Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I am 31, and considering moving to Australia…

284 replies

WhereamIgoing25 · 28/05/2025 21:34

So, as the title says: I am 31 years old, currently living in London, single (actually just been dumped by someone I was dating for a few months!), no dependents and a bit fed up with life here / in the UK… and thinking of moving to Aus for a year or so.

Don’t get me wrong - I have a pretty active social life, and I am close to my family and friends - but apart from that I don’t feel like anything is keeping me here. Especially not my job / career! It wouldn’t be a permanent move (I don’t think) but I am ready for a change.

Thought I would turn to MN for some advice! I’ve never been to Aus / NZ but I’ve always had it in the back of my mind to visit / move there.

Pros? Cons? Did you do it? Would you do it if you could? Best cities to move to? Are there really spiders and snakes everywhere?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Amba1998 · 28/05/2025 21:59

DO IT

go west! Everyone always settles on the east coast but the west has so much to offer!

spiders and snakes - probs saw 2-3 of each in a year

you’ll never look back. From someone who did it for a year and has regretted not staying permanently

PivotalTonight · 28/05/2025 21:57

My DC’s are just a little younger than you.

I would encourage them to go, try something new, live a different life for a while. Take the opportunity before you have more responsibility (mortgage, kids, pets).

So exciting.

Tbrh · 28/05/2025 21:57

Maplewood6 · 28/05/2025 21:47

I seriously considered moving to Australia in my late 30s, went through all the checks and got accepted. Then I visited it again, and thought, 'No'. I'm London-based and I didn't feel the cities over there compared. I thought Melbourne was the nicest but not enough to make me leave the UK. There just didn't seem to be enough going on for me (bit of a culture vulture). I'm also terrified of spiders and strong tides so all of the outdoorsy stuff was a total no-no for me. The thing I felt it lacked the most though, which really took me by surprise, was the lack of history. Over here, we're exposed to old buildings etc everywhere we go. I didn't realise how important that was to me (even though I've absolutely no idea how it actually enriches my life here) but it made a big difference. Also having Europe and all those cultures on our doorstep is amazing - Australia is just so far away from everywhere. In the end I didn't go and have no regrets. Obviously loads of people go and absolutely love it. Just remembered - sunny days on tap was lovely.

Lack of history, do you realise that the indigenous people of Australia are the oldest living culture in the world? 🙄 Do it OP!

ACynicalDad · 28/05/2025 21:56

If you think you've got another 30+ years of 9-5 do it, have some variety, worst realistic outcome you come back in 6 months not having really enjoyed it.

Jobsworth7 · 28/05/2025 21:52

I know someone age about 27 who moved, permanently, with his girlfriend, in January 2024. She got a transfer with work. They've just come back and moved in with her mum because they couldn't find a good social circle and they were bleeding money.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 28/05/2025 21:49

Do it! I regret not moving there when I had the chance. I loved it there. 💕

Maplewood6 · 28/05/2025 21:47

I seriously considered moving to Australia in my late 30s, went through all the checks and got accepted. Then I visited it again, and thought, 'No'. I'm London-based and I didn't feel the cities over there compared. I thought Melbourne was the nicest but not enough to make me leave the UK. There just didn't seem to be enough going on for me (bit of a culture vulture). I'm also terrified of spiders and strong tides so all of the outdoorsy stuff was a total no-no for me. The thing I felt it lacked the most though, which really took me by surprise, was the lack of history. Over here, we're exposed to old buildings etc everywhere we go. I didn't realise how important that was to me (even though I've absolutely no idea how it actually enriches my life here) but it made a big difference. Also having Europe and all those cultures on our doorstep is amazing - Australia is just so far away from everywhere. In the end I didn't go and have no regrets. Obviously loads of people go and absolutely love it. Just remembered - sunny days on tap was lovely.

Barbiewhirl · 28/05/2025 21:41

VickyEadieofThigh · 28/05/2025 21:35

Do you have a profession that is in demand in Australia which would enable you to get the appropriate visa?

You can get a working holiday visa for 3 years without having to satisfy any skills or job related criteria.

Worth a go for a year OP, area depends what you can afford and what youre looking to get out of it- any ideas on budget and priorities?

VickyEadieofThigh · 28/05/2025 21:35

Do you have a profession that is in demand in Australia which would enable you to get the appropriate visa?

Swipe left for the next trending thread