More and more Kiwis move to Australia every year for various reasons, including better economic opportunities, access to world-class education and training, an enhanced quality of life, the proximity to international markets, and family connections.

Australia’s robust economy, diverse job market, and appealing lifestyle factors contribute to the ongoing trend of Kiwi’s moving to Australia. Amidst this migration, Ausmove stands out as Auckland’s only dedicated specialist mover to Australia, facilitating a seamless transition for those embarking on this journey.

In this article we look at the top 5 reasons New Zealanders are moving to Australia.

1. Economic Opportunities:

Australia’s larger and more diverse economy attracts Kiwis in search of better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement. The robust job market across various industries is a significant draw for those seeking financial stability and growth, making a move to Australia very attractive.

2. Education and Training:

Australia is home to some of the best universities and educational institutions in the world. Many New Zealanders move to Australia for educational purposes, seeking access to a wide range of courses and degrees that can enhance their skills and career prospects.

3. Quality of Life:

Australia’s high standard of living, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities are appealing to Kiwis looking for a change in lifestyle. The outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and recreational opportunities contribute to an enhanced quality of life meaning more and more New Zealanders are choosing to move to Australia.

4. Closer to the World:

Australia’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region makes it a hub for international business and travel. Kiwis with global aspirations are making the move to Australia to be closer proximity to major markets, facilitating easier access to international opportunities.

5. Family Ties and Connections:

Family reunification is a significant factor driving migration. Many Kiwis have family members already living in Australia, and the desire to be closer to loved ones motivates individuals and families to make the move to Australia.

Moving you to Australia

As Kiwis continue to seek new horizons in Australia, Ausmove offers specialised moving services making your transition to Australia smooth and stress-free. For detailed information on Ausmove’s services and expertise visit www.ausmove.co.nz or call (09) 360-4777.

Get a quote for Moving to Australia from NZ

Australia is one of the best countries in the world. It’s a fact! Australia consistently ranks as one of the most liveable places on the planet. So, other than that, why are so many Kiwis moving there?

There’s got to be something more than just the weather. In this post, we outline 10 great reasons to move to Australia and who to call when you’re about to take the leap and do it! .

1. Career moves

Depending on your industry, Australia may have better career options for you. Whether you want to be doing FIFO work in a desert mine, or be the next lifeguard on Bondi Rescue – Australia’s job opportunities are far and wide.

2. Weather

Australia is so big that you can choose a destination with whatever kind of whether you want. From year-round cold in the Snowy Mountains to warmth every day in places like Cairns and Darwin.

3. Life’s good

The quality of life in Australia is one of the best. It’s safe, politically and economically stable, and Australians enjoy the same rights regardless of gender, race, sexuality, beliefs or anything else.

4. So much to see

Australia is the ideal place for a working holiday. It would literally take centuries to see the whole country, so you won’t run out of things to do!

5. Foodie haven

Foodies love Australia. Why? Because Australians love food! A multicultural nation, there are so, so many cuisines available right across Australia. And don’t forget world-famous breakfast cafes and some of the best coffee going.

6. Language isn’t an issue

Moving to a different country can be daunting when you don’t know the language. It’d be pretty tough to not know how to order a chicken schnitty and a beer. But in Australia, ‘chicken schnitty’ and ‘beer’ are pretty much everybody’s first words. You won’t have any issues understanding Aussies, though sometimes they’ll play on the fact that the can’t understand you!

7. Choose your view

In terms of views, you don’t get more spoilt for choice than you do in Australia. From white sandy beaches to snow-capped mountains, to stunning desert plains. Wherever you are in Australia, you’ve got something pretty to look at.

7. It’s close to home

You won’t have to worry about spending a bazillion dollars on a 38-hour flight every time you want to visit your mates and your family. Everywhere in Australia is relatively close to New Zealand via flight and won’t cost you an arm or a leg to get there.

8. The people

Australians have a reputation for friendliness and a love of life. They’re always down for a hang with their cousins from across the ditch too.

