Car wars Down Under: Aussie car park chaos stuns American expat

Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating experience filled with new customs, food, and ways of life.

However, for one American expat who recently made the leap to Australia, it's not the Vegemite or the left-hand driving that's causing the most culture shock—it's the car park behaviour.


The expat, settling into the sunny climes of Queensland, expressed genuine concern over what he perceived as a reckless and aggressive driving culture in Australian car parks.

According to his observations, shared on a social media post, Australians seem to have a need for speed and are ‘out for blood’ when it comes to nabbing a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible.

He also observed that the size of the parks is smaller compared to those back at his home.


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An American expat in Queensland shared his shock on social media at Australians' fast-paced driving in car parks. Credits: Shutterstock


‘So, I recently moved to Australia from USA. I'm absolutely in love with this country and find it a paradise compared to America but I'm shocked at how people drive in car parks,’ the man wrote.

‘Why do most Australians drive in car parks like they're out for blood? Even in crowded lots, like at shopping centres ya'll drive 40km.’

‘Since moving to Australia the ONLY place I fear for my life is in a car park,’ the expat added.


Australians acknowledged the intense car park culture but couldn't identify a reason for the road rage.

There appears to be a split among drivers who either prefer to find a parking spot near the entrance or opt to quickly secure a spot and walk the distance.

‘There is definitely a strange car park culture here in Australia. I'm of the "park in the middle of nowhere-don't care" camp, and my husband is in the "must park as close as humanly possible to the entry" camp,’ one commenter said.

‘We will never understand each other's motivations. I do wish people would calm down though. They get so angry over spots or blocking lanes. Everyone just needs to relax! The shops aren't going anywhere.’

Another echoed this sentiment, saying, ‘I'm Australian and I have no idea. I had someone laugh at me for using my indicator in a car park. I pointed out that others can't read my mind in a car park any more than they can on the road.’

‘I'll try to park far away in a less popular area before doing a couple of laps, if I still can't find a park I'll exit and go to a side street somewhere, it's not worth the hassle,’ a third shared.

‘I don't like people that sit in a lane waiting for a returning shopper, clogs up traffic flow and sometimes they'll be sitting behind your car while you're trying to back out and don't give a shit when you try to signal you want to leave.’


However, the expat's experience was not unique.

Other foreigners have also noticed the behaviour, with one Brit recounting, ‘so many times I have either had obscenities screamed at me or some i**** ram in the back of my car as I am slowly inching out of a space.’

‘I have driven pretty much around the world and can honestly say Oz has some of the worst attitudes on the road by far.’

Another expat shared, ‘I'm from the UK and find it frustrating that nobody ever wants to let you out of a parking space.’

‘Whether that is the supermarket, a shopping centre or on-street parking. You can be almost fully out of space and someone will still just drive around you rather than wait for you to pull out.’


The speed limit in all car parks and shared zones should be 10km, with clear signage to notify motorists, especially when approaching speed humps.

Studies indicated that car park collisions occur more frequently during busy times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter.

According to AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James, shopping centres become like ‘the Hunger Games of parking’ during these periods.


The American expat’s sentiments shed light on the intense car park culture in the country.

This revelation came amidst a discussion about a ’genius’ car park feature that divides Aussie drivers, promising an absolutely elite parking experience.

The juxtaposition of these stories highlights the significance of parking experiences in Australian daily life and the ongoing debate surrounding car park etiquette and facilities.
Key Takeaways
  • An American expat residing in Queensland was surprised at the fast pace at which Australians drive in car parks.
  • The expat described the driving behaviour as reckless, with individuals seemingly ‘out for blood’ to find a parking spot close to the entrance.
  • Australian commenters on social media acknowledged the aggressive car park culture, with differing opinions on parking strategies and road etiquette.
  • There were calls for reduced speed limits in car parks with clear signage, especially around busy times like Christmas and Easter to prevent collisions.
Have you experienced aggressive driving in car parks? Do you have any tips for navigating these concrete jungles? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 
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He should try visiting Nice, in France.

If he thinks Australian drivers are dangerous in carparks, he would be terrified there.

