mygirlies

Hervey Bay has the highest rate of unemployment, it doesn't have the funds behind it also, so facilities are lacking. Its a sleepy town. Although beautiful, there isn't much to do. No real opportunities or prospects. No jobs available here. The house prices are cheap and for that reason you get 'certain types' moving there. Limited choices for all amenities including schools, shops, activities, even doctors etc. There isn't much to do, especially in the winter. The positives are no traffic, friendly town, lovely beaches (but Townsville would have better)... and whale watching. But you can fond all those things in other towns. Its an unemployed fishing community. Also a retirement hub. Some love it, but I think after a while you would be twiddling your thumbs.

I can relate... Since moving to Aus I have really struggled to make friends. I had no problems at all back in the UK. And friends felt like your community. But here its been the opposite. I thought I had made a couple of good friends along the way. And I didn't t seem to have a problem making them. But each one stabbed me in the back one way or another. Not only that but I have been horrendously bullied here. I 'know' people...now. But like yourself. Only acquaintances. And this is partly my doing now as I am on fear of trying to make friends as I don't feel people are really genuine here. Its lonely, thats for sure! I find myself feeling isolated due to this...which brings on other issues of 'wanting to feel at home'... which has resulted in me moving 6 times in 3 years, different states too. Trying to find my place here. I am moving one last time later in the year. I have found a place where I think I will fit in. My beliefs, my values and my lifestyle. So I am hoping I will be able to connect with these people. That said, I have decided this is my last move. If I still don't 'feel it'. I will make plans to return home. The weather sucks! I live quite a fair bit north from you in Northern Queensland and the humidity here is ridiculous. I am over it! But as mentioned above I am moving to a more cope-able place... I truly miss the fresh mornings, the snow, the dew on the grass and the cozy evenings with a blanket. I believe that the UK for us, whether we find ourselves bored at times (it happens wherever you are), cold, less off etc... We have a sense of contentment there. It wouldn't matter if you spend a sunday indoors on a rainy day, with a cuppa and a girly friends.. we feel we belong. This is so important. We feel at ease. Here I don't get that connection with this place. No matter what I do. Time will only tell I suppose, for all of us

Yes me.... I emigrated to Australia with not even a holiday before hand...

Thanks Fizzybangs, its surprising just how many have experienced the same and whom are not blinded by the pretence. I know I will make it home. If not soon, but one day. My daughters nan (whom we do not have contact with) was like yourself. Lived here for 15 years. Never made friends, ended up hating it and went back. I see the same predicament for me. I too fear it is only going to get worse. Its a real slap in the face. And also a difficult situation because many do not believe me when I convey my issues. But thus this is Australia and I have learnt so much about myself because of this journey. So I guess at least something has come out of it....

Oh yay!! I am insanely jealous as I sit here in my own pool of sweat yearning for the beautiful English countryside ;p

Thank you for your windge! I am constantly cursing under my breath! This stupid sodding heat... I don't no where you live but Im close to North Queensland and its disgusting! As I sit here I am dripping with sweet, hard to breath. I long for crisp fresh air! UK autumn air! I am sick of the sunshine. I need seasons. Real seasons. Not hot, humid a wet season. It sucks!! I even miss the snow. I am done with this evil summer. I hate it! Flies.... oh those nasty vile vermin! I have a lizard, so I can no longer use those sprays. Yep I have to swat them with an electric tennis racket looking thing. I am sick to death of spending half my life trying to kill these stupid bastard flies. I can't even open my patio doors to go outside (not that I want to go out in the stinking heat) without 20-30 blasting their way through my house. They literally hover by the door. They get in your face, food.... they have all the outdoor space they could want but they insist on invading my personal bubble. I HATE HATE HATE them!!!! Mozzies for me is seriously getting me down. My daughter does horse riding, and even with all the insect replant in the world does not stop them, when we are at the stables in particular. They are also massive here in Northern Queensland. I am sick of mozzies biting me, itching, looks like the elephant man. Bugs, all kinds of bugs!! It makes me miss the UK even more. Seasons with far less bugs sound like my idea of paradise. Ok my rants over lol

