JoReardon

All the best for the very long flight. I am sure it will be a relief to get to the other end of it and find yourself in beautiful Tassie!! Jo

Hi! Everything that others have said rings true for me too. I grew up in Tassie and moved away after University, returning just last year after 20 years away. Most of that time was in Melbourne. For me one of the key benefits is how close things are and not needing to have a long commute - unless you choose to live further afield of course. I still almost always get places a little early as I can't get out of the habit of allowing a little time for bad traffic. And so far it hasn't happened! Yes there will be reasons the traffic slows, like when it rains... but in general you can predict from experience how long it will take you to get somewhere. Aside from that I absolutely loved the weather over spring, summer and autumn since we arrived back. The summer is not as hot as Melbourne, so you don't get lots of 40 degree days or the massive storms so often. The temperature was mostly great and often feels more than it is as the sun is more intense. We still got a few days over 30 and over 35 but more commonly in the 20s. Winter is trying hard to come now and the chill has started. That brings snow onto Mt Wellington in Hobart which is just beautiful. My favourite days in winter are bright sunny but cold day with snow on the mountain. I am happy to answer any questions you have as you think more about moving to Tasmania. It sounds like a very exciting time. Jo

Best of luck for the flight!! It is always something to be endured and especially with kids I imagine. Hobart has just turned rather chilly at the moment after a very mild autumn - in fact the equal warmest April on record. Arriving in June will be cold, but I am sure you will be prepared. Jo

I see!! Well now it all makes sense. Most here are a percentage and higher than what I had experienced in Victoria, often around 3.5% but negotiable sometimes of course. Jo

Ditto to Skani! You will not be up for agent costs. The cost of buying for you will be the duty (previously called stamp duty), which is paid to the state government and will be part of the settlement figure that your solicitor/conveyancer will calculate. In Tasmania this is calculated on a scale. So for property with a purchase price of $150-225k the amount due is $3925 + 3.5% of the amount over $150k. For property over $225k the rate is $6550 + 4% of the value over $225k. Of course if you are also selling you will have agents commission to pay in Queensland. Jo

Hi, All the major car hire companies have a depot near the ferry terminal at Devonport. That is - Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz and Avis. Not sure if any of the smaller and possibly cheaper companies do. So I would suggest getting online quotes from each of those and then booking for pickup at the Devonport ferry terminal location (the Esplanade, East Devonport). All the best for your trip! Jo

Hi, I agree with the others. Kingston or even a little further down the Channel Highway or Huon sounds like it would suit you. When we first moved back to Hobart we stayed with my mum in Kingston for a few weeks. The peak traffic did bank up at the end of the drive each end of the day. Since then a new section of road at the Kingston end has made it heaps better in the afternoon down there and also for the city end in the morning. I have friends who are further out in Tinderbox and they say the commute to the city in the morning is now around 20 minutes for them and it was over 30. Which reminds me, Tinderbox is lovely with large blocks and definitely suitable for horses. Kingston itself is more surburban, although some outer larger and more bush blocks. All the main centres in Tassie that you mention have the advantage of you being able to live not too far out from the city and still have a semi-rural lifestyle if you like. Hobart of course if the biggest city so has more of everything. I am from here and likely biased... however Launceston does also have a lot going for it, just smaller. It is cheaper in terms of housing and the more rural parts are closer than in Hobart. Launceston does get colder than Hobart in winter, so that may also be a factor in your decision. Happy to answer any other questions you have. Jo

Hi Chapz74 - and others! I think all the areas Skani mentioned cover well the best places for your to consider for the lifestyle you mention. The Huon area is really lovely and easily accessible to Hobart, and the closer towns are lovely. I have actually just today been down there to the annual Taste of the Huon festival, showcasing the wonderful food and wine of the region. It was a gorgeous day and great food. In terms of temporary accommodation, you really want to limit the time as much as possible as it isn't cheap. Then again you will be waiting for your belongings to arrive so you have to do something in this time. You can easily be spending double what you will later spend in rent and for something smaller. Say $700-1000 per week depending on the space and location. To find places, the stayz website mentioned is good and also short term places are often listed on www.realestate.com.au and it is also worthwhile contacting real estate agents if you want something for a few weeks. There are also serviced apartments in and close to the city, but they are normally the most expensive option. You might also get lucky closer to the time on www.gumtree.com.au which mainly lists private rentals. I am more than happy to help with any questions you have about your planned move to Tassie. There is lots for you to look forward to! Jo

Hi, I have just come across this forum today. I am a born and bred Tasmanian, living in Hobart. I am more than happy to answer any questions anyone has about moving to or living in Tasmania. I have also spent many years living in Melbourne and a short time in Perth, so can help with those locations as well as general Aussie stuff. I am looking forward to reading about all these Pommie plans to come to Aus!! Jo