11 WEIRD Things I Had Never Seen Before Coming to Australia (2024)

Living Simply Australia
9 Jan 202412:16
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video explores the peculiarities of Australian life as experienced by a migrant. From separate toilet designs for privacy to the absence of bidets, the host delves into cultural differences in home amenities. The script also touches on unique food items like Vegemite, strict alcohol regulations, and the distinct healthcare system starting with GPs. Other surprises include the compulsory wearing of hats by school children, hefty fines for public transport etiquette breaches, and the importance of beach safety education. The video offers a humorous yet insightful look at the Australian lifestyle and its rich biodiversity, including the iconic kangaroos and koalas.

Takeaways
  • 🏠 In Australia, toilets are often separate from the main bathroom, a design choice for practicality and privacy.
  • 🚽 Bidets are not commonly found in Australian bathrooms, which is a cultural difference from many European countries and Argentina.
  • 🍞 Vegemite, a spread made from brewers yeast extract, is a unique Australian product that is an acquired taste for many newcomers.
  • 🍷 Alcohol is sold in separate bottle shops in Australia, not in supermarkets, as a measure to limit excessive drinking.
  • 🛋️ Australians practice 'hard rubbish' collection, leaving unwanted items outside their homes for others to take or for pickup.
  • 🚌 There are hefty fines for putting feet on public transport seats in Australia, reflecting a strong emphasis on public etiquette.
  • 🎉 Housewarming parties are a common tradition in Australia, where friends are invited to see a new home and socialize.
  • 🏥 In Australia, the first point of contact for medical issues is a GP (General Practitioner), rather than going directly to a specialist.
  • 🏈 Australian rules football (AFL) is a unique sport to Australia with a family-oriented and less aggressive atmosphere compared to other sports.
  • 🎓 School children in Australia are required to wear sun-protected hats due to the country's high UV levels.
  • 🦘 Australia is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and more, which are a source of fascination for many.
  • 🏊‍♂️ Beach safety education through the Nippers program is an important part of Australian culture, teaching children lifesaving and beach safety skills from a young age.
Q & A

  • Why are toilets often separate from the main bathroom in Australian houses?

    -Historically, this design was for practical reasons to allow one person to use the toilet while another uses the bathroom, ensuring privacy and hygiene.

  • What is the cultural difference regarding bidets between Argentina and Australia?

    -In Argentina and many European countries, bidets are an essential part of the bathroom, while in Australia, they are not commonly found, which was a surprise for the speaker.

  • What is Vegemite and why is it considered weird by some?

    -Vegemite is a spread made from brewers yeast extract, a byproduct of beer manufacturing, and is used on toast, crackers, or sandwiches. It is considered weird by some due to its salty and bitter taste.

  • How is the sale of alcohol regulated in Australia to limit excessive drinking?

    -Alcohol is sold separately in bottle shops, not in supermarkets, as a measure to limit excessive alcohol consumption and reduce the accessibility of alcohol.

  • What is the practice of 'hard rubbish collection' in Australia?

    -It is a practice where people place unwanted items, usually furniture or appliances, outside their homes for others to pick up or for a truck to collect, often in good condition.

  • Why are there hefty fines for putting feet on public transport seats in Australia?

    -The hefty fines, up to $288 Australian dollars, are to enforce good manners and respect for others who will sit on the public transport seats.

  • What is a 'housewarming party' and why is it a tradition in Australia?

    -A housewarming party is a tradition where friends are invited to a new home to see the place, enjoy drinks and finger food, and celebrate the move. It's an excuse to gather and socialize.

  • How does the healthcare system in Australia differ from that in Argentina?

    -In Australia, the first point of contact for health issues is a GP (General Practitioner), who may then refer you to a specialist if necessary, unlike in Argentina where one might go directly to a specialist.

  • What is Australian football, also known as AFL, and why is it unique to Australia?

    -Australian football, or AFL, is a sport that combines elements of rugby and soccer but is neither; it is unique to Australia and has a strong following, especially in Melbourne.

