The trip Down Under

With 25,800km of coastline including seven thousand beaches, cosmopolitan cities to rival those in Europe, tropical rainforests and dry, hot desert plains, Australia has many appealing facets. It’s no wonder then that tourism generates $8.1 billion every year, making up 0.9% of the country’s GDP. Aussies often joke that the English were stupid sending their criminals to a beautiful, enormous land in the South Pacific back in the 1800s, but to be honest, they are probably right.

Because of a long history tied to Britain, our cultures aren’t too dissimilar preventing a move Down Under from being a complete shock to the system. However, there are some changes and the biggest change to your life will be embracing the outdoors. Because for the most part, the weather in Australia is warm and dry, Aussie’s like nothing better than being out in it. From diving to surfing and horse riding, much more of your life will be in the great outdoors.

Choosing where to live will largely depend on where you can get work and where your skills are needed. Many Brits gravitate to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. But you can still find work outside of Australia’s three biggest cities. To combine the best of both worlds – lazy beach days and chic city living – places such as Newcastle, near Sydney, Noosa near Brisbane and Ocean Grove near Melbourne are rapidly become popular. Likewise, although many new arrivals were once put off by the distance from the economic hubs on the east coast, Perth in Western Australia is now a firm favourite with Britons.

Perth has a more relaxed feel despite being a mid-sized city with plenty of its own industry. The city centre is concentrated on the north banks of the Swan River and with places like Beckenham, Kensington and Crawley you are likely to feel at home as soon as you arrive. Heading southwest out of downtown you will shortly arrive at Cottesloe Beach. This is a stunning strip of coastline and with Peppermint Grove nestling in behind it, it feels like its own little island slice of heaven.

Wherever you choose to settle, you won’t have much trouble settling in. Australia is different enough to feel you have escaped, but has enough similarities to make you feel at home as soon as you arrive.

DialAFlight offer Australia flights all year round.