As part of our moving to… series we are looking at what it is like to move to and live in Australia.
Since 1945 more than 7.2 million people have moved to Australia.
Australia Destination Guide
What Does an Move to Australia Offer?
At the time it had only 7 million people living in the country, a huge difference from the 22.69 million that currently live in it today.
The figures of immigration are that high that between the years of 2000 and 2010, no less than 1.2 million people moved to the country, very many of them from the United Kingdom itself.
But what is it about the country that draws people to its borders?
Aside from the fact that Australia is one of the UK’s closest countries in terms of culture and history, there must be something other than that and the weather which is making people give up their lives and start afresh halfway around the world.
Employment and Wealth
One reason could be due to the fact that it is seemingly far more lucrative to live there, and overall, the country is doing better in the world market. In January 2012, the unemployment rate in Australia stood at 5.3%, a little over 3% lower than the rate in Britain.
In fact, according to the World Bank, the average gross national income (GNI) in Australia is $46,200 compared to $37,780 in the United Kingdom.
Not only are Britons moving there, but according to a recent survey, a record number of Greek nationals are attempting to move to the country to avoid their own unemployment rates; Australia is now home to the Biggest Greek community outside of Greece.
Travel Prospects
Although Britain finds itself in a very unique place of the world, being only a few hours away from many great European destinations, Australia too has its travel advantages.
Whereas in the United Kingdom, we are able to take a short weekend break to Germany, Italy and Southern France; Australians too have the same advantages with New Zealand being only a three hour flight away from Sydney; introducing you to a completely different culture altogether.
Not only that, but a flight from Sydney to Bangkok takes as little as 9 hours, compared to the 12 hour flight it would take from London (and the higher price), the world of East Asia is but two thirds of a morning away.
This is something that the natives enjoy too as out of the top ten holiday destinations for Australians; Japan, Thailand, New Zealand were all chosen out of the ten.
But how easy is it to move there?
Like most countries in the world, there are important procedures to take before your removals to Australia process can begin. There are six types of visa of which you can apply for:
- Employer Sponsored Workers
- Professionals and other Skilled Migrants
- Business Visa
- Medical Work Visa
- Investor Retirement Visa
- Working Holiday Visa
Once that you have decided to apply for a visa and the application is complete, it is time to work out how to get your belongings there. We can help you set-up a new life in Australia and transport your belongings from house to house.
How long does it take to move to Australia?
Putting the preparation aside, here is a guide of the general transit times from UK to Australia. These times actually include the customs clearance and delivery from airport/sea port to door.
Sea Freight – Hiring your own shipping container
- All Australian Ports – 10 to 12 Weeks Door to Door
Sea Freight – Shared Container Services
- Brisbane – 12 -14 weeks approximately door to door
- Melbourne – 12-14 weeks approximately door to door
- Perth – 12 -14 weeks approximately door to door
- Sydney – 12-14 weeks approximately door to door
- Adelaide – 12-16 weeks approximately door to door
Air Freight
- All Australian Airports -2 weeks approximately door to door
Additional Information
If you have any questions about this or just want a bit more information you can always contact us and we can talk you through even the first stages of your move to Australia, alternatively check out our Australian migrant stories:
- An Aussie Adventure – an expat who moved to Australia in 2013
- Bob in Oz – A mid-life relocation
- Russell Ward – a UK expat currently living in Sydney
- An Expat Opinion on Melbourne – from the North of England to Victoria