Would be interested to know which area you were thinking of and what made you change your mind about it.
We haven't decided where we're headed yet but do have a 'short list' of places.
My OH wants us to do a recce before we go although I'm happy to 'wing it'. She's always the cautious one!
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom
It was Gladstone in Queensland. There is tons of work there for my husband and we had the chance of earning some very serious money. The minute we drove into it we knew it would not be the place for us. It all seemed a bit 'grey and grim' for us. It was really behind the times. I know it's not the end of the world but it was a Sunday lunchtime and we couldn't find anywhere to have a drink and something to eat. We walked along the harbour and the kids played in the playground which was fairly busy and it was the only place where we felt the people we unfriendly. We were staying in Agnes Water which according to the brochure is out of this world, well it was, but not quite in the way we expected. Again, Saturday night 6pm, everywhere was closed and 1770 which we read was the new Noosa, well maybe in about 100 years.
We loved Oz, and have decided to settle in Victoria, Had we sold everything having never visited and gone straight to Gladstone, I don't think I would have unpacked my toothbrush.
It was worth it though, as, like anyone I am sure that if given the chance you would think you would take the chance to earn big money but it's no good if you are miserable.
That along with the fact the spiders are big enough to eat your granny
Hi there,
I'm english,emigrated to Adelaide with my family when I was 9,lived there for nearly 30 years and came back to the UK to live 10 years ago.I am debating as we speak whether I want to actually go back to oz to live.You see I'm not totally convinced its a good idea.Why?because when we moved there in 1970 yes it was the lucky country.No one had heard of drugs,crime was pretty much unheard of,living there was easy.When I moved from Oz 10 years ago things were on the change.Now its comparable to the UK I'm afraid.Someone I know recently told me that when they have children in the future they want a better life for them and want to move to Oz.Do people seriously think its going to be better just because the sun is shining more brightly?My own kids were born and bred in Oz so if anyone knows I do.The sun is'nt everything.Infact you are pretty much stuck inside most of summer due to the skin cancer risks.I know people in this country are getting sick of all the doom and gloom,its no different in Australia.If I do decide to return to Oz to live,it will be for family reasons not because I'm deluded thinking once I get there all my stress's will get left behind here.There are still bills to pay,work,etc.Its not a permanent holiday!!! I do think you'd be wise to atleast have one of you go there,but keep in mind that everywhere sunny looks brilliant,living there however is a different story.Funnily enough I have alot of horrible experiences in Australia,and none here?Regards from an ex pat xx
Those that go to Oz thinking life will be better and stresses taken away because the sun shines more brightly probably make up the majority of those that return to the UK.
Most people making the move are aware that work, bill paying, taxes, etc, etc, are part of life wherever you live in the world. Along with crime, drugs, disease, etc. You can't escape these things.
Life in Australia has masses of positives. It is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Luckily not to the liking of everyone. So the majority of us planning to emigrate will do our homework even if we don't visit first. If it's a mistake then so be it. But that's life as far as I'm concerned. Mistakes are made. How do you know it's going to be a mistake? It could be the best thing you've ever done. Everyone is regretful of something they've done.
Well that must be us then - not only are we going to go without ever stepping foot in Australia - we are selling our house before getting our visa!
Your signature says it all - Life isn't a read through, it is an adventure, and as long as we (me, OH and two children) are together we will do our best to enjoy it. We have worked long and hard to make sure that we have the financial back up should things not work out, but now is the time to go for it!
Julie
Hiya Julie - we are as crazy as you!!!. We also have our house up for sale and dont have a visa. Mainly because of the horror stories of others on here who have visas and are stuck cause the house wont sell, and cause we figure if we dont get in Oz we will look elsewhere for a change in life!!
Good luck to you all.
__________________
Craig (Java Developer), Toni (HR Manager), Charlotte (4) & Kiera (18 months)
Dec 07 - Decision made to move to Oz, April 08 - ACS skills analysis sent off, 11th July ACS Passed,12th July on-line app lodged
It was Gladstone in Queensland. There is tons of work there for my husband and we had the chance of earning some very serious money. The minute we drove into it we knew it would not be the place for us. It all seemed a bit 'grey and grim' for us. It was really behind the times. I know it's not the end of the world but it was a Sunday lunchtime and we couldn't find anywhere to have a drink and something to eat. We walked along the harbour and the kids played in the playground which was fairly busy and it was the only place where we felt the people we unfriendly. We were staying in Agnes Water which according to the brochure is out of this world, well it was, but not quite in the way we expected. Again, Saturday night 6pm, everywhere was closed and 1770 which we read was the new Noosa, well maybe in about 100 years.
We loved Oz, and have decided to settle in Victoria, Had we sold everything having never visited and gone straight to Gladstone, I don't think I would have unpacked my toothbrush.
It was worth it though, as, like anyone I am sure that if given the chance you would think you would take the chance to earn big money but it's no good if you are miserable.
That along with the fact the spiders are big enough to eat your granny
Where are you thinking of heading?
best wishes
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Sounds like a real nightmare! Based on what you have said, on second thoughts maybe the OH is right. A recce might be well worth it, even if it costs us a few grand. We never been to Oz. We know people who have been and they all speak well of the place but visiting is one thing - living there something else. And there is only so much research you can do on line.
We haven't made a final decision where to go yet. We are considering Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne areas. Don't know a great deal about any of them apart from what people have told us and what we have read on here and elsewhere. They all sound nice places but I guess the only way to find out is to go there and see for ourselves.
Having said all that, wherever you go I suppose you can always move if you don't like it but then that' more hassle and expense as well.
Don't judge the whole of Oz on Brisbane, it is far from being the nicest place down under. In fact the city itself leaves a lot to be desired.
Try and visit a few different cities in different states before deciding where you'd like to settle down.
I'd recommend that you at least check out Melbourne, Sydney, Perth & Adelaide as well. I'm sure you'll find at least one place you'll love.
In my opinion just stretch your finances and come on a reckie! I refused to sell house, unsettle children and give up friends and family on research from internet, books , any research - nothing can compare to actually being in a place! Personally, its wreckless and could prove a lot more expensive than a reckie! I have met a few people who came 'blind' and massively regretted it!
__________________
Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference
We emigrated to WA in March last year, myself, my wife and our two children (aged 14 and 12 at the time). We made the move without having been to Oz before and its the best move we ever made. Have loved every minute of it and have no regrets or any intentions to return to the UK other than to visit.
The fact that we hadn't been before added to the excitement and adventure!!
We emigrated to WA in March last year, myself, my wife and our two children (aged 14 and 12 at the time). We made the move without having been to Oz before and its the best move we ever made. Have loved every minute of it and have no regrets or any intentions to return to the UK other than to visit.
The fact that we hadn't been before added to the excitement and adventure!!
Hi there
Name is Karen, I'm a qualified nurse having just been offered a post and obtained my registration for WA. I too have never been to Australia and am (hopefully) going to be coming there 'blind' with my 3 girls in January '09.
Reading your thread made me feel a WHOLE lot better as I've had lots of envy from people (who daren't move from the same village) but also a lot of criticism for moving my girls 10,000 miles without ever having visited before. Obviously we're all nervous but reading comments like that make me think that I might be making a great choice for myself and my children.