9. Just do it!

You’ll see when you get there that moving to Australia was one of the best decisions you could have made. It’s something that, if you don’t do, you’ll regret deeply.

Ausmove are New Zealand’s expert moving company when it comes to moving Kiwis to Australia. They’ve been doing it for 25 years! They make sure your stuff (and you) arrives safely and promptly on Aussie shores. Contact the team at Ausmove today to take the first step in starting your new Australian life.

Even though it’s basically across the road, moving to Australia is still a big deal. You’re starting a new life, doing a new job with new people in a new place. It might even be the biggest thing you’ve done in your life so far!

So, how do we prepare for that? We make a to-do list. An extensive to-do list. That’s what we’ve prepared for you today: this is our criteria to tick off when moving to Australia.

Forget about work visas

As Kiwis, we enjoy the great privilege of not needing a work visa when we move to Australia. This saves a heap of money and loads of time waiting around for your visa to be accepted. Instead, we have a Special Category visa (SCV) which allows us to stay and work in Australia for as long as we like.

Research the job market

You can’t move somewhere without having something to do that pays the bills. Sure, it’d be nice to move to the Gold Coast without a job and just hang at Surfer’s Paradise all day. Unfortunately, that ain’t gonna cut it in the real world, sweetie. Looking at job opportunities in your industry is a must. That way you can decide which place suits you best and will allow you to live comfortably in Australia.

Find a place to live

So, you’ve nailed which city or town seems to have the best job prospects for you. Congrats! Now it’s time to find a roof over your head. Accommodation options in Australia are far and wide. From compact units, perfect for you and your cat, to suburban houses which will fit the whole family. Depending on which area of which city you’re looking at moving into, rent tends to be quite affordable in comparison to salary.

Open a bank account

Now you need somewhere to put all your money. Australians don’t store it under the mattress or bury it in their backyard. Instead, they store it in magical things called ‘bank accounts’. Look into a few different banks and see which one appeals to you the most.

Move your stuff

Finding someone to move your stuff from New Zealand to Australia can be a daunting task. It’s a long way across the Tasman and you’ve probably got a fair few precious things to move. Who do you trust to move all your stuff safely, reliably and quickly? Well… that brings us to our next point.

Ausmove. Ausmove are New Zealand’s most trusted team for moving Kiwis to the land of Kangaroos. They’ve been turning Kiwi tourists into Aussie locals for over 25 years. With affordable pricing and top-quality service, get in touch with the team at Ausmove for a quick quote today.

If you’re put off by the general hype, huge populations and housing prices of Sydney and Melbourne, let’s introduce you to Australia’s third largest city: Brisbane. It’s a place that enjoys picturesque weather, fantastic beaches and liveliness without being too hectic. Brisbane’s population is less than half of Sydney or Melbourne’s, sitting at a comfortable 2.3 million.

So, if you’re already a little curious, let’s delve deeper. Here are five top reasons to move to Brisbane.

1) Weather

Queensland is known as Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’, and Brisbane is its capital. On average, Brisbane gets 250 days of perfect sunshine per year. This means your jumpers and jackets will basically be sitting in your wardrobe, collecting dust. The coldest month is July which has an average temperature high of 21 degrees Celsius… can you even call that ‘winter’? Brisbane is the place for you if you want more Vitamin D in your life.

2) Close-by to world famous beaches

Brisbane is surrounded by world famous beaches. About an hour south by car, you’ve got the Gold Coast, known for its most popular beach, Surfers Paradise, and the best theme parks in Australia, including Wet ‘N’ Wild World. The Gold Coast is the place where action and excitement is a part of everyday life. Then, if you drive a little over an hour north, you’ve got the Sunshine Coast. This is the home of famous beaches Noosa and Mooloolaba, and it’s known for its super chilled atmosphere.

