Saviola Posted December 9, 2014 Share Posted December 9, 2014 Howdi, OK well I thought I would write up a quick report in the hope it helped a few others out, as the ones I have read helped me. Leaving the UK Not being a sentimental person I actually did not feel too anxious about this, the OH was more nervous that she wasn't anxious which freaked her out (odd ). Quite a few tearful goodbyes and packing the belongings we wanted to take into a Movecube (highly recommend so far) was all wrapped up in a week, we then spent the weekend with the OHs parents (who were pretty cut up but also jealous). We made sure everyone had our email addresses and could Skype us whenever they wanted, make sure you test it with non tech savvy folks before leaving Flights As we all know they are long. We went with Singapore Air and as usual they were brilliant, modern planes, great service staff and on time. A quick stop in Singapore (like 3hrs) and we were off on our next leg due to land in Melbourne at 7am Tuesday 25th Nov. Great Feeling. We just jumped on the Air Shuttle as we were in no rush and used the free Hotel transfer from Southern Cross. Accommodation - On arrival We had booked 2 places to stay from the UK, a hotel room and an apartment. The plan was to stay in the Hotel in the city for a couple of days just to get settled in and finalize all the paperwork we needed to do. Hotel was near Queen Vic Market, very clean and tidy with all the facilities we needed (including access to a printer plus they let us have the room 4hrs before they needed to). Our apartment that we had booked for 1 month, mainly to get us through Xmas was in East Melbourne (a quieter suburb than we had wanted but it was a very good price through AirBnB). This would allow the OH to settle into her job that would start 2 weeks before Xmas and for us to have a base for house hunting. If we found a place sooner we were happy to lose out on some cash for the security it afforded us, we also have a 2nd month pre-booked that we can cancel with a weeks notice. Driving We hired a little Micra, as parking was tight at the apartment, after a few days acclimatizing. Was quite cheap and would tide us over till we picked the OH's company car which they let her have a week early. The roads around the CBD are pretty busy and your trip is broken up by hundreds of traffic lights but all in all it wasn't too bad. We did experience some dodgy driving and 1 car skidding off the freeway but the majority of drivers seemed OK. I think the large roads and the crazy amount of changing road markings do not help. We have driven around lots looking at suburbs we might be interested in, tried out the freeways which so far have been good bar the odd rush hour traffic jam. Spending my hard earned Money Obviously we have no bills as yet to pay so it would mainly be groceries, clothes and 'odds n ends'. Groceries - We have done a weekly shop and done a few quick pit stops, we haven't been to stressed by the costs. We compared some of the items we would normally buy with Tesco and there was a difference but its closer to 10-15% than 50% that some people seem to suggest. I notice that there are not so many super cheap products like Tesco/Asdas own brands but Coles/Woolies do do some. Products can be very seasonal and you do have to buy some items in bulk when they are on special/groceryrun. Booze - I am usually a 3-4 bottles after work kind of guy, but wont be here Booze can be expensive, but there are bargains out there. Wine from Aldi (if you have one) is not ony cheap but actually not too bad, award winning in fact. Beer you need to keep your eyes open, jsut got 24 bottles of Coors for $29 which is very good as I like a Coors. Drinking out you really have to chase the Happy Hours to not feel hard done by, although from talking to some of the locals $9-10 isn't that bad when you start earning Aus$ so will update you on that later this month. Clothing - This is the OHs realm really but she has found that you can get some good deals. some shops like Uniqlo and H&M actually seem cheaper even with £ to £ conversion for some goods. I have yet to really delve into this area so will have to update you later this week Transport - Myki works out pretty good value for Trams and Trains (Trams in the CBD will be free with a valid Myki from Jan 1st too), Taxi's can be expensive with all the stop start lights. Petrol is also very cheap compared to back home, although it is currently high for some here at $1.25 for unleaded. Suburbs and long term housing ... Wow that is a long read and not sure its of any use to anyone but we will see. Have a few things to add but need to eat Cheers Paul (Saviola) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglashv Posted December 9, 2014 Share Posted December 9, 2014 Thank you for your report... it was a good read. Could you specify how much have you spent on the weekly groceries? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adele244 Posted December 9, 2014 Share Posted December 9, 2014 Thanks Paul, That was a VERY informative and interesting read. It all sounds very exciting. The very best of luck (although Im sure you dont need it) x x x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saviola Posted December 10, 2014 Author Share Posted December 10, 2014 TCould you specify how much have you spent on the weekly groceries? We are currently less than $75 a week, but we have budgeted for $100-125. We do tend to just buy exactly what we need for the week and not have too much 'in stock', it helps us to stop snacking Booze is separate from that.. Thanks Paul, That was a VERY informative and interesting read. It all sounds very exciting. The very best of luck (although Im sure you dont need it) x x x Thanks, I do have a habit of droning on though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 Have you decided where you want to live yet ? Will you be renting or buying ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saviola Posted December 10, 2014 Author Share Posted December 10, 2014 Have you decided where you want to live yet ?Will you be renting or buying ? We haven't decided where exactly just yet. We have looked at a few places in South Yarra/Prahran and also Fitzroy/Collingwood areas. I will be based in the city and the Mrs will be based 50/50 in Port Melbourne/Boronia, so basically opposite side of the city We are going to look at a few places in Port Melbourne this weekend. We will rent to start with, and probably move a few times in the next 2-3 years, before we settle on an area. Gives the chance to try new areas and an apartment (always had a house well since Uni). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiffanysamantha85 Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 Love this post! My husband and I, plus the dog, emigrate from Nottingham to Melbourne in July. Cannot wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruth7862 Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 Just wondered what progress you have made regarding areas to live in. We love Fitzroy/Collingwood and have identified Prahran/Windsor to look at when we do our next visit. Also heard good things about St Kilda. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saviola Posted May 2, 2015 Author Share Posted May 2, 2015 Just wondered what progress you have made regarding areas to live in. We love Fitzroy/Collingwood and have identified Prahran/Windsor to look at when we do our next visit. Also heard good things about St Kilda. sorry been a horrid last couple of months and lost track of free time We looked at Prahran/Windsor and like them both some nice properties and close to the city. In the end we went for Port Melbourne mainly because the OH works part in the Port and needs access to the freeway. St Kilda and Balaclava were good for amenities but it felt a bit backpackery which isn't a bad thing but it gets very busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruth7862 Posted May 2, 2015 Share Posted May 2, 2015 What were your thoughts on Fitzroy/Collingwood when you had a chance to look round. If it wasn't for work considerations where do you think you would have chosen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saviola Posted May 11, 2015 Author Share Posted May 11, 2015 What were your thoughts on Fitzroy/Collingwood when you had a chance to look round. If it wasn't for work considerations where do you think you would have chosen? We stayed in Fitzroy when we came over in 2012 for 3 months and had a friend who lived there too. I didn't like it that much, it felt a bit fake to me. Like everyone wanted that hobo chic just seemed overplayed and got old quickly. There are some nice areas and you are close to everything, so that's handy. I think if an area takes your fancy from reading about then give it a try if you start out renting which I am doing, hoping to check out a few areas before buying, then you can move about and try others out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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