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: