Living in Australia

Thinking about moving to Australia?

Which City?

Choosing where you want to live in Australia is not straightforward. Australia is a big place, as if you didn’t know. Australia has big cities, it has small towns. It has beautiful beaches and it has barren outback. Australia also has a good selection of islands.

Australia’s major cities

Here’s a roundup, which includes annual weather charts and more, for each of the following cities. Please click on any of the links below to read more:

Want to live outside of the capital cities?

You will find information on many of the smaller towns in our states and territories on the following pages:

Where are you going to live?

You can click on the links above to find out more about Australia’s Cities and Australian States. But for a quick roundup of the major cities and help with choosing a suburb, check out:

It is not so much the content on my pages that will help you decide where to live in Australia, but the hundreds of comments that have been added by those who do live here. Do be sure to join in on the conversation wherever you can.

More useful links:

I do hope the information I have here helps you; good luck with your search.

Visa Assessment Service
{ 819 comments… add one }
  • nicola February 21, 2017, 9:41 pm |

    Hi bob,
    I am wondering if you can help. Both me (age 21) and my boyfriend (age 21) are hoping to move over late next year from the UK when I finish my degree. I will be a qualified midwife and my partner is a software developer. From what we have found we both quite like the sound of Melbourne, would you recommend looking at somewhere else? Also where is best to look for possible apartments/flats and when should we look at starting the application process?

  • Jon February 12, 2017, 3:07 am |

    Hi Bob,
    Im sure you have been asked this a lot but……
    I am 32, lived in England all my life, have a Mrs and 2 young kids (5 1/2 and 4) I really want to move to start a new life in Oz mainly due to the 20 reasons you have stated. I haven’t got a high flying job but my skills / experience do feature on the Sol and CSOL list.

    My question is where to move to? Top five priority list is 1 – Job opportunities. 2 – Nice weather all year round (currently have no feeling in my fingers as I type due to freezing cold weather) 3 – good place for kids ie schools / parks / outdoor activities etc 4 – Affordable housing (im thinking 3 / 4 bed with nice open plan living, good size garden and pool) 5 – Quality of life / cost of living. Ohh and near a beach (apparently I just want everything LOL)

    Any suggestions or ideas so that I can narrow my search down a little bit? Any help / advice would be gratefully received.
    Have a great day and thank you for your time.

    Jon

    • Mark February 12, 2017, 9:22 am |

      I cant speak for other cities save a bit of knowledge but I think Melbourne would tick many of your boxes I only had the choice of Sydney and Melbourne.. Company wise as thats where predominantly most of the business and work is,,,they come at a price in that cost of living is say far higher than say Adelaide. Brisbane seems a pretty good one two or three place contender in reading this site. Perth Adelaide are lower cost of living but of course arguably less opportunity
      As I say Melbourne ticks the boxes but some bigger than others Load and loads of beach areas. Winters can be tough it dropped to as low as 6 degrees one day in 2016 (sarcastic humor) its a very friendly place and can be expensive living but can be good value as well in places, Just like UK it has its everyone wants to live zones It has also been voted several times most liveable city in the world.

      • Jon February 12, 2017, 6:57 pm |

        Hi Mark, thanks for your reply which has given me some reassurance as they are the areas I felt most drawn to. I think (but am just guessing) that Sydney looks awesome but would be too busy and bit too expensive so will focus my efforts on Melbourne and Brisbane. Any insights such as good suburbs, smaller towns near by and any other thoughts you have on Melbourne and Brisbane?
        Thanks again

        Jon

        • BobinOz February 12, 2017, 9:08 pm |

          Well, I bat for Brisbane :-), so I reckon Brisbane wins on most of your five point checklist, but both Sydney and Melbourne will most certainly have more job opportunities. If you can get a job in Brisbane though, and they are about, it will definitely give you the hot weather you want + house with pool etc.

          We aren’t so great for beaches up here though, you will need to drive an hour and a quarter either north or south to find the great beaches we have here in Queensland. You won’t be 10 minutes away from a glorious each though.

          So let’s say that Brisbane wins for quality-of-life, affordability and the weather, but not so great for beaches and whether or not you can find a job here really depends on what you do. My page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship can help you research that.

          For me, Sydney is a great place to visit, but I’m not sure I would want to live there. Same as I loved visiting London when I lived in the UK, but didn’t really want to live there are either.

          • Jon February 13, 2017, 2:02 am |

            Hi Bob. The beaches don’t need to be spectacular just sun sea and sand. I have worked as an estate agent (I know boo….hisses lol) for 8 years but am also a level 3 (management level) hairdresser and currently work in the glazing / window business but any general sales / account manager role would suit. Would you suggest me taking any courses that would help? Also is your analysis of sales in Oz still the same as your book? What are the “good” neighbourhoods in Brisbane and Melbourne? And finally as a rough guess in £s does it cost to make the move to Oz? Sorry for so many questions and thank you for the help

            • BobinOz February 13, 2017, 8:38 pm |

              Marks done good job of covering most of your questions, I’m pretty much in line with him on everything including the full costs of moving. These were mine…

              https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/897/moving-to-australia-part-three/

              As for the salespeople here, not much has changed, I still don’t get salesman knocking on my door. I no longer answer the phone though, it’s either someone trying to sell me something or con me. I let them talk to the answerphone.

              Salespeople are really not very pushy here at all, I think it’s just the Australian way. Mind you, I have to say, I am still quite shocked by how many salespeople will spend an hour or more round your house after you have asked them to come round and give you a quote, and then they just don’t follow-up at all.

              That would be unheard of in the UK, but again, maybe it’s the Australian way.

        • Mark February 12, 2017, 9:47 pm |

          Hi Jon Maybe with the bat from Bob Id narrow your choices to Brisbane or Melbourne……..Sydney?? mmmmm I had the choice either Sydney or Melbourne My company where happy with either, both had a draw for them. Most of my work is remote heck I still work for a UK USA outfit but I still need to be near a major city for them for face t face. The liveability won Melbourne then my wife secured a job, that was it deal done. Like Bob has said I was put off by Sydney in a similar vein by several others saying great to visit, not sure id want to live….I think key to this is before we aimlessly wander as its a darn big place to many suburbs.
          1 What you do?
          2 Budget in mind rent or buy. (and capital available)
          3 Put your shopping list of wants in order or how high on the percentage scale youd like the beach the climate and so on..
          If you dont mind sharing on here or what you can …I am sure several folk can narrow your choices…I am no expert on Melbourne but have a lot of access to locations … Bob I think knows Brisbane very well…Maybe this website is just as good as flipping a coin because wherever you go I feel you’ll be better than UK Heads you win Tails you win…Though I am biased, I live here now…

          • Jon February 13, 2017, 2:51 am |

            Hi Mark, I posted some more background info in response to Bob. I guess in answer to you, 1. construction based sales and real estate. 2. About 20 – 25k in £ for deposit (hope to buy asap but happy to rent temporarily) 3. Job opportunities are important but wish list would be… 1. Great place for kids. 2. Housing and cost of living
            3. Nice weather (my fingers are still freezing) 4. Beaches, don’t have to be 5 star just sun sea and sand. Thank you for your help

            • Mark February 13, 2017, 8:24 am |

              Sorry I had missed that. I started typing, left it to do something else (children) must have come back to it a few hours later, not realising you had replied to Bob.
              I think most of Australia covers the great place for kids. Realtors have to be licensed here. you can google obtaining same…Most operate through brokerages or franchise operators . They are ranked low in many terms. BOOOOOO…Not all bad though. just some make the playing field look bad! Google property auctions, its unbelievably, silly, stupid or just funny, watching an auction… Its so slow, if it was ADT auctioning cars at Blackbushe the queue would stretch to Barcelona. Your hairdressing skills may be best as wanted everywhere. You may have to be experienced in that field though for a visa, eg qualified and working in it. Talk to a MARA agent. Glazing, not sure its on any skills list and many Australians dont get double glazing. As in a comment made to me ‘No dont want that it would be far too hot in summer, Doh!!!….
              Suburbs of Melbourne you’d like anywhere down the east coast Mentone right down to Rosebud will cover the beaches. It starts getting really quiet after there save for Sorento. .Quieter = less work opportunity Id avoid the west coast…have a trawl through my posts on Melbourne in the various parts East Inner etc in the drop down menu above. Have a look on realestate.com…for houses…Beaches all great and safe. .Brisbane I cant help with but the cost of houses is not as bad. renting not so sure much difference.in price either city, the sooner you can buy here goes wthout saying Have a look at Cranbourne new houses going up…not so expensive 15 minutes ti the beach…We have just bought a rental there.. no, not touting for business. Grab a decent broker for a mortgage.
              Moving to here cost is ‘how long is a piece of string’, we brought 1 x 40ft but that included a caravan…Another 20ft with my classic car and a car sent combined shipped has since followed Id allow a decent 5K sterling for the house move. Id say it cost us around 20 22K with absolutely everything visas flights the lot.. My company paid nearly everything so I am lucky and we did move a lot inc 4 of us. I wasnt wasteful though, we even flew form France,, £352 a ticket (One way). knew Id get upgraded (friend in high places) my point being I didnt just spend spend as company where paying Your visa and all skills testing Ielts etc and agent will probably run through 8 or 9 K £ but dont be put off, treat it as opening a business. You’ll get it back Next move go and look into a visa . Remembering its not just the qualification its the experience as well… Weather seems to be a big issue. Brsibane is warmer than Melbourne for sure, its only 15 degrees here today but summer will be back with a vengeance, it hit 40 last week There is some wanted down under exhibitions on in UK soon I think might be a help…

  • Leon January 22, 2017, 1:00 am |

    The best city for Foreign people in australia is Sydney and then Melbourne.
    Adelaide is worst city for Foreign.

    • Beautiful Mind February 7, 2017, 7:50 pm |

      But why is it worst?

  • Parth gusani January 15, 2017, 4:38 am |

    Hey
    I’m from India and having master degree in Finance & Account and looking forward for moving Australia -my favourite city is Sydney, is there any job opportunity for me there?
    How can I come to know ?
    Pls guide

  • arslan sadiq December 21, 2016, 4:53 pm |

    Dear Sir,

    I am a mechanical engineer and recently got my 189 visa. I would like to know which city should i target, where there are plenty of opportunities in manufacturing business.
    I am currently working and residing in Dubai.

    • BobinOz December 21, 2016, 8:59 pm |

      You can research that on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship; look for the heading that starts with something like ‘Which city should I go to…’ Good luck, Bob

  • Cassandra December 2, 2016, 5:26 am |

    Hi Bob,

    I’ve been researching emigration to Australia for myself, 18 y/o son and two other teenage kids from the USA. I am self employed with a successful small business that can be operated from anywhere. My income is comfortable and can afford my family in a decent number of cities. Though I have considered migrating to a few different predominantly English countries before, Australia (Melbourne or possibly Perth, namely) is a locale I am taking great interest in. I checked out the visas available, and none seem to match other than an extended travel visa. From what I have learned, it takes 6 years of residence before one can qualify for citizenship. Do you have any suggestions for our process? Thank you

    • BobinOz December 2, 2016, 8:28 pm |

      No I don’t have any suggestions, mostly because the only people who can legally give you advice on this are MARA registered migration agents. Australia is a difficult country to get in to and with all the different visas available, it takes a trained professional to advise on these matters.

      For more information on this, see my page Would I Qualify?

      Good luck with your plans, Bob

      • Cassandra December 3, 2016, 1:34 pm |

        I’ll read your link and start up with an expert, thanks 🙂

  • rachel November 28, 2016, 3:25 pm |

    I am working on getting a independent skilled workers visa in australia, I am a enrolled nurse from northern california. I plan to go back to school to become a registered nurse and was wondering what is the best city or part of Australia that would cater to nursing students, nursing employment , cool temperatures, beautiful scenery because northern California is a forest, great place to meet people and alot of fun activities to do?

