MelanieJS

I am feeling the same. We have moved here just over two weeks ago (which I know isn't long!!). My partner is an Aussie and I'm from the UK. We both had cold feet leading up to the move but we both quit our jobs/sold our house and sent the dogs over so felt we couldn't back out. As soon as we arrived, we both felt like it wasn't "us". We love Australia but I think only for a holiday. My partner has loads of friends here from school and it is great to catch up with them but it doesn't make us want to stay. We are both now considering moving back to the UK next summer if we still feel the same way. We don't want to be ping-ponging so if we go back then that is it, and we will just come to Oz for a holiday every couple of years instead. Hope you decide what is best for you and your family.

I use Unlocater website. I change the DNS settings on my TV and I can now watch BBC/ITV/C4/C5.

Does anyone know what is the best website to watch UK TV from Australia? I've looked at Tunnelbear/Overplay/My Expat TV but not sure which is best or if there are others. Any suggestions?

We arrive in Brisbane Friday evening and need a car rental straightaway. Does anyone know of any good deals or rental companies? Also, we will want to buy a car - any good car deals for December 2015? Thanks.

I go in 4 days and still don't feel ready!!!

I have posted on here over the last week or so as I'm meant to be moving to Oz on 10th December. Firstly, I had a 'mini breakdown' the day after I had my leaving party and have been up and down for the past week. Then on Thursday I had the removals come to pack up the contents of the house - again feeling up and down and emotional. Normal, I'm sure, however I just see is it as as sign that I'm not ready. Then today, my mother is taken to hospital and and is unlikely to recover so now I have that stress too and really don't know what to do. I have already exchanged on my house and I and my Aussie partner have just finished at our jobs. Don't know what to do. If we back out of the house then we could be sued or financially taken to the cleaners but if I go ahead with the sale I'll be homeless. Or I go to Australia on 10th and then have the stress if my mother passes when I get there.

Yes, that is no problem there. She was here for 18 years. Also her workplace here (teaching) have said they will hold her job open for a year and if she wants to come back she can. After that year, they will look for a permanent staff member

Thanks for replying. I just feel that if I go and am not happy and want to come home, I would have lost money I didn't need to. Plus our dogs are coming over with us too and will have to put them through it all over again. I feel sick..........

OMG!! The packers are meant to arrive 10 minutes ago and I don't want them to come. I'm feeling really emotional and last night my (Australian) partner and I were having second thoughts about going. Both of us are worried that we won't settle (even my partner is and she was born and lived there until she was 27!). Wish we rented the house, rather than sold (but we needed the equity). Do we go with the flow and see how it goes in Oz and if we don't like it after a certain amount of time or do we back out (even though I've given up my very good job). Don't know whether i'm coming or going, literally - HELP!! Does everyone feel like this?

Today is the first time I've cracked. I think it is leaving 'my life' - security of friends/family/familiarity, even though I'm looking forward to going to Oz. It must be hard for you if you've had no support - is this because they don't want you to go? Also, if you don't go for it, you will always wonder if you had a missed opportunity. Better to go and experience it, if it isn't what you want, then you can always return. Life is too short. Good luck with your move!

I have had Christmas a few times in Oz already and has always been good. As for visitors, family have already given me dates on when they're coming so that is good. So do you not have UK Citizenship? Do you wish you were staying in UK?

Thanks Jacaranda. I know the feelings are normal but you still go through the rollercoaster of emotions even when you are expecting them. My partner and I have been together almost 20 years so it isn't a new relationship (and kids are definitely not on the horizon), so i'm settled in that aspect. Hopefully today is just a very bad day!!

I'm moving to Brisbane in less than 3 weeks (with my Australian partner) and today has really hit me that it is all becoming real. Yesterday we had our leaving party, which I know is probably the reason of my emotions, but today I have been in tears thinking about what i'm leaving behind. I feel like i'm going mad. Even though I want to move to Brisbane and would never back out now. I think it is all the stress of moving and also knowing I won't see family and my best friend for months at a time (even though I don't see them often here, it is just knowing they are nearby or at least in the same country). I have been to Oz many times and my partner has friends and family there but I know they are not my family and friends. We have said we will give it 4 years and if we both or one of us is unhappy, then we will come back. I'm sure there are many people going through the same emotions and I hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

We are using Dogtainers to fly our two Shih Tzus from Melbourne to Brisbane next month. They just asked what their release date was and they then arranged for the flight. They do it all the the time so they must be aware of release times etc. They are reusing the original crates - unless they are damaged which I wouldn't expect.

I am moving to Brisbane beginning of December with my Australian partner. Brisbane is a great place and has so much to do. Every time I have been for a holiday, something else is new. Good luck!

I'm moving to Brisbane in December and want to keep my UK bank account (Santander) and credit card (M&S). Does anyone know if I just have to give them my Australian address or do I still have to give them a UK address? Any help appreciated..........

I can't help with your query but good luck! We move to Brisbane on 11th December - it is all becoming real now!

thanks so much, will look into Dogtainers!

Hi, once my dogs have completed their 10 day quarantine, I need to fly them on to Brisbane. Does anyone know who to use? Help.........

Hi All, Still trying to decide who to open a bank account with in Brisbane. ANZ/NAB/Commenwealth/Westpac - which are better and offer the best incentives? Help!!!!

I'm moving to Brisbane and need to secure a shipping company. I am looking at Crown/Doree Bonner/Pickfords. Has anyone used these and if so, can you share your experience of them? Also would you recommend any of these?

Hi all, Once my dogs have completed their 10 day quarantine, i need to fly them to Brisbane. Can anyone recommend a reputable/safe company who do this?

Thanks all for your responses. We know we want to live on the Northside but it is just selecting the right suburb. Where we live now we have a good selection of shops/cafes/restaurants and pubs within walking distance and I know i'm unlikely to find that in Brisbane but i just don't want to feel isolated and there is nothing there. I don't want it to be crazy busy but just as long as there is a pub (important)/a couple of cafes/restaurants and a few shops that would be great, plus a park to walk the dogs. We are also looking at Newmarket and Wilston which sound like good options - any help on these suburbs? Sorry if I keep coming back with more questions...............

Thanks for your responses, they have been a great help. One more question though......Does Wooloowin and Windsor have many shops/cafes/restaurants/bars etc?

Hi, I'm moving to Brisbane in December and looking to move to the following suburbs Wooloowin/Ascot/Windsor/Newmarket/Hamilton. Can anyone offer any insider information on what it is like to live there. We are planning to rent for six months in one of these areas first. Thanks