  • Why is it compulsory for school children in Australia to wear protective hats outside?

    -It is compulsory due to Australia's high UV levels, making it important for children to protect themselves from the sun while outdoors.

  • What is the significance of the 'Surf Education Program' for Australian children?

    -The Surf Education Program, known as Nippers, teaches children as young as 5 years old about beach safety and rescue techniques, reflecting the importance of swimming and beach awareness in Australia.

Outlines
00:00
🚽 Unique Bathroom and Toilet Designs in Australia

The video discusses the peculiarity of separate toilets in Australian homes, where a small room is designated just for the toilet, while another room serves as the main bathroom with a shower and sink. This design allows for practicality and privacy, enabling multiple people to use the facilities simultaneously. The narrator, originally from Argentina, finds this arrangement very different from their home country, where separate toilets are not common. Additionally, the absence of bidets, a common feature in Argentina and many European countries, is highlighted as a cultural difference that surprised the narrator upon their arrival in Australia.

05:02
🍞 Discovering Australian Cuisine and Lifestyle

The script explores Australian food culture, particularly Vegemite, a yeast extract spread that the narrator initially found unappealing but later grew to accept. The video also addresses the separate sale of alcohol in Australia, which is not found in supermarkets but in dedicated bottle shops, a measure to control excessive drinking. Another cultural practice mentioned is 'hard rubbish collection,' where unwanted items are placed outside homes for others to take or for disposal. The narrator also talks about hefty fines for improper behavior on public transport and the concept of housewarming parties, which are new experiences for them. The healthcare system is also discussed, with a focus on the role of general practitioners as the first point of contact for medical issues, differing from the direct specialist approach in Argentina and other European countries.

