South Australia

South Australia (SA) is Australia’s fourth largest state covering an area of around 984,000 km². If it were a country, it would be the world’s 31st largest, just behind Egypt. It is four times bigger than the United Kingdom and more than twice the size of California.

It has a population of around 1.67 million people. It is known as “The Festival State” and the people who live there are known as “Crow Eaters” – a reference to a time way back when, apparently, some  settlers ate some crows.

South Australia Location MapAdelaide Central Market is the State’s most visited attraction, with the State Library of South Australia coming in second. But a visit to Belair National Park or Mount Lofty Summit may be more fun.

Being Australia’s second least populous state, it hasn’t been too easy to find famous Australians who originated from there. But I did find Anthony La Paglia, actor and Holly Brisley, actress. Not heard of them? Well, he played Jack Malone in the long running series “Without a Trace” and she plays Amanda Vale on Home and Away.

Still nothing? Sorry.

Places in South Australia

The capital city of South Australia is Adelaide, but there are quite a few other major towns, cities and localities to choose from within the state.

Here is a list of towns and localities in the state, with a population of over 10,000 people.

Populations of places change on a daily basis. When I compiled this list in 2011, I got my population figures from various sources and some of them are from the census of 2006. I have decided not to try to constantly update these population numbers, so if you are interested in a certain city or town, then you may want to search online for updated information about the population.

That way you can see if the population is growing, unchanged or shrinking.

  • Mount Gambier  – about 23,000
  • Whyalla – just over 21,000
  • Gawler – about 20,000
  • Murray Bridge – just over 14,000
  • Crafers-Bridgewater – about 13,000
  • Port Augusta- about 13,000
  • Port Pirie – just over 13,000
  • Port Lincoln – just over 13,000
  • Mount Barker – about 11,000
  • Victor Harbor – just over 10,000

And then there are all the towns with less than 10,000 population, we’ll be adding those as we get reviews for them. If you live in one any of these towns, or the smaller ones not yet listed, why not tell us about it in the comments below…

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{ 165 comments… add one }
  • Justin Hart October 29, 2020, 4:05 pm |

    add cowell

    • BobinOz October 29, 2020, 4:28 pm |

      I only include towns that have a population of more than 10,000 in these lists, Cowell = 1069 🙁

      Sorry 🙂

  • Dave August 22, 2019, 9:58 pm |

    Bob, Thank you for putting this website together. It has been instrumental in helping us decide to emigrate.
    I am just wondering if you or one of your readers could advise on the best neighbourhoods around major hospitals in SA? My wife is a neonatal nurse and we would prefer to live near to her work.
    Also could you advise on the availability of construction jobs in SA?
    Many thanks

    • BobinOz August 26, 2019, 4:07 pm |

      Thanks Dave, glad to hear my website has been helpful.

      I was wondering if one of my readers can advise you as well, because I just don’t know being as I’m up here in Brisbane. The only thing I can suggest you is that you use the links on my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship the search for jobs in your fields to see what’s available and where.

      If you’re still struggling to find answers, it may be worth asking this question or one similar to it on my main page about Adelaide as it does get more page views.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Daniel Cox October 4, 2019, 10:11 am |

      Plenty of Work in SA
      A need for good doctors/nurses
      Construction jobs Australia wide are huge. There is heaps of FIFO work offering if you have access to an airport. Good money to be earnt if you have a high level ticket in any area. Look at jobs on “Seek” website.
      Try Kaefer they are up and coming getting lots of work around Adelaide and mines in SA and WA
      All the best

  • Celeste B Waters August 4, 2019, 10:47 am |

    Hi Bob
    My husband and I (he’s Australian) have family in Adelaide. We’re Moving back but we don’t want to live there. We want to buy a home in a town fairly close to a beach. Not too populated . About 1 1/2 2 hours away from Adelaide. Have a market fairly close and a pharmacy. Can you tell me what beach towns do you recommend? How about the weather. How severe can the weather in terms of cyclones, bad storms be?
    Is the weather pretty warm throughout the year? (The big wish of course would be medical center near by, But not necessary.)