3) Affordable housing

Renting and buying property in Brisbane is bound to save you tons of cash, compared to living in Sydney or Melbourne. Brisbane’s housing market doesn’t have the same jaw-dropping, wallet-emptying prices, making it a lot easier to find something you love, somewhere you love in Brisbane. This makes it an ideal city for families and students alike.

4) Job market

Brisbane has a great job market with strong sectors in education, agriculture, mining, tourism and hospitality. Blue collar work like construction and trades is another area where finding a job is easy; as one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, there’s plenty of work to be done!

5) Liveliness

Brisbane is home to some of the best nightlife, and day-life, in Australia. Vibrant, hip areas like Fortitude Valley and West End are known for their stunning range of cuisines, cute cafes, trendy bars and awesome nightlife. The city as a whole is pumping, and a testament to this is its hosting of the Olympic Games in 2032.

Brisbane, Brissy, Brisvegas… whatever you want to call it, it’s an awesome place to live. Ausmove can help you pack up and head for the Sunshine State. They’re New Zealand’s best team of movers and packers, being logistical experts when it comes to relocating to Australia. Get in touch with Ausmove and start your new Brisbane life today. Request a free quote online.

Love arts and culture? Looking for more job opportunities? Avid foodie and lover of different cuisines? Melbourne ticks all the boxes. As Australia’s second biggest city, Melbourne is recognised as one of the best places to live in the world. Ideal for singles, couples, families and retirees, Melbourne welcomes everybody with open arms.

In this post, we’re going to outline our five top reasons to move to Melbourne, and who to call if you’re keen on doing so.

1) Liveability

Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world. It is always in the top 10 of the Economist’s list of most liveable cities; it’s usually in the top 5; and it took out the number 1 spot, seven years in a row until 2017. It’s hard to find fault with a place like Melbourne, given that it’s literally one of the greatest cities on Earth!

2) Arts and culture

Melbourne is one of the cultural capitals of Australia. Art and culture is prevalent everywhere: from the highest institutions to the atmosphere of the streets. Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building are two of the most-frequented cultural establishments in the city – just the sheer size of these buildings is an indicator of how important art and culture is in Melbourne. Hip, creative suburbs like Fitzroy and Northcote are decorated with street art in all forms, giving these parts of the city a distinctly Berlin-esque vibe.

3) Food

Melbourne is a melting pot of all sorts of people, from all sorts of cultural backgrounds. With this comes the amazing blend of cuisines which are right on your doorstep. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, Melbourne is basically your heaven. Coffee snobs won’t be able to stick their nose up in the air in Melbourne – this city is home to some of the best coffee in Australia, if not the world.

4) Job market

Employment opportunities are aplenty in hustling, bustling Melbourne. Blue collar work, like construction and trades, is well-paid and easy to find. Creative types like artists, writers and musicians are also drawn to Melbourne. Other fields of work include technology, education, agriculture and hospitality.

5) Everyone’s welcome

Part of the beauty of Melbourne is that it’s suitable for everyone, regardless of age and circumstance. Young people are attracted to inner northern and southern suburbs, families thrive in leafy, green suburbs like Greensborough and Dandenong and retirees are attracted to the laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty of the Mornington Peninsula.

Melbourne is where you need to be. Ausmove are the people who bring you there. As New Zealand’s best moving company for Kiwis heading to Australia, Ausmove pride themselves on their customer service, logistical expertise and competitive prices. They’ve helped countless others in hanging their hat in Melbourne and are keen to help you too. Get in touch with Ausmove and start your Melbourne journey today.

Feel like a taste of Australia’s biggest city? Moving to Sydney is the dream for many Kiwis, who want a world of job opportunities, amazing weather and internationally famous beaches all at their doorstep. If you’re intent on calling Sydney home, you probably don’t need much convincing… but, nevertheless, here are our top 5 reasons to hang your hat in Sydney!

1) Lifestyle

If you love a fast-paced city with lots to see and do, then Sydney is right up your alley. The city has a population of over 5 million, meaning there’s always something exciting happening, every day of the year. Sydneysiders enjoy a lifestyle which is busy and jam-packed full of activities.

