'Australia is a different planet': Expat shares her mind-blowing realisation about the country

Australia is often affectionately referred to as 'The Land Down Under'.

However, a video that recently made rounds online had people around the globe wondering if it might as well be on a different planet altogether.


Molly-Mae, a newcomer to Australia, shared her amazement online as she witnessed people embracing the day with otherworldly vigour.

Molly-Mae's footage captured Bondi Beach at the crack of dawn, brimming with locals soaking up the sunrise.

This video left many viewers in awe of the Australian lifestyle—and a little envious, too.


compressed-Bondi Beach.jpeg
Molly-Mae shared her awe for Aussies being up early. Image Credit: TikTok/Molly-Mae


The video quickly racked up over 800,000 views and sparked conversations about the Aussie way of life.

The scenes in the video epitomised a vitality and zest for life that many dream of.

'I swear Australia is a different planet,' Molly-Mae wrote in the video.

'Everyone else in the world: snooze alarm. People in Bondi Australia...' she further wrote.

'No hangovers here, just run clubs, surfers, coffees, and sunrises.'


Some social media users were inspired and shared their desire to head to Australia.

'This is 1000 times better of a way to live than drinking and wasting away your mornings in bed,' one viewer commented.

'The best way to start the day is to have coffee while watching the day start in the sky,' another wrote.

The video served as a siren call for many viewers worldwide, as they were tempted by the promise of Australia's natural beauty and vibrant culture.

'Fine, I'm moving there,' one person declared.

'This just confirmed that my next trip needs to be here,' another wrote.


However, not everyone was ready to sing Australia's praises.

Some pointed out that Bondi Beach, while beautiful, could also be a victim of its popularity.

'Overcrowded, overpriced, and pretentious,' one critic wrote.

Others commented that it was 'such an awful place' and had 'way too many people'.

Several commenters even shared their preference for colder climates, in contrast to sunny Australia.

Watch Molly-Mae's video here:

Source: @millymollymae/TikTok

Bondi Beach has been attracting about 2.9 million visitors annually.

It is undeniably one of Australia's most visited tourist spots to date.

Its reputation as a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike has been well-earned, but it's clear that the beach's allure is not as universal as people believe.

The beauty of Australia is that it offers something for everyone.

Whether you're an early riser keen to catch the first light of day or someone who prefers a quieter, more secluded spot, this vast country has a corner that will feel just right.
Key Takeaways

  • A video from an expat showed a crowded Bondi Beach at 6 am, suggesting that Australia felt like a different planet.
  • The video highlighted Australians' active lifestyle at dawn and has received mixed reactions from viewers around the world.
  • Many viewers expressed a desire to move to Australia after seeing the beach's vibrant sunrise scenes, applauding the healthy way of life depicted.
  • Some, however, criticised Bondi Beach as overcrowded, overpriced, and pretentious, highlighting the divided opinions on the popular location.
What's your take on Molly-Mae's video? Does it make you want to join the active crowds and soak in the sunrise, or do you find solace in the quieter, less frequented parts of Australia? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below!
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
Morning Mate - So call Aussie here (born & breed) nice story. Maybe back in the 70's I would have lived in any of the beach area here on the East Coast, but jump to 2025, and I'm sorry but NO WAY IN HELL. Most beach areas in the Sydney basin are overrun by humans and everything is basically overpriced. Only a small amount of the people are welcoming to outsiders who don't live & work there, and only some of the streets smell and look clean.
Being a female in her mid-teens back in the mid 70's, I use to walk around Bondi/Coogee and most other East Coast place's on my own and know I was 90% safe, sad now, as I would not live or walk around there unless I was in a group.

Yes, I agree in many ways Australia could still be called the Lucky Country compared to other countries. But to someone who has lived here her whole life I no longer believe it. And I believe only people who move or holiday here would still call it the Lucky Country and only then for a short time.
 
To each his own, there are many different way of enjoying a lifestyle test is one, glad thry saw that side, sorry they might not have seen our beautiful bush land the top dnd or tropical Queensland. Was proud of what I saw though
 
Many years ago one of my friends said that visiting WA was like going to another planet. I often think of her when we’re flying over the barren, empty country areas of WA but having made the trip many times, I can’t say that I agree with her. I love spending time there, it might get very hot but at least I’ve never, ever been cold.
 
Many years ago one of my friends said that visiting WA was like going to another planet. I often think of her when we’re flying over the barren, empty country areas of WA but having made the trip many times, I can’t say that I agree with her. I love spending time there, it might get very hot but at least I’ve never, ever been cold.
Yes, it is still like big country town. I don't miss the crowds and I do like lots of free events, good parking, less traffic and a much easier less stress lifestyle. It does get hot but not humid and never really cold.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NotNats and PattiB
WA best state so versatile in scenery wherever you go everything different and some beaut small country towns. Been over east and Queensland loved them but couldn't wait to get home
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Unfortunately Australia is nothing like it used to be........now in 2025 its overcrowded, overpriced, full of criminals, druggies and young thugs.
When we first came here in 1966/67 it was a totally different place. After living in a hostel in Sydney for a few months my husband got a job on the Gold Coast and we moved to Coolangatta. At that time everyone was honest!. You could safely leave the car unlocked with your newly bought groceries inside and the windows left open without having to worry that someone would steal not only the groceries but the car. Nowhere in Australia is like that now.
 
When we first came here in 1966/67 it was a totally different place. After living in a hostel in Sydney for a few months my husband got a job on the Gold Coast and we moved to Coolangatta. At that time everyone was honest!. You could safely leave the car unlocked with your newly bought groceries inside and the windows left open without having to worry that someone would steal not only the groceries but the car. Nowhere in Australia is like that now.
Sadly, I do not think anywhere in the world is that safe anymore. Too many people out for themselves and no one else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NotNats and PattiB
Morning Mate - So call Aussie here (born & breed) nice story. Maybe back in the 70's I would have lived in any of the beach area here on the East Coast, but jump to 2025, and I'm sorry but NO WAY IN HELL. Most beach areas in the Sydney basin are overrun by humans and everything is basically overpriced. Only a small amount of the people are welcoming to outsiders who don't live & work there, and only some of the streets smell and look clean.
Being a female in her mid-teens back in the mid 70's, I use to walk around Bondi/Coogee and most other East Coast place's on my own and know I was 90% safe, sad now, as I would not live or walk around there unless I was in a group.

Yes, I agree in many ways Australia could still be called the Lucky Country compared to other countries. But to someone who has lived here her whole life I no longer believe it. And I believe only people who move or holiday here would still call it the Lucky Country and only then for a short time.
Same I was a Newport Bungan resident in the 70s it was safe then and never had social issues.
Bondi and the pretensions put me right off.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NotNats

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×