Destinations

Moving to Western Australia (WA)

If you’re a Kiwi thinking about making the move across the Tasman, Western Australia could be the perfect place to start your next chapter. Known for its endless blue skies, stunning beaches, and booming economy, WA offers a unique lifestyle that blends opportunity with laid-back living.

Whether you’re chasing a new career, a better climate, or a fresh adventure for your family, cities like Perth, Fremantle, and Bunbury offer something for everyone. Plus, with a growing demand for skilled workers and a more affordable cost of living compared to Australia’s east coast, it’s no wonder more New Zealanders are choosing to call Western Australia home.

Relocating internationally is a big decision, but with a little planning and the right support it can be a smooth and exciting experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to plan your move, and why choosing a trusted moving partner like Ausmove can make all the difference.

Ready to discover why WA could be your best move yet? Let’s dive in.

Major Cities and Regions

Western Australia offers a diverse range of cities and regions from vibrant Perth to relaxed coastal hubs like Mandurah and Bunbury each providing a unique lifestyle for every kind of mover.

Perth – Perth is the capital and largest city of WA, home to over two million people. It offers a vibrant lifestyle with world-class beaches, buzzing cafés, strong job markets, and beautiful parks like Kings Park.
Popular suburbs include:

  • Fremantle: A historic, artsy port city vibe
  • Scarborough: Coastal living with a surfing and beach culture
  • Joondalup: Family-friendly with great schools and shopping

Mandurah – Located about an hour south of Perth, Mandurah is a growing coastal city known for its waterways, relaxed lifestyle, and affordable housing. It’s a great option for families or retirees wanting a quieter pace without losing city access.

Bunbury – Bunbury, about two hours south of Perth, is WA’s third-largest city. It’s famous for its dolphin population, beaches, and vibrant arts scene. It’s ideal for those who want coastal living with more affordable property prices than Perth.

Geraldton – Further north, Geraldton is a regional city offering a strong community feel, beautiful coastline, and jobs in industries like agriculture, fishing, and mining. It’s a lifestyle city for those who love the outdoors.

Albany – In the Great Southern region, Albany is known for its dramatic coastline, historic sites, and cooler climate. It’s a picturesque town that’s popular with retirees, nature lovers, and those looking for a slower pace of life.

As you can see, Western Australia has the perfect place for every lifestyle and ambition.

Job Opportunities

Western Australia offers a strong and diverse job market, with opportunities across both traditional industries and emerging sectors. Thanks to its resource-rich economy and growing population, WA consistently needs skilled workers across a range of fields.

In-demand roles include:

Mining and Resources:
WA is the powerhouse of Australia’s mining industry, creating high-paying roles in engineering, trades, project management, and logistics.

Construction and Trades:
With new residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects booming, builders, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are in high demand.

Healthcare and Aged Care:
Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and aged care workers are urgently needed across the state, from Perth to regional hubs.

Education and Childcare:
Teachers, early childhood educators, and childcare workers are highly sought after, with attractive salary packages and relocation incentives available in some areas.

Technology and Professional Services:
As Perth continues to grow as a smart city, IT professionals, marketers, accountants, and legal experts are increasingly in demand.

Regional Opportunities:
Government incentives often encourage workers to relocate to regional areas like Geraldton, Albany, and Bunbury, offering bonuses or visa support for key roles.

For Kiwis moving to WA, there’s a real advantage New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia without needing a full work visa, making it much easier to tap into these opportunities quickly.

Lifestyle Opportunities

One of the biggest reasons Kiwis are drawn to Western Australia is the unbeatable lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for coastal relaxation, outdoor adventures, or vibrant city living, WA offers it all with more space, more sunshine, and a laid-back pace compared to the East Coast.

Outdoor Adventures
Western Australia is a playground for lovers of the outdoors, offering some of the world’s most iconic beaches like Cottesloe, Scarborough, and the breathtaking Cable Beach. Whether you’re into surfing, fishing, camping, or hiking, adventure is always just minutes from your doorstep. Beyond the coast, you’ll find natural wonders like Rottnest Island with its famous quokkas, the rolling vineyards of Margaret River, and the surreal landscapes of the Pinnacles Desert  all perfect for weekend getaways.

