6 years in - an honest view of life in Australia

[Guest Chantel]

Although we do as a whole earn more in Australia than the UK with some notable exceptions a lot of folk feel the pinch here as well. Very similar problems occur here as in UK. Crime is at a fairly high level here as well.Murder rates are higher than UK for example and rates of violence are high. Road rage is far from infrequent and seemingly ever increasing.

A lot don't venture out here either due to the intense sunshine. On the positive side I do feel most have more money left after costs though. I know I have much more but then also do far less that costs money than did in London. I do swim at the beach often but am the only one I know that does so. We had to reduce our eating out and don't do pubs so often due to expense. It can be a good life but it does come at a price.

 

Most definitely! Everywhere man made has it's price! :cute: But, I guess it comes down to how much you get for your money, and your general peace of mind and sanity which can't be priced. I don't know how Australia has a higher crime/murder rate than England though??? there are far more people here than there and there is very literally a murder a day on the news, if not more! It has really become a very unsafe and unpleasant place to live, London especially!

[flag of convenience]

Thanks for your insight SurfnDirt.

 

Agree with you about Sydney, 12 years ago we lived in an apartment at Pyrmont (behind the conference centre at Darling Harbour), being able to walk into the CBD, being near the nightlife and a bus ride from the beaches, it was great. I hate to think how much it would cost to do that now.

 

I absolutely agree with everything you have said, but in Europe things are dire. We have not lived in the UK for 7 years, but talking to friends and family the cost and quality of living for some is unbearable. I won't go into the difficulties that Spain is facing now. Not enough money to pay the teachers, parents are having to pitch in. 25% unemployment.

 

As we have lived in Oz before we understand the "Aussie" way of life. My husband's uncle also lives there and we have friends in Sydney and Perth. We are hoping to move to Oz for a good life. We hope it will be a better life, but we are realistic and know that for the first few years, it will be tough settling in and adjusting. We have done it before, so we can do it again.

 

We have come to the point in our lives where we need to put down roots and we would like to do that in Perth. We are both optimistic, albeit a little apprehensive about the economic situation in Aus at the moment, but we have promised each other that we would rather give it a go than not do it at all. It is easier for us as we have no children. I am not sure how I would feel if I had to consider children.

 

I do feel that it is easier coming as a couple without children especially these days. We are in that situation but have been in Perth a considerable period of time now. Gosh this place has changed a lot. You will be aware of the very high costs to live here that has escalated over the past several years. Luckily you have friends already in Perth as that is important in the early months. It can take a very long time to establish contacts for many so you are already ahead there.

[flag of convenience]

Most definitely! Everywhere man made has it's price! :cute: But, I guess it comes down to how much you get for your money, and your general peace of mind and sanity which can't be priced. I don't know how Australia has a higher crime/murder rate than England though??? there are far more people here than there and there is very literally a murder a day on the news, if not more! It has really become a very unsafe and unpleasant place to live, London especially!

I think you just gave the reason. The media creates that impression and UK and you have so many national papers. Here in Oz our media tends to focus more on what is happening in the particular state the paper is serving. Living in West Australia is perhaps even more the case being rather parochial over here. Not forgetting that the UK has many more people as well.

Do your own research if you don't believe me. Australia ranks rather high in crimes of violence,sexual and murder rates. Our countries are not too dissimilar in that area sad to say. Just this morning an 80+ year old out for an early morning walk here in WA in a city called Bunbury was badly beaten by muggers. Many if not most folk would think twice about being out in Perth late at night.

But the sun does generally shine and the locals by and large maintain a positive opinion still to most things.

[Guest Chantel]

I think you just gave the reason. The media creates that impression and UK and you have so many national papers. Here in Oz our media tends to focus more on what is happening in the particular state the paper is serving. Living in West Australia is perhaps even more the case being rather parochial over here. Not forgetting that the UK has many more people as well.