    • Mark November 28, 2016, 4:47 pm |

      Having grown up in SoCal with a few vacations your direction. I’m guessing you are further north than San Fran even close to Oregon … I think you may be hard pressed to find the match but Id aver Melbourne’s climate to be the closest perhaps…I think if you flipped USA mirrored into the Southern hemisphere Sydney might be LA that;s the non scientific approach…Out past Cockatoo near Melbourne, well to the east of it, the scenery gets more and more looking like say Mendocino which is a close as it gets…

      Nursing My brother in law (gas and air ) came out from UK years back, his wife, a nurse, they opted for Wollongong near Sydney. Id say you’d have to be near the three main East coast areas Melbourne Sydney Brisbane for more nursing choice…Hopefully someone more in that field may come along and answer you…

      The problem you may have is the lack of people compared to NorCal the population of Aus has just hit 24 million this year, so you need closer to city for more things to do.

  • Desi November 8, 2016, 4:23 am |

    Hi bob
    I have received skill migrant visa 189. I am a mechanical engineer with experience in maintenace in fertiliser and chemical plants. Could you please suggest the best place to come and search a suitable job for mechanical engineer.

  • Derrick November 5, 2016, 11:18 pm |

    Hi bob,
    I was wondering. Is marijuana legalised in Australia? Because I’m thinking of moving…

    • BobinOz November 7, 2016, 6:21 pm |

      It’s complicated, mostly because each state has different laws on this. These laws can change at any time, but a few of our states have decriminalised marijuana and if you are caught with small amounts of it in other states you could be cautioned, fined, or have to go through some kind of counselling program called, for some reason, diversion.

      So you need to check out the laws in each individual state, I think South Australia and ACT have the most relaxed laws at the moment, and Western Australia the toughest. It is still possible to go to prison for possession of cannabis in some states, but I think it’s quite rare so we are nothing like the US on this. Hope that helps 🙂

  • Paul November 3, 2016, 5:45 pm |

    Hi
    Not sure which suburb to choice in brisbane to live under $1 million dollars. I want be a great lawn bowls club and want join a gym near shopping my brother live bulimba

    bulimba, qld 4171; balmoral, qld 4171; morningside, qld 4170; newstead, qld 4006; teneriffe, qld 4005; hamilton, qld 4007; ascot, qld 4007; eagle farm, qld 4009; hendra, qld 4011; east brisbane, qld 4169; norman park, qld 4170; seven hills, qld 4170; cannon hill, qld 4170; hawthorne, qld 4171; south brisbane, qld 4101; west end, qld 4101; spring hill, qld 4000; paddington, qld 4064; auchenflower, qld 4066; fortitude valley, qld 4006; highgate hill, qld 4101; milton, qld 4064; brisbane city, qld 4000

    • BobinOz November 3, 2016, 7:47 pm |

      Bulimba is very nice and it does have a bowls club, that would be my choice. You should ask your brother what he thinks.

  • Mickey October 22, 2016, 2:50 pm |

    Good Afternoon Bob, I would be immigrating to Australia within the next 2 to 3 months along with my wife and 9 year old daughter from India. I have gone through many blogs searching for the best cities to live in. As of now, we have shortlisted Sydney/Canberra based upon XYZ factors that suits our requirements. I am from the IT background (Software Quality Control – 16 + years of experience) and wife is an Electronics Engineer (College Professor – 7+ years of teaching experience). Getting hold of a job in our respective areas of expertise is gonna be little tough considering the current state of affairs but we are optimistic to get hold of them in a quick time.

    Our key priority – Both of us want our daughter to get herself involved in sporting activities like Rifle Shooting & Swimming at a deeper level, get quality training & would be able to make a professional career (she is keenly interested in both of them). Considering this situation, would moving to Sydney/Canberra serve this purpose? Or would you please recommend a suitable city in Australia which would provide easy and best access to get trained for these sporting activities.

    Have a wonderful evening ahead 🙂

    Cheers,
    Mickey.

    • BobinOz October 24, 2016, 4:56 pm |

      Well I’d be lying if I pretended I could give you a meaningful answer to your questions, but the reality is I wouldn’t know where to point you given your requirements.

      All I can tell you is that Canberra and Sydney are two vastly different cities, one has a population of around 400,000 people and the other just over 4 million.

      For your jobs, all I can suggest is that you search for the kind of work you want to do using the links on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship just to see which cities might offer you the most opportunities. Getting work quickly is obviously a priority.

      Sydney is probably better than Canberra for swimming, the weather is warmer in Sydney and clearly Canberra does not have any beaches, so you would be restricted to swimming pools there.

      I have no idea about rifle shooting, I’m not even sure they do it in schools. Bottom line for me though, is go where the work is and let the rest take care of itself. Cheers, Bob

  • Neal October 15, 2016, 7:41 am |

    Hi Bob
    My wife received a job offer a few months back for a company in Sydney, with a start date end January 2017. The last few months have been crazy with the application process and our 457 Visa’s were approved 2 weeks back. Over the last couple of months, we have slowly become quite terrified at the cost of living, especially as we are a family of 5. I still have to secure a job and am currently having interviews. This morning we were thrown a curve ball and I’m not sure how to deal with it. Her new employer has advised her that they also have a position available for her in Wollongong, and it seems quite appealing as the cost of living seems to be remarkably lower than Sydney. The down side is that employment prospects, also salary scale, don’t appear to be as good as Sydney for myself. Is Sydney commutable from Wollangong? Also, I am in retail management, so working hours can be lengthy and erratic. Does the public transport cater for late nights/ early morning travel. Are there any other factors you think we should consider before deciding between the 2?
    Thanks

    • BobinOz October 17, 2016, 5:29 pm |

      Well, firstly, if you are coming from the UK and you are converting the continually plunging post Brexit pound into Australian dollars then yes, the cost of living here would frighten the life out of you.

