Forget the soaring property prices or the endless sunshine for a moment.
An expat’s viral social media post has inadvertently delivered the ultimate endorsement for Australian living, revealing the profound, everyday realities that cement our nation’s reputation as one of the world’s most desirable places to live.
Carlos Gómez, a Latin American engineer who has spent the past four years calling Victoria home, recently shared a list of things that have “ruined” him for anywhere else – in the best possible way.
His insights provide a compelling, on-the-ground account of the ease, civility, and natural beauty that truly define the Australian experience, drawing people from across the globe.
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Gómez first marvelled at the civilised road etiquette, where drivers genuinely give way and stop for pedestrians.
“In Australia, cars slow down so you can merge, and they stop so you can cross the street. It’s peaceful and civilised,” he told his followers.
“Now if I try this somewhere else, I KNOW I’m either getting honked at, ignored, run over or I will never be able to merge or to cross the street. Australia spoiled me.”
Expat Carlos Gómez shared an Instagram post detailing key aspects of Australian lifestyle that had ‘ruined’ him for living elsewhere. Source: @carlosgomzs/Instagram
Then there’s Australia’s world-renowned coffee culture.
Gómez declared that after an Aussie flat white, “everything outside Australia tastes like warm disappointment.”
The expat also lauded the ingrained work-life balance, noting the “5-to-9 before the 9-to-5” culture of early morning activity and the expectation of “real breaks” and leaving work on time.
“Aussies are out at 5am running, swimming, walking their dogs … and it feels normal,” he said.
“If I try that anywhere else and there’s no one outside, it will feel like I’m in a horror movie. Depressing and suspicious.”
Gómez particularly enjoys the great outdoors. Source: @carlosgomzs/Instagram
Naturally, Australia’s pristine beaches also featured prominently in his post.
Gómez admitted his standards are now “impossibly high,” with other global coastlines appearing “mid” in comparison.
“Once you’ve seen Aussie beaches, everything else looks like a sad puddle.”
Perhaps most revealing, Gómez was stunned by the pervasive trust and safety, observing locals leaving belongings unattended on beaches or in lockers without locks.
“Here you can leave your bag on the beach, your phone on a bench, or a (in a) locker without a lock … and no one touches it,” his post read.
Gómez originally moved to Australia to study but now works as an engineer. Source: @carlosgomzs/Instagram
Locals responding to Gómez’s post largely agreed, expressing gratitude for these everyday elements they often overlook.
“Straya, best country in the wold,” one person commented.
Another wrote: “I totally agree with the coffee comment. Makes Starbucks seem like rank coffee.”
However, others cautioned about vigilance.
“Sometimes things can be stolen and other times people don’t. It depends on the area you are in,” one person stated.
“As an Australian I will never leave my stuff unattended,” another commented.
Ultimately, Gómez’s viral observations provide a powerful, real-world testament to why Australia isn’t just a place to visit, but a truly exceptional place to live.
It’s the unique blend of civility, quality, balance, natural beauty, and trust that makes the Australian way of life so profoundly desirable and, for many, simply unbeatable.
English (US) · 