Moving to Hobart - all advice welcome!

[emj1986]

Hi all [emoji4]

 

To cut a long story short, in the 3 years we have lived on the Gold Coast our lives have crashed and burned. It's time to get out of this toxic hell hole once and for all this time next month we are going to Hobart!

 

I know we've made the right decision but just after some advice and recommendations from others who have made the move or a similar move:

 

Interstate pet travel - I've had a quote from jetpets for $1k for 2 large breed dogs and a cat but any other recommendations would be great.

 

Moving costs - had a look but can't see many places that will allow van rental one way to Tas. Professional quotes coming out around the $4k mark. We have nothing of any real value or sentiment so wonder if it would be worth selling everything and buying new

 

Cars - should I take mine across on the ferry or fly and buy another when I get there

 

Dog walking/parks

 

Good areas for pet friendly rentals. Any areas to avoid

 

Cost comparisons to the mainland - what's cheaper, what's more expensive

 

Making friends, meet up groups, clubs etc

 

Thanks in advance [emoji4]

 

Em & Ad

 

 

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[starlight7]

No local advice because when we lived in Tassie we were on the NW coast. Hobart is lovely and what a contrast from the Gold Coast. Get the local council booklet for a list of activities and also ,if there is a local paper, that is another place to look. I would take my car over with me if I were you. The shopping is not brilliant in Tassie but good enough. For a big shop people seem to fly up to Melbourne (clothes, special presents etc). Cheap flights are often around as low as $39 sometimes.


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[Toots]

We live on the NW coast and are very happy here.  Retired after living in Sydney for well over 20 years.  Hobart is a really nice small city.  Do you have a job to go to.  If so you are set up otherwise life will be difficult. We would have loved to move here years ago but jobs were scarce so waited until retirement age.  As Starlight has said if you love to shop, Tassie isn't as exciting as the mainland cities.  I hate shopping so I couldn't care less about that.  The only things cheaper here are houses.   Skani, a member here who lives in Hobart will be able to let you know areas to avoid.  As far as dog walking parks, I don't know about Hobart but we have some great places here where our dog can have runs off the lead including a lovely dog exercise beach a walk from our house.

[Skani]

Car - I would take it if you are happy to do the drive down from the GC.  and have the convenience of private transport from the beginning

Dog walking/parks:  go to this website and select the "Walking with dogs" option in the top drop down box -

https://www.greaterhobarttrails.com.au/

I don't know if there are any areas "better"than others for pet rentals.  For rentals generally I would probably avoid the old broad acre social housing suburbs which don't have the best reputation:  Bridgewater, Gagebrook, Risdon Vale, Rokeby, Clarendon Vale, Warrane (all on the eastern shore), and Chigwell.  I personally don't like the Glenorchy area (too industrial).

Costs:  petrol is more expensive.  Also the two major supermarkets (Coles and Woolies) as there is no competition from Aldi or Costco.

However for fruit and vegies, these alternatives are often cheaper and fresher:

the Farm Gate Market every Sunday

http://farmgatemarket.com.au/

Salamanca Market every Saturday

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Hobart/Salamanca_Market

the Hill Street Grocer which has stores in several suburbs

https://hillstreetgrocer.com/

and Salamanca Fresh stores which are likewise in several locations

http://www.salamancafresh.com.au/

I'm not sure how expensive energy costs are in Qld but you'll find your heating bills higher in the cooler months.  However aircon is not necessary in summer.  I think parking in the city is cheaper - the first 1.5 hours are free in Hobart City Council car parks.  No charges in suburban car parks.

Housing used to be cheaper but unfortunately we've been discovered by investors from the mainland and overseas and the recent arrival of AirBnB - both of which are putting a lot of pressure on prices.

Goups/clubs etc:  there are a zillion of those.  If you can give an idea of your interests it would be easier to point you in the right direction. 

Very happy to answer any other questions.  I can't comment on moving costs as I don't have any recent experience of that.

[emj1986]

Well I hate shopping so that won't be an issue! The first and last time I went shopping here was Boxing Day 2 years ago at robina town centre - I lasted 30min and came away with nothing lol.

My partner is the main earner and he has found a really good job. I've applied for a few but it's not as important for me to start something immediately as we can cope on just his wage for a while.

So excited to be moving - it's everything I've missed about the UK without giving up and going home [emoji4]


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[Skani]

5 minutes ago, emj1986 said:

Well I hate shopping so that won't be an issue! The first and last time I went shopping here was Boxing Day 2 years ago at robina town centre - I lasted 30min and came away with nothing lol...........
So excited to be moving - it's everything I've missed about the UK without giving up and going home
 

It sounds as though you'll fit in very well!   I've never done a statistical survey but I do get the distinct impression that, in general, Brits settle here better.  Not quite such a culture shock.  