    • BobinOz August 6, 2019, 7:45 pm |

      Well, I’m not really the best person to ask, I just don’t know Adelaide well enough. I have been there though, and we did take a day trip down to Port Elliott which is about an hour and 1/4 south of Adelaide. We had something to eat in the café overlooking the bay, and I’m pretty sure we could see some dolphins playing in the distance.

      Wallaroo, which I’ve never been to, is maybe worth a look as well. It’s a couple of hours drive from Adelaide on the Yorke Peninsula. I looked into it when we were there, we were going to visit but didn’t, and it sounded like a reasonably good town.

      Other than that, I don’t know, hopefully someone else will be able to steer you in the right direction.

      As for the weather, it can get very hot in the summer, hotter than the UK, and it does get cold in winter, but not as cold as the UK, if that helps. Storms, yes, but cyclones, I don’t think so.

    • sj October 31, 2023, 2:33 am |

      hello Celeste.
      if you haven’t decided already, Victor Harbor is a jolly nice place!
      good luck with your move😁

    • Celeste October 31, 2023, 3:15 pm |

      Henley Beach it’s about 30 minutes from Adelaide. It’s a wonderful place though it is it is somewhat crowded close to the pier but there’s a lot of beach that you can use almost privately. The homes are a bit dear but you get what you pay for. It really is lovely there. I suggest you start their first.

  • chandi July 31, 2017, 6:54 pm |

    Hi:,
    I’m planning to move SA within few months. can anyone advise me what are the cities, where I can find jobs in agriculture related jobs ?

    • BobinOz July 31, 2017, 8:44 pm |

      The job market is extremely tough in SA at the moment, it can be very difficult to find work, particularly as a new arrival. Maybe somebody with local knowledge can give you some tips, all I can suggest though is that you research opportunities through the links on my page about Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

    • Celeste October 31, 2023, 3:13 pm |

      Hi
      There’s a website called Seek job finders, I think. There is an app for it.

  • Bani July 24, 2017, 3:13 pm |

    HI ,
    My husband has submitted his EOI on 4th July 2017 under Sub Class 190. Would like to know by when should we receive our Invitation.

    • BobinOz July 24, 2017, 8:54 pm |

      No, as far as I’m aware there is no set time limit on this, it varies massively from person to person dependent upon their situation.

  • Chantal March 17, 2017, 3:03 am |

    Does anyone know if Nowra, New South Wales is located in Adelaide, SA?….just curious as any help would be appreciated

    • Mark March 17, 2017, 8:01 am |

      Not sure I understand the question as on face value its a bizarre question, Nowra is in New South Wales or NSW Not in South Australia or SA or are you meaning is there another place called Nowra somewhere else

      • BobinOz March 17, 2017, 11:54 pm |

        Yes, just one Nowra as far as I’m aware, and it is nowhere near Adelaide. As you have both said, it’s in New South Wales, which is a long way away.

    • Chris March 21, 2017, 2:11 pm |

      Chantal, Australia is a large country. NSW is located on the Eastern Seaboard and Nowra is a pretty coastal town. Not large population but big enough (especially by SA standards) NSW is the most populous state. South Australia (SA) has Adelaide as it’s capital. It’s about 1400km from Sydney (NSW Capital) in the middle of the land mass but on the Southern part of the continent.

      CP

  • Mansh November 18, 2016, 4:05 am |

    Hi All,

    This is Manish and I have also applied for 489 visa for south Australia. Just want to know about few things:
    1 Do people under 489 visa get some free medical benefits or not , if not what is usual cost of health insurance per person here.

    2 whether children’s education is free or subsidised under 489 visa or they get no such rebate.

    • BobinOz November 18, 2016, 4:46 pm |

      I’m not sure if you get any free medical benefits, but health-insurance depends on your age and the kind of policy you choose. It’s impossible for me to give you an accurate quote.

