With lots of sun year-round and a relaxed atmosphere, lots of people are putting Australia as their number one dream destination. If you’re looking to make a home in the great land down under, here are answers to some of the burning questions that you might have. 

1 What type of visa do you need? 

It depends on how long you’re intending to stay. Short stay work visas are ideal if you’re just looking for a slight change of pace for a year or two. But if you’d like to stay any longer, you will need to apply for a Skilled Migration visa. 

With this visa, you will be able to stay permanently and work or study in Australia indefinitely. Applicants who are skilled in industries of high demand might see a faster response or be eligible for a Workforce Skills Pathway visa. The skills pathway visa is for people who have already been working in Australia for some time in hospitality, early childhood education, or as part of a STEM industry. 

2 What job is in highest demand in Australia? 

It depends on the state, but generally, the hospitality and tourism industry is always hiring everywhere in Australia. There is a high demand for cooks and chefs, as well as restaurant/hotel managers and baristas, especially in the big cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Other jobs in demand include trades like cabinetry, carpentry, mining, stonemasonry, and plumbing. 

The Early Childhood Education and Aged Care industries are also hungry for skilled workers to fill much needed positions, and Australia’s recent policies is prioritising growth in STEM fields, which means workers in technology, science, and engineering are highly valued. 

3 Can I move without a job lined up? 

You don’t need a job offer before moving to Australia, but it definitely helps your permanent work visa application if you do. Your application is more likely to be accepted if you include some proof of employment. 

4 Which city should I pick? 

Australia is a big place, and the jobs available will vary from city to city. Business is concentrated in the bigger cities like Melbourne and Sydney, while jobs like mining and shipping are more in demand in Perth and Adelaide. 

Cost of living will also vary depending on the city. Sydney is the highest, followed by Melbourne and Perth. Regional areas are of course cheaper, but be prepared for less convenience and more distance from necessities. 

5 How much does it cost to rent? 

In Sydney, a furnished studio apartment about 45m2 costs on average 2080 AUD monthly. In Melbourne you can expect to pay about 1429 AUD monthly. The buying market is very competitive in Australia and the price of housing is set to climb further. Definitely expect to pay a bit more than your usual budget when you make the move. 

6 Is healthcare really free? 

Mostly! Australian citizens and permanent residents get either free or heavily subsidised healthcare through the public health system Medicare. You might also be covered if you are applying for permanent residency, though conditions apply. Medicare covers all of the cost of public health services, and either some or all of the other medical services someone might need, like physical or speech therapy. Some prescription medicines for Medicare card holders are also cheaper. 

It doesn’t cover everything though. For example, dental is not covered under Medicare after age 18. Many people in Australia opt for private health insurance for better cover. 

7 How does the education system perform in Australia? 

If you’re moving with children, you don’t have to worry. As of 2022, Australia ranks 8th in the world for education quality. Australian universities are world ranked, and perform well amongst the top universities in the world. Early Childhood Education is also being prioritised countrywide to really give children in Australia the best possible start to life and more pathways to success. 

8 What’s the weather like? 

This might seem like a mundane question, but it’s worth researching before you make the move. Australia gets a lot of sun in the summer and doesn’t freeze in the winter. It’s also a country prone to drought and bushfires, so there are lots of areas with water and fire restrictions in the summer. Wild weather in Australia includes floods, cyclones, and hurricanes, and the further north you go, the more tropical and humid it gets. Definitely do your research to see if you will be comfortable in the city you’ll be moving to, but one thing’s for sure; sunscreen is a must in the summer. 

9 Is Australia friendly to foreigners? 

In general, Australians are welcoming and tolerant of immigrants and expats. Many cities in Australia have diverse communities of people living and working together from all parts of the world, so it isn’t strange to hear many languages and accents in the air when you walk down the street. You shouldn’t expect to see any hostility towards you when you’re out and about. 

10 Is the wildlife really out to get you? 

Yes. The rumours are true. Unlike the local humans, the local wildlife are less friendly. The good news is that most of them will leave you alone if you leave them alone, so stay on the paths when you’re hiking. Even if it looks fluffy and cuddly, it can still hurt you. It’s best to just keep your distance.