      When you get here though, and you start earning Australian dollars, things won’t appear quite so expensive here. If you have a lot of money put by, this would be a terrible time to convert your pounds to Australian dollars. If you don’t have a lot of savings though, I think this would be a good time to move.

      As for whether Wollongong to Sydney is commutable, I suspect it is, but I also suspect it will drive you completely mad. I’m not sure what the train service might be like, but I reckon it would take you a couple of hours each way by car and then you would need to find somewhere to park.

      I can’t help you any more than that, I just don’t know those areas well enough. It might be worth you asking your Wollongong or Sydney question on my page about Sydney, maybe somebody local will see it and try to help you out. Good luck, Bob

  • SERKAN October 12, 2016, 1:02 am |

    Hi Bob,
    How can I learn which town should I live in Darwin in terms of children education and safety (good ranged primary schools etc..)?
    thanks.

    • BobinOz October 12, 2016, 8:38 pm |

      You can check information about schools on my page called Which school? You can also look up information about suburbs using the links on my page called Which Suburb?.

      There has also been a fair bit of talk about the various suburbs in the comments on my page about Darwin so it might be worth checking them out. Also, if you ask a question there, with luck, hopefully somebody local might swing by and help you out with an answer. Good luck, Bob

  • SHADAB SYED October 9, 2016, 10:27 pm |

    Hello Bob
    I a software profession from India with 5 years experience,
    I want to immigrant to Australia on PR Visa, which location will be good for my profession.

  • Maran October 7, 2016, 10:09 pm |

    Hi Bob, I want to move to Australia. I have experience in many fields, but I want something outdoors … know any jobs in beekeeping? What would you recommend state. Thank you

    • BobinOz October 10, 2016, 4:11 pm |

      You will need a valid visa that specifically allows you to come to Australia and work, have you looked into that yet? If you haven’t, see my page about Visas.

  • Nambaka Faith October 5, 2016, 12:18 pm |

    Please,have humble request,am looking for someone who can sponsor my studies in Australia.am a kenyan,19 years.currently am in Kenya.please help.

  • Gaia October 4, 2016, 12:53 am |

    Hi Bob!I’m a 20 years old girl living in Dubai (italian) would it be possible applying for a whv even though I have my place of residence here in the UAE? And I’m really confused about the place I want to live in. What would you suggest for me? I was thinking about Perth… But it seems a bit depressing based on what I read… What do you think about Perth? Is it easy fo find a job?? How about the salaries? Thank u

    • BobinOz October 4, 2016, 7:07 pm |

      The WHV qualifying countries applies to your nationality, the country for which you hold a passport, not your place of residence. Perth is very nice, but quite isolated and jobsite difficult there at the moment I think.

      Go where the work is, that’s what I would advise, and you can research that my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and look up salary information by occupation. Cheers, Bob

  • Bobby September 18, 2016, 9:37 pm |

    Hey Bobin. Hope u r doing great. I want to move to Australia. I cannot bear too much of cold. So which place according to you would be the best where there isn’t too much cold or even extreme hot ?

    Thanks
    Bobby

    • BobinOz September 19, 2016, 2:35 pm |

      Sounds like you should be looking at the east coast, anywhere from say, Byron Bay all the way up to Noosa. Great weather, never too cold, maybe just a little too hot for around five weeks year. I’m in Brisbane and I love our weather here. Shorts all year round. Good luck, Bob

  • Afrigal September 16, 2016, 6:33 pm |

    Hi Bob!
    I am going to be studying medicine next year in either Perth or the Gold Coast (UWA or Griffith’s). I want somewhere that has a reasonably relaxed lifestyle, that is quite “outdoors-y” and has beautiful nature. I am drawn to Perth because of the proximity to Africa (where I’m from) and the numerous Africans that make Perth their home, but then I like Gold Coast because of the better weather, the more affordable living costs. It also seems like there is more to do in the Gold Coast, but maybe this is at the risk of being somewhere too commercialised? What advice can you give me on a good place to study?

    • BobinOz September 16, 2016, 8:49 pm |

      Perth can be a little isolated, so the Gold Coast wins easily in terms of location. It’s on the east coast and you can easily travel to many of our other major cities with a cheap flight that takes only an hour or two.

      On the downside though, yes, it is very commercialised, but mostly at its centre which is Surface Paradise. If you really like the outdoors-y life, I don’t think either place will disappoint. Perth will probably win in terms of it having so much countryside around it, but the Gold Coast doesn’t do too bad either.

      It has some amazing hinterlands, rainforests and is close to Lamington National Park.

      It’s a difficult choice, I’d go with your gut if I were you, or maybe just whichever university you think would be best for your studies.

      Good luck, Bob

  • danish September 3, 2016, 6:12 am |

    Hi Bob
    Thanks for your informative website and blog.
    I am currently living in London I would like to buy a house in Gold Coast, what are your thoughts about Gold Coast and sovereign island ? is it nice area to live and whats the demographic like ? what sort of people live there ?
    is predominantly white area or mixed sort of people live there
    sorry for so many questions

    • BobinOz September 4, 2016, 8:48 pm |

      Gold Coast is very commercial and it has a mixed demographic. If you like beaches, boats and nightlife, then it may just be the place for you. I’ve never been to Sovereign Island though, I don’t think I could go even if I wanted to. Isn’t it a gated community?

      So I can’t really tell you what it’s like at all, although obviously it is a very expensive area. You might want to click on the link in the above article to Gold Coast and have a read of the comments there to find out more.

  • JAHANZEB ASIM September 2, 2016, 5:42 am |

    Hey Bob, how are you doing??

    I am coming to Melbourne in the quarter of 2017, I am Electrical Engineer and I have MS degree in Engineering Management. I have 4 years experience, do you think I have to come as immigrant to Australia or not??

