Westbound

What a great informative post, thank you What visa did you go over on?

What's it like in June/July? Thats when we arrive and I'm really stressing over what to pack (we'll have to pack three months worth).

I don't mind flying long haul, however the longest I've done is 10hrs to Cuba. Ive heard so many people saying 'never again', I'm wondering how bad it can be We unfortunately only have 2hrs in Dubai for our stop over.

Hmmm quite mixed views then! I'm none the wiser lol

What's the etiquette with tipping the removals men? Do you, and if so approximately how much?

Thank you both I will check it out. Maybe hubby won't have to starve after all

Can anyone tell me approx. how much it costs per area please? I've looked at various clinics in Sydney, but they all charge per unit. I only have my crow's feet done, but have no idea how many units would be needed.

Ah that's brilliant! Thanks all

Is there one? I'd like to see if I can sign up for any deals for hen we arrive in Sydney.

Thanks for your replies. Sounds like a plan, we'll find our gate and then hopefully have enough time for something to eat. I know they'll supply food on the plane, but hubby doesn't like it. He doesn't even have the tray put in front of him as the smell makes him feel sick lol. I usually get a a sandwich and crisps from Pret for the journey, but seeing as this is such a long haul it'll be nice to be able to get something hot.

We have a 2hr lay over at Dubai airport and I would just like to know what happens when we get off the plane. Will there be enough time to get something to eat or is it a mad rush? I'm not sure if we're getting back on the same plane or if we have to trek across the airport to another gate. Can anyone tell me their experience of the process please? Thanks

Thank you all for your advice. Lamb family - very informative response thank you I should have said in my original post, although we're buying a car, we won't be paying for it out if the £10,000. This will be bought on hp/finance. Also re Medicare, hubby's company are paying for a basic level of cover but we have discussed topping it up ourselves. That's something we will have to look into when we get there. We will be cramming as much as is possible into our container. The white goods are intergrated, so unfortunately we can't bring them. The responses on here have made me feel much more confident. Thank you all

We have been told by several of my husbands colleagues (who are already over there) to bring as much as we can as setting up just eats up your money. Here's our situation, what do you think: We are shipping everything from our house that's allowed through immigration other than white goods. We will be taking around £10,000. Hubby is starting work straight away and will be earning $140,000 a year. We are a family of four and he will be the only one earning. We will be living in NSW so will have to pay school fees for two children and won't get any family assistance (457 visa). We will be renting and are looking at houses of around $500 a week. We will also have to buy a car. To me this reads ok, but I don't know if I'm being unrealistic. I've just read on another thread someone saying you need about £30,000 to start up. There's no way we could get that much :elvis:

Thats great, thanks for the advice. I'll think of a British spring/autumn kind of wardrobe. HopemI don't miss my central heating too much

We arrive in Sydney on June 14th for a month, before moving to Newcastle. I'm just wondering what sort of clothes to pack.

YES that's the one You absolute beauty Im smiling from ear to ear now I know I can get that!

No that isn't the one! It's orangey/red in colour, like the marinades. Thanks for looking though

I wasn't aware Lea and Perrins was available over there (to be honest I havent looked and just assumed). I have however looked on the Nandos.au website for the Garlic sauce and it's not there, so I'll be bringing plenty with me.

People get through with far worse convictions than drink driving. Try not to worry too much.

Lol I'll be sure to let you know when I find out for sure.

Thats what I'll do, thanks

Ive read that normal tea is ok (I hope so). I'll have to double check before I clear the shelves in Asda

I don't have my children's red books anymore! How else can I prove they've had everything?

I'm planning on bringing some boxes of PG Tips, HP Fruity Sauce, Nandos Garlic Marinade and Lea and Perrins Worstershire sauce. All are processed and will be sealed, so hopefully will be ok!

I have been reading many reports about there being a shortage of rental properties and the ones that are available being very competitive to secure! After lots of looking around on sites such as Realestate.com and Domain, there seems to be plenty of properties out there (I've been looking in the Newcastle/Hunter area). Some of these houses have been on there for ages, so if there is such a shortage how come these properties haven't been snapped up? Looking at the real estate sites there certainly doesn't seem to be a shortage at all!