WelcomeIf you are new to Poms In Oz and migrating to Australia or currently living in Australia feel free to say hi to all the other either in or moving to Oz.
Thanks! It's really useful to get peoples views! One of our friends (who goes to Oz once a year) commented how isolated Perth was and he personally wouldn't consider it! I'm worried about feeling isolated/lonely when there anyway to begin with, and I'm thinking that to be somewhere busier may be a better distraction for us! It's rather like 'pinning the tail on the donkey' in trying to choose somewhere to live when we've never been to Australia! It all looks so good in the piccies!!!!
Are you going for good in November? What do you consider the best part of living in Australia and why are you choosing Melbourne?
Sorry to be so nosey!
Believe me when it comes to moving country, there's no such thing as nosey-ness so ask away!
We are moving permanently to Melbourne primarily because that's the first city in oz i lived in so its a place i know really well and have made lots of friends there - but have to admit I'm just in love with the place, it suits my lifestyle perfectly.
For me melbourne is the perfect mix of australian life: culture, arts, music, and the cafe's and bars are absolutely second to none - beautiful parks right in the middle of the city - all the central suburbs are close by and really different from each other, public transport is fantastic because you can jump on a tram, train or bus (one ticket for all not like ridiculously expensive and crap english public transport!!) and I really like the people I met there. I love the fact that there's a strong greek, italian and asian community too which influences both culture and amazing food!! The only slight downside is the changeable weather however coming from England I don't see how i could possibly complain as its a hell of a lot better than here! Plus I enjoy having 4 distinct seasons, as opposed to the fairly constant heat of brisbane, perth etc.
I lived in Perth for 3 months and although I don't think you'd feel lonely or isolated there because the people are extremely friendly, it just wasn't for me because I'm definitely a city person. I would imagine raising a family there is really good because of the wonderful beaches, countryside and the feeling of safety you get in perth, however I want my children to have access to all different aspects of life. I've heard there is a strong community of english settlers there too.
My favourite place above all was Fremantle which is an amazing coastal town just along from perth with a wonderful arty/bohemian feel which i preferred to the slightly sterile feel of Perth itself.
To sum up - I'm currently living in Brighton and its been said there are similarities between brighton and melbourne, so if you've ever visited it might give you some idea - although obviously they are still very different cities.
Hope the decision making process isn't driving you too mad - and remember if you don't like it in one city, you can always move to another, after all you will have moved country so another city should be a walk in the park!!
I spent a month in Perth 2 years ago and would move there at the drop of a hat, currently living on the Gold Coast. Brisbane has more character than Perth, but perth is newer.
If you like old stlye Brisbane or at least qld if you like new modern Perth.
Weather wise these are the 2 best places for all year round sun and warmth in my opinion, Melbourne etc it can get a lot cooler in winter time
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THE PAST IS A COUNTRY WE KNOW LONGER VISIT.
You're right hedgehog - I've had brits ask me why on earth I want to move to one of the rainiest cities in australia, doesn't it defeat the object!! all i can say is i must really love Melbourne!!! hee hee
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences/opinions with me, it's been really helpful! When we initially thought about emigrating, Perth was the initial choice (especially considering the climate!). It's just that little niggle I keep getting that says Sydney!! I'm originally from Berkshire where there is the hustle and bustle but moved to Eastbourne 20 years ago (I'm sure this doesn't compare to Perth and Sydney well, but hey!) so although I love being by the coast and having a leisurely type lifestyle, it would be nicer to be somewhere more upbeat. I also really like older, well established places over new developments.We're off to a migration show in Coventry next weekend so hopefully we'll get more info on where my husband is most likely to find a job easily! Is anybody else going to Coventry by the way???
Hi badal, no problem at all, feel free to ask whatever you like, we've all been there!
From what you've said on your posts it does seem like you have some doubts about perth's geographical isolation and if you are in sydney you will definitely be in an older city.
Not wanting to be disrespectful to Perth-dwellers but I did find it too 'perfect' and clean cut for me, I need a bit of grit in my life!
