my 2c worth!
I think how you live in the UK greatly affects how your experience here will be... My OH and I weren't really going out raving people (too old, hehe!) but do like going out camping, getting out of the house walking/cycling/driving. We were also DETERMINED to not wear the rose-tinted specs as we were very afraid we would be let down. We were also determined that Melboure would be 'home' as soon as we moved into our house and that we wouldn't spend time complaining about what food and drinks we couldn't get - we would adapt to what we could get (we are lucky in that we have no small children to adapt to that principle also). Plus, we were never expecting it to be like the UK but with nicer weather, which I think can be a shock to some people as has been said.
We have been here 8 months now and absolutely adore it - yes, things are very different, but the things which are cons *for us* are far, far outweighed by the things that are pros... for example...
Camping from October to the end of May (and if we had a gas heater we'd brave it now)
Space - fewer people in Australia that in London... it shows
Much more laid back way of life
Both lucky enough to have the same value in the workplace as we did in the UK (OH earning more!) but cost of living is less
Get paid fortnightly
So easy to do outdoor activities - in Melbourne at least the cycle paths are fantastic, the Beach is close (when we move in a couple of weeks we'll be 1km away) and beautiful
People are very friendly and you aren't considered weird for speaking to strangers
Victoria is just beautiful - we have explored loads and will continue to do so - ski season is nearly upon us
Japanese cars are CHEAP! Bought a Honda for literally half what it would be in the UK.
Petrol is cheaper (around $1.25 per litre)
Some things that we don't like so far...
As has been noted loads - the drivers take some getting used to as the driving test is not too tricky here - someone told me the other day that out of all the major manoeuvres we have to learn (turn in the road, emergency stop, hill start, parallel park, bay park etc), they are only tested on one in the whole test.....
House auctions - although I agree with them in principle as the house will only sell for its market value, they are advertised at a guide price. We went to an auction where the guide was $330k plus. It actually sold for over $500k, which if you're looking around your guide price mark is just way off! It's a common problem here as the estate agents want to get loads of people to the auctions.
The car parks are a nightmare - if you drive out to a mall, in Melbourne at least, there are so few spaces you can end up 'stalking' people leaving so you can get their space... until you get used to it it is extremely frustrating!
It can be tricky to find decent leather shoes and bags for some reason!
As calNgary said, the previous thread has loads of stuff in, the experience is different for everyone... we are very lucky in that neither of us are very close to family and we settled in very quickly, both found jobs very quickly and at this moment wouldn't even consider going back to the UK, even for a holiday. Neither of us have felt homesick at all. BUT I do understand that just because we fit in doesn't mean that everyone does, though I do believe to an extent the experience is what you make of it. It's always hard to find a job and make new friends, but if you try, you will succeed (o:
Gosh - this has turned into quite an essay, but I hope it is of use!
We just love it here because the lifestyle 'fits' us - I hope you have the same experience.
Wifes demand!
