Two and a half months just passed like in a blink. I was not sure WHY I should visit Australia again after 22 years, but a feeling deep inside of me told me that something was waiting for me. So I trusted my gut and went with the flow. Now the time has come for some reflections on Australia.
Work experience for 50+
I thought finding work outside of Europe would not be a problem for me at all. The languages I speak fluently, my skills… it would all be a piece of cake. Until I found out, that people over 35 years are considered as “old” and can not apply for a “work & holiday VISA“. So as an alternative I choose the platform of Workaway. https://www.workaway.info Another possibility people use is Worldpackers. https://www.worldpackers.com
I learned, that it is crucial to inform yourself well, before heading towards a new place. Important details about the food that will be provided, the bed or room you will be in, as well as the location and accesibility by public transport, are facts to be considered well before commiting to a host and working space.
There’s a whole world out there of people taking advantage of you, as well as people who are welcoming you with open arms willing to offer a cultural exchange and volunteering working experience. Just be aware and look after yourself!
Toilet Paper
I don’t know why….but what definitely caught my attentions was surprisingly: TOILET PAPER. It almost seems like a kind of “Kult”-thing to me. In several places I found Eco-friendly toilet paper of high quality with the slogan: “Who gives a crap“.
Each role is individually wrapped in colourful paper with a slogan on it. It almost feels too beautiful to use! The quality of the paper is amazing. Nice and thick, appearently made 100% out of bamboo or recycled paper. According to their website, 50% of the profits will be donated to help everyone gain access to clean water and a toilet.
Wild life
Typical wild life I expected to see in Australia were kangaroos & wallabies. I was lucky enough to actually live alongside them during my stay at Swan Cove on Raymond Island. In the late afternoons they would appear to linger in the sun before grazing, and in the mornings they happily hop around – leaving their cute little droppings (poo) behind for me to clean up! I loved them.
Raymond Island is also home to many koalas. So felt blessed to spot them not only on the well-known Koala trail, but also several times on my way home while riding my bike or even in the garden.
Most of all, I probably enjoyed the extensive variety of birds. Especially on Raymond Island, but also in the Dandenong Ranges. It’s hard to pick a favourite. This is how I feel about them:
I am fascinated by the colourful Crimson Rosellas, Rainbow Lowrikeet and the Galahs, and amazed by the size of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
I feel especially touched by the Laughing Kookabuuras and Australian Magpies – in the way they would wait for me while I split wood, hoping to find a few fat worms or other insects for lunch. I am also very much impressed by the amount of black swans and graceful pelicans. I guess I have become a true “bird-person“.
During my raking hours at the Kadampa Buddhist Centre in the Dandenong Ranges I was lucky to spot a wombat alive instead of dead…. like I had seen before during road trips. Such wonderful creatures!
Slang
Every country has not only its own language… it has also its own slang. I did remember the “no worries, mate” from over twenty years ago. But I learned some new funny slang words this time too!
– yay big or yay thick – a certain way of referring to size, not really sure how much that is, honestly
– chooks – just another word for chickens
– not so flash – I was a bit under the weather, my host called that “you’re not so flash”
– far out – can be used to expres amazement/surprise but also frustration/disbelief or just to emphasize
Community
Kindness can be found everywhere, but I must admit, what I found in Paynesville and Raymond Island was more than I could have ever expected. I was not only welcomed as a “Family member” by my workaway-host Kirsten and fellow workawayer Andrew.
Kirsten introduced me to friends and other people of this wonderful community. Also Dave, my Couchsurfing host made me feel at home and let made me part of his world. When Kindness is shown by a whole community – it feels like HOME!
OP shops
Since I started my journey, I have tried to changing my wardrobe mainly by shopping second-hand. Not only because it is far cheaper, but also out of a environmental aspect. For me ideal to “upgrade” myself and be prepared for new countries or situations!
Opportunity shops – or you might know them as thrift- or second-hand shops – are a big thing in Australia. It was great to see, that most people are keen on shopping here, no matter what age-group they belong too.
Free public transport
Due to the political situation between the U.S. and Iran, the State of Victoria decided to offer free use of public transport during the months of April and May 2026. For me as a low-budget traveller it came as a present from heaven.
The reason why – fuel costs are rising, and we might even run out of fuel – are terrible though.
