it's 42 deg here today - we are indoors. It's bearable in here with the air con on; outside is like an oven, and the wind is hot too, making it the most hazardous weather for bushfires (another thing to consider when moving out here).

I'm similar to thumbwitch but have been here 2yrs & hoping to go back to the UK next yr to have second child. Having no family out here is not working for us, even though we both would have said we weren't family people before having our first child out here. I would feel too guilty having another child out here away from extended family. Also first child is coming up to the age where we can go out & do things & I am missing the range of things all available within a couple of hours in the UK (ie National Trust stuff, gardens, castles, museums) & the seasons. Apparently they do have seasons here but to me it is just either mild weather or insanely hot! I'm torn in some ways as it is great for kids in a lot of areas & I have no experience of kids in the UK, yet when I see the UK listings like in the Guardian for family stuff I am so jealous that there doesn't seem to be the same range of things available here. Still I'm glad we did come out to have had the experience. In hindsight would have preferred to have moved within the UK but I know we wouldn't have been able to exorcise the "what ifs" if we hadn't moved here when the opportunity came up (DP had a job offer so it wasn't like a totally free choice).

Glad I'm not the only one feeling this. Quite hard to be frank about it, isn't it as everyone thinks you're mad. Sorry OP - probably not helping. The VAST majority of people love it out here. You should give it a go.

Also, it is an f'ing long way from home - several times already I have wished I was only in France or somewhere that was only a 3hr flight from home, so I could just nip home for the weekend to sort out a few things that have come up - just not an option at this distance (to say nothing of the cost!)

Every time I tell people that my husband is Australian and that we used to live there I am greeted with the same look of shock and surprise that I chose to come back.
But I (whispers) like it better here.
I think my naturally melancholy nature suits this country better.
And it is so seriously hot out there I never went out in it.
It is so good to hear that I am not the only one who prefers the UK, I sometimes feel like a complete freak constantly having to justify moving back here.

probably shouldn't be posting here at the mo as am not in best headspace for it - moved to Australia 3 months ago from the UK - I am British, DH is Australian.

We came here mostly because of DS, so that he could have the best opportunities for outdoor living, plus the private schools are cheaper here than in the UK. Of course DH's family were a major factor too, but I wouldn't have done it for that.

DH has told me we can review it in 3years time, by which time I should have "got over" my homesickness so can be more objective about where would be the right place to live.

Just now - I miss England so much it hurts. We are about to face 35deg plus for the next week, I have never been a great one for heat and DS and I both have very fair skin so we will mostly be staying inside with the air-con on. DS is nearly 2 and highly reluctant to keep his hat on or anything sensible.

Also, the whole Christmas thing just hasn't kicked in - I knew it would be different and perhaps it is just the homesickness talking but Christmas just isn't "happening" for me at all, despite the decs all going up in the shops. It just feels wrong!

I miss my family, I miss my friends and if it wasn't for MN I would be in a lot worse state than I actually am.

Having said all that (told you I was in a bad headspace) - the wildlife here is great, especially if you like birds. We live near the Hunter Valley wine region (a bit more country-like) and have the Watagan mountains to visit, as well as the beaches of course.

It really depends on your personal priorities - if DH wasn't Australian I don't think I could have done it, but he is and I knew it was part of the "deal" and still went for it anyway.

BTW, the "lifestyle is f'ing expensive over here - I can't believe the price of some of the foods! And if you like organic food, then you'll get a shock - much less of it and fearsomely expensive. Of course fuel is cheaper but cars are not.

Had started to think I might be a bit mad, but I agree with ninedragons. I am also a native Australian who lived mostly in the UK, for 11yrs. We've been back here 3yrs now and I like being back, and am happy the dc are growing up with extended family around them and think the outdoor lifestyle is better for them. But if I hadn't had any children I think I would still be living in the UK, and visiting Australia (& a lot of other places )regularly.
You're lucky to have the option to consider moving here, why not give it a go, you've got nothing to lose.

I've just joined this site and was going to start a thread on moving back to London from Australia!

Me and DH have been here for 2.5 years and in a total dilemma about moving back to London. The main driver for moving back is planning to start a family next year.. and do not want to do this away from family.

But... Australia feels like a much better place to bring up a family. The lifestyle is more relaxied, you can be outside all of the time, the social scene is excellent (young families everywhere and very willing to make friends). DH is crazy about the place and doens't want to leave.

Brightongirldownunder I'm with you on all the amazing things about Australia. The nature is spectacular and the opportunity for beautiful walks, swimming etc every weekend is wonderful.

Chicaguapa.. I would say go for it. Be prepared for the fact that either one or both of you may find it difficult to come home. But.. even though I'm in this dilemma I do not regret for one minute taking the opportunity. We've been only a short time here and we'll be a long time home...

clairesparkle - its much easier to meet other people when your children are little, than when they're a bit older. playgroups etc. are totally conducive to making friends. and sydney is full of blow-ins. you'll be fine.

wannabe - I know what you're saying but my DS lived away from extended family til he was 5 and has now fitted right back in and has strong relationships with them all.

If you move anywhere you are going to form attachments with people, miss the people you've left etc. etc. Its the nature of the moving game.

ninedragons - I'm with you. Would go back to UK like a shot! But can't at the moment. Sigh.

Crikey, brighton, I've just seen this. Are you really? Give me a ring and we can go to the Monkey Bar (snurk) before you leave.

I don't know. To be honest (and I am a native Australian who lived in Britain for about seven years) I pine for the UK so much I wonder sometimes if it's genetic.

I love it here but really only because of my family. If I had been dropped on earth fully formed and without family ties I would live in the UK (or in a refugee camp in Sangatte trying to get in). I like cold winters and mild summers. I love the Sunday supplements, the telly, the people, the humour, the architecture. I even love the London Underground, which I know makes me a very rare bird indeed.