An expert expat’s guide to Austin, Texas
From their respective hometowns of Paraburdoo (WA) and Naracoorte (SA), Nolan and Shari Hirte met in Perth before moving to Melbourne, where they founded Collingwood’s Proud Mary Coffee in 2009. The couple took Proud Mary to Portland, USA in 2017, where they lived for four years before relocating to sunny Austin, two years ago. See proudmarycoffee.com
Nolan and Shari Hirte founded Collingwood’s Proud Mary Coffee before expanding in the USA.
See
The gardens of Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Centre sprawl across hundreds of acres, and at the right time of year, you might be lucky enough to see Monarch butterflies. Spring is the best time to visit to see all the wildflowers. In a way, this place feels like home, the Texas plants and land are so similar to Australia. See wildflower.org
Do
Barton Springs is where locals flock to cool off.Credit: iStock
Take an early-morning dip to beat the crowds at Barton Springs (swim free between 5-8am). These cold springs (20-21 degrees Celsius) will get your blood pumping and are in a gorgeous natural setting. Afterwards, order the brisket and sausage at Micklethwait Craft Meats; the beetroot salad and mac ‘n’ cheese sides are also too good to miss. Otherwise, Deep Eddy Pool is great for families. This spring-fed pool does get crowded, but that’s part of its charm, and it’s always a great crowd! After your swim, it’s a short walk to Pool Burger to grab a bite.
Eat
James Beard Award-winning Nixta Taqueria does modern-Mex fare using traditional techniques.
We absolutely love Nixta Taqueria, the food is steeped in traditional techniques, using only the best produce; no surprises they were James Beard Award Winners in 2022. The menu is creative, refined, contemporary and authentic Mexican food, with a splash of Persian desserts. Pink picnic tables, cool murals, big smiling faces and heartfelt service make this place a must. The duck carnitas taco is to die for. Hestia is the place to go to show hard Austin can throw down. The food is impeccable – the smoked crab cakes are a must (order one each, they are too good to share) – and the service is flawless, polished, thoughtful and warm.
Drink
Comedor serves up alcohol-free libations alongside Mexican cuisine.
Comedor is a Mexican restaurant led by Philip Speer (the sober chef). For alcohol-free drinks, try the rotating agua fresca (like agave, lime and hibiscus). For all things coffee and tea we hang out at our cafe, Proud Mary Coffee; try a natural Panama Geisha from our Deluxe coffee menu, it’s a tropical fruit bomb!
Avoid
Austin in late summer is so hot, the only creatures brave enough to enjoy the outdoors are the cicadas – that’s when we escape to Oregon. In summer, the locals slow down and retreat indoors. If you do find yourself here in summer, then the cool waters of Barton Springs or the local pools are a must, but remember to wear your “flip flops” (in Australia, we’d call them thongs).
Thrive
To stay in shape and connected to our bodies, we head down to our local park to do QiGong and Tai Chi. Free Tai Chi in the park is hosted by Aiping Tai Chi Centre every third Sunday of the month, at 1.30pm at Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park. See aipingtaichiaustin.com
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