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Life in Australia

Are you about to experience the Aussie lifestyle for yourself? Living in Australia means a laid-back “No Worries” attitude, sunny beaches, surfing and exploring the breathtaking countryside around cities like Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. This guide gives you a quick overview of how living, eating, transport, shopping or entertainment works Down Under.

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Travelling around Australia – a few key points

Australia is a land of exoticism that fascinates with endless beaches, vast bush and desert, as well as vibrant metropolises. You can hit the surf on your lunch break, barbecue with friends in the evening and admire kangaroos in the wild. You’ll meet people from all over the world in a multicultural environment where the simple “Take it easy mate” …

  • Plan short (1-2 day) trips and longer (up to 14 day) expeditions according to time and budget.
  • Students get an extra 4 weeks of travel at the end of their visa, which they often fund with part-time jobs during their stay.
  • Choose your own transport (car, campervan, train, bus, plane) or join an organised tour – each option has its advantages.
  • Take advantage of special offers from travel agents for tours to Australia and nearby destinations (New Zealand, Fiji, Bali).
  • Tailor your itinerary to your budget and time, and don’t miss the iconic spots “Down Under”.

Housing

Australia is all about flexibility – you change your home and roommate often. Here’s a quick overview:

Type of Accommodation Price (AUD / week) Advantages Disadvantages
Share / Flats 250 – 350 low cost, flatmates from all over the world, flexibility less privacy, shared kitchen, bathroom, etc.
Homestay 300 – 600 Australian family, meals, trips fixed location, higher cost
Hostel / Backpacker 210 – 350 short-term, cheapest, pay per day multi-bed rooms, shared bathroom facilities
Private Rental 450 + full privacy, own equipment high deposit (bond), long-term contract, high cost

No worries: pick and choose depending on how long you stay and whether you want to “Barbie” with an Australian family or chill in a hostel.

Food & drink

Freshness and multicultural colours drive Aussie cuisine.

  • Supermarkets vs. Farmers markets – fresh fruit and vegetables up to 50% cheaper just before closing time.
  • Home cooking and fast food often works out cheaper than restaurants.
  • BBQ? Hop over to Coles, find the nearest public BBQ and enjoy the day like a local.
  • Public barbecues available for free in many places.
  • Bottle shop: beer around 3 AUD, great local wine, more expensive imports and Czech beer if you miss it!

Transport

Transport in big cities works great and is well organised.

  • Public transport: the Opal (Sydney), Myki (Melbourne), Go Card (Brisbane, Queensland), etc. – Student discounts, free travel zones in downtown.
  • Trains, trams, buses, light rail and ferries.
  • Bike life: cheap second hand, save time and money and build fitness 🙂
  • Car-share and scooter-share: you go where you want to go, without worrying about maintenance.

Shopping

Clothes, electronics and home furnishings – prices similar to the EU. Don’t forget the reducer for the Australian socket!

  • Outlet malls on the outskirts of cities.
  • Op Shop (charity second hand) – you can furnish a whole room for a few dollars.
  • Catch-of-the-Day, Groupon and other “deal portals” for an every-day bargain.

Entertainment

Australia is one big playground – just take your pick:

  • Beaches, surf, snorkel, jogging on the beach.
  • Outdoor fitness, longboard, skatepark, beach volleyball.
  • Cinema on Cheap Tuesday, student admission to the Zoo and Theme parks.
  • Festivals and markets – from music to farm stalls to nightly food trucks.

Insurance

Travel insurance

Whether you’re coming to Australia to study, work or travel, travel insurance has your back. It can help with health complications, lost luggage, trip cancellation and repatriation. Peace of mind and peace of mind in your wallet when things go wrong.

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) insurance for Work and Study program

It is compulsory to have health insurance for anyone applying for a student visa to Australia. You must have it in place before you apply and it is valid for the duration of your stay. OSHC covers basic medical care, emergency room treatment as well as accidents and acute medical situations. You will not get a student visa without it.

Annual insurance for Work and Holiday visa

It is essential for anyone planning to stay in Australia for an extended period of time. The insurance must be valid for at least 12 months after entering the country. In addition to medical care, it pays to have cover for sporting activities, trip cancellation or liability. The ideal choice is insurance from an international insurance company that has experience with clients abroad and offers reliable service across continents.

10 proven hacks to save and enjoy every day in Australia

1. Op Shop, Salvos Store (charity second hand) – for a few dollars you can get clothes, furniture and home accessories. The money helps local organizations and you don’t have to spend money on new pieces.

2. Aldi (European Lidl) instead of “big” supermarkets – Prices up to 20-30% lower than Coles or Woolworths. They regularly add European specials and own brands in top quality.

3. Farmers markets – shop at farmers markets just before closing time, when traders often discount surpluses by up to 30-50%. You can find similar discounts in supermarkets, especially on fresh produce with a near expiry date.

4. Cashback & discount apps – ShopBack, Cashrewards and Honey give 2-10% back on online and in-store spending. A few clicks and you’ve got dozens of dollars back.

5. Second-hand furniture & home furnishings – Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree – Browse local second-hand shops on FB and Gumtree: cheap furniture, crockery and electricals. – Negotiate a price, often personal collection or delivery is possible on the seller-buyer route.

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6. Work in gastronomy – work in a café or bistro, get free lunches or dinners and bonuses for shifts on weekends or holidays.

7. Free yoga and pilates – there are often morning classes for the public on beaches or in parks. They are organised by town halls, gyms or the community as a promo. Follow Facebook groups, Eventbrite or message boards and join with just a mat.

8. Travel by bike or in free-travel zones – In Melbourne or Perth you ride for free in the city centre. You get around town on a cheap bike from Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

9. BYO (bring your own cup & bottle) – Many cafes (Brisbane, Sydney) offer a 50 ¢-1 AUD discount if you bring your own cup or bottle. Fresh tap water is free.

10. Sharing economy (car-sharing & delivery work) – Services like GoGet or Flexicar don’t charge a flat rate, you only pay for the miles you actually drive. When you deliver food through Uber Eats or Deliveroo, you can get referral bonuses and earn more than in a traditional temp job.

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