Thinking of moving to Australia?
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MOVING TO AUSTRALIA
GEOGRAPHY OF AUSTRALIA
Australia is the largest island and the smallest
continent on Earth. It stretches some 3700 km from its
northern-most to its southern-most point, and about 4000
km from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Indian
Ocean in the west.
There are vast sandy deserts and tablelands in the west
and the centre, sweeping plateaus and plains flanking
narrow coastal slopes to the east. The coastal regions
feature broad sandy beaches and lush vegetation.
Overall, Australia is the second driest continent on
Earth (after Antarctica) yet, surrounding the arid
centre, there are large tracts of rainforest, temperate
grasslands and bush.
REGIONS OF AUSTRALIA
Each state, while sharing Australia's ethnic and scenic
diversity, has its own lifestyle and unique attractions.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA)
From grasslands to countryside English settings, to
coastlines with the scenic tranquility of Pacific
islands. Rich mineral resources drive the state’s
economic growth, so evident in the prosperity and
lifestyle of the capital city of Perth.
Key facts about Western Australia
-
Capital:
Perth
-
Population
:2 million
-
Climate:
Average temperatures winter to summer: 8 to 32°C
-
Claim to fame:
Perth is the fastest growing city in
Australia!
Website to visit:
http://wa.gov.au/governmentservices/lifestyleenvironment/
SOUTH AUSTRALIA (SA)
The capital Adelaide is often called the “20-minute”
city - the maximum time to drive from home to work.
4000 km of coastline with plenty of sunshine, and the
famed vineyards of Barossa Valley create a Mediterranean
charm.
Key facts about South Australia
-
Capital:
Adelaide
-
Population:
1.6 million
-
Climate
:Average temperatures winter to summer: 20 to 28°C
-
Claim to fame:
Adelaide is a stone’s throw away from Barossa, the
world famous wine region!
Website to visit:
http://www.southaustralia.biz/move/
VICTORIA (VIC)
Victoria has its share of splendid cities set amidst
natural beauty. It is a melting pot of cultural
diversity, with as many as 175 languages spoken.
The garden city of Melbourne boasts the headquarters of
some of Australia’s largest companies.
Key facts about Victoria
-
Population:
5 million
-
Climate:
Average temperatures winter to summer: 5 to 27°C
-
Claim to fame:
Melbourne has a chic ‘European’ city feel!
Website to visit:
http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=14&languageId=1&contentId=-1
NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)
A state of breathtaking beaches and coastline, with
Sydney playing host to the spectacular 2000 Olympic
Games.
Famous landmarks include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera
House and Bondi beach.
Half the population of the state lives in Sydney.
Key Facts about New South Wales
-
Population:
6.8 million
-
Climate :
Average temperatures winter to summer: 7 to 26°C
-
Claim to fame:
Sydney is Australia’s largest and most
vibrant city!
Website to visit:
http://www.nsw.gov.au/index.asp
QUEENSLAND (QLD)
Known as the Sunshine State of surf and fun. Queensland
boasts one of the most famous natural wonders of the
world – the Great Barrier Reef. For the adventurous,
there is no better place for fishing, diving and
snorkelling.
The capital Brisbane is a bubbling cauldron of cultures.
Key Facts about Queensland
-
Capital:
Brisbane
-
Population:
4 million
-
Climate:
Average temperatures winter to summer: 10 to 29°C
-
Claim to fame:
The weather is beautiful one day – perfect the next!
Website
to visit:
http://www.qld.gov.au/moving_to_queensland/
Helpful Tips for Moving To Australia
RENTAL ACCOMODATION
The two most popular websites are:
Both are user friendly with a number of pictures of the
property. You can also search by area or suburb, number
of bedrooms and bathrooms. You can even put in key words
like ‘backyard’ or ‘balcony’ to make the search more
specific. Phone numbers will be on the listing so that
you can call and ask questions prior to seeing the
property.
Many Australian cities are currently experiencing a
shortage of rental accommodation. It is unlikely that
you will be able to secure a place more than a few weeks
in advance.
If the property has been placed on the website by a Real
Estate agent the viewings will generally be on a
Wednesday /Thursday afternoons and Saturdays. Private
vendors may be more flexible.
BOND
You will generally need to pay a bond for the property.
Bonds are between 4 and 6 weeks rent. The Bond is then
deposited with a body called The Bond Board. The Bond
Board holds your money – not the agent or owner. At the
end of the lease, if the owner/agent want to withhold
money for damages and you disagree you can dispute it
with The Bond Board. For more information see:
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/realestaterenting/tenantslandlords/rentalbonds.html
TAX FILE NUMBER
You will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) from the
Australian Tax Office. Failure to do so will see your
wages taxed at a higher rate. For more information and
to apply online go to:
http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/38760.htm
BANK ACCOUNT
The four major banks in Australia are:
You will find their savings accounts are very similar.
They generally provide you with a debit card, free
telephone and internet banking.
Monthly fees in Australia are quite low at $5-$10 per
month. However, while it is free to use your bank’s
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) you will be charged fees
if you use another bank’s machine.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The countries listed below have a reciprocal agreement
with Australia which means citizens of those countries
can access the Medicare system.
-
Italy
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Republic of Ireland
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Finland
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Malta
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The Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Sweden
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United Kingdom
The Medicare system covers visits to the doctor,
subsidized medicine and access to public hospitals.
Certain countries have different levels of cover, for
more information please read:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/going_overseas/uk_sweden_finland_norway_netherlands_malta_italy.shtml
If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement
with Australia you will need to organize private health
cover. For more information regarding private health
insurers who provide cover for overseas visitors please
read:
http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/information/works/migrants/overseasvisitors.htm
DRIVERS LICENSE
The rules covering the length of time you may drive with
your overseas license are different from state to state.
For more information regarding transferring your
driver’s license please visit the relevant link below:
• Western Australia:
http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing/yourlicence/1363.asp
• Queensland:
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Assistance_and_services/Visitors_and_new_residents/International_drivers/
• New South Wales:
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/newtonsw/international_drivers.html
• South Australia:
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/licences_certification/drivers/interstate_overseas.asp
• Victoria:
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licensing/NewResidentsVisitors/OverseasDriversLicences.htm
SUPERMARKETS
The two major supermarket chains in Australia are:
·
Woolworths
·
Coles
Each state will also have a number of local competitor’s
as well smaller independent grocers for you to choose
from.
SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
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