Urban Living
Perth offers all the benefits of modern city living without the chaos of larger metropolitan centres. You’ll find riverside dining, boutique shopping, arts festivals, and vibrant nightlife, all enjoyed at a more relaxed, easy-going pace. For families, Perth’s suburbs are packed with parks, cycleways, and excellent schools, creating a safe, community-focused environment that makes balancing work and life simpler and more rewarding.

Work-Life Balance
Life in Perth means shorter commute times compared to busy cities like Sydney or Auckland, giving you more time to enjoy what really matters. Weekends are all about the outdoors with barbecues, beach days, and family gatherings being a regular part of life. Plus, with easy access to world-class wineries, national parks, and pristine coastlines, weekend getaways spots are never far from home.

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We’ve got your move to Victoria covered

With over 30 years of experience, Ausmove is New Zealand’s trusted relocation partner for Kiwis making the move to Western Australia. As specialists in Trans-Tasman moves, we’re proud to offer competitive pricing, clear communication, and expert knowledge of customs and quarantine (AQIS) requirements making your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Thanks to our strong network of reliable partners across Victoria, we can tailor our services to suit your needs whether you’re sending a few personal items or moving an entire home, complete with vehicles and pets. From professional packing through to final delivery, we’re with you every step of the way.

We treat your belongings with the utmost care and keep you informed at every stage of the journey. With Ausmove, you can feel confident knowing that your move to Victoria is managed by a team who genuinely understands what it takes to make the transition seamless.

Make your move worry-free

Ausmove offers a comprehensive, door-to-door international moving service to Victoria, making your move worry-free. Here’s an overview of what we provide:

  • A dedicated team of experts committed to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free relocation experience.
  • FREE consultations available via phone, video call, or in-person visits for your convenience.
  • Personalised, obligation-free quotes designed to meet your unique moving needs.
    Access to a reliable network of top-rated service providers across Australia.
  • Comprehensive door-to-door moving services, covering all necessary customs and regulatory requirements.
  • Specialised solutions for shipping vehicles and transporting pets with care.
  • A range of flexible sea and air freight options to match your timeline and budget.
  • Secure storage facilities available in both New Zealand and Victoria for short or long-term needs.
  • Experienced professionals handling packing, loading, and delivery with precision.
  • Custom-designed packing materials to protect delicate and specialty items, such as bicycles.
  • Cost-effective transit insurance options that can be tailored to suit your specific requirements.

Moving to Australia with Ausmove

When you choose Ausmove for your move from New Zealand to Australia, you’re partnering with a team of seasoned relocation experts committed to making the process smooth and worry-free. With over 30 years of experience handling Trans-Tasman moves, we understand the unique challenges involved and know how to manage every detail with confidence.

We offer flexible shipping solutions, including both air and sea freight to suit your timeline and budget. Our well-established network of reliable partners across Australia ensures that your belongings are carefully handled from pickup to final delivery. Whether it’s expert packing, secure transport, or timely arrival, every part of your journey is managed with precision and care.

We provide free, no-obligation consultations, along with responsive communication throughout the move. Our friendly team is here to guide you, answer questions, and give you peace of mind every step of the way. With competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, and a focus on keeping your possessions safe, Ausmove makes relocating to Australia efficient, reliable, and completely stress-free.

V Munro

``Ausmove has done a sterling job from the get-go, starting with excellent communication via Chantelle emailing, phoning & guiding us thru the unfamiliar process of shifting countries.``

K Findlay

``I can not speak highly enough of the Ausmove people, from Chantelle being sooo approachable and patient, to the sturdy young chaps who packed up my belongings. Such an emotional time with the stress taken out of my hands.``

Francis

``We had the pleasure of working with Antonio and Nate from AUSMOV for our move to Australia, and they were absolutely fantastic!``

R Hendesi

``These guys are amazing, magicians really did their best to fit everything in the container. Thanks so much to Sam, Jerome, Lolo, Lorenzo, Days. I will definitely recommend your services to friends and family.``