Do your own research if you don't believe me. Australia ranks rather high in crimes of violence,sexual and murder rates. Our countries are not too dissimilar in that area sad to say. Just this morning an 80+ year old out for an early morning walk here in WA in a city called Bunbury was badly beaten by muggers. Many if not most folk would think twice about being out in Perth late at night.

But the sun does generally shine and the locals by and large maintain a positive opinion still to most things.

 

wow that's really sad! may I ask, was the elderly lady indigenous? either or any way it's disgusting, but I ask because in previous times that I have been to Perth I am aware that such a thing as 'abo bashing' goes on and I want to know if that is improving or rather reducing. I know that my mum was carjacked in Midland back when I was a kid as well, but then I could make quite a long list of violent and petty crime that has been committed against myself in my time in England. It's all swings and roundabouts really. May I ask how long you have been in Perth for? I haven't been there since 98 and I know it has at least expanded since then. :wubclub:

[gaunty]

Hi Surfanddirt

PM sent.

 

Gaunty.

[surfndirt]

Hya,

 

Thought I'd add some further observations based on alot of the responses here.

 

I guess at the end of the day it all comes down to attitude hey. When I left the UK I took a 40% pay cut and went from my 04' Subaru Impreza WRX and a good job at an IT consultancy that provided for a nice flat in Tynemouth in Newcastle to a shared house in Newport and a 93' Mitsubishi Lancer wagon with approx 30% less disposible income than I had. I made the decision to do this because I was happy to trade the money for the ability to surf more and basically have an adventure in a new country!!

 

I think what alot of people don't realise are some stark realities of Australia - and please remember this is from someone who loves it here, but may go back to the UK for a few years to have some mad capped adventures in Euro land....

 

Melbourne

 

1)

Outer suburbs are basically a bit of a nightmare. Sure the houses look good on www.realestate.com.au but what has basically happened is that the farmers have flogged land to developers who have built as many houses as possible on that land without putting in any, and I mean - any - infrastructure. So the 1x road that used to go to Farmer Billy's homestead is still there - only now there are 10,000 people living where his field used to be trying to use it to get to work. Examples are; Point Cook, Tarneit, Werribee (now effected).

 

2)

All the snotty London career type people want to live in the following places; Elwood, Brunswick, St Kilda, Middle Park, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, Brighton etc..... As a result the houses are just so expensive it makes the eye's water just lookin at em.

 

3)

Commuting. Most desk jobs are in the CBD, so - as can be assumed, a good % of the city attempt to get into the CBD every day!!! No need to say any more, packed trains, traffic jams etc etc.

 

4)

Lower socio economics are just that - doesn't matter if you're in the UK, USA Canada or Australia. If you aint got a good trade or a BSc after your name - life is a struggle, that's the system! No different here - for example a lower income earner could live in a burb mentioned in (1) for probably $800 a month rent. Would take 2hrs to drive into the CBD or 1.5 with a train involved. No pub, no entertainment, no roads!!!

 

Some examples of the good life;

 

- Living on the Surf Coast (Ocean Grove, Torquay etc) and working a normal job in Geelong.

- Get a motorbike license!!! No issues with a commute, rarely rains and is never frosty cold. Plus free parking in Melbourne CBD (unoffically the same in Sydney now).

- Score a normal paying job in a regional town. No traffic, cheaper houses, space......

 

Sydney

 

Geez, what can I say - just imagine London but with more traffic lights and an average muggy temp of 25c. Same prices, same rat race, same tools in suits, same jams, same crammed trains, same attitude that 'I'm **** hot cause I drive a 3 series'.......

[Guest Chantel]

Hya,

 

Thought I'd add some further observations based on alot of the responses here.

 

I guess at the end of the day it all comes down to attitude hey. When I left the UK I took a 40% pay cut and went from my 04' Subaru Impreza WRX and a good job at an IT consultancy that provided for a nice flat in Tynemouth in Newcastle to a shared house in Newport and a 93' Mitsubishi Lancer wagon with approx 30% less disposible income than I had. I made the decision to do this because I was happy to trade the money for the ability to surf more and basically have an adventure in a new country!!