      As for your children’s education, this post should answer your question…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/11413/state-school-fees-for-temporary-visa-holders-in-australia/

    • Chris November 21, 2016, 8:35 am |

      The standard health care process in Australia is very good. All taxpayers pay a ‘Medicare’ levy on top of their income tax at tax time. This entitles they & their immediate family (spouse, children under 18 unless tertiary education students in which case the cover extends until the child stops being a student) to subsidised cover for medical visits and ‘free hospital’ If your 489 entitles you to a ‘Medicare’ card then you will have access to this. The health scheme is not free. You will most likely be asked to contribute a ‘co-payment’ when you visit a GP. Commonly this is around $35 with the government picking up the rest of the cost under the ‘Bulk Billing’ process. Trips to Specialists are charged at higher rates but a similar situation exists. As long as you have received a ‘referral’ to a Medical Specialist from your GP the government covers some of the cost with a ‘co-payment’ from you. The standard of medical and hospital care is excellent but it is not free for anyone. If you do not qualify for a ‘Medicare’ card you will need to bear all health costs yourself. So, it would seem to be imperative that you enquire of our immigration authorities what the position is vis a vis Medicare.

      There is also private Health Insurance. It covers some of your medical, hospital costs and entitles you to admission to hospitals of your choice and treatment by Specialists of your choice (Subject to individual Health Fund rules). It is not cheap to access this insurance. However, the younger you are when you join, the cheaper the premiums. Also, the government allows some tax rebates for the cost of the premiums. If you enjoy a substantial income the cost of private health insurance is worth it. However, if you do not the level of health care in Australia is excellent and affordable (generally). Emergency health/medical care is covered. If you have a heart attack or cancer you will be treated whether or not you have insurance. I suggest you have a look at the websites for Australian health funds eg MBF, Medibank Private, et c for their costs and conditions.

      I realise this response may not answer all your questions and may not give you all the information you require but I urge you to check with the Immigration Authorities and also on the internet for the appropriate information based upon what I have been able to tell you. Good luck. It’s a complex area & not fully understood by most Australians.

  • Jimmy Schwartz June 25, 2016, 11:43 am |

    Hi,

    Just wondering what towns in SA are good to live in and have plenty of shops like woolies, coles, big w as in need of finding house

    • Chris June 25, 2016, 6:47 pm |

      Hi Jimmy,

      South Australia is physically quite a large land mass but it’s population (about 1.5 million) is spread unevenly across it. The majority of population (around 1.35 million) lives in the greater metropolitan area (GMA) of Adelaide. As such there are a number of regions/districts which feature the sort of suburban shopping you require. The urban area also features housing of a diverse range of sizes & affordability.

      Outside the agreater metro are GMA the towns which feature good shopping centres are fewer but principally (& not in alpha order) Port Lincoln*, Whyalla*, Port Augusta*, Port Pirie*, The Clare Valley (Clare*, Watervale, Auburn,) Kadina*, The Riverland (Renmark*, Barmera*, Loxton*, Waikerie), The Barossa (Nuriootpa*, Tanunda*, Angaston, Truro, Kapunda, Greenock, Murray Bridge*, Mount Barker*, The Fleurieu Peninsula (Victor Harbor*, Goolwa*, Middleton, Port Elliot, Strathalbyn*) The South East (Mount Gambier*, Naracoorte*, Millicent) Those with an asterisk have at least one shopping centre (that I am aware of) with a major supermarket (eg Coles, Woolworth, Foodland,)

      Foodland is a local supermarket chain. It performs well against Coles & Woolworth (much to the chagrin of execs from the big 2). Aldi is making an entrance into SA & will be in the major regional districts over the next few years. Many smaller towns have a “Welcome Mart” which is a chain of independently owned smaller supermarkets which tend of offer a fairly healthy range at reasonably competitive prices.

      Presently, Whyalla is under a bit of a cloud owing to the major employer in the town being in Administration. There will be a major challenge to employment also in Adelaide’s northern suburbs next year when GMH closes its manufacturing process at Elizabeth.

      Land/House prices in the great metro area are fairly modest compared with the larger cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Perth in the west. Outside the GMA house and land prices are relatively lower with the possible exception of the towns in the Barossa, Clare Valley, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln.

      In all it’s a decent place to live. Even if we South Australians are a little parochial & maybe even a little Xenophobic. But we have also seen immigration since 1836 (which includes the first British settlers, from which I am sprung).

      I have lived in a fair part of SA & I am very happy in most of it.

      CP

      • BobinOz June 26, 2016, 1:08 am |

        I couldn’t have given an answer as good as this in my dreams. Thanks for helping out Chris, I really do appreciate it.

