dsmith1

Cost of living initially seems high because you can't help using the current exchange rate to work out the pound equivalent cost but as you will be paid in dollars you eventually start to use the 2.2 rule (this has been mentioned many times on this forum) for comparison. Energy is costly (typ $360 per month for electricity) as the reverse cycle air conditioning (used for heat and cooling) is expensive to run. There are three major supermarkets in town (Coles, Woolworths and Aldi) and you tend to move around all three as they all have different bargains going. With regard to facilities, there is large open air public pool, good cycle routes, gyms, but the nearest cinema is Dubbo (or Bathurst) and a KMart in Orange (2 hrs away). Can't really comment on child care as youngest is 12 but I have heard there is a long waiting list.

We are a family of 5 and moved to Mudgee last year from the NW of England. The place is very family orientated, I work in the coal mines and all my colleagues have lots of young children (one with 5 children under the age of 5!!). If you want close access to the cities or beach life this is not the place for you (min of 3.5 hours drive for beaches or west side of Sydney). Be warned it gets cold in the winter (-5C) but the days are glorious with lots of sun (better than UK winter days). Last summer was a washout here (max 33C) but the locals warn me it can get up to mid 40's !!