cheva

Hi guys! As the title suggests, we are now on the hunt to secure some accommodation when we first arrive for around a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, we will arrive in June, which seems to be the peak season, and prices are out of this planet. I know Darwin is expensive but really, up to $6,000 for a small apartment for 2 weeks?! We have tried booking.com and a couple of other places, but everything seems outrageously priced. Does anyone have any better suggestions? Where did you all stay when you first got here? Did anyone book anything long term by just using the internet? It will be for me and my wife, and a 3 yr old boy. Thanks!!! Charlie Eva & Ben

Thanks lebourvellec!!! Good link

Hi guys It just hit me that we might need to exchange/prepare our driving licences to aussie ones once we move over. The thing is, I exchanged my uk one for a Norwegian one we moved to Norway, now must I swop once again when we move? Or have to sit another test? Just another thing on the seemingly unending list of things to do....

Hello, Can anyone recommend any names of fully furnished, self catering apartments / houses for 4 or 5 weeks in Darwin, whilst we have time to look for longer term rentals that won't cost us the earth. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Cheva

Hello Mc Shadders, This is great information seeing as we have just accepted the same visa. I was wondering you could recommend any names of self catering, furnished accommodation in Darwin for the first 4 or 5 weeks when we arrive. We are coming with our 3 year old son, so its important that we have a base to make the transition easier for him. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Cheva

Hello , Do you have an idea ljohns23 if this is relelvant for a norwegian driving license too? My husband had to change his british one to a norwegian after living more than a year here? Many thanks in advance.

Hi Rob and Evvy, Its funny when I read this because I've also secured the 489 visa as a restaurant manager too and myself and hubby and 3 year old son will be coming this year to Darwin, we have similar enquiries about accommodation, I understand that a lot of accommodation is booked up in peak season, what month are you thinking of going? We'll let you know anymore info about it as we learn more, it would be quite fun if we were all to meet in Darwin and see how adventure of our new lives are panning out. Eva, Charlie and Ben

Likewise Itani, good luck with your application, I imagine you'll cruise it too.

Hi Itani, Yes we used an agent. Not out of the woods yet, we still have to pass our medicals and police check but hopefully that will all be sweet. Are you also applying? This forum is a gold mine for information. Good luck with your application!

I agree, we applied for the 190 Visa, and had quite good qualifications, financial situation etc but had limited connection with the NT. So we were granted the 489 a couple of weeks ago. As we have a young child it will prove quite more expensive, but if its your dream to live in Australia then it'll be worth it!!! Best of luckCharlie

Hi guys Does anybody know how long it might take to get the 887 once you have done your 2 years in NT? Thanks!!!

Hi Angelfly We have just sent our form off for state sponsership, and have used an agent. They suggested a VERY indepth statement, showing you have completed research towards your new life over there. Ours was about 2 pages and listed the schools we researched for our kids, what areas we liked and why, jobs we are going for, (print out some examples) what we would do when we are out there etc. I would show you ours but its not even sent to them yet! So maybe if its accepted I could share an example but not yet :-) Just do your research on good sites and forums like this one and you'll be fine :-)

Sorry to hear that jrmurray, we are in a similar boat. My wife was about to apply under Restaurant manager, was just about to transfer the first payment to our MA then we heard that it had got taken off the list. We have a similar number of years experience as you, (I was a bar manager but now a photographer, not on the list also) and we both have tourism management degrees. I presumed this would count but maybe VETASSESS is harsher than I thought. So its just waiting until it comes back on then I suppose. Fingers crossed, good luck with your studies and lets hope it comes through for all of us

Hi guys Just arrived at this forum,and looking for any info about living in Darwin. Best places to be, where to avoid, advice etc. There diesnt seem to be much online about the place other than the tourist and government website. Anyone know any better resources? Thanks! Charlie