

Afternoon

“I am busy tomorrow arvo.”

Avo

Avocado

“Avo on toast.”

Bail

To cancel plans

"Sorry, I am going to have to bail. I am not feeling well."

Barbie

Barbeque

“Chuck a sausage on the barbie.”

Bathers

Swimmers, swimsuit

“Don’t forget to pack bathers for the beach.”

Bevvies

Having a couple of bevvies means you’re having a few drinks, or maybe you’re having a whole goon bag to yourself (we won’t judge you).

“Wanna grab a couple of bevvies tonight?”

Bogan

A person whose speech, mannerisms, clothing, and behaviour are considered unsophisticated, crude or feral.

“That person is such a bogan!”

Bottle-o

Bottle shop, liquor store

“Can you grab me some drinks from the bottle-o”

Bloke

Male

“He’s a great bloke.”

Bucks

Dollars

“The coffee cost me ten bucks.”

Bugger off

Go away

“Bugger off, mate!”

Buggered

Extremely tired, exhausted

“I am absolutely buggered after work!”

BYO

When you’re looking for where to eat you want to check for these three magical letters B.Y.O.
B.Y.O basically means you can bring your own alcohol, avoiding the ridiculous prices you are otherwise going to be charged.

“BYO drinks to Sunday lunch”

Dodgy

Suspicious, poor quality. A dodgy area means the area is unsafe.

Suspicious, poor quality. A dodgy area means the area is unsafe. "I don't want to go to that restaurant. Last time I went, their steak looked super dodgy."

Chuck a sickie

For anyone looking to work in Australia, you’re probably going to need to know this phrase. Chuck a sickie is basically when you don’t want to go to work that day (everyday) so you pretend to be sick to have the day off. When you’re going for job interviews, it’s probably best to pretend you don’t know this one yet.

“I am chucking a sickie for work on Monday.”

Dunny

Toilet

“I need to go sit on the dunny.”

Good on ya

Good work (sometimes sarcastic)

“Good on ya mate!”

Footy

AFL, Australian Football

“The footy is on tonight.”

Froth

To froth something is to say you really like it. Backpackers usually froth goon, cheap meals and a sunny day at Bondi

“I’m frothing the sun today!”

G’day

Hello

“G’day, mate!”

Going off

The surf can be going off, a party can be going off, even dinner can be going off (and we don’t mean mouldy)... going off means something is really, really good.

“Oi mate! The surf is going off today!”

Good on ya

Good work (sometimes sarcastic)

“Good on ya mate!”

Goon Bag

Alcohol in Australia is ‘spenny’ as hell (expensive)! Unless you want to go without, you might want to become acquainted with an Aussie legend, the goon bag. These magical silver bags are filled with cheap wine and also double as a pretty sweet travel pillow.

“I went to the bottle - and got a goon bag”

How’s it going?

Translation: “How are you?"

“How’s it going mate?”

Jumper

Sweater

“It’s cold. I am going to put on a jumper.”

Knackered

Exhausted, tired, worn out

“Sorry I can’t come out tonight, I’m absolutely knackered.”

Maccas

McDonald’s

“Want to grab a Big Mac from Maccas?”

Mate

Friend

“Have you met my mate, Sven?

Old Mate

Many travellers have gotten confused, thinking Old Mate must be the life of the party that everyone knows but really Old Mate is a friendly Australian term to describe basically anyone.

“Ask old mate, he might know what time the bus leaves!”

Reckon

I think, I agree

“I reckon that’s a great idea!”

Rip off

To cheat someone, often used if something is overly expensive

"I paid $900 for that TV, and it doesn't even work. What a rip-off!

Servo

Service station, Gas station

"I need petrol. Do you know any servos nearby?"

She’ll be right

That will be fine, it should all work out, don’t worry it will work out.

"Don't worry. She'll be right."

Slack

Being lazy

"He slacked off."

Slab

24 cans of beer

“Can you please buy me a slab of Carltons?”

Smoko

Smoko is a short break at work, particularly used for tradies (tradesmen). You’ll want to try and nab as many of these as possible if you’re working in Australia

“Should we go on smoko now?”

Snag

Sausage

“Would you like a snag for lunch?”

Spewin’

Really annoyed, not happy, bummed out, upset

"I'm spewin' that I missed the party yesterday because I was sick."

Spud

A potato. Sometimes used to describe a person who behaves like a potato

“Can you check on the spuds in the oven?”

Sunnies

Sunglasses

“Do you like my new sunnies?”

Ta

Thank you

“Ta”

Taking the piss

Taking the piss has nothing to do with urinating. Instead it’s about having a joke, usually at someone else’s expense.

“Are you taking the piss mate?"