PS:  And my daffodils are just starting to push through the soil.  Love my daffs!

Edited June 18, 2017 by Skani

[Toots]

Skani, Hill Street Grocer has recently opened a store in Devonport.  Some lovely produce to be had there - especially the cheese selection.

[Skani]

Well, I didn't know that...the first one outside Hobart as far as I know.  It's my local "deli" down in South Hobart and I frequent it several times a week.

[Toots]

I am within walking distance to our HSG so toddle up there a couple of times a week.  They are very close to Woolies and Coles but seem to do very well as it's busy every time I go.  I think they may be moving to the new "Devonport Living City" when it is completed.  I hope the Living City doesn't prove to be a white elephant as it is costing a fortune to build.  http://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/Council/Our-City/Living-City

[Toots]

18 minutes ago, emj1986 said:

Well I hate shopping so that won't be an issue! The first and last time I went shopping here was Boxing Day 2 years ago at robina town centre - I lasted 30min and came away with nothing lol.

My partner is the main earner and he has found a really good job. I've applied for a few but it's not as important for me to start something immediately as we can cope on just his wage for a while.

So excited to be moving - it's everything I've missed about the UK without giving up and going home


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More than half the battle is having employment so you are very lucky!  Let us know how it all goes for you.

[Collie]

To the OP,

Just wondering what didn't work for you in the GC?

Re removal, it cost me $3,200 for 20m3 (about 1/2 a container) for Sydney - Perth with A2B removals as a reference.

Good that your partner has work lined up as that is generally the challenge in the smaller sities or remote areas.

  

 

[Skani]

1 hour ago, Toots said:

I am within walking distance to our HSG so toddle up there a couple of times a week.  They are very close to Woolies and Coles but seem to do very well as it's busy every time I go.  I think they may be moving to the new "Devonport Living City" when it is completed.  I hope the Living City doesn't prove to be a white elephant as it is costing a fortune to build.  http://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/Council/Our-City/Living-City

Yes, our local one is always very busy too. Parking can be a bit of a problem around there...that's the only downside.   I just checked their website and noticed that they have grown from their original  Hill Street, West Hobart store to 9 throughout the state - including Strahan and Latrobe.

[Skani]

4 hours ago, emj1986 said:

Moving costs - had a look but can't see many places that will allow van rental one way to Tas. Professional quotes coming out around the $4k mark. We have nothing of any real value or sentiment so wonder if it would be worth selling everything and buying new

 

Have you contacted any Hobart removal firms who may have an empty truck for backloading after moving Tasmania to Queensland?

I think this is the firm my daughter used when moving back from Brisbane...but that was about 2002.  I also used them to organise my sister's stuff to Canberra (2008) and found them very good to deal with then.  But it may be worthwhile getting quotes from a few Hobart firms.

https://www.bellsremovals.com.au/

[emj1986]

To the OP,
Just wondering what didn't work for you in the GC?
Re removal, it cost me $3,200 for 20m3 (about 1/2 a container) for Sydney - Perth with A2B removals as a reference.
Good that your partner has work lined up as that is generally the challenge in the smaller sities or remote areas.
  
 

I hate how transient it is - it's been impossible to make friends. Hate how fake it is and how everyone is a model/actor/wannabe. I constantly have the latest film crew at the gym where I train so it's always insanely busy with groupies. I hate the weather and literally stayed home this entire summer. Hate how expensive everything is because it's a tourist town. Customer service doesn't exist. Hate that the scenery is the same every single day of the year, there's no change of seasons at all it's just always the same. I could go on all day but I'll leave it there lol


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[emj1986]

Car - I would take it if you are happy to do the drive down from the GC.  and have the convenience of private transport from the beginning
Dog walking/parks:  go to this website and select the "Walking with dogs" option in the top drop down box -
https://www.greaterhobarttrails.com.au/
I don't know if there are any areas "better"than others for pet rentals.  For rentals generally I would probably avoid the old broad acre social housing suburbs which don't have the best reputation:  Bridgewater, Gagebrook, Risdon Vale, Rokeby, Clarendon Vale, Warrane (all on the eastern shore), and Chigwell.  I personally don't like the Glenorchy area (too industrial).
Costs:  petrol is more expensive.  Also the two major supermarkets (Coles and Woolies) as there is no competition from Aldi or Costco.
However for fruit and vegies, these alternatives are often cheaper and fresher:
the Farm Gate Market every Sunday
http://farmgatemarket.com.au/
Salamanca Market every Saturday
http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Hobart/Salamanca_Market
the Hill Street Grocer which has stores in several suburbs
https://hillstreetgrocer.com/
and Salamanca Fresh stores which are likewise in several locations
http://www.salamancafresh.com.au/
I'm not sure how expensive energy costs are in Qld but you'll find your heating bills higher in the cooler months.  However aircon is not necessary in summer.  I think parking in the city is cheaper - the first 1.5 hours are free in Hobart City Council car parks.  No charges in suburban car parks.
Housing used to be cheaper but unfortunately we've been discovered by investors from the mainland and overseas and the recent arrival of AirBnB - both of which are putting a lot of pressure on prices.
Goups/clubs etc:  there are a zillion of those.  If you can give an idea of your interests it would be easier to point you in the right direction. 
Very happy to answer any other questions.  I can't comment on moving costs as I don't have any recent experience of that.

