Kiwi Expat Shares Life in Perth: Pay, Culture, and Challenges

In a candid reflection on her transition from Whanganui, New Zealand, to Perth, Australia, Lucy Brickley has opened up about the profound lifestyle changes and unexpected benefits of her new home. After returning from a six-month working visa in the Cook Islands, Brickley felt disillusioned with the job market in New Zealand and sought new opportunities in Australia. She has been living in Perth for nearly two years, embracing its unique culture while grappling with the challenges that come with expat life.

Settling into Perth’s Unique Landscape

Perth, recognized as the most isolated city in the world, offers a distinctive living experience. Brickley describes the city as feeling remote, noting that it often requires longer travel times to reach friends or family compared to her hometown. The diverse neighborhoods each present a different atmosphere, and navigating the city means getting accustomed to lengthy commutes, a stark contrast to the compactness of Whanganui.

Despite the distance, Brickley is still in the process of settling in, stating that making new friends has been a challenge. Having moved alone and knowing only one person, she has focused on exploring the city and discovering her favorite local spots.

Employment and Cost of Living

Currently employed in transport and infrastructure, Brickley highlights a significant advantage of working in Perth: higher salaries for what she describes as “lower” roles compared to those in New Zealand. This financial benefit is coupled with a lower cost for essential items like food and petrol. However, she points out that healthcare services, including doctors and dentists, tend to be more expensive than those in her small hometown.

The rising cost of living comes with its own set of challenges. Brickley mentions the competitive rental market and the ongoing housing crisis, making it difficult to find affordable accommodation. Furthermore, she notes that the cost of utilities, such as gas and electricity, can be quite high.

Life Beyond Work: Activities and Local Delicacies

In her spare time, Brickley enjoys a variety of activities, particularly during the summer months. She often spends weekends freediving at beautiful locations, including Rottnest Island and the Omeo Wreck. Winter, on the other hand, brings more indoor pursuits, as Perth experiences surprising amounts of rain during this season.

Brickley enthusiastically recommends local delicacies, particularly the popular “bottomless brunches” offered at numerous venues around the city. She recently indulged in a delightful brunch that featured a selection of pasta and cocktails, complemented by the local seafood, best enjoyed with a scenic view in areas like Fremantle or Scarborough.

Public transport is relatively reliable, but given Perth’s sprawling nature, having a personal vehicle is often more convenient. For evening entertainment, Brickley suggests the night tour at Fremantle Prison, alongside various escape rooms, arcades, and vibrant nightlife options.

Overall Impressions and Recommendations

For those considering a visit, Brickley recommends October and November as the ideal months, when the weather is pleasantly warm without the extreme heat that follows in December. She advises future visitors to experience local highlights such as meeting a quokka at Rottnest Island, exploring the Fremantle markets, and wandering through Kings Park and Botanic Gardens.

Despite the excitement of her new life, Brickley expresses a longing for her roots. A former volunteer rural firefighter, she misses the camaraderie of her brigade and the lush green landscapes of New Zealand. The stark contrast of Perth’s red dirt and dry scrub has left her yearning for the native beauty she once took for granted.

As her journey continues, Brickley’s story encapsulates the blend of opportunity and challenge that many expats encounter, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in a new environment.