violethaze

ducted heating is great

one heat pump in a house does not do what radiators do in the UK. It is cold in Tassie right now. Snow on the mountain. Cold wind/breeze. The thermometer currently (at 2.40pm) says 10 deg C, but the apparent temperature is only 2 deg C. It's freezing. I'm looking forward to having a house with a fireplace/woodheater next winter.

Now that winter really has begun... I'm feeling it. Came here from Melbourne (and have lived years in the UK). While sometimes there is little difference between the temps in Hobart and in Melbourne, the past couple of days have been significantly colder (in terms of the apparent temperature - how cold it really feels vs the thermometer reading). It isn't feeling too different to the UK either as far as I'm concerned. The grey skies we are currently experiencing are a drag, but I'm told they aren't the norm for winter days in Tasmania. Not long until the shortest day of the year then it is all up hill again, which is good as I am not a fan of it being dark before 5pm either. Still love Tassie though.

I came here from Melbourne and it isn't too dissimilar. I knew what I was coming to, but I am a lover of warm weather. I chose the beauty of Tasmania and its lower population above keeping warm! I've adjusted already (as much as I will). The first cold nights/mornings I couldn't wait to turn the heating on, now not so much. The mornings, days, and evenings have been generally beautiful despite the cold. I am happy in Tasmania.

an update in case anyone is following in the background. TAS Communications only operate in the northern part of the state. They have provided the company Tasmanet as an option for my area/Huon Valley area. I'll update when I learn prices. OK, so prices are as per their website. As I am going to be moving within 12 months and they treat a move as a new installation, the monthly option is best for me (to avoid early cancellation costs), however the installation cost for the monthly service is more than I am prepared to pay. So this is a no go for me at this time, but maybe the info is of use to someone else.

Skani Who do you have your fixed wireless through? Whenever I google "Fixed wireless" it returns items related to the NBN, so I thought that was the only way it was available. Do you mind telling me who yours is with - I suspect it is Telstra? EDITED: I just found Tas Communications, which offers wireless internet. A bit pricey in terms of set up and considering I don't know how long until I will be moving, but this is something for me to keep in mind for the future when I'm settled in to a place for a while. I was being lazy when I asked about the timing of Blackman's Bay getting NBN... I've looked at the rollout map a couple of times but couldn't be bothered looking to get my question answered. apologies for being lazy A test of my speed gives me 0.14MBps ... RUBBISH

Thanks to those who have replied. I guess if newcomers are interested Sandy Bay seems a winner. Kingston Beach also has NBN so I guess that's ok too. Kingston itself is supposed to have NBN by May of this year. Shame I don't want to live in any of those areas. Does anyone know if NBN can be had without signing up for a contract period? Is Blackman's Bay getting it in May also? I can empathise with the teenage son trying to get by with limited access. I'll just have to deal with each property as I view it in the future and telephone Telstra each time I view a place to ask them if there would be any delay/issue getting internet connection.

Hi there What part of Altona? Most of it isn't really "seaside", although there is water and some sand it just isn't a nice beach. If it is near the Williamstown Beach then that's a nice beach, although it does get windy. Altona is somewhat convenient, yes. It's an ok place, although it depends what part of Altona you are in as to how industrial it is. I used to live in Newport and would go for walks in Altona occasionally and would drive through it every now and then. It doesn't have much character - unlike Williamstown and even Newport which now has the overflow from the more expensive suburb of Williamstown. I'd suggest the area of Newport closest to Williamstown, which is convenient for supermarkets and banks and for transportation, but maybe that is too expensive for you. There are some alright areas of Newport near the station too - quiet streets and not much crime.

Thanks Skani I use a lot of data and I don't want a contract period (but would rethink that if it is the only way to get functioning broadband once I move. Won't do it now when I have no idea when I will be moving). These past three weeks I have used 17gb of data. This cost me $39 (amaysim data to tether my laptop to my phone - includes free texts and phone calls) + $59 for Blink 10gb mobile broadband via a wifi modem I bought (one off cost) + $30 to top up the amaysim data as I'd used my monthly allowance. So $130 a month for 17gb. If I'd had a good connection I would have used more data. I'm not very clued up on fixed wireless connections. Someone mentioned it before and I did a google but was none the wiser. I thought 4G was only available in certain areas. Don't understand how fixed wireless is different to a wifi modem/broadband. Limited knowledge in this area but trying to learn I'll take a look at Allen's Rivulet and Longley - maybe on the weekend.

Hi At some point I'll be moving from the house I have been in for about 6 weeks in Kingston (when it sells and I'm set free from my lease to find something more to my liking - although Kingston is convenient, I admit). While here (in Kingston) I've learned of the huge issue of not being easily able to get access to Broadband due to a shortage of ports, especially adsl compatible ports at the Telstra exchange which means I've had to resort to using a wifi modem which is too expensive and too slow most of the time. When I move I want to move somewhere that will not involve an issue with getting broadband. Is this possible in Tasmania?? Other considerations in my move are to not get stuck in traffic in the mornings (so I'm thinking not anything that requires travelling in the direction of Hobart along the Brooker highway or the Tasman highway in the mornings. (I work at Cambridge Park). I very much like the area just south of Kingston but I imagine the issue with broadband will be just as bad there. Maybe I'm wrong. I will be renting as I am not in a position to buy unfortunately. I like rural with a bit of character. Any feedback welcome.

