Planning a move from UK to Australia? Access visa updates, job sectors in demand, and moving checklists for a confident, informed relocation to Australia.
One of the most important decisions when moving to Australia is where to live, choosing your city and whether to rent, buy, or use temporary accommodation.
Popular expat destinations include:
Melbourne: Arts, coffee culture, tech jobs; great for families.
Sydney: Beaches, finance; ideal for young professionals.
Adelaide: Affordable, wine regions; relaxed manufacturing hub.
Perth: Sunny beaches, mining salaries; for outdoor lovers.
Brisbane: Subtropical vibe, education/healthcare growth.
Queensland: Tropical tourism/agriculture; adventure seekers.
New South Wales: Diverse regions, agriculture, state visas.
Access to healthcare in Australia combines a strong public system with private health insurance options for added peace of mind. UK expats can benefit from reliable medical care, clear pathways to registering with doctors, and support for families settling in major cities.
Australia is a popular choice for families thanks to its outdoor lifestyle, education system and community-focused suburbs. Parents can explore schooling options, childcare, and family-friendly locations to create a smooth transition for children of all ages.
Australia offers a wide range of job opportunities across sectors such as healthcare, education, construction and technology. Competitive salaries, good workplace standards and clear immigration pathways make it an attractive choice for professionals relocating from the UK.
Use Australian job sites to start your search:
Teachers moving to Australia benefit from high demand in classrooms across states, with pathways for UK-qualified educators through skilled visas and state sponsorships. Competitive salaries, smaller class sizes, and support for registration make it an appealing career shift for experienced professionals.
Moving costs to Australia depend on your destination, container size, and shipping method, with sea freight as the most common choice for UK expats. John Mason offers sole use 20ft containers from £7,000 or 40ft from £10,500, plus groupage/shared options for smaller loads. Transit times range 8-22 weeks door-to-door, varying by city.
| Destination | 20ft | 40ft | Sole Use Container | Groupage / Shared Container |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | £7,000 | £10,500 | 8 - 16 weeks | 16 - 22 weeks |
| Brisbane | £7,000 | £10,500 | 8 - 16 weeks | 12 - 16 weeks |
| Perth | £7,000 | £10,500 | 8 - 16 weeks | 12 - 16 weeks |
| Sydney | £7,000 | £10,500 | 8 - 16 weeks | 12 - 16 weeks |
Full export wrapping and packing including materials based on the quoted volume
Where requested, all china, glass and small fragile items are fully export packed into purpose made cartons. Furniture is wrapped in export pack material.
Standard customs clearance and where required, includes the presentation of your documents to the local customs authorities to obtain customs clearance.
Dismantling and reassembling of basic furniture Delivery to residence as mentioned above, assuming good access
Full unpacking of furniture and placing of small items onto available work surfaces.
Removal of debris on day of delivery only
Decontamination: Australian Quarantine Authorities can impose decontamination/cleaning charges on a container arriving at their ports.
AQIS: Quarantine examination fees excluded; all items subject to inspection by Australian Department of Agriculture. Pre-pay option offered.
Delivery or collection with poor access
Dismantling or assembly of flat pack furniture
Crating of any non-specific items
Parking suspension
Stair carry, long carry, elevator fees and poor access/shuttle service
Additional volume
Marine Insurance
Demurrage or quay rent in the UK or at destination – See country information
Local duties, inspections and taxes
Local quarantine, decontamination, or immigration charges and any other associated costs
Port infrastructure & charges congestion
Discover deeper insights, expat stories, and moving tips through John Mason International’s dedicated Australia blog. From visa updates and cost breakdowns to city guides and real-life case studies, find inspiration for your relocation journey.
Ready to plan your move? Get a free quote today.
Yes, a British citizen can move to Australia. Moving to Australia from the UK is possible through various visa programs, such as skilled migration, family sponsorship, or working holiday visas. It is important to research and understand the specific visa requirements and immigration processes involved in moving to Australia.
Yes, it is possible to move to Australia without a job. Australia offers various visa options that allow individuals to immigrate for purposes other than employment, such as for study, uniting with family, or starting a business. However, it’s important to note that moving to Australia without a job can present challenges, as having a job offer or relevant skills can greatly enhance your chances of obtaining a visa and finding employment once you arrive. You can find out more information using our free Australian visa assessment.
The cost of living can vary depending on individual circumstances and factors such as location, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences. However, as a general observation, the cost of living in Australia tends to be higher than in the UK. Expenses such as housing, and groceries are often more expensive in Australia. Keep in mind that moving to Australia from the UK involves various expenses, including visa fees, shipping costs, and potentially higher taxes. We recommend doing your research on the area you want to move to, or you can get an Australia removals instant quote from John mason.
Customs requirements can change frequently, and we’re here to help you navigate these complexities. For the most current information, you can access detailed customs guides on the FIDI website, or our team will be happy to guide you through the process to ensure you have everything in order before your move.
Getting a visa for Australia, the legal process of moving to Australia, and financial considerations including currency exchange, tax planning, and mortgages. Download Australia buying guide.
Medical, engineering, and legal fields, click on this link to read more about finding a job in Australia.
In cases where container transport is delayed, and we need to temporarily store your goods in our warehouse, additional handling fees may apply. Rest assured, we’ll manage this process efficiently to keep your move on track.
