Page 11 | I am 31, and considering moving to Australia…

WhereamIgoing25 · 2025-05-28T20:34:22+00:00

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?

Mudsca · 05/06/2025 09:25

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 05/06/2025 01:29

I'm glad you told us about that one guy your DS knows who moved from Melbourne to London 15 years ago. That's definitely something the OP needs to weigh up when deciding if she should move.

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DS being a working professional in London has met numerous Aussies who have shifted to London. He's met many from major Australia cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth etc.... ) and they all find the pace of life too boring in Australia.

They also love having access to cheap flights to Europe. A lot cheaper than Australian flights to SE Asia.

If OP wants to go, fine with me. It's her life.

echt · 05/06/2025 09:42

If OP wants to go, fine with me. It's her life

Arf.

Sharptonguedwoman · 05/06/2025 09:44

PeapodMcgee · 28/05/2025 22:11

40C heat, wild fires, racism and boorish misogyny. Go for it 👍

Been a few times to Australia, didn't find any of those. Just for balance.

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 05/06/2025 11:59

Mudsca · 05/06/2025 09:25

DS being a working professional in London has met numerous Aussies who have shifted to London. He's met many from major Australia cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth etc.... ) and they all find the pace of life too boring in Australia.

They also love having access to cheap flights to Europe. A lot cheaper than Australian flights to SE Asia.

If OP wants to go, fine with me. It's her life.

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How are people's experiences of relocating in the other direction relevant to the OP's question?

You desperately want to believe the UK is better but you have zero personal knowledge or experience to go on, so you're relying on third hand accounts from people you haven't even met. And the fact that everyone's clamouring to get on a plane and get the fuck out of there at every opportunity.

Tourmalines · 05/06/2025 12:16

Mudsca · 05/06/2025 09:25

DS being a working professional in London has met numerous Aussies who have shifted to London. He's met many from major Australia cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth etc.... ) and they all find the pace of life too boring in Australia.

They also love having access to cheap flights to Europe. A lot cheaper than Australian flights to SE Asia.

If OP wants to go, fine with me. It's her life.

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You do realise that hundreds of people leave Britain and come to Australia just as people leave Australia for Britain? I mean , why do you have such a biased view that the ticket should only be set for Britain . Have you ever been ? Who cares what Joe blow down the road thinks . Glad you are giving op your permission though .

GlutesthatSalute · 05/06/2025 12:40

Yeah but SE Asia is worth the expense. When you're helping feed the elephants at a no-ride Thai elephant sanctuary that rescues these beautiful gentle darlings, or ordering pancit in your broken Tagalog then joyriding in a tuktuk around Manila with five new friends, you're not thinking, "Gosh, I wish I lived in Luton. I could have got a Sleazyjet flight to Latvia. It would have been cheaper."

InWalksBarberalla · 05/06/2025 12:52

Mudsca · 05/06/2025 09:25

DS being a working professional in London has met numerous Aussies who have shifted to London. He's met many from major Australia cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth etc.... ) and they all find the pace of life too boring in Australia.

They also love having access to cheap flights to Europe. A lot cheaper than Australian flights to SE Asia.

If OP wants to go, fine with me. It's her life.

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Many more people travel from the UK to Australia than vice versa. The number of people born in the UK currently living in Australia is more than 10 times the number of people born in Australia currently living in the UK. (And the UK population is only around 3x that of Australia).

LakieLady · 05/06/2025 12:57

thelittlestkiwi · 29/05/2025 01:50

If you don't like snakes and poisonous things that bite, look at NZ as we have neither.

The job market is tough here ATM, unless you are in healthcare.

I never knew that!

I think NZ sounds lovely. I've never met a Kiwi I haven't liked and a (a very well-travelled) friend, whose judgment I very much respect, said that if she ever had to leave the UK, it's the place she'd most like to settle in.

No poisonous bitey things is a definite plus imo.

Bellaire85 · 05/06/2025 13:01

Yes! Don’t overthink it! This could be your last opportunity to do something like this.

As a Brit who is the happiest Australian citizen living my best life in Perth, here are my answers to your questions -

Pros?

The lifestyle and the opportunity. The weather is glorious too - it’s not about summer, it’s about the beautiful springs and autumns, and winter not being ridiculously cold either!

Cons?

It’s a long way from the UK - the flight seems to feel more out of reach the older I get (distance and time wise).

Cities:

Everyone has their own opinion, but Melbourne and Sydney are must sees. Sydney is my favourite of the two. Perth is incredible too - but I’d say it’s more the day to day lifestyle that makes it. It is a lot smaller and quieter, so might not be the best place to start your adventure, but perhaps the place to end it! 😊

Spiders and snakes:

No! Not at all. I’ve barely seen any snakes in the last 15 years, and when I have, they’ve been in places you’d expect them - sand dunes (not the beach) and out in the bush.

MumBrain23 · 05/06/2025 13:06

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.

I totally agree with you. I find that I don't have any cultural interests in common with people from New World cultures like Australia, NZ and South Africa. Their cultures don't have an embedded richness found in European and other old world cultures (I also lived in Turkey and loved that). I had a Canadian and an Australian colleague in Turkey when I taught EFL and I found both of their topics of conversation materialistic, lacklustre and full of platitudes - a bit like the Kardashians.

I like people who are interested in interesting things if that makes any sense? I also like places that are steeped in history where you can discover something new and different every time.

user1471538283 · 05/06/2025 13:21

Do it! I have absolutely loved raising my DS but my one regret is that I didn't travel more before having him.

My DSD is in Australia now on her second year and she loves it. It is expensive and housing can be a nightmare. As I said to her go now, you can always come back.

I do hope you go!

GlutesthatSalute · 05/06/2025 13:33

MumBrain23 · 05/06/2025 13:06

I totally agree with you. I find that I don't have any cultural interests in common with people from New World cultures like Australia, NZ and South Africa. Their cultures don't have an embedded richness found in European and other old world cultures (I also lived in Turkey and loved that). I had a Canadian and an Australian colleague in Turkey when I taught EFL and I found both of their topics of conversation materialistic, lacklustre and full of platitudes - a bit like the Kardashians.

I like people who are interested in interesting things if that makes any sense? I also like places that are steeped in history where you can discover something new and different every time.

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I'd love you to tell a Māori or a Zulu to their faces that their culture lacked richness. The Māori were voyaging across the vast Pacific in their exquisitely carved and engineered waka while our forebears were largely foraging around in the mud still.

Such total embarrassing ignorance and self-importance are not, unfortunately, atypical of British EFL teachers, if we're leaning on stereotypes.

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:01

Sonolanona · 29/05/2025 00:37

My DS1 (now 31)moved to Adelaide (3 weeks before lockdown here!) and has been there ever since. He met an Aussie in the UK, went out for a year, then she came here for 2 years and then he applied for a couple's visa, and now they are married and he has a resident's visa, and plans to take citizenship.
Getting a job that first year was tricky but he found work (and has a permanent job now)
Living costs are high, finding places to rent, difficult. Some things are worse... Definitely a lack of culture in respect of theatre etc and more racism. But in general he loves the lifestyle and the people. And the weather (not too hot in Adelaide but a damn sight better than the UK... Summer is fab) We go out there every other February and love it. It's definitely worth a year of your time!

Adelaide is very different to Melbourne or Sydney. Lots of theatre shows etc in these two cities. Adelaide is a lot quieter and, in my opinion, pretty but boring.

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:05

Neodymium · 28/05/2025 22:16

I live in Australia. I do often see spiders and snakes, but generally they won’t bother you. I’ve lived here my whole life and not been bitten by either.

I would definitely do a year travel round, live in a few different places. It is expensive yes, but I don’t think as bad a London.

I live in Melbourne. Rarely see spiders, and never seen a live snake. Rarely see kangaroos or koalas either. You have to go looking for them.

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:07

Longdarkteatimeofthesoul · 29/05/2025 02:00

Hmmm - the Adelaide Fringe festival is the worlds second largest annual arts festival. How many Fringe shows has your Son been to Sonolanona? Adelaide is home to more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city and awash with theaters, museums and has the benefit of being a long city on a beautiful coast. I dont live there but I am really amused when people say "limited culture"! I think there is the stereotype that Australia is without "culture". Those claiming that Australia is without culture generally also claim Australians are racist while being racist themselves and ignoring indigenous culture. Australia is a long way away and can get quite hot. Let those things guide you and not these antiquated ideas of what people think Australia is!

A link to what is on in Adelaide this weekend. https://southaustralia.com/destinations/adelaide/what-s-on?ef_id=CjwKCAjw6NrBBhB6EiwAvnT_roeyvV85NARfrFmgQs9Fj3tN2FuBt1DescgHl8VWCfhh_0GkWOVZAxoCkvIQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!11357!3!641485977735!p!!g!!whats%20on%20adelaide!19265354091!147496928794&szc=1&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19265354091

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It can also get quite cold. And you can go skiing in the winter.

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:19

IcyPlumOtter · 29/05/2025 03:38

No history? Backward? Sexist? ... then let's look at the historical data for Australia... There's a few world first in terms of progressiveness...

World's first universal suffrage of all adults regardless of race, sex, religion, class and property ownership - South Australia - 1894! (*)

World's first full federal suffrage for women - 1902 (NZ had voting first, but Australia included women running for office as well as voting)

World's first woman elected to parliament - 1921

World's first 8 hour day - 1856 - gave women as well as men the right to only work 8 hours per day, unbelievably important.

World's first disabled and old aged pension - 1908 - for all.

World's first universal health insurance system - 1970s (Norway made employers do it first, but this was by a government).

World's first women's hospital staffed by women doctors and surgeons - 1890s, at a time when most countries didn't even allow women to study medicine.

(* Unfortunately it took until the 1960s for Aboriginal people to get the vote in all state, federal and city jurisdictions in Australia, but they could vote in some areas from 1890s.)

And some more recent data....

Australia has the highest number of foreign born citizens of any nation that is not a tax haven, 30% - and the highest of western nations.

Australia's population is 17% Asian, highest of western nations.

UN always rates Australia as either number one or a top ten nation for:

Safety for migrants.

Nation where migrants can reach their potential.

The safest country for international students - with a special mention for African students (by UN)

The world's highest participation of immigrants in politics (by UN)

One of the best places in the world to be a woman (UN)

and one of the least corrupt countries in the world (again, UN).

So yeah, Australia has its share of dickheads, and backward, racist, sexist morons, but as a nation over all? Not worse than elsewhere in the west. Just look at the government it elected in 2025 - landslide to the Left running on a very-pro women agenda.

Melbourne is the best place to live but very expensive - Geelong or one of Victoria's other regional cities might be a good alternative.

World's first universal health insurance scheme? Medicare? You sure the NHS didn't come before Medicare?

W0tnow · 05/06/2025 15:02

The whole snake spider thing is waaaaay overblown. You barely see snakes. I’ve never seen one in any major city or town. You barely see the dangerous spiders. Huntsmen are harmless. And yes it gets hot in most places in summer, but not everywhere. And there are 3 other seasons. Melbourne is bloody miserable some winters, and that kind of cold seeps right into your bones.

It’s expensive, so I’d think carefully about chucking in your job if you can’t come back to it.

MumBrain23 · 05/06/2025 20:22

GlutesthatSalute · 05/06/2025 13:33

I'd love you to tell a Māori or a Zulu to their faces that their culture lacked richness. The Māori were voyaging across the vast Pacific in their exquisitely carved and engineered waka while our forebears were largely foraging around in the mud still.

Such total embarrassing ignorance and self-importance are not, unfortunately, atypical of British EFL teachers, if we're leaning on stereotypes.

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I’m talking about the Europeans who settled there.