        Bob

  • Digvijay May 18, 2016, 2:15 am |

    Hi Bob
    i am writing this with a heavy heart , i had applied for state nomination 190 visa for South Australia, after completing all the formalities over a period of time ,lodging EOI and submitting medicals and PCC etc, my agent told me to pay landing levy and expect the visa grant letter and the receipt for the payment anytym. Exactly after two months he is telling me that there is a problem and that “my file has been removed from the database of skill select”. I am completely clueless right now as niether did i get any payment receipt nor Grant Letter . Please advice .

    • BobinOz May 18, 2016, 11:18 pm |

      Was your agent MARA registered? If he/she was, then you need to get in touch with MARA.org and talk to them if you feel you have a complaint. If your agent wasn’t MARA registered, then you may have quite some problem.

  • Prashant Sharma March 23, 2016, 2:25 pm |

    Hi Bob

    Greetings

    I am applying for visa 489 (S.A.); i need your help to understand under this regional visa which all cities can S.A. assign me to stay there and for which minimum time frame?

    Also out of those, which ones have better job oppurtunites?

    Your help on the same is sincerely appreciated.

    Regards
    Prashant

    • BobinOz March 24, 2016, 12:42 am |

      The only way to find out where you might have the best job opportunities would be to do your thorough research on it, you can find some help for that on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      As for where you can go on a regional visa, I have answered this question from you already elsewhere in the comments somewhere today.

  • Chris January 20, 2016, 7:58 pm |

    Binny,

    I understand your concern. However, it’s very hard to land a job from over there because SA relies a lot on personal interview in the decision process. Problem with that is that an application from your country virtually guarantees availability for interview is difficult and time consuming at best.

    I can’t suggest you arrange for an address in Adelaide or suburbs because that would be wrong of me. However, I think one of the things you could do is to conduct some research on the firms who are in the industry you want to serve together with the HR firms who seem to address your preferred industry sector and forward (via email or to their website) and application in general for work and your Curriculum Vitae. Activity like this may bring you to the notice of suitable employers and HR firms. It is a ‘shot gun’ approach but I know it works sometimes. Worth the trouble as you can do most of it on line.

    Best of Luck. CP

    • Prashant Sharma March 22, 2016, 11:34 pm |

      Hi Chris and Bob

      Greetings

      I want to seek your advice. I am applying for Visa 489/regional provisional visa for S.A.

      My query is – does Adelaide come under regional town or which are the so called regional towns/cities in S.A.?

      Your help on the above is sincerely appreciated.

      Regards
      Prashant

      • Chris March 23, 2016, 1:35 pm |

        Prashant,

        Not being completely conversant with the appropriate section it is hard for me to be definitive. Bob would be the right person to comment on that.

        Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia.
        Major provincial cities are Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Lincoln.

        SA is a large state physically but has a low population. It’s currently about 1,500,000 or so of whom perhaps 1,250,000 live in the greater Metro Area of Adelaide. To know which cities fit the legislation you would be best to find out from someone who really knows & I am afraid that’s not me.

        Hope this helps in some way.
        CP

      • Prashant Sharma March 23, 2016, 2:22 pm |

        Hi Chris

        Sure, no problem, thanks a lot for the help & have a great day ahead.

        Regards
        Prashant

        • BobinOz March 24, 2016, 12:01 am |

          Well, what is and what isn’t ‘regional’ does change from time to time and I think it all goes by post codes. For that reason, it is best to get the up-to-date information directly from the governments website on immigration and you can find a link to that on my page called Visas.

          Hope that helps, Bob

  • Binny Mathew January 19, 2016, 3:59 am |

    This question is for any one who can give the info
    I am planning to move to South Australia on or before March 2016
    ,since I am waiting for final grant I am applying for jobs from back in India but I am not getting any response from any companies, I am basically cnc maintenance engineer, right now I am afraid after seeing all the job opportunities blog here for mechanical field, can some body help me or share info regarding job opportunities, it will be of great help to me

    • BobinOz January 19, 2016, 5:08 pm |

      Lots of talk about jobs on my Adelaide page Binny, I’d take a look at the comments there if I were you. Good luck, Bob

  • Chris January 15, 2016, 4:35 am |

    Richa,

    good luck with your move. I live in South Australia & Adelaide is a nice town once you’re settled in. Keep an open mind about all cities in Australia. Melbourne is similarly a nice place as are the others. Depends upon your work opportunities but you will find all the cities quite liveable.

