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Hi. My Partner and i are moving to Sydney on Monday and have accommodation for the first week we are there but need something from the 28th for a longer period ie 6 months. I used to rent a property in Edinburgh and have a letter from the landlady if needed. i will be working as a staff nurse in the POW Private Hospital in Randwick so something nearby would be preferable but not essential. I have been looking on the regular rental web sites ie domain.com.au but as inspections are only at weekends we are quickly runnning out of time. Anyone who can help out a little would be really appreciated. Thanks Yvonne and Scot

If you're planning to move to Australia permanently and need a place to stay, here are some things you need to know before moving. Here some points of major consideration when looking for a living space when you arrive in Australia: 1) Cost of accommodation (Big City vs Small City. CBD vs Outer suburbs. Short Term Rentals vs Shared Rentals) 2) Job availability and distance from work place - Assuming you don't have a job yet you will not really know which suburb or city you may get a job in, so it would be quite difficult to decide at the onset as to which suburb you will eventually live in. Besides whilst job hunting you may prefer to live close to the CBD where most of the offices are in order to save on transport costs. 3) Support system - If you have friends or family, it is but natural that you will (at least initially) live in the vicinity of this support group. 4) Means of Travel - Big cities have excellent public transport but if you were to move to a regional city like Townsville it becomes quite challenging without a car. Which also means that you need to apply for a licence within the first few months of landing. 5) Size of family and amount of luggage - Some may arrive singly and with just a suitcase whereas others will arrive as a family and be bringing all the household goods when arriving. The biggest challenge by far when you are looking for your first rental will be that you do not have any rental history in Australia. Additionally, you may not have ample proof or residence (Australian Driver's Licence, Electricity Bill etc.) to meet the 100 point test. Here is my suggestion: MOVE INTO TEMPORARY RENTAL ACCOMMODATION In most cases when you first arrive you will have to live in some form of temporary accommodation until you figure your next move or at least until you get some kind of short term rental (Unless you are lucky to be put up with a friend or a family member). 1) Rentality (www.rentality.com.au) - a online community that provides a range of temporary accommodation for rent. The great part of this arrangement is that you deal directly with the owner, you can book immediately, the rates are more affordable than short-term rentals and properties listed go through a rigorous validation process to ensure no fraudulent properties are listed. Other similar sites are: https://www.housetrip.com/ https://www.roomorama.com/ https://www.homeaway.com.au/ https://www.vrbo.com/ https://Wimdu.com.au/ https://www.airbnb.com/ 2) Service apartments – This is the more expensive but easier option. Bookings can be made before you even arrive. When deciding on location, it is recommended that you select a place close to public transport and as close to city as possible to save on daily commuting costs to city. 3) Shared accommodation - A cheaper alternative, especially for single or couple migrants. Depending on your circumstances, you might find it easier to apply to share accommodation, rather than renting a house or apartment on your own. Check out following websites: Flatmates Flatmate Finders 4) Rooms to rent are sometimes advertised on notice boards in local shops, post offices and libraries or on the following websites: Gumtree Craiglist When looking for accommodation through Flatmates, Gumtree and Craiglist be careful of fraudulent listings. Do not ever pay upfront to the homeowner in order to secure a booking on Flatmates, Gumtree and Craiglist\. A lot of people have been cheated through this. Inspect the home first, meet the homeowner, then pay them (NEVER PAY IN CASH as there would be no evidence you paid the homeowner). If you aren't able to inspect the home, then I recommend using my recommendations in Point 1 and Point 2. LONG TERM RENTAL Once you are ready to look for a long-term rental you can check out the following top Property Websites in Australia: Realestate Domain

I’m going travelling solo for a year soon and doing the classic Australia and Asia backpackers route. I’m starting with Australia then doing Asia later on cause I don’t have time before my visa deadline expires. My rough plan is travel around Australia, maybe head over to New Zealand for some time then go to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore areas. Then come back to Australia to do some work before the visa ends. I’m already 31 (seriously cutting it fine!) so I won’t be eligible to extend the visa for a second year but I’m an experienced graphic designer and hoping to get a job doing that for a while. I’ve done a lot of research but it’s mainly articles and blogs and It would be good to get some personal opinions too, I have a few questions: Do you have any advice on which route to take through Australia? – I’ll probably be starting at Sydney. For long term accommodation is hostels the best option or getting a house share? I know in London it’s common for backpackers to stay in house shares for a few days or weeks, occupying someone else’s room while it’s vacant. Round the world plane tickets vs booking your own flights – is it worth it? The backpack – I’m looking at 70-80L Osprey bags and something with a laptop pocket – Is this too big and a ball ache to carry around?

