From London to Australia and Back: A Personal Journey of Contrasts
As a born-and-raised Londoner from Hackney, my decision to move to Australia initially raised eyebrows among friends and family. Having grown up watching Australian soaps like Home and Away and Neighbours, a subconscious pull eventually led me to book a one-way flight. I spent two years in Sydney before the Covid pandemic forced my return to London, but the story felt unfinished. After three more years in the capital, I headed back to Australia—this time to Cairns and Perth—for another two-year stint. Now, having returned to London possibly for good, I reflect on the profound differences between these two worlds.
The Social Scene: Active Exploration vs. Costly Routines
In London, socialising often revolves around drinking and spending significant amounts of money, creating a cycle that can feel both expensive and repetitive. By contrast, Australia encourages a more active and affordable lifestyle. Meeting friends there might simply involve a short bus ride or walk to a beautiful beach, requiring minimal effort and expense. Weekends in Australia naturally lend themselves to exploration, with stunning national parks or pristine coastlines often just 20 minutes away. Meanwhile, London's nightlife has seen better days—iconic venues have closed, prices continue to rise, and the overall scene has become somewhat bland.
However, London maintains a clear advantage in one area: its unparalleled diversity. It's a city where hardly anyone feels out of place, whereas Sydney and Perth, though improving, still have some catching up to do in terms of multicultural integration.
Water Quality: A Stark Environmental Divide
Growing up near Regent's Canal and the River Thames, I became accustomed to murky, discoloured water, almost desensitised to the fact that this isn't how water should look. My first encounter with the waters around Sydney's Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay was a revelation—crystal clear and vibrant. The realisation that Londoners must accept the often murky state of the Thames and other local waterways is, frankly, shameful. Reports of people swimming in places like Hackney Marshes still send a shudder down my spine, highlighting a significant environmental gap between the two countries.
Travel and Natural Wonders
Many Australians cite access to Europe as a key reason for moving to London, and it's true that the ease of hopping between European countries is a major draw. Yet, living in Australia offered its own unparalleled travel experiences. Road tripping across the country revealed a breathtaking array of wildlife, beaches, and natural landscapes that rival many European destinations. Witnessing a whale in the wild stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Australia proves that you don't need to catch a flight to experience serene, picturesque beauty—it's often right on your doorstep.
Finding Balance: Where the Grass is Greener
Ultimately, my time in Australia taught me that the grass often seems greener elsewhere. The country offers a compelling blend of peacefulness, safety, and quality of life, where a healthy work-life balance feels almost enforced by the environment. While London will always be home, Australia has captured my heart with its emphasis on outdoor living and environmental consciousness. The contrast between the two has reshaped my perspective on what makes a city truly livable.