10:03
🏈 Australian Sports, School Life, and Wildlife

The video touches on the unique aspects of Australian football, known as AFL, which the narrator found intriguing and different from other sports. The family-oriented atmosphere at matches is highlighted as a positive aspect of the sport. School children in Australia are required to wear protective hats due to the country's high UV levels, and they carry large bags, which the narrator finds surprising and potentially concerning for the children's posture. The video also delves into Australia's unique wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and quokkas, which the narrator finds fascinating. Lastly, the importance of beach safety and the KNE (Kids' Nippers Education) program, which teaches children life-saving techniques and beach safety, is discussed, reflecting the significance of swimming and beach culture in Australia.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Toilets and Bidets
Toilets and bidets are bathroom fixtures. In the video, the speaker notes that in Australia, toilets are often separate from the main bathroom, a design choice made for practicality and hygiene. Bidets, which are not common in Australia, are used for cleaning after using the toilet and are more prevalent in the speaker's home country, Argentina, and many European countries. The script uses this cultural difference to illustrate the diversity in bathroom arrangements and hygiene practices.
💡Vegemite
Vegemite is a dark brown, salty spread made from brewers' yeast extract, a byproduct of beer manufacturing. It is a staple food in Australia and can be spread on toast, crackers, or sandwiches. The video describes the speaker's initial reaction to Vegemite as being quite different from what they were used to, but it also highlights the cultural significance of Vegemite in Australia and its role in the Australian diet.
💡Alcohol Regulation
Alcohol regulation in the video refers to the practice in Australia where alcohol is sold separately from other goods in supermarkets, typically in specialized 'Bottle Shops'. This measure is mentioned as a way to limit excessive alcohol consumption and is contrasted with the practices in Argentina and many European countries where alcohol is sold alongside other groceries, reflecting different societal approaches to alcohol consumption.
💡Hard Rubbish Collection
Hard rubbish collection is a practice in Australia where people place unwanted items, usually large furniture or appliances, outside their homes for others to take or for waste collection. The video script describes this as an interesting cultural practice that some people even make a living from by refurbishing and reselling these items, showcasing a unique aspect of Australian waste management and community interaction.
💡Public Transport Etiquette
Public transport etiquette in the video refers to the social norms and rules regarding behavior on public transport, such as not placing feet on seats. The script mentions hefty fines in Australia for such behavior, highlighting the importance of respect and cleanliness in shared public spaces and contrasting it with the speaker's experience in Argentina.
💡Housewarming Party
A housewarming party is a social gathering where friends are invited to visit a new home, often with drinks and finger food. The video script describes the speaker's initial confusion with the concept, as it is not common in their home country, Argentina. The explanation includes how the speaker came to appreciate and even host a housewarming party, reflecting on cultural differences in social celebrations.
💡Healthcare System
The healthcare system in the video refers to the structure and process of medical care in Australia, where the first point of contact for most health issues is a General Practitioner (GP), rather than a specialist. The script explains this system as being different from that in Argentina and many European countries, where one might go directly to a specialist. This keyword is used to illustrate the differences in healthcare access and practices between countries.
💡Australian Football League (AFL)
The Australian Football League, also known as 'Footy', is a unique sport to Australia, combining elements of rugby and soccer. The video script describes the speaker's initial surprise at encountering this sport and their eventual appreciation for its family-oriented atmosphere and the passion of its fans, reflecting on cultural differences in sports and leisure activities.
💡School Sun Protection
School sun protection in the video refers to the compulsory wearing of sun-protected hats by Australian school children when outside. This practice is due to Australia's high UV levels and is highlighted as a measure to protect children's health. The script contrasts this with the speaker's own school experience, where such measures were not compulsory, emphasizing the importance of sun safety in Australia.
💡School Bags
The term 'school bags' in the video script refers to the large bags that Australian school children carry, which are often almost as big as the children themselves. The speaker expresses concern about the potential health implications of carrying such heavy loads at a young age, contrasting this with their own experience of using 'Willie bags' in Argentina, and highlighting cultural differences in school practices.
💡Unique Wildlife
Unique wildlife in the video script refers to the distinctive fauna found in Australia, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and the quokka. The speaker describes their fascination with these animals and how they contribute to the understanding of Australia's unique geography and biodiversity. The script uses this keyword to emphasize the natural wonders that are specific to Australia and the excitement they bring to the speaker's experience.
💡Beach Safety Education
Beach safety education in the video refers to the 'Nippers' program, where children as young as five learn about beach safety and rescue techniques. The script describes this as a reflection of the importance of beach lifestyle and swimming skills in Australia. The speaker finds this program amazing and contrasts it with their own upbringing, where such education was not available, highlighting the cultural emphasis on water safety.
Highlights

Separate toilets and no bidets in Australian houses for practical reasons and hygiene.

Cultural differences in bathroom fixtures between Argentina and Australia.

Vegemite, a unique Australian spread made from brewers yeast extract.

Vegemite's taste profile and its origins in the 1920s as an attempt to replicate British Marmite.

Alcohol sold separately in Australia to limit excessive drinking and high taxes on alcohol.

Australian practice of hard rubbish collection for unwanted furniture and appliances.

Hefty fines in Australia for putting feet on public transport seats.

Housewarming parties, a tradition in Australia to show off a new home.

Australian healthcare system with the first point of contact being a GP instead of a specialist.

Australian Football, a unique sport with a family-oriented environment.

Compulsory wearing of protective hats by school children in Australia due to high UV levels.

Large school bags carried by Australian children and potential health implications.

Unique Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and more.

Beach safety education program for children in Australia called KNE (Junior Lifeguards).

Reflection on the importance of swimming skills in Australia's beach-oriented lifestyle.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

The truth about trans fat | 60 Minutes Australia

Marsupial Tigers Still Exist! (If Not, They'll Be Back Soon) - Phylogeny of Marsupials

What School Lunch Looks Like Around The World | Around The World | Food Insider

110 Random Facts I Had to Double-Check to Believe

Number Tier List

101 Facts About London

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Cultural DifferencesAustralia LifestyleExpat ExperienceToilet EtiquetteBathroom TrendsAustralian FoodAlcohol LawsFurniture ReuseTransport EtiquetteHealthcare SystemAussie SportsSchool SafetyWildlife UniquenessBeach Education