Hi All! So my Partner & I are starting to gather documents for the partner visa which are going to apply for in July & we could do with some help/ advice with the accommodation requirement! Sorry if someone has posted something similar! My brother has said we can stay at his when we get back, so we can look for a place of our own. He has a two bedroom flat with one living room which from what I have read it has met the housing act requirement of not being overcrowded. (Him & his partner live there already) Has anyone who stated on the visa application that they are staying at their family's house, got their family member to do a housing report?? I have read online that its advised to do so but I think its a bit extreme?! Any thoughts.. Thanks :D

hi, where do people with no family in oz look to get cheap temp accommodation for the first 3 weeks or so before securing a rental? thanks in advance.

Hi everyone. Been a long time! Hope you are all well! We just wanted to put something out there to all prospective migrants... Wife and I are considering renting out a property for those migrating who are in need of furnished accommodation which is PET FRIENDLY. As migrants ourselves, we struggled to find anywhere when we first migrated that had everything we needed when we arrived (as all our things were in transit) and allowed dogs. Things like ironing boards, kids cot, cutlery, pots, pans, iron, kettle and toaster etc. were all things we needed and had to buy when we arrived. We figured by having a place that was a short to mid-term lease that had all essentials, with bills included, Internet etc. plus allowed pets would take a lot of stress off people who are making the move. Just wanted to know people's thoughts and whether this would be something in demand? Look forward to your thoughts

Greetings all, This is my first post here. I will be moving to Melbourne on a Permanent Residency Visa in September 2015 and am going through the roller-coaster of emotions! Moving with my family (wife and two young children) I am eager to find out more and secure accommodation and employment. We have been looking at the Brighton area and feel it is a good fit for us, my daughters at 2 and 4 and we feel the schools and just right for them. I am a secondary Lead Teacher of Science and aim to take a natural progression up to Head of Department. Any advice on area, Schools, jobs, and finding short and long term rentals will be greatly appreciated! Thank you D

I know how hard pet friendly accommodation is to find. We have a piece of software that shows us all the pet friendly properties in the area and thought I would put the link to this if anyone is interested, it is in Lyndhurst, a lovely suburb close to the beach, the highway and the rainforests: LOT 923 SILVERWATTLE PLACE, LYNDHURST, Victoria 3975 - House to Lease #404304261 - realestate.com.au

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

I am looking for accommodation as near to Cranbourne North as possible between 10th - 15th December 2nd - 12th Jan We are visiting family and need space for 4 adults, 3 children and a baby. I have been looking on AirBnb and Homeaway but I am struggling to find anything as near as I would like. Any suggestions?

Hi! I'm Abi, and I'm moving to Sydney in September. I will be working in the central business district and will need somewhere to live for 3 months. I am very unfamiliar with everything about Sydney and would be grateful for recommendations of where to look for accommodation (websites or districts!). I will be 23, and looking to have a good time! Also would you recommend finding somewhere to live before I fly over? Or would staying in a hostel a few days and looking be an easy option? I will be arriving 5 days before I start working so will have a little bit of time. Thanks! Look forward to getting to know some of you! Abi

Hi. I will be arriving in Sydney on May 3rd. I need a single private furnished room for not more than $150 including electricity, gas, water, internet and washing machine. I have no location preference as long as it is in Sydney. Please help me find one such room. I am looking forward to staying for at least 12 weeks. Thanks.

After a very positive conversation with the CO yesterday, we have decided to head back to Brisbane in early June as wifey needs to start getting some time under her belt on her one year RRV. It's fine for me to enter on a tourist visa while waiting for my sub class 100 to be granted subject to usual "no work" and "leaving every 3 months for a few days etc" If all goes to plan, I should only need to go offshore twice before visa is granted late September(ish!) With that in mind, we are looking for a 3-6 month lease on a 1 or 2 bedroom furnished property anywhere along the Brisbane/Gold Coast corridor. Most agents are looking at a minimum 6 months and Gumtree is always a bit hit and miss so any suggestions welcome:notworthy: Thanks in advance peeps!