2) Beaches

There aren’t many beaches in the world that are more famous than the ones in Sydney: Bondi Beach has had a globally-watched TV show made about it, for crying out loud! The beaches in Sydney are well-known for simply being the bomb. Clovelly, Coogee, Manly and Tamarama are just a few of the other fantastic beaches which are right in the heart of suburban Sydney life.

3) Weather

And what do you need to enjoy some of the world’s best beaches? Some of the world’s best weather! Sydney’s weather is perfect if you love warm, slightly humid summers and ultra mild winters. The average winter temperature high in July (the coldest month) is 17 degrees Celsius. Not too bad, huh? Summers are spent down at the beach, or exploring some of the other amazing beachside towns and villages which spread up and down the coast. The South Coast is a favourite holiday spot among locals, as are the northern NSW towns of Port Macquarie and Byron Bay.

4) Job opportunities

Unless you’ve won the lottery, you’ll need a job in Sydney in order to live there. Rest assured: Sydney has a strong job market. Unemployment is low in Sydney, with the rates sticking around the 3.75% area. There are always jobs to be found in Sydney – whether you’re an IT expert, a construction heavyweight or an upcoming artist.

5) Great public transport

You might hear of Sydney’s size, and think, “Well, public transport must be a nightmare!” Truth is, it has one of the best public transport systems in the country. Trains, buses and ferries are all part of the highly efficient transport system. Can you see yourself ferrying across the water to get to work every day? How frickin’ cool is that!

Moving to Sydney is just one phone call away – get in touch with the guys at Ausmove! They’re New Zealand’s favourite moving company for Kiwis who want to pack up and head across the ditch. Moving expertise, smooth service and affordable prices are what you get with the team at Ausmove. Grab a quote from them today!

They call it the ‘City of Churches’, but the truth is, there’s way more to South Australia’s vibrant capital city of Adelaide than that. It’s a place that’s known for gorgeous scenery, world-famous wine regions, pristine beaches and a relaxed, easy-going vibe.

Adelaide is one of the greatest cities in the world, and here are our top 5 reasons to prove it.

1) Liveability

Adelaide consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in the world. In 2020, it ranked as the most liveable city in Australia and third most liveable in the world. But other than the clean air, great atmosphere and stunning scenery, what makes Adelaide such a great place to live? Let’s get a little more into it.

2) Food and wine

Adelaide is the food and wine capital of Australia. With a diverse range of cuisines, from hearty South African, to mouth-watering Afghan and Ethiopian, to traditional Eastern European food, Adelaide will give you a first-rate education on the flavours of the world. Wine is something all Adelaideans know about: the city is within an hour’s driving distance from the Barossa, McLaren Vale, the Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek – all of which are globally acclaimed wine regions.

3) Traffic and easy lifestyle

Living in Adelaide is so easy. ‘Peak hour traffic’ in Adelaide means it takes an extra five minutes to get where you’re going. Adelaide is locally referred to as the ‘20-minute city’, based on one’s ability to get from the west to east, or the north to the south, within roughly 20 minutes. Don’t believe us? See what Google Maps says!

4) Beaches

OK, so you’ve probably heard of ‘Bondi’ and ‘Noosa’ – but Australia’s best beaches are secretly located in Adelaide. Pristine golden sands, calm waters and plenty of space between umbrellas is the description that can be used for all of Adelaide’s beaches, even on the hottest of summer weekends. Glenelg, Henley and Semaphore are some of our favourites in the metro area, with other amazing beaches like Port Willunga and Normanville being a little further out.

5) Housing market

Adelaide has one of the most affordable housing markets in Australia. The median rent price is just over $400, making it the cheapest in the country. House prices are also some of the lowest. So, if you want a nicer house in a nicer, more convenient area, be sure to put Adelaide at the top of your list of cities to check out in Australia.

