When it comes to how we see our own backyard, Aussies are often a modest bunch. We might grumble about the price of a coffee or the state of the roads, but rarely do we stop and marvel at the beauty that surrounds us, at least, not until someone from overseas points it out! That’s exactly what happened recently when Canadian expat Josiah Hein, a substitute teacher and popular content creator, shared a video that’s got everyone talking about Australia’s so-called 'obsession' with beauty.

Filmed at Brisbane’s vibrant Eat Street Northshore, Josiah’s social media musings have racked up tens of thousands of views and sparked a lively debate. His observation? That everything in Australia—from the people to the shops, and even the food markets—seems to be 'pretty and beautiful.' According to Josiah, it’s not just a happy accident; it’s almost as if our entire culture revolves around aesthetics.


'Things in Australia are just pretty and beautiful,' he says, panning across the festoon-lit market. 'Every place you go has to be pretty and beautiful. Shops are pretty and beautiful. People are pretty and beautiful. I feel like the whole culture is like, around aesthetics.'


He goes on to suggest that Aussies are so used to their surroundings being easy on the eye that anything less simply won’t cut it. 'It’s almost like when they’re not [beautiful], they’re not going to do well,' he muses.

A Different Perspective from Across the Pond

Josiah’s comments are particularly interesting when he compares Australia to his home continent of North America. There, he says, the focus is less on looks and more on substance, especially when it comes to food. 'Some of our best restaurants are holes in the wall. Like, you wouldn’t even realise they make food. It’s this tiny little shack,' he explains. 'Whereas here [in Australia], it’s like, ‘This looks good.’ You know what I’m saying?'

He wraps up his video with a heartfelt appreciation for his new home: 'It’s beautiful to be in Australia, guys. Wow. What is my life right now?' (And, in true Josiah style, signs off with his signature: 'Jesus loves you baby.')


Aussies React: Pride, Surprise, and a Bit of Pushback

The video quickly struck a chord with locals and expats alike. Many Aussies admitted they’d never really thought about it, but agreed that we do tend to take our beautiful spaces and scenery for granted. 'I suppose we never appreciate what we have,' one viewer reflected.



Another, who’d recently returned to Brisbane after two decades in the US, said Josiah’s observation was 'one of the first things' they noticed upon coming home. Others chimed in to say that you really don’t appreciate how special Australia is until you’ve spent time overseas.


Some pointed out that our love of beauty goes beyond just the natural landscape. 'Australia works really hard to protect heritage buildings and wildlife/trees—even when it doesn’t make sense from a ‘bottom line’,' one expat noted. Another described the country as 'breathtakingly natural,' while others said Aussies simply have an appreciation for things 'looking good,' and that this extends to keeping our communities clean and welcoming.

Eat Street Northshore itself even got in on the fun, cheekily responding to Josiah’s video: 'Did you just call us pretty?'

But not everyone was convinced. A few Aussies were surprised by the assessment, with one asking, 'Are you serious? You’re talking about Australia, right?' and another quipping, 'Have you been to Europe?' Others pointed out that while some places are indeed 'aesthetic,' it’s not a universal rule—especially in smaller towns or more rural areas. 'Sometimes yes, cities, jumping pumping places… Backwater country towns, maybe less so?? It varies from place to place,' one commenter wrote.


Is Australia Really Obsessed with Beauty?

So, is Josiah onto something, or is this just a case of seeing things through fresh eyes? There’s no denying that Australia is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders—think the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and our endless stretches of pristine coastline. But it’s also true that many of our cities and towns put a lot of effort into looking their best, from well-maintained parks and gardens to vibrant street art and heritage-listed buildings.

It’s not just about appearances, either. Studies have shown that Australians value a clean, green environment, and that this pride in our surroundings often translates into community action—whether it’s joining a local Landcare group, picking up rubbish at the beach, or simply keeping our front yards tidy.


Of course, there’s also a flip side. Some might argue that our focus on aesthetics can sometimes lead to a bit of 'keeping up with the Joneses,' or that it puts pressure on people and businesses to look a certain way. And as a few commenters pointed out, some of the best food and experiences in Australia can still be found in humble, unassuming places—just like in North America.

A Fresh Perspective for All Ages

For our Seniors Discount Club members, Josiah’s video is a timely reminder to pause and appreciate the beauty around us—whether it’s the jacarandas in bloom, a well-kept local café, or the friendly faces at your neighbourhood market. Sometimes it takes an outsider’s perspective to help us see what’s been right in front of us all along.


So, what do you think? Is Australia really as obsessed with beauty as Josiah suggests, or is it just a happy byproduct of our laid-back lifestyle and love of the outdoors? Do you notice a difference in how places look and feel compared to when you were younger? And what’s your favourite 'beautiful' spot in your local area?


We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your stories and opinions in the comments below—let’s celebrate (or debate!) what makes Australia unique.

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