Melbpom, I have seen that down under programme. I truly think that moving to 'tropical paradise' as some people see it is a fantasy. And fantasies are not forever. I know for me... it sounded like luxury and a happily ever after dream. But within months I new it was anything but that! I agree with some of those who say maybe we did not appreciate what we had in the UK. I love the 'escape to the country' programme. The beautiful hills, the beautiful properties. The culture, heritage, the scenery, the mooring dew on the grass, the seasons, the birds... even the snow. I miss it so much! I find it all so pretentious here. And nothing of really value (that isn't materialistic). I have such different values to typical aussies and we just dont get along. Not that I haven't tried. The man reason people move (according to statistics) is the sunshine. I am over this sunshine, well and truly. I need 'fresh' air. Crisp clean air. Not stuffy hard to breath humidity with artificial cold air from the aircon. I am so over it! I just seem to detest more and more and even though I am usually a positive person I am finding myself bitter to this country.

Thank you so much everyone! Sorry Ive not been on in a while. Thank you all for your encouraging words. I definitely need to change the way I deal with 'friends' and peoples attitudes. I am working on this. I am currently trying to decided where I shall go at the end of the year. I have no idea. I had one region in mind but I am struggling with this heat already :-/ I am becoming slightly obsessed with English moving to the country type programs. Oh how it looks like heaven!

I have no idea why but for the last few days all I can think about is possibly making the move home. Playing over and over in my head. Although I have always felt slightly 'off' here in Australia... Ive chugged along. Trying to find my place here. But I feel like the road here might be ending. I have been here 3 years, and in that time I just haven't been able to fit in. I don't feel like I belong here... Maybe because of my personal experience...or being that my values are completely different to those I have met, but to me Australia is simply pretentious. Its all about status, who can do what for whom, who has the better x and y... Their patriotism is embarrassing. Considering they have a National Sorry Day... which noone seems to know about. I havent meet people who want to learn about cultures, history... whether it be from beyond their country or even in it! I have endured bullying of magnitude, felt unwelcomed here. But more than anything there is no depth here. I don't feel it from people. Friends... Well, how can I describe such beings... So far I have been used, people palm their kids onto me, take my things, have little regard for me and my values. There take the piss sense of humour isn't admired by me. And they basically spit you out when they have what they needed from you. This I think is really getting me down...more than the stinking hot weather, or any other issues I may have here. I have moved 6 times in 3 years (different states too). And each time its the same thing. Over and over again. Completely taken for granted. I hate that I can not openly have a conversation about life in general, have discussions, debates, for the fear of people tearing me down. Everyone has an opinion! And everyone is extremely self justified and defensive! So.... going home.... I am going to try one last time. I will move to another region this year (I may as well stick it out to get my citizenship) and see if I can find some kind of belonging. But I have decided if that doesn't feel right I am just going to leave. Why waste any more time feeling the way I do. I have no idea where in the UK I would go, or even what it is like there at the moment. But one thing I do no is people have depth, the are very humbling, compassionate and well I would feel like I belong.

Not necessarily a typical ping ponger..... But I cant seem to settle either. After I was kicked out by my stepmother at 16 (14 years ago) Ive lived in over 20 different rentals. The longest Ive stayed in one place in that time is 2 years. I have moved all over UK... And now I am in Aus I seem to be doing the same here. Ive been here 3 years and already moved 6 times (different states too). I am going to be moving again at the end of the year....and I really hope it is somewhere I can settle. If not, I have decided I will be moving back to the UK. Everyones experience is different, but for me I think because I have never had a family unit/structure to go to (since being kicked out)... I tend to go searching for something that isn't there. I know this. I am looking for something that doesn't exist anymore. And because I don't have that secure place to always go back too... I am just continually try and settle. I don't move around to 'travel'. I am desperate to settle somewhere. Personal circumstances, being I am on my own (sole parent)... no family... no friends... means I always have things missing from my life. I also find If things get tough, I go into flight mode. I don't stick around to fight it. I must settle for my daughter. But I can't find the right place. We have to be happy and I am just trying to find the place I can be happy. Yes I know its about inner happiness. You can make any place a home etc... but I need to 'feel' at home. Feel welcomed. Feel like I belong.

