A Canadian traveller exploring Australia has pinpointed an unexpected highlight of his trip, and it's not the iconic scenery or wildlife. Lucas Ungaretti, a backpacker who has visited 60 countries, is on an adventurous road trip Down Under and has been sharing the biggest culture shocks he's encountered.
Kmart Takes the Crown for This World Traveller
While tourists flock to Australia for its unique animals, natural wonders, and vibrant cities, Lucas found his most lasting impression in a seemingly ordinary place: the discount department store Kmart. In a viral video, he confessed, "One of the things I'm going to miss most about Australia is not the beaches, the culture or the weather. Hear me out, Kmart."
He explained the store to an international audience, comparing it to Walmart but with a crucial difference. "For those of you who don't know what Kmart is, it's like Walmart, but everything is extremely affordable and pretty decent quality most of the time," Lucas said. He expressed astonishment at the low prices, questioning how they were even possible.
From Thongs to Tents: The Ultra-Affordable Haul
Lucas detailed his budget-friendly purchases, which have become essential to his journey. His haul included $1.50 flip-flops (known locally as 'thongs'), a $6 shirt, and a $7.50 mattress. He emphasised that the store's range goes far beyond clothing.
"They literally have everything," he said. "I got this mattress that I sleep on... I actually got a lot of things for $6 but I promise everything is super affordable." To put the prices in perspective, he noted that a typical Australian coffee often costs more than $6, making many Kmart items cheaper than a daily brew.
The traveller revealed that Kmart has equipped his entire trip. "I swear more than half the things I have in my car are from Kmart. My camping stove, cutlery, pots and pans... literally everything. It's such decent quality, you really can't complain," he stated.
Playgrounds and Price Tags: Redefining 'Expensive' Australia
Lucas's admiration was so profound he joked about buying bigger items. "I honestly would've bought my car there too if they sold cars," he quipped. He highlighted that a complete camping setup—tent, mattress, sleeping bag and all—could be assembled for under $30, leading him to challenge the perception that Australia is always a pricey destination. "Who says Australia is expensive?" he asked.
His praise resonated with many Australians online, with one commenter agreeing, "Kmart is like heaven on earth."
This isn't the first time Lucas has highlighted an underrated aspect of Australian life. Last month, he went viral for praising the country's "elite" and elaborate public playgrounds, which he described as million-dollar structures featuring zip lines and giant ships, far surpassing the basic slides and monkey bars he's seen elsewhere in the world.
From bargain-bin finds to world-class play areas, Lucas Ungaretti's journey shows that a country's most memorable charms can sometimes be found in its most everyday spaces.
