Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Other subjects
Original poster

If you had the money,would you take your 4.4yr old to Australia for 3 months????

49 replies

whooosh · 11/10/2009 21:20

My sister tragically committed suicide 5 weeks ago and left most of her "estate" to my 4.5yr old.

This tragedy,combined with 6mts of personal problems leaving me single parent have made me really re-assess my life.

We have friends in Oz and I love the country and I would love to take DD out of school in the UK for 3 mts,stop off in HK or Bangkok then base ourselves in Melbourne for 8weeks or so,where I would like to put DD in school.

My plan would then be to spend time in Sydney with someone my DD adores and come back via somewhere else.

Am I mad?

DD is at a private school which (as long as I paid the fees) I think,would keep her place open.I could take "homework" with us but think the benefit she would reap from the trip wold outweigh any educational defecit.

Is it best to do it Feb/Mach/April 2010 or wait another year?

I know my sister would thoroughly approve but as I can't talk to her about it I am seeking the opnions of the lovely Mumsnetters who will be very honest in their responses.

OP posts:
LeninGhoul · 11/10/2009 22:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

differentnameforthis · 11/10/2009 22:14

Well you won't regret it, that's for sure!

I would go (well, I live here, so am biased). Enjoy the holiday in memory of your sister!

Sorry for your loss.

CaptainNancy · 11/10/2009 23:42

Whoosh I am so sorry to hear about your sister. You have had such a rough year- please take care.

Original poster
whooosh · 12/10/2009 09:16

I am so pleased that the consencus is "do it". The good thing is I now have something to plan....not sure where to start but it will keep me busy.

Differentname-I am very jealous! Whereabouts are you.

Verity-so glad someone else has done something similar-any tips?

OP posts:
solo · 13/10/2009 01:45

If you are in/near London, go to Travel Bag in the Strand. They were brilliant! in both sorting out our travel arrangements and price(though it was 8 years ago).

nooka · 13/10/2009 04:13

I think going for a bit of an explore the world would be great, although perhaps a little bit exhausting with a four year old. I wouldn't really worry about doing this with an older child either. Our children lost a couple of months school when we moved countries and it wasn't a big deal educationally, and I have a friend who took a three months sabbatical with her 7 year old and her school were quite encouraging.

On the other hand I wouldn't spend eight weeks in Melbourne, and I doubt that a school would be happy to a have a child for such a short period of time (and you might have to pay overseas rates, or find that school starts later - not sure of the starting age there). Also unless your dd is very outgoing it's quite a tough thing to do to a child. Why do you want to be n Melbourne for eight weeks anyway - what would you plan to be doing (have to admit I am slightly biased in my response here as my sister has recently moved to Melbourne and is desperately wishing she was still in London).

If you have the cash and the freedom I'd explore more if I were you, it's one of those things you rarely get the chance to do.

Allets · 13/10/2009 04:30

So sorry about your sister and the tragedy that you have had to deal with.

IMVHO, I think you should just go for it. In all seriousness, life is so very short - if you want to do something which will help you gain some perspective and at the same time give you the opportunity to have an amazing life changing trip, why on earth not.

We took our DS's on a round the world trip a few years ago. DS1 was 4y11 when we left and 5y6 when we returned. To be honest, we didn't do any schooling with him on the trip - beyond play based stuff (counting games, travel trivia, colouring in, puzzles, reading of tourist information, geography). He came back a very, very rounded little boy. Sounds cheesy but what he gained in life experience far, far, far outweighed anything he could have learned in a classroom.

Just one practical note - enrolling children into Australian state schools, is not quite as simple as just arriving and showing up. You will need formal proof of address (council bill, lease). Have you considered keeping your DD with you and just doing a bit of homeschooling?

Allets · 13/10/2009 04:32

Must agree with Nooka, that 8 weeks in Melbourne could be very boring after a while. There are so many amazing places in Australasia to see, if you can afford it, you should travel around a little more IMO.

esselle · 13/10/2009 05:10

Sounds like a great idea to me! I am sure a change of scenery is something which you both need! I am sorry this trip has only come along in these circumstances.

Melbourne is fab - there are plenty of us MNers here if you want tips or advice on where to go. I am assuming that you have not been here before. Or even if you want to catch up for tea and cake!

Let me know if you wants some ideas from places to go and see too. 8 weeks is a long time to spend here but if you are staying with friends you should be okay - you won't be under pressure to see everything is a short amount of time. You can base yourself here and do short trips.

Don't worry too much about homework for your daughter - I am sure she will learn plenty during this adventure that couldn't be learned in a classroom.

esselle · 13/10/2009 05:21

I just re read you OP and saw you are planning on enrolling your DD in school here. Unless you have residency you will be liable for full school fees which I know can be around $20k per year in a state school - not sure what this would be for short term. You aren't eligible for the government subsidiesed (sp?) fees.