    Best wishes

    CP

    • Richa Grover Gandhi February 13, 2016, 1:16 am |

      Hi Bob and Chris,

      Hope you both are doing well! I wanted to inform you that me and my husband got our visas 🙂 We are extremely happy (safe to say we are cloud 9) 😉 We plan to make the BIG move to Adelaide in 2 months.

      I did reach out to DIBP and they have extremely sweet people out there. Spoke to a guy who tried to cheer me up as well (I must have sounded very worried) That’s really sweet of him! 😀

      I wanted to thank both of you again, you have really helped us!

      Special thanks to Bob – I think your blog really gives people like us a lot of hope. I really look forward to reading your articles (check it every alternate day, I guess that’s how you have been posting them). In fact, today my husband told me to refer to your blog to find information on opening accounts and other stuff, he also knows you have so much of ready reference material for us! We don’t Google, we visit to your blog!

      Thanks a lot again!

      Warm Regards,
      Richa

      • Chris February 13, 2016, 4:27 am |

        Hi Richa,

        that’s great news. You’re right about Bob’s Blog. An extremely well run source of information and assistance.

        Best wishes for your settlement in Oz. CP

        • BobinOz February 15, 2016, 4:22 pm |

          Aw, I’m blushing 🙂

          Thanks, both of you, and congratulations Richa, I hope the move goes well.

  • Chris January 14, 2016, 10:37 am |

    Hi Richa,

    I think the best people to answer your 3rd question will be the Dept of Immigration where your application was sent. A (politely worded) question to them will elicit an answer and explanations as you need. Their job is to serve not to dictate and they are generally very helpful.

    Adelaide is a smaller city than either Sydney, Melbourne or even Brisbane. Like all big towns calling themselves cities they have very much a village mentality but it is a pleasant place to live and work. A long commute to work might be considered anything over 30 minutes. Bus/tram/train routes and roads are well lain out. Climate is pleasant if you don’t mind a few really hot days in summer. Winters are mild. Housing moderate in cost. Wages are ok.

    Hope you’re here soon.
    CP

    • Richa Grover Gandhi January 14, 2016, 8:05 pm |

      Thanks Chris and Bob!
      Really insightful information on the process as well as the city. I understand the process takes time, a lot of time 😛 (especially around this time of the year), but I think I can reach out to DIBP now without feeling nervous!
      Adelaide does sound to be very interesting and really livable. I really look forward to receive our grant letter soon and make the “big move”!

      Regards,
      Richa

  • Chris January 14, 2016, 8:05 am |

    Bob,
    thank you for your kind note. Hope the improvement continues. As an aside my mother had the earlier version of a laminectomy in 1969 when she was 44. In 1986 she had a further long op to remove stenosis in the spinal canal. Both long surgeries and both with their pain. However in both cases the ops were entirely effective for a long, long time. In has case, just before her death at 90 the specialists decided against a further spinal canal bone growth removal a the op was more severe than her health would allow. I think it’s a good indicator of the success of the previous surgery that she went for so long without needing further intervention. Good luck mate. At 35 or so you have a golden future ahead, albeit with the occasional twinge. cp

    • BobinOz January 14, 2016, 7:39 pm |

      Oh, how I wish I was 35 🙂 I’ll take living to 90 though, that would be nice. Cheers, Bob

  • Chris January 13, 2016, 5:21 pm |

    Richa, as to your 3rd question my answer won’t be a lot of help, because the best assistance would come from the government itself or a Migration Agent & I am not from either role. Sorry. My comment hereafter is a ‘general’ observation.

    If you lodged all appropriate documentation following an invitation to apply for a visa there would seem to be an inclination by the Australian Government to grant the same. However, no lay person can answer you with certainty.

    To your credit you made the application properly & completed the docs with normal lodgement. As you will no doubt contact a representative of the Australian Government to further ask of the fate of your application you will do well to direct question 3 to the person you speak to. Asking a legitimate and sensible question won’t hurt your case. That’s perhaps the beauty of our slow but careful system.