    What about job opportunities in Melbourne??

    • BobinOz September 3, 2016, 12:14 am |

      I don’t understand your question, but I can tell you that if you want to come to Australia and work here, you will need a visa issued by the Australian government that will allow you to do that.

  • Mona August 30, 2016, 2:27 am |

    I am getting married to a taxi opeartor in canberra.I am an arts graduate , what kind of job i expect to get there and hows the city?

    • BobinOz August 30, 2016, 7:54 pm |

      Hi Mona

      If you visit my page about Canberra and read the comments, you will find there is plenty of talk about what that city is like and also the kind of jobs available there. You can also search for jobs on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Samy August 11, 2016, 4:19 am |

    Hi Bob;
    I’m 40 years old & I have a PR in Australia & I’m working currently in KSA. I want to move to Australia BUT I’m afraid of loosing my job in KSA without getting job in Australia so I need to know which is the best city for employment & I need your advise if I need to stay more in KSA or to move to Australia as quickly as possible due to my age.

  • Sho July 31, 2016, 5:19 am |

    Hello Mr.Bob.
    I am Sho and 21 years old Japanese living in Switzerland. I am currently studying hospitality management in Switzerland and planning to move to Australia and would be Sydney. I used to live in Wollongong by the way for a year.

    The reason why I’m studying hospitality management is it’s worth having a hospitality background because I believe that this degree is related to any kind of industry. Also it’s a huge industry in Australia. However, I have no idea how to get a work permission over there. I’m from Japan and tons of Japanese lives there.

    I would really like to have an advice from you that how to get a work permission or working visa. I’m sure that I’ll have to find an employment first and they’ll help me out yet I have no idea.

    Can you help me a bit?

    • BobinOz August 1, 2016, 12:28 am |

      No, I can’t help you with this, only MARA registered migration agents are legally allowed to assist people with these questions. I do offer lots of advice and information about the process though, you can read it all on my Migration Advice page.

  • Rejoyce July 12, 2016, 10:30 pm |

    Hi Bob
    I am from South Africa and are planning to move to Australia in the next year. I am currently studying towards CPA and do have South African Honors degree in Finance. Along with that I am an accountant. So my question is will I be able to secure a job in OZ or I should plan to do the moving after I complete my CPA qualification. What exactly should I do, should I apply for the visa now before I complete my CPA qualification or finish the qualification then apply for the visa?.

    thank you and kind regards

    • BobinOz July 13, 2016, 8:51 pm |

      These are not questions I can answer accurately for you, if you are unsure how to proceed you should seek the advice of a migration agent.

  • Silver Sute July 1, 2016, 10:12 am |

    Hi Bob, I’d just like to say that I’m really inspired by your story and love the effort you put into your blog!

    I am an Italian-American 21 year old university student. Ever since my brief stint living in Sydney as a child (for 5 years during primary school), I have always had my heart set on returning to the land down under, at least for a few years. I’m currently studying at the University of St Andrews (in the UK). Next year I’ll be graduating with a first-class degree in economics, and I’m debating whether to do a masters degree in either a good UK university (warwick, ucl, lse, etc) or one of the best Australian universities. My goal is to obtain the best qualification imaginable for a potential job in a large city in Australia, though please keep in mind that I am in no means set on remaining in Australia no matter what (so the flexibility of my degree will be somewhat important). I’m not sure which field I’d like to enter, but by the time I make my application decision I’ll obviously have decided. Would you happen to have any advice based on any experiences you might have had?

    • BobinOz July 2, 2016, 12:32 am |

      Gosh, no, I wouldn’t have a clue.

      If you want the best qualification imaginable, then I think you really need to speak to somebody who knows which school is the most respected in the field of economics.

      All I know is the best lawyers go to Harvard, but that’s only because I watch Suits 🙂

      Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.

  • Santosh Kumar June 29, 2016, 3:11 pm |

    Hello Bob,
    migrating to Aus soon, Could you pls let me know which is the best place for Information Technology jobs, also the best place for new immigrants to feel home away from home.

  • ajao June 29, 2016, 4:59 am |

    hello mr bob ,i really appreciate your respond of people enquiries on this website,i am a young footballer and single status, am hoping and dream to live and start my football career in australia, so i need your help to precribe the best city full of football training, gyming house,athlectic around ,and visa that australia embassy accept from nigerian citizen, i love australia.

    • BobinOz June 29, 2016, 10:32 pm |

      Football isn’t really Australia’s sport, so it’s not the best place to come to to launch your career. We don’t even have a city that is, what you would call, football mad. Your biggest problem will be getting a visa though, see Would I Qualify?

  • freda June 28, 2016, 5:29 pm |

    Where is the greenest, coolest town or area in Australia? I mean, temperature.

    • BobinOz June 29, 2016, 2:40 am |

      This is easy, it’s Hobart. Or anywhere in Tasmania. It’s green, very green, and cool. It’s not mainland Australia, but if that doesn’t bother you, that’s where you should go. If you do want mainland, then I suspect the answer is Canberra.

  • Despo givi June 18, 2016, 5:48 pm |

    Hello! I am from greece, I am 44, I have 4 children and I want to move tp australia or new Zealand. I was hotel employ amd my husband musician. We have some money and want to invest there for a new beginn. Any idea what could we do there?

    • BobinOz June 18, 2016, 10:45 pm |

      Hi and welcome. I think before you start thinking about what you can do here, you really need to look into whether or not you would qualify for a visa. They are not easy to get.

      Please see my page about Visas. Good luck, Bob

  • Beth ackley June 15, 2016, 4:57 am |

    Hi bob,

    I am a 22nd year old nursing student at present and my partner is 23 and an account. I qualify as a childrens nurse september 2017 and we are looking to move striaght over to aus for between 6 and 12 months to work and to live.
    we have been looking for a while now and the best city too choose from and brisbane seems to he standing out the most what is your opnion on brisbane?
    And also regarding accomodation in brisbane, i would like to rent a house whilst over there but my partner much prefers a apartment how are the houses in brisbane?

