Positives and negatives of living in Hobart/Tasmania

Hi

I am a newbie to this forum but have been reading with interest all the comments about experiences of living in different areas of Australia. The Tasmania forums seem to be the most positive of any area and seems like a good place to live and work. My OH and I visited Sydney, Brisbane and Port Douglas last year and really enjoyed it and are now tentatively thinking about moving out to Australia (my OH is a nurse and I'm a Health & Safety Advisor). I have been really taken with what I have read about Tasmania and the climate definitely appeals as it doesn't seem as hot as other states. We are quite sociable people and it seems that Tasmanians are nice and welcome people which really appeals to us as well.

Anyway I could go on but I don't want to bore you all :biggrin:. Can anyone tell me what other positives there are about living in Hobart/Tasmania and, like anywhere else. what are the downsides? How would you compare it to lets say Sydney or Brisbane - is it more expensive for food and housing?

Thank you very much

For

Tasmania is a lovely place and Hobart is a nice city.

Housing is cheaper than on the mainland.

Every house has a view in Hobart

Against

If you want to visit the mainland you have to fly or take the ferry so its an expense.

I live in Hobart - and love it.

It is very different to Sydney or Brisbane - much smaller, with a population in the city and surrounding areas of about 200,000, whereas the other two are around 4 and 3 million respectively. So it's much more relaxed and without the traffic problems of Sydney, especially. More like a large country town really.

Its location around a harbour and river surrounded by hills and mountains means beautiful views everywhere.

Real estate is cheaper than other Australian cities. Supermarket food might be a bit more expensive - they always cite the extra cost of freighting goods into the state. However, Tasmania is a prime agricultural production state and food like fruit, vegetables, meat can often be cheaper at markets or local small retailers.

People from the UK do seem to settle more easily here...they say it's the most "British" of the Australian states, maybe because of the climate. We definitely have 4 distinct seasons. The snowline at the moment is 15 minutes up the road from where I live but, although cold, the winter is not as cold as the UK in Hobart itself. We can get hot temperatures in summer but they last for only a couple of days...they don't go on for weeks or months as in some other cities.

Everything is very accessible, including beaches, bushwalking and any outdoor pursuits. But, maybe because of the cooler winter weather, there are lots of indoor facilites too - libraries, theatre, art galleries, indoor aquatic and sports centres. For the size of the community, the arts scene is particularly active here.

The people do have a reputation for being friendly - probably because it's a more relaxed lifestyle. Also, because it's Australia's second oldest city and has grown slowly, there is a sense of community and "ownership" here which doesn't exist in faster growing areas.

The negatives are probably employment and retail choice. If you are into retail therapy as a hobby you would need to pop over to Melbourne or Sydney for your "fix".

This is the blog of a PIOer who arrived in Hobart about 6 months ago. Some interesting first impressions

http://cornishintasmania.wordpress.com/

There are 4 different councils which cover parts of the greater Hobart area and their websites might give you a "feel" for the area.

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Home

http://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/page.aspx

http://www.ccc.tas.gov.au/page.aspx

http://www.gcc.tas.gov.au/content/

Don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions,

Vivien

I've only been to Tassie on holiday but absolutely loved it there. Not too hot in summer and warmer than the Uk in winter. Everywhere is stunningly beautiful and many places at a first glance looks like England but on a closer look are definitely Australian. The long summer evenings are great too. It felt a lot like Devon or Cornwall - more chilled out, relaxed and definitely different to the mainland. The food is fantastic and I didn't notice much diference in price zat the supermarkets and if anything was possibly cheaper. We tried desperately to find jobs there so we could move there but in my line of work jobs are very hard to come by but it is a place I would dearly love to visit again. It was a joy to see old buildings in Hobart and felt like it was a lot older than it actually is.

A very interesteing book about Tasmania is English Passengers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Passengers. It tells the story of eccentric 19th century explorers looking for the Garden of Eden at a time when attitudes to less advanced cultures we would now consider horrific from their different perspectives and also a local aborigine seeing his culture being exterminated. It is at times very sad and also absurd and funny but these things really did happen but it will make you think, give a bit of history and is extremely well written.