Can anyone please send me some links for local estate agents for Henderson area or suburbs nearby as we are looking for 1 bedroom flat for beginning of September 2013 Thanks guys

Hi all, Travelling alone - I'll be in the Gold Coast from late June staying with family, then flying down to Melbourne some time before the 8th July when I start a new job. I was planning to arrive in Melbourne around 4 or 5 days before (around the 3rd July) and stay in a backpackers for a couple of days while I look for a short term let. I was thinking about renting short term, in a fully furnished place, with bills included for up to 3 months until I settled down a little. I will be bringing 2 suitcases with me - that's it! I've seen some pretty good studio flats in between the $350 - $400 range. I've been looking around the St Kilda area, as that's quite close to South Melbourne - where my new job is. Are there any 'gotchas' that I should look out for? What should I bring out with me to secure a let? (I have my last 2 renting references) I assume I can move in pretty quick (like a couple of days) from when I've seen the property? Do these places have Internet access generally? Does this sound like a good plan?! Many thanks in advance!

Hi Were a family of 5 looking for a short term rental, July in the South of Brisbane or gold coast, were hoping to settle Pacific pines area, so ideally would like it to be near to there. Does anyone know of any short term letting companies, private owners, serviced apartments/accommodation or any good short term rental web sites. Also I'm looking for suggestions on what is a reasonable amount of time to rent temporary accommodation for our arrival in Aus? Thanks :biggrin:

Hi all, I will be arriving in Perth in April with my wife and still cant decide which suburb to go to,i am an electrician and will be looking for a job when we arrive does any one have any ideas where is a good place to start. Also does any one know the best places to look for cheap accomadation while searching for a flat or house to rent ,i have heard that holiday rentals are the way to go but cant find any sites on the web pls help

Hi all .. Really glad we found this site as we're at the early stages of looking at a job for me within finance in Sydney. I guess at this stage any guidance or advice would be great so feel free to tell us the good, bad and ugly on schools and accommodation in Sydney .... Private or state, manly or bondi, ???? Many thanks in advance B and B

Hi all, I've been looking at moving out to Australia for some time now but am struggling with where to start. I've noticed a lot of the posts on the forum are from couples or families and/or where someone already has a job offer before they leave so have a destination in mind and an idea of income etc. Could anyone give me any advice on moving out alone? Has anyone moved out or looking to move out without a job offer? If so, where have you/are you planning to stay (hostel/room/apartment)? Is a hostel or shared flat/house the only option? Any advice much appreciated.

Help my family and I are arriving in Melbourne on the 26th of January on Australia Day. The accommodation that we had planned has just fallen through. We are a family of 3 and in desperate need to find a roof over our heads. At the moment neither my wife and I have jobs and we are travelling with a 15 month son. Does anyone know of a two bed property for rent either at the end of this month or next??? Or does anyone know of a decent serviced apartment on the cheap that they can recommend???? Thank you in advance for your help!!!!!!!!!:unsure:

Hi I made a reservation for the World Square Hostel in central Sydney on 19th of March this year for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period for 14 days starting from the 20th December until the 3rd January. Unfortunately me and my two friends have to head home soon. The only thing is that as of 1st November for NYE bookings the full amount was charged for the booking and I cannot get a refund. So I am wondering if there are any fellow travellers out there who would like to get the booking transferred over so I can get a refund or buy it off me. The booking is for 3 people staying in a 6 bed mixed dorm. The Hostel is located on Liverpool street right in the heart of the CBD it is a great location and has its own bar downstairs where all schooners are $3 all day everyday, I know this because I’ve been in quite a few times and it really is the cheapest bar in Sydney. The total amount I have paid for the booking is $1764, so it works out at $42 per person per night which I think is great really for central Sydney for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. When I spoke to the manager he said if I find someone else I can transfer the booking over. This is not a scam just a few fellow travellers in a bit of a rut. I f you would like more information please do not hesitate to ask me. Contact me by PM