Adelaide has a unique charm that no other city in Australia possesses. To become a certified Adelaidean, have a chat with the team at Ausmove. They help Kiwis like you move to South Australia every day, putting them in front of a beautiful coastal view with a glass of wine in their hand. Ausmove offer tip top service at competitive quotes, so make sure you choose Ausmove when it’s time to pack up and head for Adelaide.

Thinking of moving to Australia? With beautiful beaches, great weather, vibrant cities, fantastic job opportunities, and friendly locals all at your doorstep it’s no wonder over 600,000 kiwis now call Australia home.

Ranked as one of the most liveable countries in the world there is something for everyone. Whether you’re wanting to further your studies or career, start a family, or retire Australia is waiting for you.

If you’re planning a move across the ditch, here are our top 5 places to live in Australia!

1. Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, aka Australia’s playground is one of the best places to live in Aussie. With world-famous beaches, breath-taking ranges, international shopping centres, fantastic restaurants, and a booming nightlife all at your fingertips – you will never be bored!

Better yet, the Gold Coast has over 300 days of sunshine per year with temperatures barely dropping below 21 degrees.

The Gold Coast also has plenty of job opportunities. There is huge demand for workers in hospitality and tourism due to the large number of tourists who visit the Gold Coast every year as well as jobs in education, business, construction, and other trades too.

With good job opportunities and affordable living costs it’s no wonder the Gold Coast is a popular choice.

2. Brisbane

Only an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast is Brisbane another popular destination for Kiwi expats.

The capital city of Queensland is home to 2.28 million people making it Australia’s third-largest city behind Sydney and Melbourne. With a vibrant economy, beautiful beaches, and great coffee living in Brisbane you get the big city experience without the fuss.

What’s more, Brisbane provides plenty of study and career opportunities. With the University of Queensland and Griffith University campuses situated in the heart of Brisbane you are spoilt for choice.

Popular suburbs with families include Kelvin Grove and Victoria Point while South Brisbane and West End are common choices for university students and young professionals.

3. Melbourne

Melbourne – the cultural capital of Australia often referred to as Wellington’s cooler sister is a city full of life. It’s home to a vibrant art scene, fantastic shopping, and award-winning cafes and restaurants.

With a population of 5.1 million, Melbourne is an incredibly diverse place with over 140 cultures, making Melbourne an inclusive and welcoming city with extremely friendly locals.

Due to its diverse culture and vibrant art scene, there are plenty of job opportunities for creative types like musicians, artist, and writers. What’s more, there are also an abundance of job opportunities in technology, education, agriculture, hospitality, and trades.

Part of the beauty of Melbourne is that it’s suitable for everyone, regardless of age and circumstance. Young people are attracted to inner northern and southern suburbs, families thrive in leafy, green suburbs like Greensborough and Dandenong, and retirees are attracted to the laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty of the Mornington Peninsula.

4. Perth

Want the best of both worlds? Then look no further than Perth with perfect weather, beautiful beaches, plenty of job opportunities, a strong community feel, and a laid-back lifestyle you get the best of city and seaside living in Perth.

Perth is one of the most geographically isolated cities in the world, but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re there. Home to over 2 million people it is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities and is connected to the rest of the world through its international airport.

If you’re thinking of hanging your hat in Perth, Dalkeith and Mullaloo and Melville are great choices for families, while Northbridge is popular with millennials and Murdoch with retirees.

5. Sydney

If you love a fast-paced city with lots to see and do, then Sydney is the place to be. As Australia’s largest city home to over 5 million people there is never a dull moment.

What’s more, it’s home to the famous Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens, and Bondi and Manly beach, providing picture-perfect backdrops wherever you turn.

Sydney has a range of neighbourhoods to suit all lifestyles. Whether you want to be in the hustle and bustle of the city or prefer to wake up to views of the northern beaches there is a suburb for everyone.

If you’re ready to move to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, or any other city in Australia get in touch with Ausmove for a free no-obligation quote and start your Australian adventure today.