 

I think what alot of people don't realise are some stark realities of Australia - and please remember this is from someone who loves it here, but may go back to the UK for a few years to have some mad capped adventures in Euro land....

 

Melbourne

 

1)

Outer suburbs are basically a bit of a nightmare. Sure the houses look good on www.realestate.com.au but what has basically happened is that the farmers have flogged land to developers who have built as many houses as possible on that land without putting in any, and I mean - any - infrastructure. So the 1x road that used to go to Farmer Billy's homestead is still there - only now there are 10,000 people living where his field used to be trying to use it to get to work. Examples are; Point Cook, Tarneit, Werribee (now effected).

 

2)

All the snotty London career type people want to live in the following places; Elwood, Brunswick, St Kilda, Middle Park, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, Brighton etc..... As a result the houses are just so expensive it makes the eye's water just lookin at em.

 

3)

Commuting. Most desk jobs are in the CBD, so - as can be assumed, a good % of the city attempt to get into the CBD every day!!! No need to say any more, packed trains, traffic jams etc etc.

 

4)

Lower socio economics are just that - doesn't matter if you're in the UK, USA Canada or Australia. If you aint got a good trade or a BSc after your name - life is a struggle, that's the system! No different here - for example a lower income earner could live in a burb mentioned in (1) for probably $800 a month rent. Would take 2hrs to drive into the CBD or 1.5 with a train involved. No pub, no entertainment, no roads!!!

 

Some examples of the good life;

 

- Living on the Surf Coast (Ocean Grove, Torquay etc) and working a normal job in Geelong.

- Get a motorbike license!!! No issues with a commute, rarely rains and is never frosty cold. Plus free parking in Melbourne CBD (unoffically the same in Sydney now).

- Score a normal paying job in a regional town. No traffic, cheaper houses, space......

 

Sydney

 

Geez, what can I say - just imagine London but with more traffic lights and an average muggy temp of 25c. Same prices, same rat race, same tools in suits, same jams, same crammed trains, same attitude that 'I'm **** hot cause I drive a 3 series'.......

 

LoooL I like this response! and it has just confirmed to me what I already knew...I don't want to live in a big city! everything you have said makes sense and I am not interested in that part of Aussie life, I'm looking to be way more chilled. I have rellies in Melbourne, I personally wouldn't want to live there. I am from Perth but thinking seriously of moving up the east coast some where between the Gold Coast and Caloundra/sunshine coast. Enjoy life, we only get one shot at it and you sound like a very free spirited and adventurous person, so make the most of it. Thanks for sharing the reality check! :cute:

[surfndirt]

Lee,

 

Yeah dude - sounds like you just need to go on a big fat adventure!!!! A proper throw caution to the wind job mate :-) wooohoooooo. That's what I did, best thing I ever did in my life for sure...... My advice, concentrate on sommat other than money and 'things' though. I spent the first 6 months here just surfin every weekend cause I didn't know anyone, that's what go me through that initial period ay. If I recall, it took 6x weeks before I found someone in the office that wanted to go for a scoop after work. Where I was workin in the UK EVERYONE wanted to go for a jar - all the time!!!

[surfndirt]

Emfitz,

 

Port fairy is an absolute bloody gem of a place. Used to go there quite a bit. Great little pubs and a good music scene apparently. For some random reaon GSK have a big factory there which is just odd I reckon. Keeps people in jobs though. Great coastline too.

 

Geez if you can score a gig there I'd be onto it like a shot, livin dream for sure :-)

[surfndirt]

Hi Kimsdu,

 

Thanks for the offer - much appreciated. Spent the first 26 years of me life surfing all over the UK from Thurso to Perranporth - plus all over Euro land from San Sebastian to Agadir :-)

 

After all that, and with the onset of a knackered lower back - surfing has finally taken a back seat to dirt bikes!!!!

