Australia

It’s no surprise that over 1.2million people born in the United Kingdom now call Australia home.

One of the primary attractions is Australia’s renowned climate, characterised by abundant sunshine and diverse landscapes – ranging from pristine beaches to lush rainforests and the iconic Outback. The country’s robust economy and a wealth of job opportunities in sectors such as education, healthcare, construction and professional services are also significant draws for expatriates.

Australia’s strong emphasis on work-life balance and a laid-back lifestyle further contribute to its appeal. Vibrant, multicultural cities – such as Sydney and Melbourne – provide a dynamic cultural scene and diverse culinary experiences.

Additionally, Australia boasts a high standard of living, a well-established healthcare system, and an excellent education system, making it an attractive destination for families.

The friendly and welcoming nature of the Australian people, along with a commitment to outdoor activities and sports, adds a unique social dimension to life down under, making the move an enriching and fulfilling experience for those seeking new horizons.

Travelling to Australia

Typically, a direct flight from London Heathrow to major Australian cities such as Sydney or Melbourne takes approximately 17 (Perth) to 23 (Sydney) hours. However, many flights involve one or more layovers, commonly in cities like Dubai, Singapore, or Doha.

Including layover times, the total travel time can extend to 25 to 30 hours or more. Flight durations may also be influenced by factors such as weather conditions and air traffic.

Advancements in aviation technology and improvements in aircraft efficiency have slightly reduced travel times over the years, providing a more comfortable and efficient journey for those undertaking the long-haul flight from the UK to Australia.

Visa Requirements & Employment

As a British citizen, one typically requires a visa to live and work in Australia. The most common visa for skilled workers is the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa, which is points-based and assesses factors such as age, skills, and work experience. Applicants must undergo a skills assessment and meet the required points threshold to be eligible for this visa. Another popular option is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, which requires sponsorship from an Australian employer.

The website Visa Guide has a comprehensive list of visas and their requirements, so it’s definitely worth checking it out.

Financial planning is essential when moving to Australia. The Australian government often requires evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself and any accompanying family members during the initial settlement period. Applicants may need to show bank statements, proof of employment, or a letter of financial support. Understanding the cost of living in Australia – including accommodation, healthcare, and education if applicable – is crucial for effective financial planning.

Securing employment in Australia as a British citizen involves proactive job searching and understanding the job market. Online job portals, recruitment agencies, and industry-specific networks are valuable resources. British citizens may also explore the skilled occupation lists to identify professions in demand in Australia. Networking events, professional associations, and online platforms like LinkedIn can facilitate connections with potential employers.

Seeking guidance from migration experts and staying informed about changes in immigration policies and job market trends can enhance the prospects of a successful transition to life down under.

Finding A Job

Australia’s thriving economy generally makes finding employment slightly more accessible than in the UK. Indeed, the majority of those taking the plunge and moving across the world already have employment secured.

Prominent recruitment agencies such as Hays, Australian Recruiting Group, and Adecco facilitate connections between candidates and employers, offering valuable insights into the local job market.

Additionally, popular job boards like Seek, Job Search, and Blue Collar provide a centralised platform for exploring diverse job opportunities across various industries.

Buying A House

Australia’s real estate landscape offers a multitude of choices, ranging from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to regional areas, each with distinct lifestyle offerings. Engaging with local real estate agents is a common practice, as they can provide valuable insights into the market, guide expats through the buying process and help identify suitable properties. These agents play a pivotal role in facilitating transactions and ensuring that expats make informed decisions.

Property portals like our Rightmove or Zoopla here in the UK are used quite extensively. Some of the more well-known are realestate.com.au, domain.com.au and homely.com.au.

It should be noted that Australian properties offer a significantly larger footprint when compared to those in the UK. Whilst the average UK property size is around 88 square metres, Australian homes average 227 square metres!

Navigating the legal aspects of property transactions is crucial, and seeking the services of a solicitor or conveyancer is highly recommended. These professionals help expats understand the legal requirements, conduct due diligence on the chosen property, and ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction.

