An Irish influencer couple who made the move from Sydney to Perth has shared an honest account of the Western Australian lifestyle quirks that continue to surprise them, despite having firmly declared that "west is best."
From Dublin to Perth via Sydney
Kate and Connor Hannigan, who originally hail from Ireland, spent six years living in Sydney before embarking on an 11-month travel adventure that ultimately led them to settle in Perth. The couple told PerthNow they initially had reservations about whether the move would live up to their expectations.
"We have fallen hard for Perth," Mrs Hannigan confessed. "Having lived in Sydney for six years we weren't sure if the move to Perth would be everything we hoped for or not. Once we hit the west coast we just knew - this is home."
The couple enthusiastically endorsed the Western Australian lifestyle, praising the people, the outdoor culture, and the love for the ocean that defines the region.
The surprising realities of Perth living
Despite their affection for their new home, the Hannigans took to TikTok to compile a comprehensive list of 18 aspects of Perth life that they still find surprising or challenging to adjust to.
Some of the more unexpected observations included:
- The sight of trains running down the middle of freeways
- Strict parking regulations requiring vehicles to face the direction of traffic
- Late Sunday grocery openings with shops not opening until 11:00 AM
- Early closing times for cafes despite their early openings
- Significantly higher costs for hair, beauty and aesthetic services
- The current property boom with high prices and interest rates
On the positive side, the couple noted Perth's slower pace of life, the early-rising habits of locals, and the city's overwhelming focus on outdoor activities.
"Everything revolves around being outdoors; markets, beaches, zoos, rooftop cinemas," they observed, noting that this lifestyle is actively encouraged by the government through initiatives like free public transport during summer months.
Challenges of isolation and climate
The couple didn't shy away from discussing the difficulties of living in one of the world's most isolated cities. They highlighted the expensive travel costs from Perth, noting that domestic flights can sometimes cost as much as international fares.
Perth's climate also presented unexpected challenges, with the Hannigans describing how winter can be brutal inside homes where interior temperatures often drop lower than outside temperatures due to housing infrastructure not being equipped for the conditions.
Other notable mentions included the persistent fly problem on hot days or in rural areas, the prevalence of bushfires during scorching summer months, and the surprising abundance of free parking - which they estimated at around 90% of available spaces.
The post attracted significant engagement from locals who related to their observations, with some suggesting additional Perth peculiarities like the afternoon wind known locally as the 'Fremantle Doctor'.
Despite the adjustments required, the Hannigans remain firm in their conviction that they've found their perfect home in Western Australia, with Mrs Hannigan confirming that life in WA has exceeded all their expectations after initially wondering what Perth living would truly be like.
