Why Aussies are waiting in line at 6am

The old saying “the early bird gets the worm” could be tested as desperate Aussies continue to line up to get what they want.

Miranda Wang

less than 2 min read

July 20, 2025 - 11:07AM

news.com.au

Australians have been showing a new side of ourselves in recent months in particular - we are a nation of lining up. New trends and cultural moments have seen Aussies line up in their hundreds - and for plenty of time - to be among the first to get their hands on whatever may float their boats. Here are some of the recent trends that have had Aussies turning out en masse. Photo: istock

1/58Australians have been showing a new side of ourselves in recent months in particular - we are a nation of lining up. New trends and cultural moments have seen Aussies line up in their hundreds - and for plenty of time - to be among the first to get their hands on whatever may float their boats. Here are some of the recent trends that have had Aussies turning out en masse. Photo: istock

Labubus are the latest trend sweeping the nation - nay, the world - and you only need to visit your closest Popmart store or open TikTok to see the proof. Picture: heysodapop/TikTok

2/58Labubus are the latest trend sweeping the nation - nay, the world - and you only need to visit your closest Popmart store or open TikTok to see the proof. Picture: heysodapop/TikTok

The Labubu is a furry plushie featuring sharp teeth and slightly ominous looking eyes. It’s sold by Chinese toy company Pop mart, following a collaboration with Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung on his storybook series, The Monsters, released in 2015. Picture: Hector RETAMAL / AFP

3/58The Labubu is a furry plushie featuring sharp teeth and slightly ominous looking eyes. It’s sold by Chinese toy company Pop mart, following a collaboration with Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung on his storybook series, The Monsters, released in 2015. Picture: Hector RETAMAL / AFP

While the Labubu hit the market in Asia in 2019, the slightly scary-looking plushie only took off after Blackpink’s Lisa, a popular K-pop singer, was spotted with a $32 keychain-version of the doll attached to her handbag in April 2024. And in just 12 months, the whole world has become hooked, including Aussies. Picture: Stephen Alpe

4/58While the Labubu hit the market in Asia in 2019, the slightly scary-looking plushie only took off after Blackpink’s Lisa, a popular K-pop singer, was spotted with a $32 keychain-version of the doll attached to her handbag in April 2024. And in just 12 months, the whole world has become hooked, including Aussies. Picture: Stephen Alpe

5/58Aussies can now get a hold of the viral toy after Pop Mart arrived in Australia in mid 2023. Picture: Supplied

Now, in 2025, there are 11 Pop Mart stores across the country, all of which draw huge crowds with the hope of getting the sought-after Labubu. Picture: Stephen Alpe

6/58Now, in 2025, there are 11 Pop Mart stores across the country, all of which draw huge crowds with the hope of getting the sought-after Labubu. Picture: Stephen Alpe

And for those unacquainted, let’s be clear: it’s not just for kids. Labubus have caught the attention of fully-grown adults who are desperate to get their hands on the plushie, even going as far as to queue at 3am for a restock. Picture: Supplied

7/58And for those unacquainted, let’s be clear: it’s not just for kids. Labubus have caught the attention of fully-grown adults who are desperate to get their hands on the plushie, even going as far as to queue at 3am for a restock. Picture: Supplied

Pop Mart, which describes itself as a “rising global force in pop culture and entertainment”, said the power lies in the ‘love at first sight’ reaction the toys get from loyal followers. Pop Mart previously told news.com.au, “The excitement here mirrors what we’ve seen in major cities globally with queues forming around the block as eager collectors hope to get their hands on these unique pieces.” Picture: Vincenzo Izzo/LightRocket via Getty Images

8/58Pop Mart, which describes itself as a “rising global force in pop culture and entertainment”, said the power lies in the ‘love at first sight’ reaction the toys get from loyal followers. Pop Mart previously told news.com.au, “The excitement here mirrors what we’ve seen in major cities globally with queues forming around the block as eager collectors hope to get their hands on these unique pieces.” Picture: Vincenzo Izzo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Another key element driving the virality of the toy is the fact that when consumers don’t actually know what design they’re getting when they purchase the toy. Picture: RemmieByRiley/TikTok

9/58Another key element driving the virality of the toy is the fact that when consumers don’t actually know what design they’re getting when they purchase the toy. Picture: RemmieByRiley/TikTok

Confused? Let me explain. Each Labubu comes sealed in a box that could contain one of many variations of the plushie, or a very rare “special” version, which are highly coveted among collectors. A trend online sees users recording themselves sharing which colour they would like, then their live reaction once opened. Picture: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

10/58Confused? Let me explain. Each Labubu comes sealed in a box that could contain one of many variations of the plushie, or a very rare “special” version, which are highly coveted among collectors. A trend online sees users recording themselves sharing which colour they would like, then their live reaction once opened. Picture: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

