Australian things I can’t live without…
Sometimes it can be tough living so far away from home and family, but for MELISSA SHORTAL who has lived in London for quite some years now, she has become acclimatised to being away from Australia. There are however, some Australian bits and pieces that she just can’t live without and because of their fabulousness she felt the need to share them with you.
By Melissa Shortal
Lucas Papaw Ointment
This little multi-purpose gem has been a long standing obsession of mine, mainly because it makes the BEST lip balm ever. It’s a natural remedy made in Queensland from 100% papaya and its uses are endless (seriously, this is what the packaging says: burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, splinters, wounds, rashes, insect bites and nappy rash). I really couldn’t overstate its brilliance here if I tried. I pretty much have a tube of papaw on hand at all times- handbag, bedside table, work desk, bathroom cabinet- and I wouldn’t go on holiday without it. It’s readily available in all chemists and supermarkets in Australia but you will have to go online to get it in the UK. Get yourself a tube asap – you know what they say, if it’s good enough for Miranda Kerr…
Flat whites
Melbourne coffee is the best. There, I’ve said it – it’s a fact. The cafe culture in Melbourne is world class, and I love going to cute cafes when I’m at home and reading a magazine over a flat white which is a small, strong and smooth white coffee. Happily, the flat white phenomenon has recently spread to London and there are now a few places where you can get a great coffee here. My favourites are Lantana on Charlotte Place and Flat White on Berwick St – both of them are Australian so you can have a little taste of the cafe culture from Down Under right in the heart of London.
Swimmers
Whenever I take a trip home to Australia I’m usually on the lookout for some new swimmers (or swimming costume/bathers to non-Aussies). Australia has some brilliant swimwear brands- I think the best, but I am probably biased. I think Aussie swimmers are generally better quality and the patterns and designs are a little bit more exciting. My favourite brands are Seafolly and Tigerlily. I also picked up a great one-piece at Country Road last time I was home. Swimmers from these places are probably slightly more pricey than in the UK, but if you look after them properly (never put them in the washing machine, people – only rinse under cold water!) they’ll last for ages.
I hope this has made you want to visit Australia, or at least enjoy the finer points of home! Writing it has made me a little bit homesick!
Tell us below the 3 Aussie things you can’t live without or miss most:
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14 Comments
Lucas paw paw ointment is not 100% paw paw. It is mostly petroleum jelly with 3.5% paw paw. They list the ingredients on their website. I used to think it was all paw paw too until I read the label 39mg/g. They should really call it peteoleum ointment with a hint of paw paw.
1.Vegemite on toast
2. Aeroguard/Mortein(as on Louie, the fly
3. Tea tree oil shaving cream
I forgot
4. Kangaroos and Holden cars
Steak has to be number 1 a close second would have to be bunnings snag in bread! I loved going to bunnings on a saturday arvo for a $2 sausage in bread!
1.Tim Tams
2.Papaw Ointment
3.Decent coffee
(Although I would argue the best coffee is made in Wellington, NZ)
Promite, good coffee and footy all weekend.
Big prawns at a reasonable price!
CHICKEN PARMA
and RASPBERRY LEMONADE from the pub.
Tim tams (Penquins don’t cut it!)
And, BBQ shapes.
1 – Vegemite
2 – Chicken salt
3 – Red cordial
1. Lemon, lime and bitters
2. Dips other than hoummus
3. Aussie pies
Hi Steph, Try your local Waitrose for Bundaberg lemon lime and bitters :)
i) vegemite on toast
ii) aussie sport
111) qld weather
the only thing that I can’t get in Ireland is the qld weather.Luckily a week in Spain a couple of times a year tides me over until I can make it home for a month or so to lap it up
Hate to break it to you but Flat White on Berwick St is a Kiwi cafe…
1. Proper food
2. Promite
3. Coloured zinc cream.
1. Vegemite and fresh baked bread
2. Beer (any kind)
3. Steak