 

Please do let me know if you want info on Vicco beachies / points / reef's (and I'm not talkin your Torquay main beach kinda set-ups)..... If there's just your fella rockin up to em it'll be right....

[surfndirt]

Hya Chantel,

 

Yeah - that's it ay. Plenty of opportunities to get set-up well (outside of a city) here with some research I reckon. As I say, the whole living on the surf coast / working in Geelong thing is a pretty sweet set-up I reckon. I've tried about 10 times to get a gig in G town to no avail (specialised area of IT)....... As I say, the other spot I really like is Thirroul north of the Gong, NSW. Some work ops in the gong and Thirroul is a real nice little town. Heck, I knew a few crew that got the train to Sydney everyday though that's a right mission everyday..... Anyway, all the best.....

[surfndirt]

Hi Robnnic,

 

Where you looking to move to?

 

Where you living now? Our Mam lives in Aspatria, Cumbria....

 

Funny was just telling someone in the office how Hobart reminded me of Carlisle - it's like a bloody mirror image of the place!!! Minus all the scally's and council estates of course......

[Guest brooksey]

Most things in Australia are realy expensive. My local pub seems imune thank god. $3.20 for a scooner of mid or $3.70 for full strength. (scooner is just less than a pint)

 

You do get used to the heat. Where i work is always high 30s to mid 40s and occationaly gets into the 50s. A few people collapse with heat stroke (me once) but that is mostly down to not drinking enough water. I now drink 15 to 20 lts a day.

[flag of convenience]

wow that's really sad! may I ask, was the elderly lady indigenous? either or any way it's disgusting, but I ask because in previous times that I have been to Perth I am aware that such a thing as 'abo bashing' goes on and I want to know if that is improving or rather reducing. I know that my mum was carjacked in Midland back when I was a kid as well, but then I could make quite a long list of violent and petty crime that has been committed against myself in my time in England. It's all swings and roundabouts really. May I ask how long you have been in Perth for? I haven't been there since 98 and I know it has at least expanded since then. :wubclub:

 

Hi Chantel,

I returned here in 96 after a very long time living in London and mainland Europe. Left after a year to live in Queensland (not for me) then Darwin which actually rather liked. Should add spent early years in WA prior to leaving for England with family as a lad.

I can't say that I have heard much about ábo bashing',although that may well have been an issue in the distant past. Afraid the shoe is well and truely on the other foot these days usually when it comes to bashing and acts of violence. Midland is an area with some social problems very much intact. There are some very serios issues which don't appear to have any ready solutions.

 

Since your time in Perth we have become far more multi cultural. I see far more African faces in Perth than Melbourne or Sydney as well as having worked with a number of folk from numerous African countries.It doesn't seem to be an issue apart from media reports with regards to a segment of African youth behaving poorly.

Perth is really begining to become more representative of its part of the world built beside the Indian Ocean with a big population from the Asian region growing by the year. Indian folk have become rather numerous in recent times. Now waiting for some decent Indian nosh houses to spring up. That for the most part is an improvement to my mind.

 

Where I have a problem in Perth is the lack of value for money. It is just so expensive and as such so money focused. I really don't see it as laid back as some suggest. Apart from dress sense maybe. It has a lot to do with appearances and as it is known as the place of the cashed up Bogan..which does have a ring of truth to it.

[Ike]

Young people with no committments;

 

- Get into it!!! Forget the cost and forget the negativity!!!! Come and have a blast with people from all over the world, surf and earn enough to live - :-)

 

 

 

This man speaks the truth. Me and my Fiancee are in our mid 20's and was looking and buying a house in the UK. We then thought 'to hell with it' after the realisation that mortgages were so expensive and we have the rest of our life to get in massive debt.

 

So we grabbed a WHV visa and over we came. 12 months later we have been sponsored on a 457 visa, im on double the wage i was in the UK (as a Welder), there is no snow and ice in sight and we live 2 minuted walk from the beach.

