Kapri

Im another one who doesn't watch much TV. If I do then I tend to binge watch Netflix series. I can't imagine willingly watching an advert in either country ?

Of course there are days in the UK with clear blue skies, and spirits tend to lift when they arrive. My point is that they are not as common as they are in Australia. There's plenty to love about the UK but IMHO the weather isn't one of them.

Emma, most people who are happy in Aus don't tend to spend a lot of time on these forums. Whereas people who want to move back do. Thats why there are far more anti-Aus, or at least unhappy -in -Aus posts here. Give it a try, give it at least two years, and you will probably be fine. Unless you are super close to family and rely on them a lot. Then you may struggle.

This thread has made me laugh Of course the UK has some good weather, but it's not generally known for it. I much prefer the weather here in NSW. I expect sunshine and it's odd to see grey skies. Its not that the UK has severe weather, it's more the heavy, low grey sky and dreariness.

Newey is fab, we love it It's a small city with plenty of beach and bush Its a lovely, family friendly environment Nelson Bay is 45 minutes away and is beautiful but you don't need to go that far join Newcastle and Hunter Expats on FB for more local advice ?

I live in Fern Bay, it's Port Stephens but close to Newie. You have chosen a great spot, we love it here

I lived in Valentine for a couple of years - it's very pretty round there with fab bush and lake views. There are also quite a few expats. Valentine is about half an hour to Newey (central) at commuting time, Warners Bay is about 25 minutes. The local primary schools are good and the local public high schoool for that area is Warners Bay high and it has a good enough reputation. There are also several private and catholic schools. Its a lovely place. We have now moved to the other side of Newcastle as we built a house but we enjoyed living there.

Welcome! Im just up the road in Newie, glad you're settling

Hi Whitey WB high school has a good rep, Belmont high doesn't.

Newcastle isn't grim! Its surrounded by beaches, beautiful countryside and trees! We we love it here

Rebecca, if you decide to leave, please make sure you get citizenship first. i know someone whose 20 year old daughter left and now cannot return.

I was in the Hunter Valley this weekend too, at the vineyards. Fab day out

I contemplated emigrating to Australia for many years but for some reason, I never considered NSW. Originally, we were going to Melbourne. Despite having never been there, I did so much research on it that I feel I know it inside out. We eventually concluded that it might not be what we were looking for. Then, we decided on Perth as we have friends there. I got offered a job there and we put our house on the market. However, a series of events meant we had to postpone our plans. When we started looking into it again, we decided we wanted to be east coast so we began looking at the GC and Brisbane. I did a huge amount of research on both and duly I was offered a job on the GC. It looked like it was a done deal! Then, Qld health had a crisis and started shedding jobs. I panicked and applied for a job in Newcastle, NSW. I had had never considered NSW before. Mainly because I was initially on a 457 and I knew I would have to pay school fees. After 5 years of planning, I ended up in a state that I had never researched or planned for. And I'm glad I did! Sydney Blue Mountains Hunter valley vineyards North coast - perfect climate and outstanding beauty snow in winter, if that's your thing Where else is great in NSW?

I agree with Marissa. Try for a job in Newcastle and see what happens. It's a great place, some very beautiful areas around, plenty to do. The city centre is run down in places, but it's not the kind of place where you need to go to the city centre very often. Newcastle is all about the beaches, its suburbs, the lake, the hunter valley vineyards, port Stephens etc.

Hi Murta I struggled with similar feelings before I left. It is hard to leave a single parent, I think it would have been easier for me if my a Dad was still alive. My mum is here at the moment, at 73 years old, she flew out on her own. I didn't ever think she would! Personally, I think the one year scenario is only for those who are young and have no family. The financial and emotional cost is huge. But, there are benefits too. Like you, the thought of emigrating never went away, despite me thinking of every conceivable reason for not doing it! Today, I still have moments where I miss people dreadfully. But, I'm sitting here in the warmth, listening to the whip bird and I'm glad I did it. The truth is, you won't ever really know until you try.