Shipping Your Items

When moving to Australia, you’re going to want your goods to arrive safely, securely and pass seamlessly through border controls. It is therefore imperative to understand what can and cannot be transported.

Australia has stringent biosecurity measures to protect its unique environment from pests and diseases. As such, there are restrictions on certain items to prevent the introduction of potential threats.

Some common items subject to restrictions or quarantine include:

Food and Agricultural Products: Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and some dairy and meat products may be restricted or require special permits.

Wooden Items: Wooden furniture, artifacts, or musical instruments may need to be treated for pests before importation.

Biological Materials: Plants, plant products, and soil may be subject to strict regulations to prevent the introduction of diseases or pests.

Animal Products: Products made from certain animal materials, such as fur, feathers, or ivory, may be restricted.

Medication: Some medications may be subject to import restrictions or require special permits.

Weapons and Firearms: Strict regulations apply to the importation of firearms, ammunition, and certain types of weapons.

It’s crucial to thoroughly research and comply with Australian customs regulations before shipping your belongings to avoid any delays or issues.

The agriculture.gov.au website provides an excellent resource relating to biosecurity controls and the Australian Border Force website has a page detailing specific Unaccompanied Personal Effects (items that arrive independently of you, i.e. on a cargo ship).

Moversaurus has significant experience in navigating the complexity of international removals and – with agents operating in most countries across the world, including Australia – we’re more than happy to provide specific advice, or point you to resources that can aid in your research.

Pet Relocation

Pet relocation to Australia is a carefully orchestrated process, and understanding the stringent regulations imposed by Australian authorities is crucial. Australia maintains strict regulations concerning the importation of animals, and are meticulous in enforcing the rules.

Pet relocation to Australia is a carefully orchestrated process, and understanding the stringent regulations imposed by Australian authorities is crucial. Australia maintains strict regulations concerning the importation of animals, and are meticulous in enforcing the rules.

All pets destined for Australia need to be accompanied by a valid import permit and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by an authorised government veterinarian. The veterinarian is required to fill out, sign, and stamp every page of the health certificate, providing a seal for the pet crate. The seal number must be documented on the health certificate.

The “quick search” tool on the BICON (Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions) website allows you to search for the “item of import”, whether that is a dog, cat or other animal. During our research, we also typed in “Hamster” and unfortunately your furry friend is not able to be transported into the country.

The department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has an excellent step-by-step guide on the process for cats and dogs, which is absolutely worth checking out. With all other animals, use the quick search tool, linked above.

Unfortunately, moving a pet to Australia is not a cheap process. The website Pet Traveller has a detailed breakdown of the fees.

Import Fees: $1,265
Importation Charge: $253
Confirmation of Reservation: $1,012
Inspection Fee: $74
Document Assessment: $74
10-Day Quarantine Fee: $500
30-Day Quarantine Fee: $1,500
Overstay Fees: $50 per day
Out-of-hours Collection Fee: $160 – $170
Release Appointment: $120 – $250

As mentioned above, the step-by-step guides really are the first point of call here for anyone currently conducting research on importing any pets into Australia.

Importing A Vehicle

One of the initial requirements is obtaining import approval for the vehicle from the Australian government. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications is responsible for overseeing vehicle imports, and without proper approval, the vehicle cannot legally enter the country.

As with the importation of pets, there is a handy step-by-step checklist available on the Australian government website, which details the 8 steps required to import a road vehicle.

Once import approval is granted, the vehicle will more than likely be subject to import duties and taxes. The Australian government imposes tariffs on imported goods, including vehicles. The duty is calculated based on the vehicle’s customs value, which includes the cost of the vehicle, shipping, and insurance. Importers should be prepared for these additional costs when bringing a vehicle into Australia. Again, the Australian Border Force has a tariff guide, which you can find here. Please note, that this tariff is for general “cars” that are used in an everyday setting, not used to transport goods and not used to transport more than ten people.