Thanks for all this!

In terms of interests we are very outdoorsy so hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, dog walking, fishing, kayaking, running, obstacle courses - literally anything that keeps us moving! Quite fancy building a kit car one day and the other half wouldn't mind forging swords and that kind of thing one day (watching to much forged in fire lol)


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[Evandale]

Welcome to our wonderful state! We live in Evandale in the north near Launceston airport an old historical  Euoprean style village. 

My suggestion is if you love your cars keep hold of them. You will have 3 months to put them over the pits and re rego them.

Service Tasmania is your service provider for rates, rego etc. driving licences   https://www.service.tas.gov.au/records/?task=1114&topic=1730 ---https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/MRSWebInterface/public/transfer/transferAccept.jsf

Regarding relocation costs, they are usually very open to bartering a tad, so try and cut  a deal with them. As Skani has said back loads are popular and I am sure you will come up with an agreeable price, we did! ----http://www.tasfreight.com.au/

I would try and work out what it would cost to replace your items, the usual K Mart is here but no Ikea although they do deliver online now.

I love the meat here in Tasmania, many good butchers who excel at sausages, bacon etc. and  we do freeze  the glut of fruits and vegetables which are plentiful and very reasonable.

Regarding shopping, I am find it getting a bit better although we both shop on the mainland but specialised shops for gifts etc are in abundance particularly Tasmanian made gifts.

Residents do  not require ambulance insurance here in Tasmania  -----http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ambulance

http://www.aera.asn.au/tq12/docs/tq12_quarrantine.pdf is useful and this includes information vis a vis bringing dogs on over. "tapeworm treatments etc) Dogs to Tasmania telephone  1800 684285  ----http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Importing_dogs.pdf

Outdoor life is wonderful  with the most amazing wild life.

I dont think you will be disappointed, we wouldnt live anywhere else in Australia, cute pubs, wonderful colourful seasons and akin to many parts of Europe.  Enjoy! 

 

 

[Toots]

1 hour ago, emj1986 said:

 

Thanks for all this!

In terms of interests we are very outdoorsy so hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, dog walking, fishing, kayaking, running, obstacle courses - literally anything that keeps us moving! Quite fancy building a kit car one day and the other half wouldn't mind forging swords and that kind of thing one day (watching to much forged in fire lol)


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It is definitely outdoorsy here.  I spend more time outdoors than I do in the house.  There isn't a day when I don't venture outside.  Many folk wouldn't come to Tassie because of what they imagine the weather to be like but it certainly suits me far more than the mainland weather.  We had a lovely long warm summer here.  Last winter we had A LOT of rain which resulted in flooding - not us here in Devonport but it did affect other places on the north coast.  Apparently Hobart is the 2nd driest Australian city after Adelaide so obviously doesn't receive as much rainfall as us on the north coast.  Have you been for a holiday?

[Evandale]

You are right Toots we had a wonderful summer here and winter so far is proving to be glorious days and of course cooler nights.  As we have said the seasons are just like back home and as we are also snow lovers we are so lucky to have a Ben Lomond close by.

[Toots]

I have to admit to not being a lover of snow.  Probably because I had to work out in it when working for vets in the UK and Europe.  Here is a photo of the snow at Ben Lomond.

 

[emj1986]

I have to admit to not being a lover of snow.  Probably because I had to work out in it when working for vets in the UK and Europe.  Here is a photo of the snow at Ben Lomond.
 

Think I just died and went to heaven [emoji7] I am such a cold weather snow lover, this looks amazing for somewhere in Australia!


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[Toots]

Just now, emj1986 said:

 

Think I just died and went to heaven I am such a cold weather snow lover, this looks amazing for somewhere in Australia!


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You'll be fine here in the winter then.    It will soon be time to get out my woolly hat, scarf and gloves.  Today was glorious.  Very mild and lots of sun. 

