Making new friends in Australia
Introduction
Leaving behind family and friends is not easy. What you will have to do in Australia is to create a new set of friends as quickly as possible. When it comes to mingling with the Australians, there are a number of traditions one must follow.
The Australians can be very laid back but also closed at times. However they love to socialise and therefore once you have got a set of friends they are easy to get on with. The one great thing in common is that sport rules their lives so there is always plenty to talk about.
Pubs and Restaurants
The pub or bar is a great social gathering point after work, before a game or at any excuse. However you must remember that you must never drink and drive. If you have public transport handy then this route can be used in meeting new friends otherwise you may have a problem if all you drink is lemonade and soda!
The restaurant trade in Australia works in the same manor as in South Africa. You have your low end restaurant chains (meals approx AU$15 per head) through to your up market restaurants (at about AU$60 plus per head). Most locals however will eat in pubs or chain restaurants. The variety of food is excellent - great seafood, excellent steaks and many Tai or Chinese noodle bars.
Clubs and Societies
This is an excellent and quickest way to meet the locals. If you have a sport or interest, get hold of the name of the nearest club or society. Usually each neighbourhood has a sports club or sports centre. The membership fees are normally reasonable and you will meet people with similar interests.
The one thing that is amazing is how seriously they take their sport and the one sport is bowling. Every city, town or village has a bowling club, so if you like bowling you are going to love Australia.
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