Interestingly, the Australian government has removed the 5% tariff on electric vehicles as of July 2022.

Transferring Money

When transferring money from the UK to Australia, individuals often use banks, money transfer services, or online platforms. The choice depends on factors such as speed, cost, and convenience.

Here are some key aspects to consider:

Banks: Most major banks offer international money transfer services. However, they may charge higher fees and offer less favourable exchange rates compared to specialized money transfer services.

Money Transfer Services: Dedicated money transfer services like TransferWise (now Wise), Revolut, and others often provide more competitive exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. These services may also offer faster transfers.

Online Platforms: Online platforms facilitate convenient and quick money transfers. These platforms often allow users to compare exchange rates and fees before making a decision. Additionally, some platforms provide mobile apps for easy access.

Exchange rates can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions, political events, and market sentiment. It’s essential to keep an eye on the current exchange rates and choose a method that provides transparency regarding the rate you will receive.

Whilst we are not qualified to offer any sort of financial advice, a quick check of the Currency Shop website, shows some fairly competitive money transfer deals. We asked the website for the rates when moving £25,000 from the UK into a nominated Australian bank account and, given that the exchange rate is currently 1.92AUD: 1GBP, a rate of 1.9186 with fees of £102.35 through Wise (a fully licenced and regulated money transfer service based in London) doesn’t look like a bad place to start your research.

Opening An Australian Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Australia as a British citizen is a relatively straightforward process and doesn’t really differ from that of opening a bank account in the UK.

Here are the steps required to open an Australian bank account:

Choose a Bank: Research and choose a bank that suits your needs. Australia has several major banks, including “the big 4”, comprised of Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB – all of whom accept applications from expats – as well as various smaller banks and credit unions.

Verify Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the chosen bank. Typically, you will need proof of identity and residency.

Gather Required Documents: Generally, you will need a valid passport as proof of identity, your Visa and your proof of address.

Apply online or in-branch: Whilst many banks will allow you to start the application process online, you’ll be required to attend a meeting within a branch to confirm your documentation.

Once you have received your account details you’re pretty much good to go. Australian banks differ very little from their British counterparts in that you can download apps, use online banking and pay in and withdraw cash in branch.

The Weather

Let’s be honest, one of the biggest perks about moving across the world to Australia is the weather, when compared to the UK. This guide is being written on a cold December day and friends in Australia are currently basking in 27c heat without a cloud in the sky!

Australia boasts a diverse climate that varies across its vast expanse, influencing different regions and cities in unique ways. The climate in Australia is generally characterised by its extremes, with distinct seasonal patterns.

Positives:

Sunshine and Warmth: Many regions in Australia enjoy abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. This makes the country an ideal destination for those who appreciate a sunny and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Varied Landscapes: Australia’s diverse climate contributes to a range of landscapes, from tropical rainforests in the north to arid deserts in the centre and temperate coastal areas in the south. This diversity offers residents and visitors a plethora of scenic wonders to explore.

Outdoor Activities: The favourable climate encourages a multitude of outdoor activities, including water sports, hiking, and beach activities. Australians often take advantage of their natural surroundings for recreational purposes and are ranked incredibly highly in cricket, rugby league (where they hold the record for both in terms of World Cup wins) and a variety of other outdoor sports.

Negatives:

Extreme Heat: In some regions, particularly in the central and northern parts, temperatures can soar to extreme levels, leading to heatwaves. This can pose challenges for outdoor activities and, in some cases, contribute to bushfires during the hotter months.

Droughts and Water Scarcity: Certain areas, especially in the interior, are prone to drought conditions. Managing water resources becomes a critical concern during extended dry periods, impacting agriculture and water supply.

Cyclones and Tropical Storms: Northern regions, particularly in Queensland and Western Australia, are susceptible to cyclones and tropical storms during the wet season. These weather events can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds.