    Also do you know if its easy for newly qualified nurses to get there first job in a new country?
    Thank you in advance!!

    Beth

    • BobinOz June 15, 2016, 11:23 pm |

      Well I love Brisbane, I’ve lived here for over eight years now. I have visited all the other major cities and none of them have tempted me to move away from here. So it gets the thumbs up from me.

      Most people do choose to live in houses here, apartments are mostly for those who want to live closer to the city. I have no idea how easy or hard it might be to get a job as a nurse here at the moment, but that will vary from city to city and state to state. I do plenty of research if I were you, as you may want to choose where you live depending on where you can best secure work. Good luck, Bob

  • Kyri June 13, 2016, 2:09 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I’m a Year 11 high school student in Adelaide and I want to be a music teacher. I want to study at the University of Adelaide to get my music and teaching degree, but I’m thinking of moving interstate after I graduate from uni. SA has the highest unemployment rate and I believe I have more of a chance getting a job in a different state. I’m thinking of living in Melbourne as I have most of my family there and there are plenty of music schools. Should I move or stay in Adelaide?
    Kind regards,
    Kyri

    • BobinOz June 13, 2016, 4:53 pm |

      That’s a very big decision Kyri, especially for someone as young as yourself, I’m guessing you can only be about 16 or 17 at the moment? So you will still be quite young even after you graduate.

      I would wait until then, just to see what the job situation is like in each state and how you feel about moving at that time. It’s not a decision anyone else can make on your behalf though, this one has to be down to you.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Halle June 11, 2016, 8:23 am |

    Hello Bob, thanks for an insightful website. We recently got our permanent residency visas for Australia. We are a family of four (mum, dad and 2 boys, 7 and 2 years)

    I’m in the Public Relations trade, my husband is in IT. We are not sure which part of Australia to move to though our minds are on Sydney and Brisbane. Which of the 2 would you recommend?

    I also want to reside in a nice family orientated neighbourhood with essential amenities such as good schools, preschool, shopping centre, health care facilities and fun activities for the kids are close by, preferably with excellent transport links.

    We have set the move for this coming December, therefore kindly assist with rental agencies, list of schools and day care centres I can contact in the meantime and employment agencies to set my career in motion.

    Thank you

    • BobinOz June 12, 2016, 9:11 pm |

      Well, my preference would be for Brisbane, but then I live here, so it would be. Both cities can offer you what you are looking for, so I can’t really choose one over the other for you based on what you’ve said.

      If I were you though, I would definitely go to whichever city offers you the best chance of getting employment, because it just isn’t easy for people to get jobs at the moment. See…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17033/whats-it-really-like-trying-to-find-a-job-in-australia-2015/

      Also, to help you choose which city, in the event that both Brisbane and Sydney have employment opportunities for you, check out my page called A Quick Guide to Choosing a City in Australia.

      Once you know which city you are going to go to, you should check out my page about that city, all city pages are linked underneath the Australian Cities main navigation menu above, and have a good read of comments. There is lots of talk about suburbs to live in.

      Hope that helps, Bob

    • Keysi June 17, 2016, 11:58 am |

      Halle,

      My partner and I are looking into moving to Australia in the next upcoming year. However, we don’t know how to go about getting started. What kind of visa did you acquire? I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

  • James June 1, 2016, 12:15 pm |

    Hey Bob,

    I’m a 25 year old Kiwi looking to move to Australia – I’m a Civil Engineer, so construction demand is favourable. I’m looking for a warmer climate with close beach access. Went to Perth over Christmas, but it’s too far away for my liking. Just been to Sydney, I loved Bondi but rent is so expensive and Sydney is super busy, perhaps could get used to the bustle.

    My preferences:
    – sunny and close to a beach
    – plenty things to do
    – woman who are down to earth and not fake or snobby (plenty of women is a plus)
    – busy but not overly packed with huge congestion.

    Any recommendations?

    Cheers

    • BobinOz June 1, 2016, 11:26 pm |

      I think you need to concentrate mainly on where you might find work as a civil engineer, because landing a job here at the moment isn’t easy. May I suggest you read my post about the state of states, I think you’ll find it helpful…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17690/commsecs-australian-state-of-states-report-july-2015/

      Also, checkout…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17033/whats-it-really-like-trying-to-find-a-job-in-australia-2015/

      Get the job first, then move close to where you’re going to work, that’s what I’d do. Unless you’re going into the outback, you’ll never be too far from the beach, things to do and down to earth women. We don’t really have any serious congestion outside of Sydney and possibly Melbourne.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Vera Lopes June 14, 2016, 1:46 am |

      Hey James,

      Did you find what you were looking for? As i pretend to move to Australia to and want the exact same things, well not the girls 🙂

      Let me know wich city you choose

      Cheers
      Vera

  • Rob May 2, 2016, 11:36 am |

    Bob,

    I am an app developer, website and branding expert from Virginia USA. I’m considering living in Australia during the summer season each year June – September. Any recommendations on places to live that might have a lot of new businesses on the regular? Would like to be able to build apps out there and sites for new places and get work in the summer while there. Thanks for any advice, Sunshine Coast sounds like a great place. Oh, and what city has the most beautiful women?

    • BobinOz May 3, 2016, 6:06 pm |

      Well, I think before you decide which city to go to and whether you can get some work there or not and what our women might be like, you should look into visas that will allow you to come here and do what you’re hoping to do.

      I am not a MARA migration agent, and I do suggest you speak with one, but your main problem is finding a visa that will allow you to live in this country for four months of each year and work why you’re here.