Thongs

In Australia, thongs are what you wear in the hostel shower so you don’t catch a bunch of foot diseases, not what you’d see in a Sisqo film clip. If a tour guide tells you to wear thongs we promise they’re not being creepy (well probably not).

“Don’t forget your thongs for the beach.”

Trackies

Tracksuit pants

“It’s cold, I am going to put trackies on.”

Uni

University

“I have uni today.”

Vegemite

Popular Australian breakfast spread

“Vegemite on toast”

Veggies

Vegetables

“Steak with steamed veggies on the side.”

Veggo

A vegetarian

“Lucy is a veggo.”

Wag

Truant, Skip school, skip work

“I think I am going to wag school today.”

Whinge

complain, carry on

“Stop whinging and get on with it!”

Whoop Whoop

If you’re looking for directions and someone says it’s in woop woop, chances are you have a fair way to go. Woop Woop means something is in the middle of nowhere.

“He lives in whoop whoop.”

Wonky

Not straight, bent

“Check out how wonky this sheet of metal is”

Ya

You

“Why did ya do that?”

Yeah, Nah

Translation: “No”

“Do you want to go to work today?” “Yeah, nah”

Yeew!

Yeew is like an exclamation mark out loud. It’s used when something is really really good or you’re really stoked (excited)

“The surf is going off! Yeew!”

4. How to travel around Australia

Travelling around Australia can be a thrilling adventure and a great way to take in all of this vast continent's culture, scenery, and attractions. Whether you choose rail, car, or bus, the adventures are endless and full of surprises. 

Generally speaking, long-distance travel in Australia is quite efficient - train services cover a broad network along the east coast. At the same time, airlines offer reliable access to major cities throughout the country. 

Many areas can be explored by renting a car or using local buses or tour companies to take you through charming towns and countryside. Of course, no visit to Australia would be complete without a few ferry rides across oceans or rivers! A bicycle-sharing scheme is available in some cities for an added eco-friendly touch if you want to make your own way around with pedal power. All in all, whatever way you decide to explore - enjoy your Australian journey!

5. The cost of living in Australia

Travelling around Australia can be a thrilling adventure and a great way to take in all of this vast continent's culture, scenery, and attractions. Whether you choose rail, car, or bus, the adventures are endless and full of surprises. 

Generally speaking, long-distance travel in Australia is quite efficient - train services cover a broad network along the east coast. At the same time, airlines offer reliable access to major cities throughout the country. 

Many areas can be explored by renting a car or using local buses or tour companies to take you through charming towns and countryside. Of course, no visit to Australia would be complete without a few ferry rides across oceans or rivers! A bicycle-sharing scheme is available in some cities for an added eco-friendly touch if you want to make your own way around with pedal power. All in all, whatever way you decide to explore - enjoy your Australian journey!

If you are considering relocating to Australia, you might be surprised to discover how much the cost of living varies from region to region. Living in an outer suburban or rural area is typically less expensive than living in the heart of a city like Sydney or Melbourne, where rent and local amenities can quickly add up. That said, the cost of essential items such as bread and milk is more or less the same all over the nation, thanks mainly to efficient supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. 

Outside of groceries, prices for services like haircuts, internet connection and phone plans can also vary quite significantly. Therefore it's worth doing your research before settling in any specific place to ensure you're making the most out of your budget! 

All things considered, Australia is definitely a desirable place to call home - with plenty of sunny days on hand, you don't need to worry about spending loads on heating in colder months either! The key is to ensure that your costs reflect exactly what you want out of your lifestyle so that living in Australia remains a dream come true!

6. Australian culture and traditions

Australia is a beautiful country with a rich and fascinating culture. From the moment visitors step off the plane, there's no doubt that they've arrived in a truly unique place – one where native wildlife outnumbers humans, and understanding local customs holds the key to a great time! 

Australian culture is primarily shaped by its Indigenous people – such as the Anangu of Uluru, who have been present in Central Australia for more than 30,000 years. However, there are also numerous cultural traditions associated with Australia's convict past - which has made it possible, for example, to explore heritage pubs and sprawling farms located throughout the rural countryside. 

Whether enjoying iconic Aussie sports such as cricket or AFL football, tucking into delicious meat pies or visiting one of the country's many stunning beaches, spending time in Australia is sure to be an unforgettable experience full of colourful culture and untold wonders! 

The Land Down Under will welcome you with open arms! So hurry up - come explore this exceptional nation and get lost in the beauty of our culture and traditions! You won't regret it - that's for sure! 

The information provided in this article is for your information only. While all care has been taken in the preparation of the article, Sven Global Pty Ltd makes no representation or warranty as to, or accepts any responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information, its usefulness in achieving any purpose or your reliance upon it.

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