With collectors often waiting in line for hours, some have reported queuing on social media for over 12 hours, and some Aussies have resorted to extreme measures. Airtasker has revealed people are being booked using the platform to queue up and buy a Labubu, with one Sydneysider paying a stranger $100 to avoid the large crowds. Picture: Supplied

11/58With collectors often waiting in line for hours, some have reported queuing on social media for over 12 hours, and some Aussies have resorted to extreme measures. Airtasker has revealed people are being booked using the platform to queue up and buy a Labubu, with one Sydneysider paying a stranger $100 to avoid the large crowds. Picture: Supplied

12/58It’s caught the eyes of many, including Swans stars Isaac Heeney and Brodie Grundy. Picture: Instagram

13/58George Kozma, owner of sneaker store Waves, at Waves HQ, stocks Labubus, and says it’s added millions in value to his business. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Aussies are passionate about good coffee, and do you know what pairs perfectly with a coffee? A croissant. So when world-famous cult bakery Lune Croissanterie opened its flagship bakery in Sydney, it was no wonder Sydney-siders ran down and formed massive queues to get a taste of the shop’s pastries. Picture: Instagram

14/58Aussies are passionate about good coffee, and do you know what pairs perfectly with a coffee? A croissant. So when world-famous cult bakery Lune Croissanterie opened its flagship bakery in Sydney, it was no wonder Sydney-siders ran down and formed massive queues to get a taste of the shop’s pastries. Picture: Instagram

15/58Founded by engineer Dr Kate Reid in 2012 as a wholesale bakery, Lune initially supplied croissants to Melbourne espresso bars. Running the business by herself, she went on to employ her brother Cam in 2013 to grow the brand in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Elwood. Picture: Jane dempster/Daily Telegraph.

A glowing review of the pastries in the New York Times in 2016 shot Lune to international acclaim, calling them “the finest you will find anywhere in the world”. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

16/58A glowing review of the pastries in the New York Times in 2016 shot Lune to international acclaim, calling them “the finest you will find anywhere in the world”. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

17/58Just look at those pastries. Picture: Supplied

18/58Do you really blame people for lining up? Picture: ryanpaturzo/TikTok

19/58Sydneysiders weren’t put off by the wet weather, even lining up around the block for a croissant. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

20/58And it was the same case for Melbourne, with lines extending around the block. Picture: Ian Currie

21/58Parv Bhullar, Brisbane front of house manager of Lune, packing a delectable croissant. Picture: Steve Pohlner

22/58There’s love, and then there’s “I will get up at 6am for this” love. Picture: Instagram

23/58Lune owner Kate Reid with a batch of her famous croissants. Picture: David Crosling

And while we’re staying on the food train, we’re moving from sweet to savoury with American fast food chain Wingstop, which sent people into a tailspin when they arrived in Australia. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

24/58And while we’re staying on the food train, we’re moving from sweet to savoury with American fast food chain Wingstop, which sent people into a tailspin when they arrived in Australia. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

Insane lines built up in Kings Cross as foodies race to get their hands on a taste of a cult US restaurant chain roosting down under for the first time. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

25/58Insane lines built up in Kings Cross as foodies race to get their hands on a taste of a cult US restaurant chain roosting down under for the first time. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

Their Sydney opening in 2025 marked the first store in Australia for the buffalo-style chicken wing giant, which was founded in 1994. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

26/58Their Sydney opening in 2025 marked the first store in Australia for the buffalo-style chicken wing giant, which was founded in 1994. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

27/58Lines went out the door, and around the block. Screen grab: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

28/58Some even brought their pets! Picture: TikTok

29/58How long would you wait? Picture: Supplied

30/58There was a DJ on opening day to make sure the vibes were high. Picture: Supplied

A Wingstop spokesman said the opening of the Australia store represented the company wanting to “satisfy the flavour demands” of Australians. Picture: Supplied

31/58A Wingstop spokesman said the opening of the Australia store represented the company wanting to “satisfy the flavour demands” of Australians. Picture: Supplied

32/58They offer 12 different flavours, ranging from lemon pepper to the extreme “atomic” seasoning, which uses habanero peppers. Picture: TikTok

33/58However, it wasn’t just the 12 different flavours that left a certain taste in people’s mouths. Picture: Supplied

34/58While social media buzzed with excitement over Wingstop’s arrival, it was also the price point that had people talking. Picture: Supplied

For instance, a three-piece tender pack was $15.95, while a five-piece was $21.95. If you wanted to add chips and a drink, these prices rose to $21.95 and $27.95 respectively. Meanwhile, a six pack of boneless wings was $16.95 and a 10-pack was $20.95 — again without any drinks or sides. For a regular Voodoo fries — which is loaded which cheese sauce and cajun seasoning — it was $9.95. Picture: TikTok

