5 Things Australia Does Better Than South Africa

In the interest of balance, I thought it best to counter last month’s piece on things South Africa does better than Australia, with this one, on things Australia does better than South Africa.

As always, this is merely my opinion and I’m sure there are more things to add to this list depending on your point of view.

5 Things Australia Does Better Than South Africa

1. Coffee

One thing I’ve discovered over the last decade here, is that Australians are coffee fanatics. Some might say snobs!

They’ve turned coffee into an art form, and it shows. Every city is packed with coffee shops that meticulously brew every cup, and most small towns too.

Australians are serious about quality—chains like Starbucks struggled to catch on because Aussies wanted something fresher, more personalized, and frankly, more exciting. Only recently has Starbucks opened in WA and most people I’ve spoken to have said that they would not be setting foot inside it! We’d much rather support local, independent cafes and businesses than big American chains that, let’s face it, just make sugar-laden ‘drinks’.

Australia is also the birthplace of the famous flat white which has since travelled the world but is still perfected Down Under. While South Africa has embraced a love for coffee, the sheer intensity of Australia’s coffee scene gives it the upper hand.

2. Public Spaces

From beautifully manicured parks to clean and spacious beaches, Australia nails the concept of public spaces. Take Sydney’s Hyde Park, Perth’s Cottesloe Beach, or Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens: these are pristine, safe, and accessible public spaces.

But it’s not just large, well-supported places that are done better. It’s every local park with a kid’s playground, free BBQs and clean toilets, often within walking distance of your house. Australia is big on promoting outdoor living, and parks and beaches are meticulously maintained. That’s where your tax money goes! The local shire even sends you a letter every year telling you exactly where your rates have been spent. Public transport is often well-integrated with public spaces, so you can hop on a tram or train and be somewhere scenic in no time.

South Africa has some amazing public spaces too, like Cape Town’s Green Point Park and Kirstenbosch Gardens, or the beachfront in Durban. However, we all know that maintenance can be a bit inconsistent, especially in areas where resources are stretched thin. South African parks are beautiful but sometimes lack the polish and infrastructure seen in Australia. Safety concerns in some public spaces can also limit how fully locals and tourists can actually enjoy them.

3. Government Services

Australians benefit from some of the world’s most efficient government services, whether it’s renewing a passport, accessing healthcare (often free), or dealing with local municipalities. The healthcare system (Medicare) is often praised for being accessible and affordable, while public education is generally well-funded. Australians might still complain about wait times and bureaucracy (who doesn’t?), but in general, the system works smoothly and transparently.

South Africa has made strides, but government services are often a mixed bag. Healthcare and education quality can vary dramatically depending on where you live and what you earn. High inequality can affect the delivery and quality of services. While many dedicated South Africans work tirelessly within the system, and private services often fill the gaps, it’s no surprise that government services don’t always have the same reputation for reliability as Australia’s.

4. Multi-Culturalism

Australia is known for being a multicultural haven and the country is a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. All cities boast diverse communities that actively celebrate their heritage through festivals, food, and arts. The government and media encourage inclusion, and people from all over the world are welcomed into Australian society.

According to the ABS, in 2023, over 30% of the population were born overseas (just over 8 million people). Migrants have been coming to Australia for decades, from all over the world. Interesting fact – Melbourne has the largest population of Greeks outside of Greece. So, it’s not difficult to see how Australia has become a cultural melting pot.

And the best thing about it is that for the most part, Australia is quite accepting and even welcoming to new arrivals from different cultures. Yes, you’ll always get those who are not so welcoming, and occasionally even outright racist, but this is generally not condoned in Australia, and people will intervene in public if someone is being abused for their culture.

5. Following The Rules

The Aussies love a rule, especially when it keeps things orderly and safe. From (mostly!) strict adherence to traffic rules to meticulous recycling practices, people generally follow the regulations.

Laws are enforced, and penalties can be high, which keeps everyone on their best behaviour. Whether it’s forming an orderly queue or using pedestrian crossings, Aussies tend to take guidelines seriously, and this creates a sense of calm and predictability. We even get fined $20 if we don’t vote in local and national elections!

This contrasts strongly with South Africans, who are well-known for their adaptability and ‘flexibility’ when it comes to rules. It’s common for South Africans to “make a plan” or find a creative workaround, sometimes bending rules along the way. While this adds a certain charm and inventiveness, it can lead to a bit of chaos, especially on the roads or in administrative processes. Following the rules is more of a guideline than a mandate, which might be seen as liberating but can also be frustrating!

And that’s my take on 5 things Australia does better than South Africa. What do you think? Anything else you’d add to the list? Let me know what you think Australia does better than South Africa in the comments!