Tasmania offers a great range of things to do for every kind of person – both indoors and out; from culture and music to adventure sports and exploration.

Tasmania may be a small island, but it packs in a great number of things that you can do. Tassie, as it is popularly known, has vast national parks, a vibrant food scene, several adventure sports options to begin with. It offers some great shopping too. If you’re considering a move to Tasmania, here is a handy list of things to do in Tasmania to get you started.

Touristy things

It’s very common to overlook the tourist destinations in the city that you stay, so the first thing you must do, is make notes for yourself on the places to visit. Here are some options. Take some time to explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Here you will find glacier lined crags, lakes that shimmer, as well as extensive beech forests. A great walk to take is the Lake Dove Walk trail which gives you some great views of the mountain.

The city of Hobart alone has so much to offer someone looking to explore. The MONA – Museum of Old and New Art which documents the region’s art beautifully is a great place to start. For an immersive experience of Tasmania’s food, a walk around the waterfront precinct is a great way to start. The Port Arthur Historic Site is the old convict settlement of the region and is around an hour away from Hobart. It makes for a great day trip. Spend some time at the World heritage-listed Freycinet National Park and particularly at the Wineglass Bay, one of the top beaches of the region.

If you are one for great views, then you cannot beat the majestic views from Kunanyi at Mount Wellington. Salamanca Place and Bruny National Park are also great places to visit. Begin with these and you are sure to find many more to add to your list.

Music and culture

Music enthusiasts will have a great time at any one of the many venues for music in Tasmania. Some of the best music venues are at Hobart. Check out the gigs playing at some of these places. Start with The Brisbane Hotel – it’s not the most premium of places but it is one of the best music venues around. The bands that play here are passionate musicians, who create some beautiful music and don’t just play covers. Another great place is The Grand Poobah. This is a popular spot for visiting bands as well as local ones. The Republic Bar has to be one of the most popular ones around, with live gigs happening every day of the week. Playing at this venue is believed to be a band’s step to stardom. The Royal Oak Hotel and Club 54, both in Launceston are quite popular with the youngsters.

If you would like to explore some of the culture of Tasmania, then there are numerous things that you can do. Head to the Old Hobart Town Model Village that replicates the life and history of Hobart. Another great place to visit is the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre that tells you the story of the miners back in the day and how they worked. The West Coast Heritage Centre explains elaborately the history and development of the West Coast. Do take some time out to visit the Port Arthur Historic site, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is little more than an hour’s drive from Hobart. And automobile enthusiasts will definitely have to make a stop at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania.

Art and theatre

If you are looking for some good classical and theatre performances, there are several places that you can head to. Check out what is happening at the Salamanca Arts Centre, which has both theatre and performing arts. You could also try Princess Theatre, the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre as well as the Earl Arts Centre. There are several other venues that you can choose to go to.

Tasmania is quite serious about its art and you will see that are over 50 galleries dedicated to various art forms. Rosny Barn is a gallery at Rosny Park; You have the Queen Victoria Art Gallery which is a heritage museum and bookshop as well. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart draws quite a crowd as well. Some other important galleries for your list should be Colville Gallery, The Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery and Design Tasmania.

Outdoor activities

The great thing about Tasmania is the fact that it has weather that is not too extreme and so the outdoors is always a great place to be. There are several activities that you can indulge in and numerous companies that will organise some great things for you to in your free time.

Considering that the island has a wonderful coastline, water-based activities are aplenty, from swimming to surfing and to other more adventurous activities. With the undulating landscape and the numerous mountains around – hiking and trekking are much loved activities as well. Rock climbing and camping are popular too.

Thanks to the great weather, you can also spend time exploring the food scene in Tasmania. There are several great spots for you head out to. What’s more, having a BBQ with the family in your backyard is something you can consider at all times.

Winter time is when you can make the most of the range of festivals that come to town (there are plenty that do the rounds in summer as well) and have yourself a great time.