I love the Margate/Snug/Kettering area. I am not in a position to buy so I just hope to one day be able to rent there. I was at Wicked Cheese in Richmond in my lunch break today, and the woman there invited me to join them at the trivia night at a pub in town... people seem friendly, so if you take people up on their offers then I expect it is fairly easy to make acquaintances/friends. I hope you get some helpful advice soon.

I can relate as I'm in my 40s and came here alone. I think it is easier to make friends when a couple, but maybe I feel that way because I'm someone who takes awhile to get to know people. I've been here a month and a couple of people at work have been forthcoming with invitations to do things socially, so work is a good place to start, but perhaps you won't be working? There are dancing classes here, but I haven't heard of Scottish dancing (yet, may well be available but I've only been here a month. I know someone from work doing line dancing and one about to start ballroom dancing lessons). I have been told that there are groups that meet up socially but I haven't followed up on that yet. I guess it depends on what part of Tasmania you base yourselves. There are walking clubs. It is harder to make friends of substance when older, but I personally think that it shouldn't be too difficult to make surface friendships to begin with and slowly one or two of those may become more substantial relationships. Why are you thinking of uprooting again?

Hi Deb Sorry for taking so long to reply but I've been without a good internet connection since arriving. I do have dual nationality and two passports. My time in Australia (been here since 2010, mostly in Melbourne) is on my NZ passport. You automatically get let in on showing your passport and that's it. However, I don't think you get any entitlements like child support etc. To do that you have to apply for permanent residency (and pay for the application) and then hope you are accepted, and then wait a period of time. I can't remember the details. However, you can get the same things Aussies get in terms of study, where you are classed as permanently resident (which is different to a permanent resident!). So, when I see adverts that mention xyz Cert IV course is running at a discounted price for Australians, I know that NZers are included in that. You will get a medicare card. If you want to ask me any specific questions, I'll try to answer. You can PM me or if you have the option to email me, that might be better as I get my emails on my phone. I look forward to hearing how it goes for you.

sorry I have been absent. No internet connection. I had heard that Tasmania has problems with internet but hadn't heard that Kingston was a particularly bad area.... until I'd arrived and a colleague informed me of her trouble, and then experienced it myself trying to get connection through iinet.... but Telstra doesn't have enough ports and it is all a bit disappointing for a person who has for the past three years been an internet addict. I guess every cloud has a silver lining and it will help with my transition back to being fit and healthy. strick.... I will definitely PM you at some point. Probably when you least expect it. Deborah... near to Kingston? Where might that be? The drive from Kingston to work in Cambridge is fine. I was temporarily living at New Norfolk when I first arrived and that drive to Cambridge was a bit frustrating as there was crawling traffic for a period of time most days. So, I'm in Kingston until the house I'm renting sells, until I break lease, or for 12 months. In the meantime I'll be checking out where I want to settle long term. Crispysince... the job is going well, thanks. I settled in quickly and it is all good.

Can't believe I'm in Tasmania! What a beautiful island! Lovely drive down to New Norfolk (where I am staying for a week) from the ferry in Devonport. Stopped off at a small place named Perth to meet my cousin whom I've never met before and who has been living in Tasmania for about 5 years. She leaves at the end of the month to return to Perth, WA. So it was a great opportunity to meet up with her for breakfast. Arrived in New Norfolk (I'll say again.... what a beautiful drive down) exhausted, had a nap, then drove to Cambridge where I need to get to in the morning for my new job. No problems getting there, and I hope I don't go wrong tomorrow with all the extra traffic on the roads. Then decided to drive down to Huonville as I need to go there on Tuesday afternoon to collect the keys to my rental property. Then drove to Kingston where the rental is. As expected, it doesn't thrill me (the property, not the suburb), simply because it isn't what *I* want for myself but it seems ideal for a family or couple. Great big shopping centre a few minutes drive up the road, and a Woolies just two left turns away. Plus a bus stop across the road. The drive from Kingston to Hobart included a stunning view of Hobart and the bay as you come over the hill. BEAUTIFUL. My Samsung Navigon app did well, except around the Kingston area. Sent me the wrong way twice and then sent me the long way from there back to New Norfolk. Ah well. Can't have everything. Apart from the beautiful scenery, the other thing that struck me was the number of dead animals along the road. I counted over 70. Most of them wallabies. I have always wanted to see a wallaby, now I realise I should have been more specific and stated I've always wanted to see a LIVE wallaby. I'm looking forward to seeing LIVE wombats too.... plus the elusive platypus. Resting up now and hoping to be relaxed for my first day in my new job tomorrow. Love Tasmania!

