Oktoberfest & Tropical Rain: K’s Week as an Au Pair in Australia
Every week, our au pairs abroad check in with a quick recap of their host family life — the wins, the challenges, and the little moments that make the experience real. This week, K is in Australia, and her update is a reminder that even a “quiet” week can be full of firsts.
What were you grateful for this week?
New friends.
What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?
Endless rain.
Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.
I helped out my host family by taking the girls to a birthday party on Friday!
Tell us about your week
It was such a rainy week! Which is lovely if you aren’t planning on going adventuring, because when it rains in Australia it really, really rains — it has such a beautiful tropical forest feel. Falling asleep to the pitter-patter on the tin roof is mesmerizing. I seriously fall more and more in love with Australia every day. So my week was pretty mellow.
I did meet a new au pair in the neighborhood, and we got lunch and chatted for the whole morning. I’d made plans a week prior to meet up with some local friends, and we got dinner on Friday at a new burger spot right down the street. They had the best gluten-free chips (French fries) and yummy gluten-free burgers.
Friday afternoon, once school was finished, I took my host sisters to a friend’s birthday party. They had fairy bread and lots of lollies — what a fun way to soak up the local culture.
Saturday was my favorite part of the week… it was Oktoberfest! It rained all day, but it was definitely a day to remember. It was my first time at Oktoberfest, and I had so much fun — met a ton of amazing people and even dressed up in a dirndl to be more festive. Wouldn’t have wanted to spend my week any other way!
Little weeks like this one are a good reminder that life as an au pair in Australia isn’t only about the big adventures — it’s also about lazy rainy afternoons, new friendships, and saying yes to local traditions, even ones as unexpected as Oktoberfest.
FAQ: Being an Au Pair in Australia
Is Oktoberfest actually celebrated in Australia?
Yes — many Australian cities and towns host their own Oktoberfest celebrations, complete with German food, music, and traditional dress. It’s a fun example of how host communities abroad often celebrate a mix of local and international traditions.
What is fairy bread?
Fairy bread is a beloved Australian party staple: white bread spread with butter and covered in rainbow sprinkles. It’s a classic treat at kids’ birthday parties and a fun bit of culture for au pairs to experience firsthand.
What is host family life really like day-to-day?
It varies week to week. Some weeks are packed with outings and celebrations, while others are quieter and centered around school runs, weather, and settling into a routine. Both are a normal part of building a life with your host family.
How do au pairs make friends while abroad?
Many au pairs connect with others in their area through local meetups, host family introductions, or simply chatting with neighbors. Building a support network of fellow au pairs is one of the most valued parts of the experience.
If weeks like K’s — rainy days, new friends, and unexpected traditions — sound like the kind of adventure you’re after, living abroad with a host family in Australia might be your next step.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