You also need to provide proof of address eg Council rates (council tax) bill in your name. We have also had to provide an immunisation record for DD to show that she is up to date with all of her jabs.

Your DD might be better suited to kindergarten rather than school but once again it is depends on you visa status. Or private day care which can get a bit pricey - approx $80 per day.

Feb - April will be good time of year in Melb as all of the revolting hot hot days will be over by then.

Gmarksthespot · 13/10/2009 05:28

Sorry about the loss of your sister.

I think it is a fantastic idea.

We took our then 9, 7 and 4 year olds to UK/Europe for 3 months and had the time of our lives. Nothing can make up for the cultural experience travelling provides. It was more tiring with dc but seeing other countries through their eyes was exhilerating.

We travelled on an inheritance from my mum. I saw it as special money to be spent on something unforgettable rather than dreary every day items. It is money you can't earn yourself iyswim.

FYI your dd would need to turn 5 prior to June of the year you travel for her to go to prepatory school or 6 for her to be year 1.

ClaudiaSchiffer · 13/10/2009 05:37

So sorry about your sister, how awful for you.

I think the trip sounds like a wonderful idea, Australia is a great country and very 'refreshing'. Also it will be beautifully hot and sunny in Feb (roasting) to April (much cooler but still lovely). So a good antidote to the gloom of a UK winter.

Children in Oz (or at least in South Australia where I am, I'm guessing Victoria is the same) don't start school until 5, until 5 they go to Kindy or an Early learning center. Will your dd by 5 by the time you go?

8 weeks in one place is a fairly long time but if you have nice people to stay with and lots of exploring planned it sounds amazing. Do the the Great Ocean Road and come to Adelaide (where I am!).

Enjoy the trip x

Angifi · 13/10/2009 05:37

Definately do it.My favourite city is Melbourne!I live in Oz too, and it is a wonderful place for kids.So much fresh air,sunshine, beautiful clean beaches and space. Your sister would approve.So sorry for your loss.

Original poster
whooosh · 13/10/2009 09:48

Thank you all for being so positive about it.
On reflection 8 week sin Melbourne would be too much as I also want to do Tazzy,Sydney,Forster,Ocean Rd and the Far East.
We do have friends there and I just thought it would be a great experience for DD to go to school there for a bit...am open minded though and happy to home ed for 3 months.She will turn 5 in the April we are there-also think she would love to be with other children for a bit as she may be well and truly sick of me by then
Have been to Melbourne before and love it,would also love to meet up with any Mumsnetters there.
I just know my sister would love the idea and rather than just use the money paying bills over here or getting new carpet-the trip of a lifetime is a great way to keep her memory alive.
I think I may need to make a trip to The Strand-I definitely need a good travel agent.

Next big step is telling XP what I am planning.........

OP posts:
Original poster
whooosh · 13/10/2009 22:11

Update...verbally the school have said that they will take DD!!!!!!!!!!!

OP posts:
RubysReturn · 13/10/2009 22:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
whooosh · 13/10/2009 22:18

I am excited and scared in the same amount and would love everyone's tips/advice.

I reckon 4-6 weeks in Melbourne with DD in school,me doing some voluntary work and then the rest of the world!!!

OP posts:
esselle · 16/10/2009 14:54

Good news on the school!

I think you will both have a marvelous adventure - def put out a shout when you get here for a meet up. I will probably have a newborn and a 2yo but I am always up for tea and cake!!!

Trailfinders are good travel agents too - we have used them a few times and they can also do any vaccines you need too. They are on High Street Kensington, if you are in London.

Having fun planning!!

echt · 27/10/2009 08:50

I'm going to agree with the one other poster who mentioned this. It's not your money. To say it's for her is an error, she cannot choose.

She would have great grounds for ill-feeling later.

Sorry; I can see you need a break, but not with your DD's money.

skymoo · 27/10/2009 09:04

Go! she will learn lots there, there is a science museum, great zoo, and it will do YOU good

Book the tickets and report back in 4 months. Live for the moment

lou031205 · 27/10/2009 09:13

echt - the thread has moved on & OP has said that she was also left a small amount, which is what would be used for this trip. DDs moneys will be put aside for her

OP, sorry for your loss. Now you say that it will be your money you use, I agree, you should go. Enjoy!

echt · 27/10/2009 10:11

Point taken, lou.

skymoo · 27/10/2009 10:18

oops I didn't realise this was an old thread either, sorry

gorionine · 27/10/2009 10:18

I am very sorry about your sister.

I would go in your circumstances. It is not selfish as it sounds like you could do with a break and a happy relaxed mum can only be a good thing for your DD.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page