[Evandale]

We love Ben Lomond  and Cradle Mountain  Emj! Mount Wellington (Hobart) is also lovely in the snow as well and on a clear day the views are wonderful. We are so lucky with the most wonderful scenery , all different, throughout the whole state. People think you can see Tasmania in a weekend, it takes  many months to explore this gem of a state.

[Strick]

Hi Em and Ad,

From what your descriptions of yourselves and what you are looking for, combined with the fact one of you has obtained employment,  I think that you would fit right in in Hobart and I don't say that about everyone..!

 

I have a couple of dogs and get out almost every day on long walks.  My favourite spots are:

 

1.  Bellerive and Howrah Beaches parking behind the Blundstone arena.  Im my opinion Howrah is the best beach in the city generally.

2.  Lauderdale Beach/Roches Beach from one end to the other - you can sometimes spot dolphins.  Note that, although these beaches are off lead all winter access for dogs is more restricted in summer.

3. Kingston Beach is also worth a mention although only the far end is dog friendly but remains open all year.  It's more of a dog park on a beach than an actual walk in my opinion .

4.  Queens Domain - The oval area is off lead as are many of the bushy parts.  The jogging track which has great views is on lead but recommended.  Also a good place to run obviously.

5. Montrose Foreshore - from the High School to Wilkinsons Point.  On and Off lead.  This initially looks like a terrible place to walk as its so close to the Brooker Highway, but if you look the other way across the Bay, the views are great, especially at sunset.

6. John Turnbull Park, Lenah Valley.  Not the biggest park in the world but a very active dog group meets at 5pm every day if socialisation is your thing.

7. Jim Bacon Reserve - very local to me and the best spot in the Moonah area which is not overburdened with dog walking opportunities. Off lead.

8.  Lenah Valley Track to Newtown Falls and Junction Cabin.  On lead but all in the beautiful forest of the Wellington Park. 

9. Knocklofty Reserve, West Hobart, Beautiful views, on and off lead, watch out for snakes.

10. Long Beach/Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay.  On and off lead but I think dog access to Nutgrove has become more restricted recently.

11.  Natone Hill Circuit, Geilston Bay.  Mostly off lead and has suffered fire damage recently. Great views.  Links with Eastern Shore bike path which goes on for miles and is on lead.

 

There's a few to be going on with anyway...

Edited June 18, 2017 by Strick
insert pic of Montrose Bay walk

[amibovered]

24 minutes ago, emj1986 said:

 

Think I just died and went to heaven I am such a cold weather snow lover, this looks amazing for somewhere in Australia!


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[emj1986]

Hi Em and Ad,
From what your descriptions of yourselves and what you are looking for, combined with the fact one of you has obtained employment,  I think that you would fit right in in Hobart and I don't say that about everyone..!
 
I have a couple of dogs and get out almost every day on long walks.  My favourite spots are:
 
1.  Bellerive and Howrah Beaches parking behind the Blundstone arena.  Im my opinion Howrah is the best beach in the city generally.
2.  Lauderdale Beach/Roches Beach from one end to the other - you can sometimes spot dolphins.  Note that, although these beaches are off lead all winter access for dogs is more restricted in summer.
3. Kingston Beach is also worth a mention although only the far end is dog friendly but remains open all year.  It's more of a dog park on a beach than an actual walk in my opinion .
4.  Queens Domain - The oval area is off lead as are many of the bushy parts.  The jogging track which has great views is on lead but recommended.  Also a good place to run obviously.
5. Montrose Foreshore - from the High School to Wilkinsons Point.  On and Off lead.  This initially looks like a terrible place to walk as its so close to the Brooker Highway, but if you look the other way across the Bay, the views are great, especially at sunset.
6. John Turnbull Park, Lenah Valley.  Not the biggest park in the world but a very active dog group meets at 5pm every day if socialisation is your thing.
7. Jim Bacon Reserve - very local to me and the best spot in the Moonah area which is not overburdened with dog walking opportunities. Off lead.
8.  Lenah Valley Track to Newtown Falls and Junction Cabin.  On lead but all in the beautiful forest of the Wellington Park. 
9. Knocklofty Reserve, West Hobart, Beautiful views, on and off lead, watch out for snakes.
10. Long Beach/Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay.  On and off lead but I think dog access to Nutgrove has become more restricted recently.
11.  Natone Hill Circuit, Geilston Bay.  Mostly off lead and has suffered fire damage recently. Great views.  Links with Eastern Shore bike path which goes on for miles and is on lead.
 
There's a few to be going on with anyway...

Thank you! They all sound fantastic! We are limited to walking around the street here unless we jump in the car for 30min. Montrose looks stunning, can't wait to get there now!


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