Thank you very much to all those who have taken time to post answers to my questions. Thanks to Vivien for kindly offering to answer more specific questions. All your answers give me a really nice feeling about a move to Tasmania and I am getting quite excited about the idea. My OH is going to a Australian health expo in Manchester on Wednesday to find out more about healthcare job opportunities and I have said to ask about jobs in Tasmania in particular! It would seem that nurses have quite a good chance of a job but from what Boganbear says (and I have seen this in other threads on this forum to)o that jobs in general are not that easy to come by.

One thing I found strange about Australia and we have only visited once was that there was a number of people who when they found out that we were British immediately concluded we were 'whinging Poms' and didn't want the British Royal family ruling over them! This was without the Royal Family even being mentioned by us! I am Scottish myself and whilst not anti monarchy can understand why Australians don't want the Queen reigning over them so was quite bemused by this reaction to our presence. It was almost like they had a chip on their shoulder about it. Is this a typical Australian thing? Would anyone say that Tasmanians reflect this attitude more or less than other Australians? By the way I am not the type to whinge either!

I am surprised that the monarchy was even mentioned to you. I personally don't ever hear it in day to day conversations. We had a referendum on the subject in 1996 and changing to a republic was defeated. The Australian Republican Movement tries to revive the debate from time to time but it doesn't gain much traction at the moment - I think there are too many other immediate concerns and uncertainties to engage the general public. Tasmania had the second highest No vote (to ditching the monarchy - 59%) of all the states in 1996.

There are so many UK accents around here. I'd be surprised if you encountered the "whinging pom" tag - apart from some good natured ribbing (in which case you would be expected to respond with something appropriate for the Ozzies :biggrin:).

I am surprised that the monarchy was even mentioned to you. I personally don't ever hear it in day to day conversations. We had a referendum on the subject in 1996 and changing to a republic was defeated. The Australian Republican Movement tries to revive the debate from time to time but it doesn't gain much traction at the moment - I think there are too many other immediate concerns and uncertainties to engage the general public. Tasmania had the second highest No vote (to ditching the monarchy - 59%) of all the states in 1996.

There are so many UK accents around here. I'd be surprised if you encountered the "whinging pom" tag - apart from some good natured ribbing (in which case you would be expected to respond with something appropriate for the Ozzies :biggrin:).

Hi

It was good to read what you had to say on the monarchy subject and from what you say we might have just been unlucky. As a Scot living in England I am quite used to the jokes about being Scottish so shouldn't have a problem giving it back to Ozzies!

Do Tasmanian houses have central heating? I have heard that Tasmania can get cold in the winter?

BTW I read a few of the blogs on the link you attached to your post previously (Cornish in Tasmania) - it made for very interesting reading and makes Tasmania sound even more appealing.

Do Tasmanian houses have central heating? I have heard that Tasmania can get cold in the winter?

 

Central heating isn't standard here, although it does exist. It can get cold in winter - although the populated areas are not as cold as the UK. Historically, heating sources (electricity and firewood) have been very cheap and the attitudes to insulation have been rather casual. However that is changing as power prices are rising and people are becoming much more conscious of the intelligent use of energy sources. Piped gas is available in some areas of Hobart, but not all.

Remember when you are looking for a house that the sun here is in the north :wink: so a place with lots of north facing windows is the best for light, sunshine and warmth!

You can find climate information for Hobart here:

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=94029

Positives:

• Everything I could want in a city without the "big city" feel
  
• In Hobart you are 15 mins away from stunning wilderness
  
• ...and 5 mins from the beach
  
• Fantastic views
  
• Affordable housing
  
• Very friendly and laid back
  
• Lots of festivals and events
  
• Very good weather without extended periods of extreme heat
  
• Snow on the mountain in winter
  

Negatives:

• Job market not as good as larger mainland cities (but still OK in my experience)
  
• Ditto salaries (but the same caveat!)
  
• As Skani mentioned, the shopping choice isn't remarkable here. Particularly ladies fashion (so I'm told!). Needless to say, that doesn't particularly bother me personally.
  