We provide holiday and short-term accommodation in Mandurah near Perth, Western Australia. We specialise in fully furnished and equipped homes and are committed to providing a full service to our guests. All our properties are available for short-term rental at reduced rates. Two of our staff members have migrated to Mandurah (1 from the UK and 1 from NZ) and having 'been through it all' hopefully we can help take some of the stress out of your big move. Check out our website http://www.mandurahholidayrentals.com or drop us a line at maree.mhr@bigpond.com

Hello, we'd really appreciate some local advice on where to live in Canberra for a year. My wife and I are moving to Canberra in January. I'm in the British Army and we're coming over for a year while I go to the Defence College in Weston Creek. My wife will be working with her company in central Canberra and probably spending a day or two each week in Sydney. We're really looking forward to it but trying to work out the balance between inheriting our predecessor's life versus rearranging things to suit us. My predecessor lives in a 4-bed house in Jerrabomberra. It would be easy to take over his house but it strikes me that (a) it's on the wrong side of town for Weston Creek, (b) public transport into town is poor, © it's not particularly close to the centre for socialising and (d) there seem to be some administrative hassles with being in NSW and not ACT. Can I ask where people would suggest living? We don't need a 4-bed house, so somewhere smaller and more central would be fine. Key criteria will be making the commute to Weston Creek relatively painless (happy to cycle or run) for me and into the City Centre easy for her. And if there's somewhere nice and green or near a lake that would be awesome! We definitely don't want to be running two cars. I don't know exactly what our rental allowance is but it's currently covering a 4-bed house in Jerrabomberra if that helps. We'd be really grateful for any advice! Thanks, Mark and Beth.

Hi everybody This is my first post to PIO... ...and we are leaving in only two months from now! :arghh: I have secured a job in Sydney which is great but as a result we are having to work very quickly to pack up our lives in London and arrange everything at light speed for when we arrive in Sydney. We are very lucky to be provided with four-weeks temporary accommodation by my employer when we arrive which is fantastic but this is still not that long to try to arrange rental accommodation thereafter. We are pretty sure that we want to base ourselves in the Eastern suburbs on the basis that they: offer a quick(er) commute to the CBD where I am working are close enough to be able to walk to the beach and are a short hop from the airport (I will need to travel quite a bit for work and my OH's family is based in Brisbane All of the above sounds like a recipe for very expensive rental prices which is perhaps a conversation for another day. What I was really keen to understand was what everyone thought about the strip of suburbs from Bondi down to Maroubra. Other than a couple of visits to Bondi we haven't spent any time in the area before. I lived in Northern Beaches for a year about 12 years ago but other than that we know basically nothing (my Aussie OH lived all her life in Brisbane before coming to Blighty). We have seen some very nice-looking 3/4 bedroom houses in South Coogee and between Coogee and Randwick but we don't know whether these are nice areas, accessible, noisy, clean etc. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated as we really have no idea what we are doing at the moment... The few people I have spoken to have told me that Bondi is where it's at for night life etc but after more than ten years of living and working in London this is not necessarily the draw it once was. I am 33 and my OH, who is expecting our first child, is 29. That's not to say we don't like going out and enjoying ourselves, we quite like being close to the CBD but we also appreciate a bit of space and a bit of peace and quiet - we currently live on quite a quiet street in London. I drive a Vespa in London and I am keen to drive either a high powered scooter or motorbike when I get to Australia so good/fast public transport is not a must-have. If the CBD is bus/trainable in up to 45 minutes then that should be fine. Any thoughts, comments, ideas would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

MACKAY HARBOUR ENGINEERING PTY LTD METAL MACHINIST/CNC MHE has been operating in Mackay for over 18 years supplying precision machining to the Mining, Earthmoving, Sugar, Agricultural and Marine Industries. We pride ourselves on fast turn around for our clients and due to rapid growth we require a Trade Qualified METAL MACHINIST / CNC to work on a variety of Manual & CNC Mills, Lathes, Vertical/Horizontal Bores. The ideal candidate will have the following attributes: - Trade Qualification - CNC operating experience - Vertical/Horisontal borer experience - Turning, Milling, Drilling, General Machining - Be able to work of drawings - Commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. On return the company offer great conditions, uniforms and a good hourly rate with overtime and a permanent position after qualifying period. Pay Rates: from $30.00 to $40.00/hr + penalties. Work: 38hr/week + overtime. Accommodation maybe available. If you think you've got what it takes to join MHE team then please PM for contact details