Sydney has great beaches and good weather as well, although not such constant heat as Perth, so perhaps overall its the better option for you and your family - i often find that those initial niggles turn out to be right!
My boys aged 5&7 dont seem to care much about anything and my girl aged 9 cried a few times but as she is a keen swimmer the bribe of a swimming pool in the back garden quickly settled her. How about you kids???? Anyway from all the posts in just thought i would add that my friend who lived in Perth for 10 years until recently told me " it is a fantastic place, no bigger than Maidstone with the most amazing sunsets, he couldnt think of anywhere he would rather live" Believe me this guy has travelled. No bigger than maidstone I cant quite get my head around. Have you and the OH considered Brisbane?? I couldnt decide between the two until my job offer turned up.
My boys aged 5&7 dont seem to care much about anything and my girl aged 9 cried a few times but as she is a keen swimmer the bribe of a swimming pool in the back garden quickly settled her. How about you kids???? Anyway from all the posts in just thought i would add that my friend who lived in Perth for 10 years until recently told me " it is a fantastic place, no bigger than Maidstone with the most amazing sunsets, he couldnt think of anywhere he would rather live" Believe me this guy has travelled. No bigger than maidstone I cant quite get my head around. Have you and the OH considered Brisbane?? I couldnt decide between the two until my job offer turned up.
Regards Steve
Hi Steve
Yes my kids have put their orders in too! My son aged 11 wants enough room for a pool table and my daughter aged 8 wants a swimming pool! My 3 year old hasn't stated her demands yet!
We did look at Brisbane briefly but thought that this was maybe a bit too hot for us!! Although any area that showed to be good for engineering jobs would be considered!
I have been looking at houses in both Perth and NSW tonight, and there is definately seems to be more character to the suburbs in NSW!
Hi Melbourne 07
Thanks for your words! Like you say moving cities isn't like moving to the other side of the world, I would have already done that!! I do think that maybe starting on that side of Australia is the best thing. At least us and the kids will get to see some of the culture as well as the beaches etc. I'm also aware that some areas in Perth are full of english people which can be comforting in some ways but that's not really why you emigrate is it!? My agent who lives in Northern Perth even calls it Little England!
Do you know of any good informative websites about Sydney/NSW that covers lifestyles, climate, pros cons etc?
What age are your children? Are they old enough to make demands like mine have??!!
Hi Melbourne 07
Thanks for your words! Like you say moving cities isn't like moving to the other side of the world, I would have already done that!! I do think that maybe starting on that side of Australia is the best thing. At least us and the kids will get to see some of the culture as well as the beaches etc. I'm also aware that some areas in Perth are full of english people which can be comforting in some ways but that's not really why you emigrate is it!? My agent who lives in Northern Perth even calls it Little England!
Do you know of any good informative websites about Sydney/NSW that covers lifestyles, climate, pros cons etc?
What age are your children? Are they old enough to make demands like mine have??!!
No problem at all! sounds like you're halfway to making the decision - I must admit I prefer sydney/melbourne for living but perth is wonderful to visit and like you I'm not so fussed about being surrounded by fellow brits!
I've been having a good old search through this forum and there's literally hundreds of good info about sydney etc - although i can't recommend any specific ones, so perhaps start with the Australian States and Territories section under New South Wales thread? Plus the NSW tourist board website is always helpful and has other links too.
When i talked about my children earlier it was future tense as I am pregnant with my first one due in March ... but we're hoping to have at least 2!! I'm so excited he/she will be growing up in melbourne though - especially as its turned freezing here lately and we didn't even have a proper summer!!!
Hi
Well all the very best to you with your pregnancy in that case!!
How exciting for you all, a new life in all aspects! At least he/she won't have to go through the 'visa system!' My youngest had to have her booster jabs today so has been really grumpy!!
I will start looking at those threads then and hopefully gain some really helpful info.
I agree with you, it's turned really cold already, I think I blinked and missed the summer this year although I do vaguely remember it being nice in April!!
Regards
Lynne