Re central heating, we've recently moved from a house that we knew would be very cold in the winter to one that is considerably warmer. We have ceiling ducted central heating and I'd recommend that you think about winter temperatures when looking at houses.

Re being Britsh and the monarchy, I haven't had any bad reaction to my Britishness at all. In fact it's often a good conversation starter as in my experience lots of Aussies have either been to the UK or have relatives who live there or whatever. The only monarchy conversation was with a guy at work when we were discussing the Queen's birthday - for which there's a public holiday here. I certainly haven't come across any overt anti-monarchy sentiment. I've also found that being able to give and receive good natured banter is a must!:wink:

One more general observation, I've found that Australians, and Tasmanians in particular, are more politically aware in general than UK people. In the UK most of the people I worked with didn't really know much about local, national or international political issues whereas here people are very knowledgable and interested. Ask a Tasmanian about a political topic and odds are that they will have an opinion and be able to justify it. I don't necessarily mean party politics per se although that obviously plays a part.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Hi!

Everything that others have said rings true for me too. I grew up in Tassie and moved away after University, returning just last year after 20 years away. Most of that time was in Melbourne.

For me one of the key benefits is how close things are and not needing to have a long commute - unless you choose to live further afield of course. I still almost always get places a little early as I can't get out of the habit of allowing a little time for bad traffic. And so far it hasn't happened! Yes there will be reasons the traffic slows, like when it rains... but in general you can predict from experience how long it will take you to get somewhere.

Aside from that I absolutely loved the weather over spring, summer and autumn since we arrived back. The summer is not as hot as Melbourne, so you don't get lots of 40 degree days or the massive storms so often. The temperature was mostly great and often feels more than it is as the sun is more intense. We still got a few days over 30 and over 35 but more commonly in the 20s. Winter is trying hard to come now and the chill has started. That brings snow onto Mt Wellington in Hobart which is just beautiful. My favourite days in winter are bright sunny but cold day with snow on the mountain.

I am happy to answer any questions you have as you think more about moving to Tasmania. It sounds like a very exciting time.

Jo

As Skani mentioned, the shopping choice isn't remarkable here. Particularly ladies fashion (so I'm told!).

But lots of UK clothes shops deliver to Australia now, so you can always get a fix from home if you're desperate! :biggrin:

But lots of UK clothes shops deliver to Australia now, so you can always get a fix from home if you're desperate! :biggrin:

We have done! :biggrin: And books from Amazon (sometimes free delivery too!).

"We" have decided to go to Sydney in June for a shopping/tourist trip so I dare say I'll be able to comment better on the Sydney shopping too soon...

That brings snow onto Mt Wellington in Hobart which is just beautiful. My favourite days in winter are bright sunny but cold day with snow on the mountain.

 

I have to agree. Especially after a heavy snowfall on the mountain, a clear, sunny winter's day is just spectacular! :wubclub:

We have done! :biggrin: And books from Amazon (sometimes free delivery too!).

 

And The Book Depository UK too (bought by Amazon last year). They deliver free to Australia and books arrive remarkably quickly.

the fact i can get amazon and book Depository UK to deliver me lot and lots of lovely books is music to my ears bit of a book freak i am

I feel really warmed by all your good wishes and offers of help with advice - thank you so much. If I went on impressions of Tasmania based on this thread alone we would be moving to Tasmania tomorrow! Obviously reality hits home though and it will be interesting to see what is said at the expo tomorrow. It will be particularly interesting if the Tasmanian Govt. and/or Tasmanian health providers have stands. If anyone is interested I am happy to keep you updated. Because I am new to this I'm not even sure how long the whole process takes and whether or not the fact that my OH is an A&E nurse would speed up the process.

the fact i can get amazon and book Depository UK to deliver me lot and lots of lovely books is music to my ears bit of a book freak i am

Me too! I can see a happy evening book browsing ahead!

I feel really warmed by all your good wishes and offers of help with advice - thank you so much. If I went on impressions of Tasmania based on this thread alone we would be moving to Tasmania tomorrow! Obviously reality hits home though and it will be interesting to see what is said at the expo tomorrow. It will be particularly interesting if the Tasmanian Govt. and/or Tasmanian health providers have stands. If anyone is interested I am happy to keep you updated. Because I am new to this I'm not even sure how long the whole process takes and whether or not the fact that my OH is an A&E nurse would speed up the process.

