movingback

Good luck. Have you ever been to Alice Springs? Very different to the coast; some love it some hate it. That kind of a place I think.

I hated Rotorua! Don't know how anyone could ever get used to that smell. However, Hobbiton, an hour away, if well worth a visit (if a bit touristy..)

I'd try and do it all while you're on this side of the world (before going home). Early summer is a great time to be there and NZ is incredible. It'll give you a good taste and then you can always do a year WHV there if you love it enough. I think to properly explore you need 2 months but 5 weeks would be adequate if thats all you can afford. If I had a partner and family I'd move to NZ in a heartbeat.

I don't like the fern either. I quite liked the 5th alternate that seemed to have some momentum for a while - strong and bold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Peak_flag

Why is this the case? I understand having to make the move within a certain time frame after being granted the visa - but why does the travel part expire after 5 years??

Sounds great VS. Are you going to buy a place or rent? Did you get your place in WA sold?

I was wondering this too...I had mine done at the PO but then had to go back the next day to lodge the application after getting them endorsed. Would only work if your (endorser?) went along with you.

Feels great to be 'done.' I do have second thoughts occasionally but the plan is still be back by early July

Ha, I'm actually waiting in line now at the post office to pick up my passport! It would be a shame if they discontinued the service, seems like the quickest and most efficient way to me. Especially in rural areas.

I love Glebe. Make sure you check out Newtown and Erskineville. Great vibe. Explore some of the small streets off the main 'busy' street. Its all within walking distance of Glebe.

You'll get used to the mozzies. Somehow your body seems to acclimatise to them after a year or 2 and you barely notice the bites. Its dengue fever you need to worry about, not the itching

What is your budget per week?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-16/federal-government-to-review-controversial-backpacker-tax/7250674

Its pretty awful. Stick to Kiama.

:no::no::no: You poor thing. Where do you live Tina? If you can't leave Australia, any chance you can move to Tasmania or somewhere like the Dandenong ranges of Victoria? Much more moderate climate and green/fertile.

Agreed on the above for Adelaide, but not for Sydney. I make about $80,000 in Sydney, and as a singleton in a shared house with an average social life, I do ok. But buying a house or unit - no chance. If I was on 100,000 I don't think it would be much different in Sydney. You could maybe swing a 1bedroom apartment in Campbelltown on that income (to buy) but then whats the point in living in Sydney? I honestly think, to buy a unit in Sydney, in an area you'd want to live and without any other backing, you need at least an income of $140,000. Its a big part of why I'm leaving.

I also think this is a load of boll****. Another money grab plain and simple. They're young, healthy, work jobs most Aussies don't want to do and place minimal burden on our health system etc etc. I think a better way to go would be to NOT require employers to pay superannuation to WHV employees. Whats the point in a pension plan to a 20 year old, in a foreign country? But of course, that would annoy the all important super companies, can't have that can we. Never mind the poor old farmer who has to pay for it!

Disappointing in what way Marisa?

Newcastle is a good option. Cheaper than Sydney but still a city with employment opportunities. TBH I think the "big" cities are only worth it if you're in particular industries - banking etc - otherwise for people in more normal/professional/health etc industries I think you can have a much better quality of life outside of Sydney/Melbourne. Unless, of course, you're young and single and can afford to pay 50 % of your income on rent to live in a vibrant area.

Goodness, you sound completely fed up. Why haven't you booked a one way ticket yet? Who cares about a 3 month contract, just head back if you think its so much better in London. And it'll be spring, a great time to return.

https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/189- I suppose if you are still young (early 30s ish) and have 8+ years of experience in your field - and a degree - then you could do it without the test. I think its tricky to get there for most people without the English test points however.

I've seen people advertise on gumtree in this situation. They are looking for someone to take over the lease on the car to complete the contract. May be an option for you?

The majority of applicants will need to do the test to get the points required, at least for a skilled independent visa. I don't know of anyone who didn't have to take it to get over 60 pts.

Are you getting much interest in the house verystormy?

Do you intend to go back? If so, I'd just say the reasons why you're going (see the world, adventure), how much you enjoy working there, and how you'd love to work there again on your return if its possible. Keep it simple but positive. However, if you don't really enjoy the job and just want the security of a 'back up' in case your plans don't work out, then be honest. I wasn't and it was wrong. I left my company at home hanging for months before finally telling them 8 months after I'd left that I wasn't coming back. I wish I'd just resigned and made a clean break.