[stuart lawson]

Excellent thread with some good points for those chasing the dream, havn't been out here to long personally but I can see that Australia is heading towards some of the social & financial problems burdening the UK. Hopfully it will continue to be the lucky country for those living & chasing the dream.

 

Those who are thinking or who are about to come out here don't be worried about the what if's, but don't set your expectations to high. Ausralia's no crime free paradise but lifes what you make it. You have to relise its going to be tough at times but set goals & achieve them. Getting your visa was only the begining of the adventure!

 

Comparing the UK to OZ is difficult because it really depends on where you lived in the UK & your lifestyle. I'm currenly living in Melbourne & a guy I no explained that a particular suberb I was working in was regarded as rough. Coming from Liverpool & seeing some of the places I'm familiar with back home made me think you don't no rough mate!

 

Continue to chase the dream all.... you only get one life....."reach for the stars & you might get to the moon"

[Guest Chantel]

Excellent thread with some good points for those chasing the dream, havn't been out here to long personally but I can see that Australia is heading towards some of the social & financial problems burdening the UK. Hopfully it will continue to be the lucky country for those living & chasing the dream.

 

Those who are thinking or who are about to come out here don't be worried about the what if's, but don't set your expectations to high. Ausralia's no crime free paradise but lifes what you make it. You have to relise its going to be tough at times but set goals & achieve them. Getting your visa was only the begining of the adventure!

 

Comparing the UK to OZ is difficult because it really depends on where you lived in the UK & your lifestyle. I'm currenly living in Melbourne & a guy I no explained that a particular suberb I was working in was regarded as rough. Coming from Liverpool & seeing some of the places I'm familiar with back home made me think you don't no rough mate!

 

Continue to chase the dream all.... you only get one life....."reach for the stars & you might get to the moon"

 

 

Excellent response! Couldn't agree more! :yes:

[Guest Chantel]

Hya Chantel,

 

Yeah - that's it ay. Plenty of opportunities to get set-up well (outside of a city) here with some research I reckon. As I say, the whole living on the surf coast / working in Geelong thing is a pretty sweet set-up I reckon. I've tried about 10 times to get a gig in G town to no avail (specialised area of IT)....... As I say, the other spot I really like is Thirroul north of the Gong, NSW. Some work ops in the gong and Thirroul is a real nice little town. Heck, I knew a few crew that got the train to Sydney everyday though that's a right mission everyday..... Anyway, all the best.....

 

Thanks. My hubby is also in IT, but life IS what we make it.

[Candygirl]

Just a word of warning - there is a too hot! Anywhere over Brisbane is too hot to spend time outside between Nov to April. You can warm up in cold weather but cooling down is hard. Life in aircon can really get frustrating. It's been months since its been cool enough for a walk on the beach or to sit outside. The sun here is really intense.

 

Have to agree with this post. When we were in Darwin it was unbearable. So much so that I was admitted to hospital in Katherine with heat exhaustion - partly my fault, done too much before adjusting to the heat.

 

We live in Spain and the summers here are often in the 40's. It's OK if you are sitting on the beach or in front of the air con, but trying working in it. It takes some adjusting to. OH's family live in Rocky and they are always struggle with the heat up there.

[ghost]

Perth's good thanks, a great place and really like it here, but not really much going o. Once you have done everything. Seems in 5 months I've done more than most people have done in 20 years. For me I think there's probably more for me in the uk.

[Guest Chantel]

Perth's good thanks, a great place and really like it here, but not really much going o. Once you have done everything. Seems in 5 months I've done more than most people have done in 20 years. For me I think there's probably more for me in the uk.

 

That was my concern, I like Perth too but it is all a bit isolated and not a lot to do once you've done it. Maybe a different city with more of a buzz would be good for you before you consider going back to England?

[fairystar32]

We are always outdoors.... We still go too the beach, Southbank and for walks, we try too go before 10 and after 3pm, but cover up well, if its in the middle.

You just spend a lot of time in the water

 

We have been sat outside all day today..

