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Moved there 2 weeks ago but still not had time to get into the city. Been too busy finding a rental in week one, then started work on Monday so been really hectic! Drove past it every day this week on the way to and from work and it looks pretty amazing to me. Can't believe how much traffic is on the M1 eastbound at 6:00 in the morning, and on the Princes Highway northbound towards the Westgate Bridge at 4:00 on an afternoon! (I refuse to pay the tolls every day to use the city link at nearly $7 each way!).

Heading over to Melbourne now from Perth after a holiday with the in laws. We're staying in Sorrento initially, but will be getting something sorted quick as its a long way out. Sounds like we've picked the best time to come in terms of securing long term rentals!

Have discovered that this exact model is on my car list for my new job I start on 1st July, and it fits the bill for what I think we'll need. What do you think of it so far?

We used the sky scanner app on my iPhone. You can save different search criteria to quickly check for price changes. We ended up using it to get an idea of prices then booked direct through Qantas for peace of mind. Ended up on two emirates flights although booked with Qantas as they are now partners. Just used my Qantas frequent flyer points to get a free flight from Perth to Melbourne next Saturday. As for banks, we opened a NAB account before we got here. We went into the branch on Tuesday and they were brilliant at sorting our cards out for us. You get a basic EFTPOS card initially that can be used in shops or ATMs and we are going back into the branch next Tuesday to pick up our proper debit cards that you can use over the Internet and phone as well. We're also going to apply for a credit card. The person dealing with us said as long as I can show my contract and I'm earning over $75k I'll be given a credit card no problem.

They'll be complaining that all the champagne is made in France next! I've been enjoying the freshly baked tiger rolls from Coles during the last few days, and some of the artisan bread looks delicious!

I'm just going to miss out on having two fathers days this year! We fly on Monday, so will miss it in the UK by 6 days. I was hoping to get away with two in one year :biggrin:

If you're confident about the visa application for PR I'd take the better paid job. You're going to need all the money you can get, and you'd be way better with PR than a 457 which sounds like what you'd be getting with the current company.

We've just booked up with Bayswater Car Rentals. They ar a lot cheaper, don't have the HUGE excess of the others, and only charge an extra $6 a day to reduce the excess to $50. Only thing is they are 3km from the airport, but you can get a taxi there for about $15 apparently. I've got a family member picking it up for me and bringing it to the airport.

Our four dogs left today with Petair, and fly out tomorrow night bound for Sydney quarantine. We should be able to pick them up on Sunday 7th July, so the plan is to drive over on the Friday night/Saturday morning. We'd then stop over in Sydney Saturday night, pick them up Sunday morning and drive back to Melbourne. I'd be back at work the next morning (week 2 of new job!) so I just wanted to know what people's thoughts are about this. On paper it sounds OK but the reality may be a different matter. I'm an experienced driver, and can quite happily do 4-5 hours between stops. Looking at the map, it seems like Albury may be a good halfway point to stop for an hour or two. I'm definitely not flying them back - already spent over £10k on getting them over so if there's anywhere I can save money I'm going to do it!

Central heating on with those temps!! I think I'd have the air con on. We have our bedroom windows open at night all year round in the UK, even in the depths of winter!

Please can you make sure the weather is nice from 22nd June onwards as this is when we arrive! Going to be staying in Sorrento for the first few weeks so need some sunshine please.

As usual, the lowlife minority giving Aussies a bad name! The word IRONY and HYPOCRITE springs to mind! I bet the majority of Aussies would gladly stick her on a boat and set it adrift a few hundred miles offshore!

Sounds like more than just a location issue. If this is what it's like in Oz why would it be any different in any other country including the UK? Really think you need to properly TALK to the OH not just about Oz but your lives and relationship in general. I think he may need a wake up call, and when he gets it you may find your lives will change for the better! I just think that if you have issues in a relationship it doesn't matter where you are, you'll still have them. Best of luck and I hope things start to improve!

Thats brilliant news, well done! We fly out for good in 8 days time - cant believe we're finally on our way!! Very scary and exciting all at the same time.

We have two sons, 21 & 19, a daughter 18 and four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Dogs are flying out on Tuesday, with the rest of us following on Monday 10th. Oh and my eldest son's girlfriend is coming with us on a WHV for a year (or two). Going to be pretty hectic to say the least!

Aah I wondered if that's what you meant by SC, and that's exactly where I'll be working! Just didn't want to look stupid by assuming that's what you meant! Did you say you work for Coles? What made you think I may be working in SC?

I've been looking at the map of Melbourne in a bit of detail, and I'm leaning toward Berwick area at the moment, so would probs come off junction before Toorak from what others have said. ​Whats SC?

Good info thanks, and you're right about waiting until we arrive. There's only so much you can find out without actually being there! My wife laughs at my lists and spreadsheets because I'm a bit OCD when it comes to this sort of thing.

Really like the look of PC, just need to see what the commute would be like. That's going to be the deciding factor for us. If its not too bad we'll be there! Otherwise it'll be eastern suburbs.

Thanks, so really I need to be avoiding the Monash (M1?) or maybe setting off really early. We've got temp accom sorted for when we arrive, but it's way down in Sorrento. Will want a rental sorted quickly as I don't want to be doing Sorrento to Toorak for any more than a week or two maximum. ​

Been looking at houses in the eastern suburbs and was wondering what the following were like: - Officer Narre Warren Some really nice affordable houses over this side of the city. I think we will have to have a good look around the eastern and western suburbs and maybe do a practice run from Toorak to each side to suss out the traffic. I do quite fancy the eastern suburbs because you're right near the Mornington Peninsula which I believe is very nice.

Very interesting thread, as I've just accepted a position at Coles, which I'll be starting in July, and was also looking at Point Cook! I was hoping to to what I do over here in the UK on my 40 mile daily commute from Manchester to Bradford on the lovely M62. I set off at 6:10 and get to work for 7:00. I leave at 4:00 and get home for 5:00. Do you think you could avoid a lot of the traffic by doing these times? That shortcut looks very useful - if I do end up in point cook I'll be using it! We're going to have a good look around first, and will also check out the eastern suburbs mentioned.

The main thing I love about Oz is simply the fact that I'm moving there in twenty days!

Things I'm looking forward to... Lots of dog walking on beaches, in parks etc Lots of picnics on said beaches and parks Lots of BBQs when we get back from walks Lots (but not too much) vitamin D But most importantly.... Lots more time spent outdoors with my family instead of being stuck in the house! ​

Know how you're feeling! 24 days and counting until we go!! Once the flights are booked it becomes very real!! Hope all goes well for you.