LauraHen

Hi, I went backpacking in 2006 for 7 months on my own around Australia. I booked my WHV, flights and first backpackers through STA. You don't want to book any longer than one week in your first hostel as hostels vary in their characteristics wisely. use word of mouth through other backpackers to find out the best place to stay, or extend your stay at your original backpackers if you like it there. on your first day or so you can quickly and easily set up a bank account, as you will need to give them an address. I would always take a backpack rather than a suitcase, it's easier to get around and if you do any backpacker tours space is sometimes fairly restricted to one bag each. A word of warning though- you will fall in love with Australia, after the most amazing 7 months of my life in 2006, a great return visit 2 years ago, I am now emigrating to Perth next week! Have fun on your adventure!

Latest update - insure your move do not do self pack insurance, but they told me of a firm which does, its called moving abroad insurance if you Google it.

I am using a large Move Cube. It is going to arrive on Friday, I will let you know how it goes!

Thank you so much for all of your help and advice. I will follow up all of your leads, my move cube is coming Friday and I go on 14th August! I left work on Friday, It's all getting very real now!!!

Hi, I think I am going to use a Move Cube from Seven Seas to move my things to Perth. Has anyone used these? How did you insure your move? They charge £120 and I have had a quote from another company which charges £100. Any help or advice is gratefully received, Laura.

Thanks for everyone's advice - I think we are going to use a large movecube.

Hi everyone, I am moving to Perth in August, and I'm just wondering exactly what to take with me. I don't have that much stuff, but a quote I got for shipping seemed quite steep, so I'm not sure whether it is worth taking all my stuff with me or just buying new out there. I have seen from other threads that most TVs seem to work in Australia. I was also planning on bringing: -1 double bed and mattress - 1 desk -1 chest of drawers. -20" TV Bedding, clothing, books and nic-nacs -CD player -Surfboard -some storage boxes. -Kenwood mixer -a box or two of kitchen utensils I potentially have a couple of other bits, but the first quote I got was so expensive, I'm just not sure what to bring and what to leave. Thanks in advance for any help and advice. If you can recommend any removal firms that would be appreciated too. L x

Hi, I am a secondary teacher and moving to Perth in August. I like to be mega organised, and at the moment feel I am not nearly ready for the move, hence why I am on Poms in Oz. I am kind of the opposite to you though, as I want to move and it is my partner who is more unsure. Once you have completed teacher registration, from what I understand it is fairly easy to get teaching jobs in Australia. I have been to Australia before - imagine England, but with more sunshine and less stressed, more friendly people. I'm sure you will meet loads of people once you get out there. x