Celt Down Under

LOL. That is exactly how my Father used to pronounce it. "Filums".

If you are really desperate, there is the blow up version.

Problem will be getting a loan on the car if you have not got a job on arrival as you have not got a credit rating yet. Yes, you can go for the Land Cruiser, Pajero, Kia Carnival, or any of those that have the extra row of seating in them. My daughter has a Carnival, and it is petrol thirsty, so maybe you would be better going for one of the diesel 4 WD's.

We have lived in Somerville for 23 years and it is a great place to live. There is nothing that I can add that has not already been mentioned. Only wish we had moved here sooner rather than living in Frankston for 11 years first.

Check with the airline.

This weekend. A nice day out for those with, or without children. No entry charge. See the site below for details. See www.westernportfestival.org.au

You can rent as they will use the address on your UK licence. I was going to mention buying a 2nd hand car, but it is dicey incase you end up with a lemon that could cost you more in money and time in the long run if is breaks down. Do your sums re a one way rental, and compare against what you would pay for a newish second hand car, especially if this your move out here, and not a reccie. If a reccie, you have to get rid of the car after, so it will be at car yard prices, which may not be the best. Alternative is to rent a motorhome, so no need to bother with looking for accommodation other than at van parks, which may be easier than finding a hotel/motel with vacancies. That way, you can stop when you want to, leave when you want to, and no worrying about booking accommodation ahead.

1. Rent a car for the 5 weeks. 2. Yes, you can use your UK licences for that time. 3. Check the CBA. I am sure that they will have branches all the way up. 4. Yes, it is feasible. A long drive, but keep your option flexible re stays in various places. Some places a couple of days may be enough to decide that that area is not for you. Others, you may want to stay longer. Not sure if you are pre booking accommodation, or seeing what is available when you arrive in places.

If he has formal qualifications, he probably would not have to re-train. It would all depend on what line of work he is going into. Construction, renovations, manufacturing, general maintenance. Not sure what opportunities are available in various areas. Construction is cyclical, highs and lows. Check on the various job websites such as Seek to see what is available.

Welcome to Melbourne. I hope that you are settling in OK. For events around Melbourne for the 26th, check out this site. www.onlymelbourne.com.au/australiaday.php

Contact them to find out exactly what they require, and who is acceptable to carry out the fingerprinting. I do not think that post offices or banks do fingerprinting. Good luck.

In 40 years that may have changed, and no, it does not appeal for a night drive. :wink: My Mother and her husband ran a pub on the main street in Llandudno many years ago. I cannot recall the name as I never went there, but The Stanley rings a bell. Will you be staying in Sydney for the whole of your planned trip?

Thanks for that Fisher. We last drove around it over 30 years ago. My wife is a Holyhead girl. On trips back, we usually end up in Llandudno for a day. I did not know that you could drive to the top, so maybe when we are back in Wales in June, we may suss it out. Where will you be coming to on your visit?

And some would love that Horace. We have friends down that way, and they would visit Melbourne perhaps once a year, and that would be to visit their daughter.

Fisher, a slight diversion from the OP, but do you still have to pay to visit the Great Orme?

The best of luck to you. I really hope that the reality matches your dreams. Please keep us updated on how things go for you.

Have you visited England over recent years? If not, would it be worth you doing a reccie across there before taking the plunge?

I just wasted a minute of my life.

Is that for Australia? I thought that there was a reciprocal agreement on public health care between the 2 countries.

Sale is not too bad a place at all. Neither large, nor small, and situated close to Lakes Entrance which is lovely. Also, not too far from Wilsons Prom, which is beautiful. Head North, and you are up in the mountains before not too long.

Not sure about Sydney rental costs. Salary is a good one to start, but do not take into consideration any bonus payments, because that is pie in the sky stuff. If you get it, great, but do not factor it into your living costs. With accommodation included for 6 months, it seems that you are onto a winner. Gives you time to work out where you can rent without being rushed into it. Make sure that you are fully aware of the pitfalls of the 457 visa, and have a back up plan in place.....just incase.

Harmless. Just leave it. You get rid of it, and it will not be long before you find another.

The private system needs a good shake out. Recent case is our daughter who had a baby a few months ago. Some concerns about him, so referred by the GP to a paediatrician. Paediatrician takes a quick look at the referral, says "Not my area" and refers on to a neuro specialist, but still hits them with a bill for a couple of hundred dollars for about one minutes look at the referral.

Be aware of the terror that anti terror laws can bring. Absolutely disgusting that the AG can ignore quite valid questions. I fear for our future.

So, why are you still here?