Erin Hee loves the food in Wagga but is surprised by the prices. Photo: Supplied.
When I first came to Australia, there were a lot of things that shocked me: not needing to take more than three different public transport systems to get home, how I’d get a mini heart-attack every time the pedestrian crossing signal started beeping … and chicken salt.
Yes, I’d never seen chicken salt before 2022.
I lived in Sydney up until June 2025, when I bid the vibrant harbour city farewell and moved to Wagga for a job with Region Riverina.
I’ve loved living here and met some great people. But from the houses, weather, food prices, dining hours and slang, here are five things that have surprised me most about Wagga (and Australia).
Why am I colder inside my house than outside in winter?
It’s been a running joke among other overseas migrants, and even made headlines when Australia recorded its coldest winter in decades.
Australia has beautiful weather where temperatures do not reach the negative lows of many other parts of the world.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends indoor temperatures should be kept to 18 degrees, that’s often not the case.
The houses here just aren’t built for cold days.
The average Australian home built before 2003 averages just 1.8 stars on a scale of zero to 10 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). Homes with zero stars provide barely any protection from the outside climate, while 10-star homes are the opposite.
Experts estimate that more than 70 per cent of houses were built before 2003, with insulation so poor they have been compared to tents.
Thankfully, a six-star minimum rating was introduced in 2010.
I’d like 10-stars, but I’ll settle for six-stars for now.
Wagga’s winter isn’t that bad
While insulation isn’t great in houses, I was relieved to discover that winter here isn’t anywhere near as bad as people complain about.
I met up with former Region journalist Shri Gayathirie Rajen back in May when she returned to Sydney after a three-year stint in Wagga.
She gave me many pointers, but mainly about how cold and unforgiving Wagga’s winters can be.
“Get a good pair of gloves,” she said. “You’ll need it.”
Gloves for driving, writing or just to go out. Even Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr said the same thing.
Well, they were right, it’s cold – but not that cold!
Yes, I might have been wearing a really thick white puffer jacket for the entire winter, but honestly I think I survived just fine.
You can still have picnics during Wagga’s mild winters. If you rug up. Photo: Wagga Events, Facebook.
Food is so expensive
I was told the Riverina is the nation’s food bowl and there are farms and fresh produce everywhere. But if that’s the case, why are grocery items and restaurant meals so expensive here?
Food in the Riverina is no cheaper than it was in Sydney, and that surprises me.
My closest mate from high school studied in the UK, and I recall complaining about my latest weekly grocery run once (which cost $62.34).
Imagine my shock when she told me she could get a whole chicken for £1.
I couldn’t buy a wing for that much here.
Sorry, we close at 5 pm
I have also had to adjust to not being able to eat out at any time of the day.
You can still dine-in at 10 pm in many parts of South-East Asia. But you’re pushing it if you go out past 8 pm here.
Australians are morning people, which I respect. The early bird gets the worm, right?
But the second mouse gets the cheese.
Australians sure love their brekkies, barbies and servos
I remember being really confused when someone asked if I had any plans “this arvo”.
These alternative forms of words are often described as “diminutives”.
It’s often how Aussies show they have a warm or friendly attitude towards something or someone, which is certainly true for names (think Jono and Shelly).
While it’s not necessarily the case, I think I’ve grown to appreciate it. I do enjoy a good late-night Maccas run.
Conclusion?
Jokes aside, Australia has been treating me well.
There’s the odd comment here and there about my accent or skin colour, but for every negative remark there’s probably at least three others looking out for you.
But I would like better insulated houses. I get cold easily.