The Hertz carpark at Nice airport is a 5 kph zone. So the average French driver only does 75-80 kph. In the city carpark, where it's a 10 kph limit, motorway speeds are considered normal.

I asked several of the French people I was working with there why this was common. They indicated that therthere was such a high accident rate in carparks people wanted to spend the minimum amount of time in them.

The irony seemed to be totally invisible to them.
 
I hate car parks and try to avoid them Whether it’s Cole’s, Woolworths or some of the the medical facilities my husband has to go to. The place where his Plastic surgeon is located is horrific. They are expanding and with the tradies, increase in the number of specialists plus a childcare centre it’s enough to cause severe stress. I usually wait in the car & read while Ted has his skin checked & any spots removed, & how I haven’t witnessed a bingle is beyond me. The way people drive is appalling & then there are people returning to their cars so engrossed in phones that they’re not aware of cars trying to leave. I won’t start on parking at any of Launcestons hospitals, it’s best avoided!
 
I so agree with the comments re supermarket car parking. Entry-exit openings too small, parking bays to narrow, and I just have a ordinary car. I always park further away from the entry to the shopping Centre. There are more empty spaces and not too many shopping trolleys dumped in parking spaces. You up your steps if you take your trolley to the trolley bay.
 
Park as far away as possible ,get some Exercise, have a Car without Dents and Scratches, no a Looney with a Foul Mouth screaming at you, there needs to be adequate designated Seniors, Disabled and Mother and Baby parking close to the Shopping Centre Entrance
 
I agree with you Trudylee but would people obey the signs? In SA we have lots of parks for seniors and mums/prams but signs are often ignored. People are mainly lazy or in too much hurry to consider others. It is a sad and dangerous problem. I don't know what solution would work.
 
all disabled carparks are designed that you are forced to fear for your life when you try to exit them because they are sometimes close to the entrance to the shopping complex
 
I’ve mentioned before how Sydney driving scares me, it’s so fast and so much traffic. I’ve been to the shopping centres with my daughter in law and no matter what time of day the car parks are full and you need to be ruthless to get a spot. Last time we witnessed a car race out of a spot, knock over a pole and it smashed right on top of another car! He took off out of there like a bat out of Hell! I think if I lived there I would be getting everything I needed delivered
 
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Park as far away as possible ,get some Exercise, have a Car without Dents and Scratches, no a Looney with a Foul Mouth screaming at you, there needs to be adequate designated Seniors, Disabled and Mother and Baby parking close to the Shopping Centre Entrance
 
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I agree with you Trudylee but would people obey the signs? In SA we have lots of parks for seniors and mums/prams but signs are often ignored. People are mainly lazy or in too much hurry to consider others. It is a sad and dangerous problem. I don't know what solution would work.
The reason that such carpark "rules" are ignored is that they are not legally binding. The only regulated carparks are those designated for persons with a disability. Don't forget - disabilities come in all shapes and forms. Not just those in wheelchairs.
 
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The reason that such carpark "rules" are ignored is that they are not legally binding. The only regulated carparks are those designated for persons with a disability. Don't forget - disabilities come in all shapes and forms. Not just those in wheelchairs.
Yes agreed - we need laws so that these rules can be enforced and punished by law if disobeyed
 
all disabled carparks are designed that you are forced to fear for your life when you try to exit them because they are sometimes close to the entrance to the shopping complex
Yes I parked on the disabled car park at a Woolies shopping centre. Trying to get out was horrendous as people kept going behind me to get around . In the end a woman tried and I ended up touching her car. Well she wanted details and would get her husband to check. I mentioned how if people would just wait for a person to back out it wouldn’t be an issue. She didn’t get back to me . And there was no damage anyhow. But very frustrating
 
Oh man, car parks can be a total nightmare! I've definitely had my share of run-ins with aggressive drivers. Just be cautious at corners and intersections. People love to speed around them without checking.
Another thing I do is park further away. It might mean a longer walk, but there's usually less traffic and fewer aggressive drivers. Plus, fewer chances of getting your car dinged!
I've been to dealer only car auctions a few times, and even there, some crazies drive very dangerously. I almost got run over myself (and hadn't even bought a car yet). So, yeah, you must always be on your guard.
 

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