      That’s what I would sort out first if I were you. Good luck, Bob

      • Rob May 4, 2016, 6:14 pm |

        Thank you Bob for the great advice. I think it’s best I visit first and get better aquatinted with everything there. Can you at least recommend the better place to stay while there? Sunshine Coast, Perth or Syndney? Thanks again

  • Luke vyse April 28, 2016, 3:37 pm |

    Hi bob,
    This is an amazing cite you’ve got going here. I’m Luke from England and I’m thinking about coming to oz for a working holiday before my time is up and I’m to old. I worked in England as a painter and decorator but also worked on sites as a plumber/laborer. I hope you can help point me in the right direction in which city I should try to start my journey.. Thanks so much bob,
    Luke.

    • BobinOz April 28, 2016, 6:39 pm |

      Glad you like my website Luke, thank you. If it were me, I would want to see as much of Australia as possible. I’d probably start in Sydney and work my way north up the coast at least covering Byron Bay, the Tweed Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

      If you can, keep going until you get to Cairns, not missing out Airlie Beach. Depending upon what time of year you arrive, you might want to do it the other way round. As in if you arrive during our Australian winter, start in the north and head south.

      Be sure to read my pages about Working Holiday Visas and Backpacking in Australia, you might pick up some useful information there.

  • Neesa April 25, 2016, 12:39 am |

    Hi Bob
    I am a medical doctor looking to come and specialise as well as enjoy good weather with sunshine and beaches. l will also need an affordable lifestyle.What city would you recommend for both good study opportunities and affordable living conditions

    • BobinOz April 25, 2016, 5:35 pm |

      Sorry, this isn’t something I can help with, I know absolutely nothing about the studying options for medical students in Australia. All I can tell you about affordability is that Sydney and Melbourne are our most expensive cities, and probably Hobart and Adelaide the least expensive. Good luck, Bob

    • Rosie Viduka April 26, 2016, 2:10 am |

      Hi Neesa, there’s a few options. but i would suggest the Sunshine Coast as an affordable laid back town that has plenty to offer. beautiful beaches and good sunny weather all year round. it is also very close to Brisbane about 1.5 hours drive south, where you will find great universities and hospitals to study in and then a further 1 hour drive south is the goldcoast which is dubbed the mini las vegas for its party scene and stunning landscapes. these three areas are large tourist based cities. al three haveairports, with brisbane being the key city with an international airport. 🙂 hope this helps.

  • Muhammad Shahid Hanif April 13, 2016, 5:14 pm |

    Dear Bob
    I am a Chemical Engineer and I am looking for best suited city of Australia to my profile.
    I have working experience of FMCG and I want to live in a city with Job opportunities in FMCG with cheap living expenses
    Kindly guide me.
    Regards
    Shahid

  • Drew April 10, 2016, 7:26 pm |

    Hey Bob,

    Absolutely love your site. I listened to your advice and moved to Australia. Currently in Sydney. I am finding it expensive as hell here, a room for rent is $300p/w minimum anywhere in the surrounding suburbs. That’s insane!!! Is there any place that is cheaper but still has a decent amount of job opportunities? Weather isn’t a huge concern for me. Definitely want to be in a coastal area.

    Thanks in advance!!

    • BobinOz April 11, 2016, 8:13 pm |

      Sydney is our most expensive city, certainly for accommodation. So yes, you will find it much cheaper elsewhere, the big issue is whether or not you would find employment.

      I can’t answer that question, but you can research it on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      Accommodation is way cheaper in Adelaide and Hobart, but these are the cities with the most unemployment at the moment so it might be hard to find work. Brisbane is a much cheaper city to live in than Sydney, and you may just find work, employment isn’t too bad here. Melbourne is buzzing, but again quite expensive although not as expensive as Sydney.

      I think you need to find out where you can get work first, and then decide whether you want to move there. Could luck, Bob

  • Joao PS Langaro April 8, 2016, 5:21 am |

    Hey Bob, great blog!
    I’m moving to Brisbane from Brazil in June. I’d like to know where are the best bars besides the ones at Fortitude Valley and also bars where I can have cheap beers, the famous ones… etc.

    Congrats for the blog!

    • BobinOz April 8, 2016, 6:07 pm |

      Apart from the Valley, there are also lots of bars in Boundary Street in the West End (Archive has a good range of beers) and in Paddington along Caxton Street. Cheap beers are hard to come by though I’m afraid, although they are slightly cheaper in some of the sports clubs and RSL’s that you would need to join.

      Best bet is to shop around in the bars, prices do vary. Have fun, Bob

  • Kevin April 6, 2016, 12:01 pm |

    Hi Bob, great website!! I am hoping to get your advice on where to live in Australia. I am a single 28yr old professional looking for somewhere to live that 1. Has good access to nice beaches (lots of sunshine all year-round), 2. a decent nightlife (bars, clubs), 3. beautiful single women (young and vibrant), 4. good access to essential services such as hospitals, shopping centres, schools, restuarants etc. Lastly, somewhere that I can opt to drive no more than 1.5 hours to a good residential quiet area with stunning homes (to reside). Thanks! Looking forward to your top 2 suggestions- matching my wish list.

    Kev

    • BobinOz April 6, 2016, 7:13 pm |

      Look no further than the Gold Coast, it has everything you are looking for, I’m not even sure I need to give you a second choice.

      Why?

      Brisbane, no beaches. Sunshine Coast, no nightlife. Sydney is a possibility, but you may struggle to find a good residential quiet area with stunning homes within an hour and a half drive, unless you have a great deal of money.

      Melbourne will not give you the weather you’re looking for consistently and Perth/Adelaide would be too quiet for you, especially the nightlife.

      So I’m sticking with the Gold Coast, good luck, Bob

      • Kevin April 7, 2016, 2:57 am |

        Thanks for the recommendation Bob, Ill take a closer look at the Gold Coast.

        Cheers,
        Kevin

  • Vinod Viswanathan Naik March 30, 2016, 9:46 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I found your blog and website quite interesting and it helped me a lot to get insights into many areas. My background is Mechanical engineer specialised in project management for oil and gas projects.Even I am ready to venture into mining sector. Could you please suggest which state in Aussies has got more scope in terms of many undergoing projects related to above both domains. I would highly appreciate your valuable inputs.