I'd be interested to hear how it goes, particularly if th TAS govt. department are there. Not sure what the current situation is regarding nursing, I think the casual nurses were let go from the RHH but this has meant they now have vacancies. That's third hand though so I'm not sure what the actual situation is. Good luck.

I am moving to Hobart soon (already in Australia) and can't wait, visited last week and my main impression was I will have to get fit to walk anywhere!! Still looking from rosny lookout back across to the city is simply stunning!!!

I am moving to Hobart soon (already in Australia) and can't wait, visited last week and my main impression was I will have to get fit to walk anywhere!!

Don't panic! You'll have 6 months to get ready for the annual Point to Pinnacle Race (Wrest Point Casino to the top of Mt. Wellington) in mid November. You'll be in time to submit your entry too - they cap the numbers at about 1400 for safety reasons.:yes::biggrin:

the fact i can get amazon and book Depository UK to deliver me lot and lots of lovely books is music to my ears bit of a book freak i am

The State Library is very good here including special resources for kids

http://www.linc.tas.gov.au/

It will be particularly interesting if the Tasmanian Govt. and/or Tasmanian health providers have stands. If anyone is interested I am happy to keep you updated. Because I am new to this I'm not even sure how long the whole process takes and whether or not the fact that my OH is an A&E nurse would speed up the process.

I will be interested in how you fare. In the past I think that anyone from a medical background would have been fast tracked through state sponsorship, but recently the Tasmanian government has been cutting staff numbers through all departments (although we can ill afford to lose any frontline medical staff).

Two private hospitals also have Emergency Departments - Calvary and Hobart Private (which is adjacent to the main (government) Royal Hobart Hospital).

http://www.calvarylenahvalley.org.au/

http://www.hobartprivatehospital.com.au/

...

One thing I found strange about Australia and we have only visited once was that there was a number of people who when they found out that we were British immediately concluded we were 'whinging Poms' and didn't want the British Royal family ruling over them! This was without the Royal Family even being mentioned by us! I am Scottish myself and whilst not anti monarchy can understand why Australians don't want the Queen reigning over them so was quite bemused by this reaction to our presence. It was almost like they had a chip on their shoulder about it. Is this a typical Australian thing? Would anyone say that Tasmanians reflect this attitude more or less than other Australians? By the way I am not the type to whinge either!

I'm surprised you got many mentioning it as well. Would expect possibly the odd jokey kind of 'whinging Pom' mention from a more ocker Aussie but nothing serious when first meeting them.

Even though in pre-polling Australians were significantly in favour of becoming a republic the Yes vote was split in two by the way the referendum question was crafted. Despite this most in favour wouldn't have wanted a republic simply for anti-british reasons but rather for reasons of Australianess instead....though of course you might come across the odd person whose sole focus is Britain.

Yeah... Maybe not, have lost 10+kg (of far, far too many) since being in Australia, but still at the point where I wouldn't take bets on a car with me in it reaching the top.....

Hi everyone

Feedback from the Expo in Manchester today: It was in the Midland Hotel in Manchester and there were only seven stands all looking for primary care jobs so not A&E. When he arrived he was given a list of primary care jobs available with no scope to discuss other healthcare jobs. It seems that this wasn't what was advertised about the Expo - so very disappointing. There was a stall from the visa department and the lady there was extremely nice and helpful as were some of the people on the stands. The whole Expo appeared to be disorganised and more time was spend queuing to speak to people rather than actually speaking to people!

I have checked out the two private hospitals that Skani supplied above - thank you. Unfortunately there were no appropriate jobs advertised. We both feel a bit deflated now as we were expecting so much from the Expo. Does anyone know of any good and reputable nursing agencies based in Tasmania. There are plenty of jobs advertised on the internet for the Sunshine Coast but that area is not really our thing and what we are after (nothing against the SC though!)- we both just think that Tasmania would suit us better.