    Don’t forget, Australia is a land of immigrants. We will continue to welcome people to join us as long as they do it the way you have. (Refugees from persecution of course are in a different category) Good luck Richa. I hope you find yourself here sooner rather than later.

  • Chris January 13, 2016, 9:57 am |

    Hi Bob,

    I had not been aware that you were ill. I hope (as I read from your response to Richa) that you continue to make a sound recovery. People like you and blogs like yours are highly valuable but from a human aspect, illness strikes & often derails our lives. I hope this will not be the case with yours.

    I read Richa’s comments with interest. Like you Bob, I believe that enquiries to the correct authorities ought not to jeopardise her application nor delay process. Mt experience is that anyone approaching Australian public servants enlisting their help politely & in a friendly manner will receive the beneficial attention they deserve.

    Certainly, Australia tends to be the land of the long summer holiday. For that reason as many larger departments tend to have staff on vacation from around Dec 20 to Jan 31 & that can be exacerbated by the number of public holidays and Christmas closures that effect the Public Service in some departments, it may be that this time has delayed the application.

    Best wishes for your recovery & please pass my comments on.

    Chris

    • Richa Grover Gandhi January 13, 2016, 3:41 pm |

      Hi Chris,

      Thanks a lot for your response! 🙂 I am certainly feeling a bit easy now. Waiting for their response had made us extremely anxious and was getting difficult to cope up with our regular day to day stuff!
      Would you be able to suggest on my 3rd question below?

      We have been doing our research on SA, Adelaide specifically. Really keen to move to Adelaide, hoping to hear some good news from DIBP soon!

      Thanks again!

      Regards,
      Richa

      • Percy March 6, 2016, 7:11 pm |

        Hello Richa, I wonder if you can help me. I have some questions about 489.

        Congratulations for your PR

        Regards

        Percy

      • Percy March 6, 2016, 7:13 pm |

        Btw My e-mail is percybueno11@gmail.com

    • BobinOz January 13, 2016, 10:00 pm |

      Hi Chris

      No, I’ve not been well, see…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/18382/bob-in-hospital/

      But I am getting better and stronger every day, so it’s certainly not going to derail my life. Thank you for your concern. As for Australian public servants, I have found the same as well. They are more than eager to assist, and with politeness.

      I don’t think there’s any problem chasing up, apart from as we have both suggested, they like a good and long festive holiday break. Cheers, Bob

  • Richa Grover Gandhi January 12, 2016, 3:58 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    A very happy new year to you and your family! Hope your health is better now! 🙂

    Have been an ardent follower of your blog and it has really helped me and my husband to decide that we want to move to Australia. Our friends, who now live in Sydney, recommended your blog to us.

    We are from India and had started our process at the beginning of last year. We had received an invitation to apply for 489 visa for SA, applied through HR Adviser job post, 80 points (70+10). We filed our visa application on 7th October 2015. We are awaiting DIBP’s response on our case.

    Request your inputs on the following questions:
    1. Just wanted to check if you would be aware on their timelines, Their website states they take usually 3 months to respond. Would you be able to suggest when can we expect a response/ grant letter.
    2. We have been wondering if we should contact DIBP to request an update on our status, but we feel skeptical as we do not want our case to take a wrong turn. Do you suggest we could contact them, without jeopardizing our case.
    3. Another question that keeps bothering me is – if we got an invitation to apply for visa, does that mean they will issue the grant letter to us for sure? All our documents are in place and have been submitted (after thorough checks from our side).

    We are very hopeful to hear from DIBP soon 🙂

    Hoping to hear from you soon! Thanks!

    Best Regards,
    Richa

    • BobinOz January 12, 2016, 8:55 pm |

      Hi Richa

      Yes, recovering slowly, thank you.

      I can’t answer your third question at all, I’m just not qualified. As for the first two, there is no set time, and although they say three months, we have had Christmas in between which probably meant a two or three week shutdown for them.

      I don’t think they would bite your head off if you chase them, but maybe because of that Christmas break you should cut them a little slack. You might find some useful advice in the comments on my page about EOI. Have a read through at what other people have said, many of them have been through the same process so they know what goes on.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Peter June 24, 2015, 12:57 pm |

    Thanks Ravi,

    I will keep that in mind. I have heard that OZ can provide a license without trial for those who have international license. Can you or anyone have any information on that? I have a valid US class C license. Last year they let me drive with USA license when I was visiting Adelaide. I was confused though as I am used to drive in the right side of the lane. 😉

    I will keep in touch.

