Australia and Europe may share strong cultural and economic ties, but they are worlds apart when it comes to daily life, geography, and even laws. Whether you’re planning to visit, move, or just curious about the contrasts, here are ten major differences between Australia and Europe.
1. Size & Distances – Moving Interstate is an Adventure
One of the biggest shocks for Europeans moving to Australia is how incredibly vast the country is. While in Europe you can cross multiple countries in a few hours, in Australia, traveling from one state to another can feel like a mini expedition.
For example, a move from Melbourne to Sydney—one of the most common interstate relocations—takes about 9-10 hours by car or 1.5 hours by plane. However, moving from Melbourne to Perth? That’s a 3,400 km journey, equivalent to driving from London to Istanbul!
This also means interstate removals can be quite costly. If you’re planning a long-distance move, check out this Interstate Cost Comparison Guide to understand pricing and logistics.
2. Wildlife & Nature – Everything Wants to Kill You (Sort of)
Europe has wolves and bears, but Australia takes wildlife to another level. From venomous snakes to box jellyfish and giant saltwater crocodiles, the dangerous animal list is long. However, the reality is that most Australians never encounter these creatures in their daily lives.
That said, watch out for magpies in spring—they will swoop at your head!
3. Climate – No Winter Wonderland Here
Unlike Europe, where you get cold, snowy winters, much of Australia experiences hot summers and mild winters. Cities like Sydney and Brisbane never see snow, while Melbourne can have four seasons in a day.
The Australian summer is also intense, with 40°C (104°F) heat waves and bushfire risks in many regions.
4. Cost of Living – Australia is Expensive
If you think cities like Paris or Berlin are costly, wait until you see Sydney’s rent prices! While salaries are high in Australia, the cost of housing, groceries, and transport can be surprisingly steep compared to many European countries.
However, healthcare in Australia is more affordable thanks to Medicare, which offers free or subsidised medical services to residents.
5. Graffiti Culture – Melbourne is a Global Hub
Graffiti laws are stricter in Australia compared to many European countries. In cities like Melbourne, carrying graffiti tools without a permit can result in a $700 fine, and penalties for illegal tagging can be severe.
However, Australia has also produced some of the world’s best graffiti artists, many of whom have transformed Melbourne into a street art capital. The city is home to legendary laneways like Hosier Lane, where legal street art thrives.
Want to discover some of the best graffiti artists in Melbourne in 2025? Check out this Top Graffiti Artists Guide.
6. Coffee Culture – Australia Takes It Seriously
Forget Starbucks—Australia’s coffee scene is world-class. Unlike in many European cities where chain cafes dominate, Australians prefer independent coffee shops. Melbourne, in particular, is famous for its flat whites and specialty coffee culture.
Ordering a coffee in Australia is also different—if you ask for a “regular coffee,” expect confused looks!
7. Driving – Good Luck If You’re Not Used to the Left Side
In Australia, cars drive on the left side of the road, just like in the UK. However, speed limits are stricter than in many European countries, and fines for speeding or drunk driving are harsh.
Also, in the Outback, you’ll often see kangaroo warning signs—they can cause serious damage if they jump in front of your car!
8. Work & Wages – High Minimum Wage, But More Competition
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, currently over $23 AUD per hour. However, job competition is high, especially in major cities.
Work-life balance is also different—many Australians finish work early to enjoy the outdoors, while in Europe, long work hours (especially in southern countries) are more common.
9. Social Culture – More Laid-Back Than Europe
Australians are friendly and casual, and social hierarchies are not as rigid as in parts of Europe. People call their bosses by their first name, and conversations are often full of “mate” and “no worries”.
However, Australians are also direct—they don’t sugarcoat things as much as in some European cultures.
10. Sports – AFL & Cricket Rule Here
While football (soccer) dominates Europe, Australia has its own unique sporting culture, with certain sports enjoying cult-like followings across different states. If you’re moving from Europe, you might be surprised to see that the Premier League or La Liga aren’t the main sports topics here—instead, it’s all about AFL, cricket, and rugby.
AFL (Australian Rules Football) – A Sport Like No Other
Australian Rules Football (AFL) is the most popular sport in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Unlike any sport in Europe, AFL is a mix of rugby, Gaelic football, and soccer, played on a massive oval field with 18 players per team.
- The Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) draws over 100,000 fans, making it one of the biggest annual sporting events in Australia.
- Players jump high, tackle hard, and kick the ball from insane distances, making it one of the most physically demanding sports in the world.
- In Melbourne, AFL is almost a religion—people wear their club colors all year round, and heated debates happen in every pub.
What About Soccer?
Football (soccer) is growing in popularity, especially with Australia’s increased success in the World Cup. The A-League is the top professional league, but it doesn’t attract the same passion as AFL, cricket, or rugby.
That being said, the Matildas (Australia’s women’s national team) have gained massive support, and interest in the sport is rising, especially among younger generations.
Conclusion: A Whole Different World
Moving from Europe to Australia isn’t just about switching continents—it’s a completely different lifestyle. From the vast distances and expensive moves to world-class graffiti artists and unique wildlife, Australia offers an experience like no other.
Whether you’re planning to visit, move, or just curious, understanding these key differences will help you navigate life in the Land Down Under.