Down Under: What Brits Should Know Before Moving to Australia

Australia is not only a popular travel destination but also an increasingly attractive place to relocate, with a particularly high number of people moving there from the UK.

Did you know that around 40,000 Brits move to Australia every year? Many of these British citizens are attracted by the more relaxed lifestyle, great weather, bigger open spaces, and excellent career opportunities in Australia.

Some fall in love with Australia during their backpacking adventures or whilst on a working holiday. Others make the move permanently, inspired by TV shows like A New Life in Oz, Brits Down Under, and Wanted Down Under.

However, while the thought of upping sticks and moving 10,000+ miles away from the UK to Australia might awaken the adventurous spirit within you, it’s worth taking the time to understand what you’ll be getting yourself into.

For many Brits moving to the Great Southern Land, life in Australia can feel very different once the excitement of arrival settles. Indeed, from housing costs to long driving distances, there are plenty of things that catch new arrivals off guard. Especially those coming from a place like the Isle of Wight.

If you have been thinking about starting a new life in Australia, here’s a heads-up on a few things you should know before you go.

Why are so many Brits choosing to move to Australia?

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, over 1.1 million people who were born in the UK now live in Australia. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the strong connection between the two countries.

It helps that English is spoken everywhere in Australia. Besides, there are large British expat communities pretty much everywhere across the country. Also, most of the customs are familiar or at least easy to adapt to.

For some people, the move is about improving their quality of life. The beach culture and year-round sunshine in Australia can be much more appealing than the grey winter mornings they endure in Newport, Ryde, or Cowes. It does certainly allow you to spend more time outdoors. That said, some people are moving from the UK to Australia not necessarily for the climate but for work. This is especially true for those working in healthcare, construction, hospitality, mining, engineering, and education. In these fields, there are plenty of job opportunities in Australia and the pay is good.

Many families are also attracted by the slower pace found in many Australian suburbs and regional towns. It is not unusual to see children playing outside after school, neighbours chatting in the street, or families gathering at public barbecues near the beach. Much of which can feel like a more wholesome environment for bringing up their kids.

What is everyday life in Australia really like?

One of the first things you should know about moving from the UK to Australia is the massive difference in size between the two countries. Australia covers approximately 7,688,287 square kilometres, and the distances between major cities are vast. Sydney and Brisbane, for instance, are around 600 miles apart. That is not too dissimilar a distance from Ryde on the Isle of Wight to Hanover in Germany.

Cities here are also very large, suburbs stretch for miles, and public transport varies depending on where you live. In places such as Sydney and Melbourne, the train and bus networks are as extensive as those in London. However, outside the city centres, many people rely heavily on cars. That surprises some British expats, particularly those arriving from smaller communities like those on the Isle of Wight, where distances are shorter.

For this reason, buying a car quickly becomes a priority for Brits who move to Australia. Some British immigrants arrive with savings to buy a vehicle outright, while others look into reliable car finance in Australia once they are settled and find regular employment.

Australian outdoor life

The climate in Australia can also take some getting used to because. It’s certainly very different from what most people are used to in the UK. Summer heat in parts of Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory can feel especially intense, with the mercury often rising above 32 degrees Celsius and humidity exceeding 70%. Having a good air conditioning system in your home is an absolute must.

At the same time, there are plenty of things you should fully immerse yourself in once you move from the UK to Australia. Cafés, for example, open early and will serve coffee that is far superior to anything you’ll get in the UK. There are also more than 10,000 beaches in Australia you can visit to cool down. Just make sure you check whether it’s safe to go into the water, and make sure to swim between the flags! In Australia, there is generally a strong focus on outdoor activities. Weekend trips, camping and coastal drives are a normal part of life for many families.

What Do You Need to Sort Out Before Moving to Australia?

If you want to move to Australia, the first thing you’ll need to do is organise your visa. Your particular pathway will depend on various factors such as your age, skills, qualifications, relationship status, and whether you already have family in Australia. Make sure you study all options well in advance.

Working holiday visas remain a popular starting point for younger travellers. However, skilled migration visas are often the best option for professionals with experience in areas where Australia needs workers.

It is also important to budget properly before moving from the UK to Australia. The costs of flights, shipping, rental bonds, and temporary accommodation can all add up quickly. Even after your arrival, it can take time to secure stable employment and long-term housing, given the intense competition for both.

A good idea is to probably arrive with more savings than you think you need. Australian wages can be strong, but living costs in some cities are high too. Ideally, you’ll want at least a six-month financial buffer in place to tide you over while you settle in.

It is also important to get your paperwork in order before leaving the UK. This should include your:

– Birth certificates
– Driving records
– Bank statements
– Rental references
– Qualification documents
– Employment history

Having these ready when needed can save you a lot of stress later down the line.

Where do most British expats choose to live in Australia?

Expat Brits live all over Australia, and you’ll be surprised where you will bump into them. Of course, you’d expect to find Brits in the major cities of Australia like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. The same counts for coastal areas such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Queensland and the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.

However, you’ll also find Brits in small communities that are seemingly in the middle of nowhere. This includes the mining towns of Newman and Karratha in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, as well as Katherine in the Northern Territory. The same counts for remote regional towns like Longreach, Mt Isa, and Charters Towers in Queensland.

The exact place in Australia where you want to relocate depends first and foremost on job opportunities that match your education or profession. Yet ultimately, where you should go should depend on what type of lifestyle you want to lead. If you are a thalassophile, you’ll naturally want to be nearer the water. But if you prefer the quiet life, there are plenty of rural locations across the six states and two territories where you can pick to put down new roots.