SusieOz

Thanks @InnerVoice for sharing that thread... very informative! I look forward to reading about your Tassie experiences when you catch your breath! :-)

Thank @Toots! Sounds like a lovely lifestyle. I appreciate you taking the time to share.

Thanks @Marisawright really appreciate all your insights.

@Marisawright Thanks so much! Really appreciate it!

Thanks for your response @InnerVoice. I had to smile... because next week we're going on hols in Tasmania for the same reasons! :-) Could I ask whether Tasmania appealed to you as a retirement destination? I have two worries about Tasmania... we'd be away from ALL family members (those in Townsville and UK) and would the island feel 'small' after a while? My issue in Townsville is the isolation and lack of things to do. I can see there's a lot of attractions in Tasmania but would it get 'samey' after a while given the size of the island? Just wondered what your findings/thoughts were. I appreciate your insights re. the UK (fractured society, long winters etc.). Also renting our place in Townsville while we 'try' the UK for size, makes sense... although there would be a lot of number crunching involved as we'd need to pay rent in the UK. If only we had two lives... so we could make all our mistakes in the first one and get it right the second time round!

Thanks for responding and for sharing your experiences!

Glad you've found your forever home! And thanks for the advice re. the Australian Centrelink pension.

Thanks for responding so honestly. We could afford it but, of course, we'll take a financial hit... but I wouldn't care! As you get older your needs are simpler... I just want to walk in the countryside, check out some old churches/graveyards, have lunch in the pub and then go home!

Thanks for your honest reply. Yes, we will definitely put our happiness first over money and practicalities. I'm glad you've found 'home'!

My husband and I (both British born) are considering retiring to the UK after spending 27 years in Australia. We live in Townsville, North Queensland and can no longer cope with the heat. We are considering other parts of Australia that are cooler but we would end up being completely alone. Where we currently live, I have quite a few family members and both of us have family back in the UK. I would love to hear from others who went back to the UK after living in Australia for an extended period... and how they found it? The things our souls are craving are being able to go for a walk in the middle of the day without getting fried, the changing seasons, old buildings/history, and having lots of things to do and see on our doorstep. We are very isolated where we live in North Queensland and the hot weather really does keep you indoors. In the UK, we would be seeking a semi rural lifestyle. We would love to hear your honest feedback about the experience of returning home, whether that's good or bad. Obviously everyone is different, but just being able to discuss this with people who've been through it would be very helpful. Thank you!