Australia is one of the most popular destinations for British expats, and it's easy to see why. The climate, the lifestyle, the outdoor culture — and the fact that Australians and Brits share a language, a love of cricket, and a sense of humour that travels well.
But life as a British expat in Australia comes with its own unique set of challenges, surprises, and — yes — moments of homesickness. This guide covers what to expect, what you'll miss, and how to stay connected to home.
The British Expat Community in Australia
Australia is home to over 1.2 million British-born residents — the largest British expat community in the world in terms of absolute numbers. In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, you'll find thriving British expat communities, British pubs, and even British-style supermarkets stocking some of the products you miss.
But "some" is the key word. The selection is limited, the prices are high, and the products often aren't quite the same. That's where we come in.
What British Expats in Australia Miss Most
We've spoken to hundreds of British expats in Australia, and the answers are consistent:
- Proper tea — Yorkshire Tea and PG Tips are available in some Australian supermarkets, but the selection is limited
- British biscuits — McVitie's Digestives are hard to find and expensive when you do
- British chocolate — Cadbury in Australia is made locally and tastes different from the UK version
- British comfort food — Marmite, Branston Pickle, HP Sauce
- The seasons — Christmas in summer takes some getting used to
- The NHS — Australia has Medicare, which is good, but it's not the same
Staying Connected to Home
The good news is that staying connected to British culture from Australia has never been easier:
- BBC iPlayer and Radio — A VPN gives you access to BBC content from Australia
- British expat Facebook groups — "Brits in Australia" (150,000+ members) and city-specific groups are active and welcoming
- British products delivered to your door — LondonPop Box ships authentic British products to all Australian states and territories
British Gifts Delivered to Australia
Whether you're treating yourself to a taste of home, or sending a gift to a British friend or family member in Australia, LondonPop Box ships authentic British products directly to Australia with full tracking.
Our most popular products for Australian customers include British tea, biscuits, chocolate, and curated gift boxes. We also offer monthly subscription boxes — the perfect ongoing gift for a British expat in Oz.
Browse our British gifts for Australia or explore our subscription boxes.