35/58For instance, a three-piece tender pack was $15.95, while a five-piece was $21.95. If you wanted to add chips and a drink, these prices rose to $21.95 and $27.95 respectively. Meanwhile, a six pack of boneless wings was $16.95 and a 10-pack was $20.95 — again without any drinks or sides. For a regular Voodoo fries — which is loaded which cheese sauce and cajun seasoning — it was $9.95. Picture: TikTok

But, despite the long queues and prices, many were over the moon at the experience. TikToker @FoodsForTwo features an American woman said it was even better than she remembered it being in Chicago. Picture: TikTok

36/58But, despite the long queues and prices, many were over the moon at the experience. TikToker @FoodsForTwo features an American woman said it was even better than she remembered it being in Chicago. Picture: TikTok

How long would you wait to ensure you got the best view of your favourite artist? An hour? Five hours? How about overnight? When one artist came to Australia, diehard fans waited up to four days before the concert to ensure they could get a good spot. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

37/58How long would you wait to ensure you got the best view of your favourite artist? An hour? Five hours? How about overnight? When one artist came to Australia, diehard fans waited up to four days before the concert to ensure they could get a good spot. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

38/58It was none other than American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Live Nation

In Sydney, eager fans camped outside Qudos Bank Arena, with the first in line revealing they were camping out for four days before the concert. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

39/58In Sydney, eager fans camped outside Qudos Bank Arena, with the first in line revealing they were camping out for four days before the concert. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

This was to ensure they get “barrier” - that is, the prime position by the stage barriers in the moshpit. This spot puts you at the very front of the crowd and in prime position to see the artist. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

40/58This was to ensure they get “barrier” - that is, the prime position by the stage barriers in the moshpit. This spot puts you at the very front of the crowd and in prime position to see the artist. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

There were more than 600 fans camping outside. One TikToker revealed they had been waiting in line for close to 20 hours before being let inside the venue, noting there were already more than 160 people in front of them when they arrived at Qudos Bank Arena. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

41/58There were more than 600 fans camping outside. One TikToker revealed they had been waiting in line for close to 20 hours before being let inside the venue, noting there were already more than 160 people in front of them when they arrived at Qudos Bank Arena. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

42/58People were armed with tents, camping chairs, picnic rugs and umbrellas. Picture: NewsWire / BEN SYMONS

43/58These concertgoers look like they’re having fun. Picture: NewsWire / BEN SYMONS

44/58However we doubt the lack of shade would’ve been ideal. Picture: NewsWire / BEN SYMONS

45/58Fans literally slept on the ground. Now that’s dedication. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

It was the same story in Brisbane, where fans also lined up outside Brisbane Entertainment Centre, hoping to secure a front-row spot by the stage when gates opened. Picture: The Courier Mail

46/58It was the same story in Brisbane, where fans also lined up outside Brisbane Entertainment Centre, hoping to secure a front-row spot by the stage when gates opened. Picture: The Courier Mail

47/58Hey, at least you had company. Picture: Supplied

Those fans who were not so camping-inclined were even willing to pay, turning to freelancing platform Airtasker to offer money to those willing to stand in the queue for hours. Picture: Airtasker

48/58Those fans who were not so camping-inclined were even willing to pay, turning to freelancing platform Airtasker to offer money to those willing to stand in the queue for hours. Picture: Airtasker

If your local Aldi has turned into chaotic scenes, don’t be alarmed. It’s likely Aldi’s Special Buys that have people in a frenzy. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

49/58If your local Aldi has turned into chaotic scenes, don’t be alarmed. It’s likely Aldi’s Special Buys that have people in a frenzy. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

Aldi releases its Special Buys items every Wednesday and Saturday, and items range from technology and entertainment, kitchen wares, sporting goods, and heating. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

50/58Aldi releases its Special Buys items every Wednesday and Saturday, and items range from technology and entertainment, kitchen wares, sporting goods, and heating. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

Earlier this year, shoppers raced to get their hands on Aldi’s highly-anticipated Special Buys Ski range, which featured over 65 products to keep you warm and dry on the slopes. It included jackets, pants, gloves, thermals, and sweaters. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

51/58Earlier this year, shoppers raced to get their hands on Aldi’s highly-anticipated Special Buys Ski range, which featured over 65 products to keep you warm and dry on the slopes. It included jackets, pants, gloves, thermals, and sweaters. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

52/58Shoppers could be seen crowding around the products. Picture: Monique Harmer/ NewsWire

53/58And many had their trolleys full! Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

54/58Shoppers rifled through piles of jackets, desperately trying to locate their size. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

One social media user said they worked at Aldi and it “never ceased to amaze” how eager some were to get their hands on the Special Buys. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

55/58One social media user said they worked at Aldi and it “never ceased to amaze” how eager some were to get their hands on the Special Buys. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

56/58Absolute mayhem! Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

57/58Shoppers were eager to have a look and see what they could buy. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

58/58Will you be battling the crowd at the next viral Special Buys? Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/why-aussies-are-waiting-in-line-at-6am/image-gallery/b1ca797bddfee0793c208bf81272995f

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