What is your opinion on living in Cairns or Byron Bay? I am looking to move this year to a different part of Australia. And Ive narrowed it down to these two. I am looking for somewhere that is vegan friendly, has alternative free thinking people... Cairns looks beautiful but I am drawn towards Byron Bay for its 'hippie' type culture. What are your thoughts? Thank you

What is your opinion on living in both areas? I am looking to move this year to a different part of Australia. And Ive narrowed it down to these two. I am looking for somewhere that is vegan friendly, has alternative free thinking people... Cairns looks beautiful but I am drawn towards Byron Bay for its 'hippie' type culture. What are your thoughts? Thank you

Thanks everyone. I will look into those suggestions

Hi all, I am curious as to whether there are places in Australia that are eco friendly, vegan friendly, promote sustainable living... without the drugs/cannabis culture. Of course Nimbin in NSW comes to mind, but being heavily involved in 'substance'. So.... does anyone know of similar or like minded places in Australia. Thank you

Ive just (this evening) found a funnel web spider on my back door. I went overkill with the spray but it scurried off. Hopefully it has shrivelled up in a corner somewhere and is no longer alive!!

Thank you I do love Scotland, but for now I am staying in Aus, possibly in the future but trying to find somewhere here to call home

I am writing here as you never know what kind of response you will receive on the main forum. So I am completely at a loss with regards to living in Australia. So far I have lived in a couple of states and in those states moved around a fair few times. I just can't seem to settle anywhere or more to the point find 'home'. ....Or something goes wrong and I feel uncomfortable staying (I've been subjected to a lot of bullying since arriving in Aus) And although somewhat pessimistic I seem to be disappointed with each place I stay. Mostly due to the people. But also what it has to offer. For those that will say go home, although I do miss home it really wouldn't be any different there (Having no-one to go back to) Where to live? I am trying to find somewhere that will cater for my daughters special needs (Schools, therapy etc) but haven't been impressed thus far. But also somewhere that isn't pretentious, isn't typical aussie living and will embrace our beliefs (Vegan, non drinker, free thinker, love nature) Ive looked into Cairns/Port Douglas (in the hopes that is is far enough away from the materialist rat race of society), being that it has the outdoor lifestyle and it seems the most 'natural' of all places. With an abundance of wildlife, reserves etc With lots to do in that regard also. But I am really not sure I could cope with the constant heat! I struggle already! I really want to settle down, for my daughters sake. Start school and build roots, have some norm and familiarity. Does anyone have any suggestions.... Thank you

Thinking of you. As for the haters on here, I barely post now because Id just get attacked for having a realist opinion of Aus. I truly believe some people/expats are almost mind warped and conformed to the Aussie life. I know, my ex is one. As British as they come but within 18 months of being here he had completely changed. Whilst I was realistic, with my eyes and mind open. Seeing it for all its faults... he loves the country just as much as the Aussie's. Will defend it. Has fitted in with all of the Aussie ways and mannerisms, would definitely be like some on here who worship this place and attack those who have a different opinion. I am not sure why this happens. Maybe they are the lucky ones, they can walk around with rose tinted glass, no worries, fit in whist we struggle.

Just caught one in my bathroom yesterday and released it.... wasn't easy. Fast and agile. Persistence is key. You could leave it I guess. Won't do any harm.

It wasn't in reference to obtaining materialistic products. Its the spirit of Christmas that these shops bring and the atmosphere which remind us of happy memories. Nothing more to read into it. Wasn't 'bashing' Aussie shops. Merely a festive appreciation

As yes TXMaxx and John Lewis. Forgot those

I miss Daniels. Such a great Christmas atmosphere! And of course... good old Argos! Which British shops are you missing this Christmas? You just can't beat late night shopping on a cold (snowy) evening at Christmas. All snuggles up. The lights, the carols and the atmosphere!