In general, Tasmania has a humming arts, food and music scene, as well as being heaven for those who love the outdoors. If you have decided to make the move, contact Ausmove. We can arrange moving your possessions, your car, and even the cat and dog over the ditch.

You’ve been planning this move for a while. The Lucky Country was going to welcome you with open arms in 2020, but now with COVID-19, you’re not sure. Should you still go?

When this article was written, the situation world wide is uncertain. There’s unknown rates of infection, unknown outcomes, and unknown resolutions. Despite this, if you want to move, it’s still worth doing.

Australian economy

The economy has long been the main reason that Kiwis have considered moving over the ditch. The promise of a well-paying job in the mines, driving trucks, or working in the city has always been a lure for Kiwis. It’s a way to get ahead; get a deposit together for your home, and give your kids a great life.

While Australia is taking a financial hit, so is the rest of the world. The difference is that Australia has the stability and strong market to recover quickly. Once normal life resumes, it’s the same busy economy, liveable salaries, and opportunities for growth.

Lifestyle

Another attraction of Aussie is that sun-kissed lifestyle. The white, pristine beaches, warm water, waves perfect for surfing and a temperature making even winter a pleasure. The amazing restaurants, the theme parks, the shopping, the Glass Mountains, the hiking… All of these things are still in Australia, just on hold. If we know anything from disasters, it’s that people want their lives to be ‘normal’ again as soon as possible. The minute the danger has passed, the restaurants will reopen and people will start, slowly, recovering their lives.

By the time you get to Australia, the sense of normal will have returned, and all the great things about the lifestyle will be back.

Health and wellbeing

While at this point it looks like Australia will face many challenges in the next few months, everywhere else in the world is facing the same challenges—even New Zealand. The future is unknown, but this is the same across the world. How this virus behaves is the same across borders and countries.

The Australian healthcare system is also one of the best in the world, with readily accessible care for all her inhabitants. A reciprocal agreement with Australia means that even with your special visa, once you’ve registered for Medicare, you receive the same standard of healthcare as everyone else. Once normality has returned, their healthcare system is effective and world-class.

Flights and entry in Australia

The current situation about how you’ll actually reach Australia is the challenging part of the equation. Currently, Qantas, Emirates and many other carriers have stopped all international flights. Australia has also closed her borders for all non-citizens.

It is expected that flights will resume when safe to do so, and the ban on non-citizens will lift eventually. When that happens, be ready to pack your bags, and start your move.

Impact on your finances

If you have already made the decision to move to Australia, then you will have already spent money on the process. Finding a home, booked flight tickets, booking a moving company. Rather than waste that money—and the time you’ve already invested—simply postpone the trip. Many providers will allow this to happen at this point, especially with the situation developing and changing daily.

If not now, then when?

This largely depends on your scenario and situation. Everyone is different.

If you already have secured employment in Australia, contact the company. Ask them what they are doing—if it’s an essential service, they may request you come as soon as possible. If they are working from home, they may request that you join them on your intended start date anyway and have you log in for NZ. Some businesses, especially in hospitality, may be suffering and could possibly request you hold off arriving until they can safely re-open. Covid-19 is causing the situation to change daily, so stay in touch with your new employer.

If you already have rented a home, contact the landlord. They will likely be happy to hold it for you until you arrive, and possibly even delay rent payments starting. Many countries have suspended mortgage payments, and this could allow a lot more flexibility.

If you’re shipping your possessions overseas, or they are en route, this could potentially be delayed as many ‘non-essential’ shipments are being held back. Speak to your shipping company.

Schooling in Australia is also a flexible situation from state to state. If your son or daughter is enrolled at a school, contact them and find out their situation. With school holidays around now anyway, some are opting for a casual wait and see approach.

Don’t cancel your move to Australia

The situation world-wide is the same, and nowhere is certain. What is certain is that if you were considering or planning a move to Australia, it’s still possible. When flights start, restrictions are lifted and the world discovers the new normal, there will be opportunities for those willing and ready to seize them. Carpe diem.