FedupofArsenalgame · 05/06/2025 21:05

GlutesthatSalute · 05/06/2025 12:40

Yeah but SE Asia is worth the expense. When you're helping feed the elephants at a no-ride Thai elephant sanctuary that rescues these beautiful gentle darlings, or ordering pancit in your broken Tagalog then joyriding in a tuktuk around Manila with five new friends, you're not thinking, "Gosh, I wish I lived in Luton. I could have got a Sleazyjet flight to Latvia. It would have been cheaper."

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True. I do 12 hour flights a couple of times a year to go to SE Asia. Would be closer from Aus. Sure it was only about 3 hours from Melbourne to Crist Church in NZ when I went as well

GlutesthatSalute · 05/06/2025 21:15

MumBrain23 · 05/06/2025 20:22

I’m talking about the Europeans who settled there.

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Europeans who settled there? This is when I want to talk to you in person and quiz you about why you don't think Dame Nellie Melba, Malvina Major, JM Coetzee, Steven McRae, Eleanor Catton, Alan Paton etc etc were people of any cultural note. Because 100% you don't know who any of these people are without Googling.

Neodymium · 05/06/2025 21:33

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:05

I live in Melbourne. Rarely see spiders, and never seen a live snake. Rarely see kangaroos or koalas either. You have to go looking for them.

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Now kangaroos I do see all the time. Well wallabies actually. Always in my yard, stirring up my dogs. Or next to the road. I do see koalas too but I’m not very observant so they are most likely there frequently and I just don’t notice.

NattyTurtle59 · 05/06/2025 21:57

MumBrain23 · 05/06/2025 13:06

I totally agree with you. I find that I don't have any cultural interests in common with people from New World cultures like Australia, NZ and South Africa. Their cultures don't have an embedded richness found in European and other old world cultures (I also lived in Turkey and loved that). I had a Canadian and an Australian colleague in Turkey when I taught EFL and I found both of their topics of conversation materialistic, lacklustre and full of platitudes - a bit like the Kardashians.

I like people who are interested in interesting things if that makes any sense? I also like places that are steeped in history where you can discover something new and different every time.

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There really are no words!!! I guess I could say that I find I don't have any cultural interests in common with people from Old World cultures who are stuck firmly in the past and have nothing interesting to say about the modern world we actually live in, and are of the misguided opinion that they are oh so superior to anyone who isn't from that culture. But that would be rude.

Funnily enough, I live in a rural part of one of the countries you mentioned and there are a large number of people from the UK who have made their home here. Obviously they don't have your snobbish attitude to the New World and its culture - I can't help but wonder if it's people like you who made them want to leave the Old World behind.

NattyTurtle59 · 05/06/2025 21:58

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:19

World's first universal health insurance scheme? Medicare? You sure the NHS didn't come before Medicare?

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I can't comment on Medicare, but NZ had universal healthcare before the NHS was formed.

EverybodyLovesString · 05/06/2025 22:17

MumBrain23 · 05/06/2025 13:06

I totally agree with you. I find that I don't have any cultural interests in common with people from New World cultures like Australia, NZ and South Africa. Their cultures don't have an embedded richness found in European and other old world cultures (I also lived in Turkey and loved that). I had a Canadian and an Australian colleague in Turkey when I taught EFL and I found both of their topics of conversation materialistic, lacklustre and full of platitudes - a bit like the Kardashians.

I like people who are interested in interesting things if that makes any sense? I also like places that are steeped in history where you can discover something new and different every time.

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Yes, nothing says cultural sophistication like judging an entire nation on the single person you met in Turkey.

I’m sure Katie Price and the cast of TOWIE do nothing but discuss the embedded richness of old world cultures. They’re probably gazing reverently at the Basilica Palladiana right now and agreeing that they just can’t stand platitudes and materialism.

EverybodyLovesString · 05/06/2025 22:21

toomanyseasonsinoneday · 05/06/2025 14:19

World's first universal health insurance scheme? Medicare? You sure the NHS didn't come before Medicare?

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You’re right. The NHS came first. Medibank, the precursor to Medicare, came in the 70s and was based on the Canadian model. It was expanded and renamed Medicare in the 80s.