Blewyn

Check what qualifications are needed for your wife to work in Oz - no use finishing degree in UK if she just has to repeat in Oz. If getting 457, be very wary. You can't buy an existing house only newbuilds, if you get laid off you have 3mths to find a job or leave the country. Is your sponsor shipping you over ? If so make sure they include a clause in the contract to pay for your return costs no matter what the reason unless by your choice.

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Hi. Ive been in Australia a decade and for a couple of years have been wondering about moving back. I have enjoyed things about aus - the blue skies and open spaces. But there are things I haven't liked. I'm actually not too fond of brisbanites. Very perochial uncultured and unintellectual. Men and women separating at bbqs (what's that about?) women obsessed with crochet. 10 mins of sports at every news bulletin My brain is dying. Give me radio 4 and a good debate. Give me decent newspapers. History. Europe. Theatre. Not feeling like life is happening somewhere else. Holidays that don't have to involve surfing.

You're obviously hanging with the wrong Brisbanites. Check out the Gentle Thinkers and Brisbane Philosophy, Politics and Economics groups on meetup.com, go to a poetry slam or Politics In The Pub at the Powerhouse.

Is Rockie below the croc line ?

I would on evidence presented think the OP would definitely regret emigrating.

The line about the countryside not being up to the UK standard jarred with me. Really ? Damn we must be wearing very different specs

How on Earth could anyone seriously compare Scotland and Queensland, and decide to move to Scotland ? The mind boggles. Why not move south to SEQ, where a) you can swim in the sea b) it's warm but dry, c) no crocs and there's a lot more city to enjoy, as well as plenty of country.