Different Regions and Cities:

Sydney (New South Wales): Experiencing a temperate climate, Sydney enjoys mild winters and warm summers. Its coastal location contributes to a more temperate and balanced climate.

Melbourne (Victoria): Melbourne has a variable climate with cool winters and warm summers. It is known for its unpredictable weather, with the potential for four seasons in one day.

Brisbane (Queensland): Brisbane has a subtropical climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round. It experiences hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Perth (Western Australia): Perth has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It receives a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year.

Darwin (Northern Territory): With a tropical climate, Darwin experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. It is susceptible to tropical storms and has high temperatures year-round.

Adelaide (South Australia): Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It experiences less humidity compared to other Australian cities.

Australian Culture

In the present day, Australian citizens are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. The “mateship” culture, emphasizing camaraderie and support for one another, is deeply ingrained. Australians often embrace a balanced lifestyle, valuing leisure, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.

Sports, particularly cricket, rugby, and Australian Rules Football, play a vital role in the national identity and culture.

Australia’s cultural landscape has been enriched by a diverse influx of immigrants from around the world. Waves of migration have brought people from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, contributing to the multicultural mosaic that defines contemporary Australia. The UK is currently the 4th largest contributor to immigration into Australia, behind India, China and the Philippines. This diversity is celebrated through festivals, events, and a vibrant culinary scene that reflects a fusion of global flavours.

The country’s commitment to acknowledging and embracing this diversity fosters a unique cultural landscape that makes Australia a truly cosmopolitan and inclusive society.

No guide on Australian culture would be complete without mentioning the Australian Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia who possess a rich cultural heritage dating back over 65,000 years.

As the continent’s first inhabitants, they have a deep connection to the land and a unique spirituality. Aborigines have diverse languages, art forms, and Dreamtime stories that reflect their ancient traditions. Despite facing historical injustices and ongoing challenges, including social disparities and cultural preservation issues, they continue to contribute significantly to Australia’s cultural mosaic. Acknowledging and respecting their cultural legacy is an important part of any move to Australia.

Language

English is the most widely spoken language in Australia. Australian English is distinctive, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity, Indigenous influences, and a history that evolved from British colonisation.

One of the most notable aspects of Australian language is its unique slang, often referred to as “Strine” or “Strayan”. Australian slang is an informal, playful, and colloquial form of expression that has become an integral part of the country’s identity.

Australian slang is characterised by abbreviations, rhyming patterns, and a penchant for creating informal terms. It is used widely in everyday conversation, and while some expressions may initially baffle newcomers! Expressions like “G’day” for hello, “mate” for friend, and “fair dinkum” for genuine are iconic examples of Australian slang. Australians also have a penchant for shortening words, turning “barbecue” into “barbie” or “mosquito” into “mozzie.”

It’s worth noting that Australian Indigenous languages also play a significant role in the linguistic diversity of the country. There are hundreds of Indigenous languages spoken across Australia, each with its unique words, sounds, and grammar.

Public Holidays

Public holidays in Australia vary by state and territory, and some holidays are observed nationwide.

Average Cost of Everyday Items in Australia

Consumer prices in Australia are 16.5% higher than comparative items in the UK. We have outlined a number of frequently purchased items below to highlight the differences.

Moving To Australia

In conclusion, making the move from the United Kingdom to Australia is a transformative journey that holds the promise of new beginnings, diverse opportunities, and a unique way of life.

In making the move, individuals and families are not just changing their geographical location; they are embarking on a profound personal and cultural journey. The transition from the UK to Australia involves adapting to a different pace of life, understanding new social norms, and embracing the distinctive Australian identity.

While challenges may arise during the relocation process, the rewards – in terms of career growth, cultural enrichment, and the embrace of an awe-inspiring landscape – make the journey well worth the effort. Australia beckons as a land of opportunities and adventures, inviting individuals to redefine their horizons and embrace the promise of a brighter and more fulfilling future Down Under.