redderdevil

I'm surprised by the above 2 comments. Each to their own and all that, but I find it incredible that anyone could prefer frozen chips and bland dry crumbed fish from an Aussie chippy. Personally I can't recommend Chumleys highly enough and wouldn't thank you for an Aussie portion even if they were giving them away.

Yes I made the move over 10 years ago. I recall initially thinking how green & lush it seemed compared to Perth. Its vast and sprawling which at first I enjoyed but soon realised it was a terrible hassle trying to get from north to south etc, unlike Perth where a journey was much easier. It feels more a part of Australia though. Perth being so remote it can sometimes feel like the place is forgotten, or at least the powers that be over there like to think themselves hard done by and left out. So much so that they then deliberately arrange a bank holiday the week after the rest of the country - just to be awkward! That being said, Queenslanders are too, especially regarding NSW and rarely miss the chance to moan about it. When I moved it was noticeably more expensive here, though I believe Perth may have caught up in the intervening years when it comes to housing etc. I still think some items of groceries and eating out are extortionately priced here and have often wondered why Brisbane is never mentioned in the list of the worlds dearest places to live, when those surveys are trotted out. Weatherwise, personally I don't find it any different to over there. In the summer its too hot and it can be cold for a few days in winter (colder and for longer than I can ever recall these past 3-4 weeks mind). I'm not one who can argue that its a dry heat rather than humid, the fact is that both places get too hot for me at times. I don't enjoy the fact that they don't have daylight saving here either. Neither did Perth until I left, but you'll have known nothing else. I don't think if I stay here another 100 years I'll ever enjoy not having light nights during summer, instead its dark before 8pm....on the longest day (which begins at 4am, which is still the middle of the night to most sane people). Of course the Gold & Sunshine coasts are close by and I especially like the fact that Sydney is only an hour or so away by plane, but overall I prefer Perth, Fremantle and their suburbs over anything Queensland has to offer. If you're not aware already, when you get here you must pay a visit to Chumley Warners British Fish & Chip shop in Birkdale near Wellington Point- just like you're used to from back home but consistently 1st class, always jam packed with punters & 1000% better than any Aussie fish bar could ever dream of.

I spent several years in Perth before moving across. Its such a long way from the rest of the country and as beautiful as some parts are, there was always a feeling that they didn't belong, because of the isolation from the East. I detected an air of resentment towards the East too as WAers perceived themselves to be the forgotten people, though I personally don't think this is the case. Since moving to the East I feel I'm more part of Australia. Its where things happen and there's a feeling of involvement, rather than the back water that WA depicts itself to be.

well done Kate. Its taken me 17 years to come to the same decision as you. I'd previously never really seen the need, but more and more over recent months, I've been watching and reading about all the bad that's happening in the UK, immigration out of control and the governments apparent undermining and belittling of anything which the country I was born in and once stood for being eroded, so I decided to apply. Coincidentally the day I filled out my application was the anniversary of when my visa was granted. I would have gone a step further and renounced my UK citizenship, but the money grabbers over there want a 3 figure fee, which I'm not prepared to give them.

Do it yourself would be my advice. From the brief info you've stated it ought to be a formality.

easy, ban it, if wearers don't like it that's too bad

What products/things do you miss from the UK and find it difficult to get them here in Australia? Light nights, Weetabix (and don't tell me the local stuff is the same because its nothing like the real thing), proper chips when dining out, Frys Turkish Delight (the Aussie version tastes scented) & tasty strawberries...come to think of it fresh fruit as a whole. What things are you finding expensive here in Australia compared to the UK? Eating out is very expensive, since when did pubs become 5 star restaurants? What things do you refrain from buying here in Australia because they are too expensive? Nowt but it doesn't stop me moaning about the price....tell a lie, i never buy from Aussie iTunes as they're overpriced If you could have one product here which would make your life easier, what would it be? UK radio

I know how you feel, but Foxtel now has a relatively new channel, BBC1st and they're showing more and more UK shows sooner than they've been broadcast previously. You'll get all the football too. ABC are showing the new Sky Atlantic drama, Fortitude, with Sophie Grobel (The Killing) starting mid Feb, so more and more of the latest shows are getting aired quicker. I try to avoid the commercial free to air channels as all they want is to interrupt shows with ads every few minutes, but that's my choice. The previous suggestions are well worth considering as well, or download from iTunes.

I did mine a few months ago. Just book an appointment at a Post Office (not all do them, so check first) and they'll make sure the application is all filled out correctly then send it off on your behalf. Mine returned within about 2-3 weeks as I recall.

Hi Kat, From my experience when applying, they usually contact you if things are moving ahead. I'd suggest they need more evidence before you commence the next stage. I remember its a very nerve wracking experience and each day the post arrives you're wondering what it may hold, but I believe they only ask for additional information if you've a strong application to start with. Hope it goes well for you, all the best