Life In Australia Q&A
DISCLAIMER – While we do our best to give accurate information, please always consult professionals rather than just taking our word for it. Things will vary between states.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN “WINTER”? YOU KNOW SUMMER IN THE UK IS 20 DEGREES! WHAT CLOTHES ARE NEEDED?
The weather varies, depending on where you are in the country. On the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, it is around 20 degrees in the day, but much lower at night. This may seem like it is warmish but as you adjust to the temperature, it can feel very cold. I would recommend that you pack your winter clothes. If you are moving to the southern states, it gets much colder.
WHAT SUBURBS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND MOVING TO FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
Assuming you are moving to the Sunny Coast, I would say that there aren’t any specific suburbs for families, they are all great. Obviously, it will depend on your family lifestyle and how you’re wanting to live. Research areas that have the most facilities that relate to how you want to structure your life here. This includes- affordability, childcare, schools, shops, jobs, friends, activities etc. We made a video about choosing a suburb, that will give you some great pointers.
WHAT DO YOU THINK A LONDON CITY PERSON WOULD NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIDERS AND SNAKES WHEN MOVING? I AM ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOVING WITH A 20 MONTH TODDLER. I’M NOT SCARED OF ANIMALS BUT JUST WANT TO KNOW PRACTICAL PARENTING ADVICE ON AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS!
-Stay still Let the snake go past you and keep a distance. Snakes won’t want to hurt you if they do not feel threatened. Most encounters with snakes are incident free, and you just get to enjoy the experience!
-First Aid We highly recommend doing a first aid course when you arrive in Australia. Many will include snake bite first aid.
-Scout the garden before sending kids and pets out Don’t let your toddler play in bushes/long grass- keep your yards/gardens mowed and tidy at all times. Supervise their outdoor play, as snakes do climb fences!
-Have a snake catcher’s number saved in your phone You may not ever need it, but it’s handy to have it in the moment that you need it.
-Keep your flyscreens closed This will give them less access to your house.
-If there’s a snake in the house remove all pets and people immediately If the snake is contained, it is easier for the catcher to collect.
-Take a picture (if it is safe and the snake is not aggressive) and ask an IDer. There are many snake ID pages on facebook. They will give you information about the snake.
-Do not try to kill a snake It’s illegal and if threatened, they will become aggressive
IS IT HARD TO GET A JOB IN AUSTRALIA FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T ON THE SKILLED LIST?
The job market is incredible at the moment. Employers are crying out for good workers. As long as you are willing to work, there are many options. As long as you have the right to work in Australia, there are jobs for unskilled workers.
LIVING COSTS COMPARED TO THE UK AND EARNINGS…
Take a look on Seek and Indeed, to get an idea of what Australian employers are paying in your field. With regards to living costs, I’m aware that the cost of living has risen significantly in the UK since we were last there. Take a look at this video listing our outgoings as a family of 5.
MY SON IS 14, WHAT AGE DO THEY STAY IN EDUCATION UNTIL, AND DO THEY WORK AT 16, OR STAY IN EDUCATION UNTIL 18?
In Queensland, children start school in Prep and run through to year 12. Unless a child leaves school to do a work-based apprenticeship they stay in the school system until the end of year 12, where they will be around 18 years old. From year 10, there are many options open for children who learn differently. Apprenticeships are a great option for kids who want to get stuck into work, and there are also options for traineeships which allow students to gain skills in the workplace as well as school. Options may vary between states.
Here is a school age calculator, to tell you when your child can enter the school system to when they will finish, by state.
WHAT ARE THE MORTGAGE RATES IN OZ AT THE MOMENT?
This obviously varies, but rates are roughly 6-7% at the moment.
HOW MANY SNAKES AND SPIDERS DO YOU SEE?
When we lived in a more built-up suburb, we saw one snake in the whole 5 years that we lived there. It was on a mountain in the national park, so it was to be expected. Houses that back onto bush usually have wildlife sightings, so this something to take note of, if you are wary.
Since living in the hinterland we have seen many more. We see snakes maybe once every few months, and these are usually carpet pythons (non-venomous).
Spiders we see more often, but you can get an annual pest spray, and this will keep most things out of the house. This will also include other bugs like cockroaches and ants.
WHY IS LIFE IN OZ SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE UK?
There are many great things about both countries, but the things that appeal to us are that Australia is less populated, so we are not cramped together. The houses are mostly larger, detached and on bigger blocks which gives you more space and privacy. Where the roads are not so narrow with building towering on either side, you can see more of the sky, it feels so much more open.
The weather in Australia is certainly more appealing and it allows us to spend a lot more time outdoors.
Australian wages and the standard of living is generally higher, and there are plenty of opportunities in terms of employment.
We also feel safer here, there is less crime than in many other countries.
WHAT ARE SOME BIG ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS? WHAT ARE THE THINGS IT SEEMS THAT EVERY KID DOES?
-As we have beaches and water ways everywhere, all children learn to swim and or surf. Swimming lessons are a must and can be found at most of the public pools. Nippers is a program run by Surf Life Savers teaching water skills and safety on the beaches, plus -Lifesaving skills for the older kids.
-Skateboarding is very popular, with a ramp or bowl found at or near a lot of the parks.
-Martial arts is popular and there are many clubs/school that offer different disciplines.
-Oztag/Soccer/Rugby or AusKick- these are great for the kids who love to kick a ball around
-Handball (played with a tennis ball or bouncy ball at schools and home Australia wide)
TRANSFERRING MONEY FROM THE UK – DID YOU KEEP A UK BANK ACCOUNT? REVOLUT OR MONZO?
We have kept bank accounts in the UK, and have used the address of a trusted relative. We are aware that Barclays bank is now closing down the accounts of customers who live abroad. So bare this in mind if using your Australian address.
We have found keeping a UK bank account handy for when we visit, and we also use it for buying gifts on UK websites for our family.
We have always used OzForex to transfer our money. We have now partnered with them, and our viewers will receive preferential rates.
I have not used Revolut or Monzo, so cannot comment on those.
COST OF LIVING?
We are a Family of 5 and this is our rough expenses for one month.
Electric - $328
Pest control - $29
Tank water - $0
Car maintenance - $100
Car Insurance (for 2) - $79
Food - $866
Registration (for 2) - $142
Petrol - $866
Mobile phones (3) - $41
Council rates - $141.33
Broadband - $64
Contact lenses - $45
Home Insurance - $261
Pool - $90
Dogs (3) - $175
School costs - $96
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO SETTLE IN?
It took us around 3 years. You need to give yourself and your family time to get into the swing of it. Making friendships, finding jobs that you’re happy in and setting up a whole new life does take time. It may also take time to recover financially from your emigration. This can all have challenges and you might feel homesick for what is comfortable. However, it is about the end goal and your happiness so prep and how you choose to see this adventure is important. You can get our Arriving in Australia Checklist here, to help things run a little more smoothly!
HI, PLEASE COULD YOU SHARE SOME NICE AREAS IN THE SUNSHINE COAST? WE ARE IN ESSEX IN THE UK. IT’S HARD TO KNOW FROM HERE WHICH AREAS ARE BETTER TO LIVE IN. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT.
It’s funny because the few areas that used to be considered less desirable on the coast are now up and coming. We wouldn’t say that any areas of the coast are better or worse than others, they all have something different to offer Think about what it is that you want from your move, the lifestyle that you want to lead, what you want close by, and then do a realestate.com search to see which areas will be within budget for you. That will help to narrow your search down.
