I totally agree with shel and many of the other posts, this is our second time in Oz to live and are again heading back to the UK....various reasons really, family or weather definitely not our main reason. In IMO childrens education is well behind here and our children went into private schools too. There is really no feeling of belonging after 2 years many Oz still ask 3 times what you are asking for??!!. Many friendships superficial and will fade once people know how much your bank balance holds or what you driving!!. Employment wise many Oz are preferred for jobs this I have been first hand experience of and many expats I know have been here over 5 years and are still "casual", additionallly after speaking to many older expat generations here, they say OZ is no longer Utopia, but I personally think that is worldly wide (high hardcore crime, shootings etc on the news on a nightly basis, currency transfer rate is now $1.53 -£1; this makes the weekly shop at least $250/family) many are also making the move back to the Uk. I am not dissing Australia has the weather and beaches, outdoor life is brilliant if you have the time to enjoy it....however, it is a VERY EXPENSIVE decision. Has long has you are prepared to come to OZ with enough to buy a house outright and have surplus to be possibly unemployed for 6 months + then you might survive. From our own very costly experience our advice to anyone would be.... instead of spending your life savings on trying to get visas and dragging the kids to the other side of the world why not try another part of the UK and invest in a holiday property in Europe, frequent Easyjet flights would be far cheaper than ANY holiday you will pay for outside Australia (once you are living here!!!)...Best of Luck to anyone chasing the dream!!!