I am currently doing it completely alone. No family, partner left when she was 6 months... I am sole parent and carer. I don't have friends here either. My 'me' life is completely on hold as its 24/7 for me. I can't even remember what it feels like to be me and do me things anymore. Whats more my daughter has multiple disabilities. We are even having to delay schooling as she is too far behind is all aspects. So another year of this struggle! Some days are hell. I have no support whatsoever, no breaks at all. Haven't showered alone in years, my child lacks any dependance. But some days are just magical. The bond we have is like no other. My point is.... it is doable. Its hard yes and exhausting. But if we keep thinking of what we don't have...we will always feel let down. And for the most part depressed. Most of the time in these situations you have a partner to help. Make sure you are thankful for those things, the little support you do have. For me, well, of course naturally I silently curse my daughters father. But I get on with it. This is my life. I choose to move to this country and although that itself has been extremely testing at times, I am making the best with what I have got. Sometimes I feel down about the lack of family (none) that surround my daughter. She literally only has me in her life. And I only have her. That is extremely sad. But if I can give her the best I can, endless love and time. This really is all that matters. Extra family, support is a bonus but not essential. I've not had a choice in this and if I have learnt one thing its that we are extremely strong, and we can achieve and cope in the most difficult of situations.

City? Coastal? Country? Preferred location in Australia? This is the 2014 travel guide - Do you agree?? Best Overall Best Travel Experience of 2014: Exploring the Kimberley, WA Best Stays Best Hotel: Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW Best Luxury Resort: qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld Best Affordable Resort: Pinetrees LODGE, Lord Howe Island Best Campsite: Lake Argyle Caravan Park, WA Best Glampsite: Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, NSW Best Spa: Spa qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld Best Quirky Accommodation: QT Sydney, NSW Best Towns Best City: Melbourne, Vic Best-Kept Secret: It’s a tie! Mudgee, NSW and Orange, NSW Friendliest Town: Cairns, Qld Cosiest Town: Daylesford, Vic Best Beach Town: Byron Bay, NSW Best of Summer Most Beautiful Island Getaway: Hamilton Island, Qld Best Cruising Experience: Bareboating in the Whitsundays Best Beach: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Qld Sexiest Hotel Pool: One&Only Hayman Island, Qld Best Eats Best City Restaurant: Quay, Sydney, NSW Best Regional Restaurant: Biota, Bowral, NSW Best Wine Region: Hunter Valley, NSW Best Food Region: Tamar Valley, Tas Best Regional Café Culture: Sunshine Coast, Qld Best Journeys Best Road Trip: Great Ocean Road, Vic Best Train Trip: The Ghan, SA–NT Best Local Weekend Northern Territory: City of Darwin New South Wales: Hunter Valley Queensland: Sunshine Coast South Australia: Fleurieu Peninsula Tasmania: City of Hobart Victoria: Daylesford-Hepburn Springs ACT: City of Canberra Western Australia: Margaret River Best Air Travel Best Airport: Sydney Airport, NSW Best Major Airline: Qantas Airways Best Regional Airline: REX Just For Fun Prettiest State: Tasmania Australia’s Greatest Icon: Sydney Opera House, NSW Favourite Public Holiday: Australia Day Best State for Skiing: Victoria Best Ski Resort: Thredbo, NSW Most Important Holiday Experience for Kids: The Aussie camping trip Most Important Destination for Kids: Uluru

3FatCats.... There isn't I am a HUGE Sea Shepherd fan! We have been on the ships, meet the crew and I have personally meet Captain Paul Watson. Myself and my daughter can often be seen rocking our SS t-shirts out and about. She loves them too As mentioned above to Lady R, I am only here in this town temperately. We make our final move end of next year. I am already in contact with the Sea Shepherd onshore crew there and plan to join their volunteering team. I know there is is a bigger vegan circle up there too. So I am looking onward to making our final journey here in Aus! Maybe I will just sit tight and wait till I move... a year with no real adult conversation isn't going to be easy though...