A foreigner’s simple question about Australian culture has exposed the everyday habits, social codes and rules that many find baffling.
The discussion, titled ‘As an outsider, what are some everyday Australian habits or rules that surprised you the most?’, was quickly flooded with hundreds of comments on Reddit.
One of the most popular reactions centred on how strongly Aussies felt about walking on the left side of the footpath.
‘Most importantly walk on the left side. We’re humans, not animals,’ a Sydney local confirmed.
Others agreed, adding that Australians also seem to expect more physical space than visitors, saying crowding can feel rude even if it’s unintentional.
Driving culture also emerged as a uniquely Australian social ritual – especially outside major cities.
In regional and rural areas, drivers often wave to one another as a courtesy, even when they’re strangers.
The further from the city you travel, the more common the practice becomes – sometimes reduced to nothing more than a single finger lifting off the steering wheel.
One of the strongest reactions centred on personal space and public manners in Australia
Many agreed Australians expect more physical space than visitors might be used to, saying crowding can feel rude even if it’s unintentional
And if another driver lets another merge in traffic or gives way in a car park, Australians say a visible thank-you wave is practically mandatory.
Another long-running habit is flashing headlights to warn oncoming drivers about speed cameras – a practice some say is still alive and well in each city’s outer suburbs.
Others said one of the main cultural differences was how Australians coexist with wildlife – particularly spiders.
Locals who grew up in Australia say they would never lift outdoor furniture without checking for redback spiders first, nor would they ever put their fingers into holes outside.
For many, it’s second nature – while foreigners often need to be reminded.
Even indoors isn’t considered fully safe.
One commenter admitted they used to think inside shoes were secure – until they discovered a huntsman spider inside a pair using their toes. Now, every shoe gets checked, every time.
Australian language habits also left outsiders confused.
New arrivals were surprised by how many Australians wake at sunrise and head outdoors
‘See ya later’ doesn’t necessarily mean a future meeting – it often just means goodbye.
And the ubiquitous greeting ‘How are you going?’ (or the shortened ‘howyagoin?’) isn’t meant to be taken literally.
The expected response, locals say, is a casual ‘Yeah good, mate – and you?’ regardless of how you’re actually feeling.
Even expressions of sympathy can be misread.
Australians commonly say ‘I’m sorry’ when someone experiences a death or hardship – not to accept blame, but to express empathy – something that has reportedly confused international friends.
Lifestyle patterns also stood out, particularly Australia’s early-morning culture.
New arrivals were surprised by how many Australians wake at sunrise and head outdoors – especially in warmer cities like Brisbane, where locals make the most of cooler hours before the heat becomes intense.
Taken together, the thread paints a picture of a country shaped by climate, space, wildlife, and an unspoken social code – one that feels intuitive to locals but puzzling to outsiders.
And while visitors may struggle to decode the rules at first, Australians seem united on a few key points: stay on your side, wave in traffic, watch for spiders – and never assume ‘see ya later’ actually means you’ve got plans in the diary.