    Peter

  • Ravi June 24, 2015, 7:39 am |

    Hi Peter,
    You are always welcomed….
    Kindly keep provisions for a few things when you are coming here.
    Bond Money for the rental which could be between 500 to 1500$ depending on the property you choose
    Have enough savings that will last for atleast 6 months for your survival here without a job.
    And around 2500-3000$ for a used car and another 500$ for license and rego stuff…car is very important for travelling here.
    You can mail me on ravi.lohate@gmail.com

    Regards
    Ravi

    • Vella March 7, 2016, 8:30 pm |

      Hi Ravi,
      I admire your fighting spirit and positive attitude. Hope you are now well settled and enjoying your life in Adelaide.

      I have got a PR visa recently and planning to come down in June/July. I have @ 14 years of experience in the IT/ITES industry. I look forward to guidance/help from people like you to guide me through the initial days. Any suggestions towards that will be appreciated.

      Look forward to meet you in Adelaide. 🙂

      Regards
      Vella

      • Ravi March 11, 2016, 12:34 pm |

        Hi Vella,

        Thanks for the appreciation. Well I wont say I have settled well, but surely on the path of settling well. We never say that we are well settled, not even when I was there, back in the home country. You have certain goals and you need to chase them up otherwise life will be aimless.

        Congratulations on your PR visa. All the best for your smooth transition and migration.

        I would like to comment on the words of caution from “LOST”. I wouldn’t say he is wrong or right, but Lost it sounds a lot negative. People are applying for visa’s when they are on good salaries and lifestyle there…this itself starts the thought process that there is something that is not fulfilling or lack something in thir current lifestyle and hence they choose to apply for PR.
        Its the their own decision, to apply for it. None of the people here are creating a rosy picture and encouraging them to apply for PR.

        Migration is a difficult and one in a life time process. Settlement in a new country, culture, new job, etc will require some time. It all depends how flexible you are and how you cope with the challenges. If you are happy with your current lifestyle, your family,friends and your job, then why should you choose to migrate?.

        Vella as for you, if you are migrating in June or July plan for all your future expenses for nest 12 months. For accommodation you can look for options on gumtree.com.au, domian.com.au, realestate.com.au. Look for a sharing one initially to keep your costs low and then plan for individual one once you get used to here.

        All the best again.

        Ravi.

  • Peter June 24, 2015, 1:59 am |

    Hi Ravi,
    Thanks for writing back and cheers for starting to get settled there in OZ. I am in the same shoe of being scared of unknown things in Adelaide. I ask the same questions to myself if its the right move for us. Anyway, thanks for your encouraging words.

    Like I mentioned in earlier post, I know its difficult to start from scratch. I did it once in USA 10 years ago, as a migrant. Now will have to do it again in OZ. Also I do not mind working odd jobs whatever it may be if I have to feed my wife and our new baby that we will welcome soon. I want to live in decent, safe and not overly expensive area. We want to live in friendly place and make lots of friends. Once I am ready to move, can I contact you for friendship and sharing information?

  • Ravi June 22, 2015, 8:15 pm |

    Hi Peter,
    Saw couple of your posts, and I do agree with You fully. I am also a migrant on subclass 190 and have recently migrated with my family here on 16th May 2015 i.e. last month.
    At first I was a bit worried weather I had taken the right step of migrating here, but have eventually settled down.I have settled in the northern suburbs which is almost 8/10 kms from city. But its a nice place.
    I really cant comment on health care field opportunities but job opportunities do exist in Child care and Aged care in Adelaide.
    Well as pictured in the earlier blogs by some that the economy is not too great is true, but I think it is not too bad either. If you are open to anything that comes your way you will definitely get something for a decent survival. The thing is you should not have any inhibitions like I will not do this job or this is not my area of work/expertise.
    If some one has a experience of say for eg. in healthcare of 10 years he immediately wont get a job here in the same field that is for sure. Be prepared to work in any sector or even odd jobs…I am doing Door knocking but, I am really enjoying it, as I am exploring new areas, meeting new peoples every day. And more importantly started earning a good amount where I can save too.
    So it all depends on the person….we can definitely see light at the end of the tunnel…
    And 1 more thing I got to learn over here…You have to do some sort of course here to get into your field of expertise…it may be a small course online too, unless that its difficult to find your area of work.
    As far as living is to be considered it again depends on your spending capacity…
    If you are closer to city the rents are high as you move away from city the start to fall down. If you share with a family in suburbs which could be 5/6 ot 7/8 kms from the city the per week rentals could be around 175 to 200 AUD.($) may be with utilities or without utilities.
    But its really a good place to live.People are Good and friendly. You can easily move from 1 end of city to another in say max to max 45-50 mins.