    Thank you

    • BobinOz March 31, 2016, 8:49 pm |

      Hi Vinod

      No I can’t, I don’t keep up to date with what goes on in that industry. Your best bet would be to research it using the links I have on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      At least that way you know the information is up-to-date. Good luck, Bob

  • WalCH March 17, 2016, 8:51 pm |

    Hello Bob,

    Thank you for all the wonderful information that you have made available to all the people through this website.
    I have a specific question for you.
    I am looking forward to apply for Australian immigration under the subclass 190. I have spoken to and met at least 5 Australian Immigration Agents in Dubai and Pakistan to discuss my case. Most of them being MARA certified (checked on the MARA website).
    The problem is that some would say that I will be eligible and others say I will not be for the skilled category; based on the fact that I graduated as a Chemical Engineer but my 2 year work experience is in a different field of work.
    3 of the 5 agents say that since you wont be claiming any points from work experience, it doesnt matter what job have you been working in. While the other 2 consultants have a different opinion about this. They say it still counts and you will not be able to get a positive assessment.

    What do you think is correct? Can you please help me out here??

    I score 60 points without claiming any work experience. Looking forward to your response.

    Best.

    • BobinOz March 18, 2016, 11:56 pm |

      I don’t think anything, I’m not a MARA migration agent. I’m afraid this is one of those questions I simply cannot answer because I’m not qualified, see Would I Qualify?

      I feel for you, because each of those MARA migration agents should be saying the same thing, whatever the correct thing is. If you want to ask my MARA migration agent what he thinks, and I do recommend him, then maybe you should go through my Visa Assessment Service.

      Good luck, Bob

  • mumof2 March 11, 2016, 10:42 pm |

    Hi
    I am a secondary school English teacher (15 years experience) and my partner is a Quantity Surveyor (six years experience) and we are looking at emigrating to Australia in a couple of years with our two boys, three and 20 months. As much as we love the UK, our main motivation is to provide our boys with the best quality of life we can, as well as improving our family life as a whole. There is such a wealth of information available, it has made me really unclear of how to begin!

    We are looking for somewhere really family-friendly with plenty to do, obviously good schools and a beach close if possible.

    Any advice on where to start wold be amazing.

    Thanks

    • BobinOz March 14, 2016, 4:36 pm |

      You need to be clicking through on the many links on this page and reading more about each state and city. You need to narrow down your own search based on what you want and where you can get work. Family friendly with good beaches and schools could fit many places in Australia.

      You will learn a great deal about each of these places if you read through the comments that have already been made as well. Good luck, Bob

  • StaffordshireLady March 10, 2016, 8:53 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    I’m currently studying for a Degree in Adult Nursing and plan on emigrating within a few years of graduation. My husband is concerned about his job prospects and I’m not sure where he would fall within the job sections….

    He’s currently assistant manager within a property maintenance firm where he’s worked for 10yrs+ and he’s trained through experience in plastering, tiling, painting, fitting bathrooms/kitchens etc. He is currently in charge of around 50 men on the tools now, so his day to day job is scoping and pricing jobs (internally) liaising with project managers/directors, customer care, and liaising with the workers.

    If you had any idea of where he’d fall within the jobs in Australia or can point me in the right direction i’d be much appreciated.

    Thank you

    • BobinOz March 11, 2016, 5:01 pm |

      You need this page – Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      If you qualify for a visa because of your qualifications, your husband can be included as your spouse on the same application. So he doesn’t have to find a name for what it is he does, he just needs to find a job when he gets here.

      If you need help with the process, you should really talk to a MARA migration agent, for help with that see Migration agents..

      • Laura March 11, 2016, 5:21 pm |

        Hi Bob

        Thanks for your reply.

        My husband and I just want to make sure there is a trade that he fits in…. management as he says he’s done his time on the tools 🙂 although looking into it more we think he would fall within a foreman supervisor or site supervisor etc.

        Thanks for the info we will look into it further.

        😉

        • jim March 13, 2016, 8:05 pm |

          You should go on the block TV show…

  • bahar March 9, 2016, 10:03 pm |

    Hiii
    How can I find the cheapest islands in Australia?

    • BobinOz March 10, 2016, 5:20 pm |

      Do you want to buy a whole island?

  • Kim March 5, 2016, 7:11 am |

    My boyfriend and I are hoping to move to Australia if Trump is elected…. It’s been overwhelming to begin research but this is a great start! Thank you!

    • BobinOz March 6, 2016, 9:11 pm |

      Ha ha ha, that’s funny! Trump is President? Runaway!!!

      Glad to hear you like my website, thanks.

      • asdfghjkl June 6, 2016, 5:18 pm |

        lol

  • briju March 2, 2016, 5:00 pm |

    Hello bob,
    I got a independent PR visa to Australia.I am an engineer.kindly advice the best location in Australia where I can find a job easily and places I should not consider for migration at present situation.

  • Raj February 26, 2016, 3:29 am |

    I am a banker and got PR for Australia under open skilled migration. Please guide best city to move for me having better job prospects

  • Anshul Tyagi February 24, 2016, 1:23 am |

    Hey bob, I had seen your reply against the comments and they were tremendous and very helpful . 🙂
    So i need your help to decided which state in Australia is better for studies and less expensive with vast job opportunities
    Basically i had done graduation in civil engineering and having experience of 2 year in mine field
    Please bob help me to decide which state is better and cost of leaving is cheaper with there studies along woth job opportunities from civil engineer point of views

    • BobinOz February 24, 2016, 6:03 pm |

      I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that, states with the most job opportunities are by their nature the ones that are more expensive to live in. Places that are cheap to live in have fewer job opportunities.

      So what you are asking for doesn’t really exist. Please check the comments on my main pages about Australian Cities and Australian States to help you decide where to head to.

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

If your comment doesn’t get answered, find out why…..
FAQs and Comment Policy.