 

I much prefer too cool down, than have too warm up..

Just a word of warning - there is a too hot! Anywhere over Brisbane is too hot to spend time outside between Nov to April. You can warm up in cold weather but cooling down is hard. Life in aircon can really get frustrating. It's been months since its been cool enough for a walk on the beach or to sit outside. The sun here is really intense.

[Miss Jilly]

Australia started going down the gurgler since 2007 when Kevin Rudd was elected as PM along with his Labor party (that's how they spell it over here). He was ousted by his deputy Julia Gillard and things have gone from bad to worse as she has no consideration for the electorate and has lied to us about the Carbon Tax at 23%.

So many stuff ups and cover ups you can't imagine.

 

70% of Australians hate her and her government and wish she would go back to Wales where she came from.

 

Everyone crying out for an election.

[Guest The Ropey HOFF]

Australia started going down the gurgler since 2007 when Kevin Rudd was elected as PM along with his Labor party (that's how they spell it over here). He was ousted by his deputy Julia Gillard and things have gone from bad to worse as she has no consideration for the electorate and has lied to us about the Carbon Tax at 23%.

So many stuff ups and cover ups you can't imagine.

 

70% of Australians hate her and her government and wish she would go back to Wales where she came from.

 

Everyone crying out for an election.

 

 

Swap you for the lizard Cameron and his lap dog Clegg with their slash and burn tactics, with no chance of growth and resulting in higher unemployment, no jobs for our kids here in the uk at least kids have some future in Australia.

[Guest littlesarah]

Australia started going down the gurgler since 2007 when Kevin Rudd was elected as PM along with his Labor party (that's how they spell it over here). He was ousted by his deputy Julia Gillard and things have gone from bad to worse as she has no consideration for the electorate and has lied to us about the Carbon Tax at 23%.

So many stuff ups and cover ups you can't imagine.

 

70% of Australians hate her and her government and wish she would go back to Wales where she came from.

 

Everyone crying out for an election.

 

I'm not defending the actions of the Labor government, who seem to have made a bit of a mess of a number of things; but let's not pretend that the Howard government got everything right either! The effect of the Howard government's 'reform' of tertiary education led to the erosion of Australian scientific and academic endeavour, not to mention a direct reduction in places for desperately-needed health professionals. Whilst I personally have benefitted from the skills shortage in my area of work, I can see that the health of Australians (especially those who are older, and/or have chronic conditions) has not.

 

The effect of individual pay and conditions negotiations on previously securely-employed individuals was also detrimental, and I am fearful that a Liberal government would reintroduce that type of legislation. Last time around, people working in my sector had their ongoing contracts terminated, and had to apply for their old job on a fixed-term basis and with lower pay and worse conditions. Whilst this is the way of the private sector I realise, it would without doubt result in those of us who can deserting higher education and returning to clinical practice, in all likelihood never to return.

 

However, to return to the original them of this thread, I should really like to add that we need to be careful when we consider 'the dream'. I love my life in Australia; without a doubt I have been given opportunities for a career and education that I would likely never have had in the UK. (I'm sure I could have gone into academia here, but not in a beautiful location 20 minutes from the beach where I live!) However, I do work hard - probably harder than in the UK, & my employer has pretty high expectations (in terms of quality and volume of output), and I do sometimes feel stressed and a bit overwhelmed. We have a bigger mortgage than we did in Britain, but we have a larger house in a more expensive location, so that's no surprise or concern, really.

 

To my mind, all big cities tend to have higher crime rates, be more expensive (cost of living as well as houses), more congested and contain a higher percentage of people whose work makes them think they're something special than smaller communities where people get to know one another. But, cities also tend to be busy, vibrant places with lots going on and lots of people to meet. So where to live depends on what you want.

 

As other people have pointed out in the past, if you're moving from the UK to Australia, you're going from one developed country to another, so the problems and lifestyles of the two countries are more comparable than, say, UK and Samoa.