Ah, I thought you might have been in Cambridge, NSW. I'll be working in Cambridge, Tasmania. Far too many Cambridges.

Quoll, someone should start an expat furniture and appliances exchange website for those of us who move around the various states. Would save us a lot of money.

I'm moving to Tasmania from Melbourne and the mattress is the only thing of 'value' that I wanted to take with me, but it costs too much to get it over. So, I'm selling it. Ordinarily these sell for over $1,000 but are often on sale via Ergoflex for $800. I'm selling mine for $580 but it is collection only from Newport, Melbourne, VIC 3015. It is in excellent condition as it is only 3 months old. I love the mattress and will have to buy a new one once I'm in Tasmania. If you don't know the mattress, you could google "ergoflex mattress whirlpool forums" and you will get a lot of information there. Much more trustworthy reviews than the ones that people are paid to write. You could also take a look at the ergoflex.com.au website for information. Thanks

They sell pints in Melbourne, had one myself on the weekend.

Here is some actual data on unemployment that I gathered one day recently. All stats are recent. Australia's UR (Dec-12), 5.4% The unemployment rate for Tasmania, AUS 7.3%. Hobart's unemployment rate is 5.9% Unemployment rate of Busselton, AUS is ... unable to obtain figures (however, WA rate has "skyrocketed" from 4 to 4.6% (while nationally there has been a drop from 5.4 to 5.2%) Unemployment rate (avg) in Melbourne is 5.3% unemployment rate for Sydney (avg across regions) is 3% to 3.8% depending on how far out into the suburbs you go Sunshine Coast UR is 6.7%. Wide Bay-Burnett is a whopping 8.2%. Wollongong is 7.8%,#. Newcastle is 5.3% Perth is 3.9%. Darwin is lumped into NT and the UR for there is 3.8%. WA's rate has increased due to a number of mining operations shutting down and, as a comparison... in NZ.... Unemployment rate in NZ is at its highest for 13 years. Unemployment in Nelson, NZ also rose in the last year, however at 5% it is still lower than the national average of 7.3%. Unemployment rate of Tauranga, NZ is 7.0% http://www.deewr.gov.au/lmip/default.aspx?LMIP/LFR/Tas

My brother and his family live in Padstow and I've stayed with them in the past for a few weeks. Nothing wrong with the place. Quiet. Families. Shops. Con... a bit far on a train but not too far. Oh, and I had cause to stay in Panania for a month once. I much prefer Padstow over Panania.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm definitely keeping an eye on Gumtree. I had thought about the freecycle (which I used to great success both giving and receiving) in London but the local one in Melbourne I belong to is kind of rubbish. Good to know I might have some luck with my local Tasmania one. I was going to just keep an eye out for garage sales but it is good to know that many are advertised in Saturday's The Mercury.

Saren, I don't know for sure, but wouldn't it be left at the post office and then you would have to show your ID at the post office? Perhaps the Post Office can answer your questions with certainty

As a newbie on the site, I see it has potential to be somewhere i linger once I've got what I need in terms of info re. a move. .....pointing out the obvious maybe, but those who left the site once they got the info they wanted, or because they thought it had run it's course, won't be here to answer the OP's questions.

an update. As I now have a home to move into in Tasmania, I thought I'd go ahead and try to book my cat on a flight over for a couple of weeks after I move into the new house. AAE is not open on weekends, nor after 5.30pm weekdays, so I'll have to phone them after the long weekend if I want to ask questions. I was going to book the cat via the website, but after reading the information provided, it seems that she has to be booked onto a plane that leaves while the freight office is still open in Melbourne (fair enough) and arrives no later than 30mins before the freight office in Tasmania closes (also, fair enough). Problem is, the freight office in Hobart is not open on weekends! So it seems my friend is going to have to take time off work in order to get home, get my cat, drive to the freight office/airport 2 hours prior to the plane departing during the week. We are in the 21st Century aren't we?? I'm a bit peeved at the moment. I love my cat, but this is all a bit painful. My friend has of course said he will take the time off work, but he's not a person who likes to do that sort of thing. Yes, there is the option of having the freight company collect the cat and take her to the airport.... but someone has to be home so they can get the cat. Also, I will confirm this when I speak to the AAE office on Tuesday, but I THINK the plane goes from Melbourne to Hobart VIA SYDNEY?! Which makes the journey time over 4 hours instead of just over an hour. Add on two hours prior to flight departure, plus 45 mins to drive to the plane.... if it weren't for the fact I have no home to take her to when I arrive in Tasmania plus it's an additional 3 hours or so from Devonport to where I'll be, I'd put her on the ferry with me. Not happy right now. Edited as I realised most of what was making me unhappy was having to put another person out in order to get my cat to me. My friend has been lovely and has said he is happy to do it. Guess I'm just not overly used to people being nice to me . I will update the information once I know about whether the flight goes via Sydney.