    I hope this could help Peter.

    Regards
    Ravi

  • Peter June 22, 2015, 12:44 am |

    Hello Belle and other mates!
    Its been a while since you said you would move to SA. I am also a laboratory Scientist who in trying to move to Adelaide, SA ASAP. I got my PR in Sep 2014 and briefly went there to validate the 190 visa PR. Then for job obligation, I came to US. Now I have fulfilled the contract and want to move to OZ land. I want to know your overall experience if you already moved and still visiting this blog. Can anyone who is local or an immigrant in healthcare field comment on how is overall healthcare sector? job prospects? where to live? are there any third party consultancies that help you find healthcare jobs? I am moving with my pregnant wife who is also a medical scientist.

    Peter

    • Belle June 22, 2015, 8:32 pm |

      Hi Peter,

      We moved here 3rd of May 2015. We are barely 2mos old here so, I cannot say much but the people here are very friendly. Our rent is 250/wk and we are near the city Henley beach Road. As for our job as medical scientist, I’ve learned that private labs are limited here and govt hospitals are under one roof-SA health for the recruitment process. You can check once in a while sahealthcareers.com.au for our field.

      We just have to think positive and never give up on applying for our dream job. But as Ravi said, we should try other field first if we havent found our field of expertise. Also local referees are important here so I got to have a local job soon.

      Goodluck to you and your family.

      Cheers,
      Belle

      • Peter June 24, 2015, 1:42 am |

        Hi Belle,
        Thank you for replying. And good luck!! I have been applying from here at Health SA. I may move by August this year. I have some property here in USA that I accumulated in 10 years- cars, stuffs, electronics, other investments. I need some time to take care of them. I am also looking 250-350/week kind of apartment/unit whatever its called there. 🙂 I and my wife both are in Laboratory field. She is pregnant right now and feels very scared/insecure to leave US and go to OZ. After all, we made so many friends that we were so close with. It was home for us and to leave a comfortable life around friends is tough.
        But I am positive and ready to work odd jobs if I have to in Australia. I have struggled and made a good living in USA and I can do the same in AUS. If you guys are open to friendship to hangout and share stories, we love making friends.

        Cheers,
        Peter

        • Belle June 24, 2015, 2:26 pm |

          Hi Peter,

          Sure no problem with that. We also dont have that much family friends here yet. I just hope and pray to find a job soon here. All the best to your family and your plan to move here in australia.

          Cheers,
          Belle

  • Aakash Parikh January 28, 2015, 10:57 pm |

    Hi All,

    We have recently got Visa Grant Notice Letter under the SA state sponsorship under sub class 190 for all four of us (myself, my wife and our two sons 16 and 13 years old) in Jan 2015 . We are planning to arrive in July 2015.
    Could you please guide us with the areas around Adelaide which is safe for the family and also have good public schools around. We are from Mumbai India and would appreciate if you can let have details of you have any Indian cultural, ethnic or religious affiliation set-up in Adelaide where we can approach for further assistance.
    Can we get some inputs for getting a accommodation and starting level/entry level job (insurance/reinsurance).

    • BobinOz January 29, 2015, 5:31 pm |

      If you are specifically looking at Adelaide, rather than the regional areas in the state of South Australia, then I suggest you take it look on my page about that city. You’ll find the link to it underneath the main navigation menu above for Australian Cities, and you will see that there is already a lengthy conversation in the comments about places to live in the area.

      Have a read, and if you still have questions, ask them on that page as many of the locals are helping out where they can.

      Good luck, Bob

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