Thinking about a move to Australia – could do with some advice please chaps

So, I’ve posted up a similar thread asking the yanks for some opinions on life state side, but, like oh so many people these days, I’ve also been considering a move out your way. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a bit, live around Europe, but regretfully I’ve never managed even to visit Australia. So honestly, I’m really after some opinions about what life in general is like out there…

That said, I thought first of all I should probably introduce myself a little. Firstly, the boring basic stuff: my name’s David, I live in a little town by the river in Oxfordshire, England, I’ve just graduated a degree in Economics, and I’ve always loved cars… well I say “always” but interestingly enough I think I can probably remember the very moment an interest in cars, became a true passion.

I was about 14 years old, and it was one of those very rare Sunday afternoons in England, it was sunny. I was stood on the pit wall at Silverstone, watching a stunning DBR1 fly by and brake down into Copse, the sight, sound, and above all the smell of that moment will live with me forever, and from that point I was truly hooked. I’d ended up at that track that afternoon, bizarrely enough, because of another sport entirely, Rugby. A few months earlier my school had banned us from playing Rugby during our break times (too many broken collar bones was the official line), and as a result I ended up passing most of my lunch hours on a Lotus forum. The chaps there were just the most wonderful bunch, and got me over to Silverstone to watch their racing series (which used to piggy-back onto Aston Martin Owners Club events) as soon as I could convince my big bro to drive me. It really was the most unbelievable afternoon, and it also showed me just how special the car community could be, which is, indirectly, what leads me here.

In my experience, and at the risk of generalising, Ferrari enthusiasts tend to be smart, successful, and often just a little off the wall, in short, exactly the type of people you’d like advice from.

So here’s where I am, as I mentioned, I’ve just finished an Economics degree, I speak French and Italian, and throughout university I’ve been working in Real Estate. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been offered jobs both in Private Banking and Real Estate Investment here in London. But if I’m honest I’m looking for the right environment in which to really invest myself, and London, Europe I fear, is just not it.

As such, what I really wanted to ask, is first of all, how do you all feel the market is out there? I mean, I read all the journals, listen to all the reports, but sentiment is a rather tricky thing to judge. Would be interested to know if anybody works in those sorts of sectors, and how your outlook is for the future? And also, more simply, if you gentlemen had your time again, where would you see yourself relocating?

I realise this is all a little speculative, but just thought it might be worth getting in touch, though, apologies if this turned out to be rather long winded! Of course, any help or advice is very much appreciated.

Oh, and just bringing it back to cars for a moment, believe it’s customary to post pics of your car when you’re new to a place; so here’s my little Fiat Barchetta by a lake in northern Italy, not quite a Ferrari, but a cousin at least

David
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Too long, didn't read.

But if you're coming here, don't expect a job and bring your own money.


Oh, and if you could bring a better Government with you that'd be great too.

 

x2 on the govt bit .......

 

Cars are expensive here.

FIAT stopped selling cars here in the 90's(only started again recently with the new 500) so if you brought that Barchetta to oz it would be rarer than a Ferrari

 

ok what sort of climate do you like , that will help us narrow it down a bit as the climate is different all over , if you like whacky weather changing every 5 mins , move to melbourne

 

And Sydney....
Love the desert mount isa one stop shop...

 

we might end up with Gordon Brown instead of Julia

 

I suggest you get on a refugee boat and make your way here. Then our government will come out and pick you up, you will be housed in a detention centre free of charge and this may have all the mod cons (depending on which one and whether it is full and they have to house you in an expensive motel instead) also paid for by the few of us who still actually work in this wonderful country. Then when they work out you are no threat to our country you will be released and you can sue for the time in detention and make yourself a little bit of spending money. You won't need much because our tax system will help you get a job and find you a place to live.

Others have been doing this for years, don't be a mug and come through the proper channels.
Pete
ps: choose your boat wisely as not all are as sea worthy as some others ...

 

You're going to regret asking!!

 

Will help him get used to our sense of humour
Pete

 

Search back a while ago when an American guy was asking the same questions... if you're under 26 I'd suggest get a 'backpackers work visa' (not the correct name - ring the Embassy and ask)) and come check things out for 12 months.

 

PPI on the boat is essential

 

can get one of his countrymen to do it for him locally ........ sweet

 

Don't do it Dave.

I post rarely but may be able to save your soul.

Do not choose Western Australia. (or 'Straya' to our repulsive Slime Minister). I've lived here my entire life and increasingly hate the place by the day. I travel extensively in my career by choice. Were it not for family I'd move on.

In Short:

Ridiculous property prices - Monaco grade ridiculous yet its a desert.
Zero Service in any hotel or restaurant - even the post office for that matter
Hollywood fake personalities at every turn.
50% tax plus 30% consumption taxes if you add them up. Free if you're an illegal immigrant though
Psychopath-led Federal government - yours looks sane - Greece rates a show by comparo.
The most expensive cars on the planet....bar none.
**** roads to drive them on
Nice beaches but...Sharks are a f protected species but taxpaying family men aren't.

Need I go on.

If you want to pay 75k USD for your v.nice Fiat come right in but bring your own lunch money.

Cheers

 

Don't do it Dave.

I post rarely but may be able to save your soul.

Do not choose Western Australia. (or 'Straya' to our repulsive Slime Minister). I've lived here my entire life and increasingly hate the place by the day. I travel extensively in my career by choice. Were it not for family I'd move on.

In Short:

Ridiculous property prices - Monaco grade ridiculous yet its a desert.
Zero Service in any hotel or restaurant - even the post office for that matter
Hollywood fake personalities at every turn.
50% tax plus 30% consumption taxes if you add them up. Free if you're an illegal immigrant though
Psychopath-led Federal government - yours looks sane - Greece rates a show by comparo.
The most expensive cars on the planet....bar none.
**** roads to drive them on
Nice beaches but...Sharks are a f protected species but taxpaying family men aren't.

Need I go on.

If you want to pay 75k USD for your v.nice Fiat come right in but bring your own lunch money.

Cheers

 

Markboj I agree with everything you say above other than the "**** roads to drive them on". In Victoria there are many amazing roads. Want sensational roads jump on the Spirit of Tasmania.

 

Take a trip to WA and weep my friend. Vic, SA and NSW and QLD I agree. TAS I havent seen other than via film of the Targa....which looks inspiring.

Did I add:

Over policed beyond revenue-raising belief
110 'wild' km speed limited
That its costs more to install a washing machine than buying one...
An airport modelled on Equador in the 1940's


I could go on all night

 

It is a great place - if you want some real info then pm and I will help where I can.
If not then...



Boats leave from a port near you every half hour-no need to work but you can get $220 per week, sitting on your arse doing nothing for 4 years waiting on a visa.

 

Well I’ll say one thing for sure gents… you’re definitely of a lot more cheery than people over here, and certainly more talkative than the American lot!

And, while I do love to sail, think I’ll probably avoid the refugee boat route for now

I would, but it’s left hand drive!! which I understand is pretty unacceptable to the aussie authorities… though all the more reason to try and import you a new government I guess haha

PM sent

David

 

we've got a bunch of whinging pricks here as you can see so if you settle next door to them you'll feel at home

House prices are huge for the income of the average person but if you are "above" average you will find the lifestyle here excellent, obviously just avoid WA

 

Really? "most expensive cars on the planet, bar none"?

 

exactly !!

Try Singapore for starters

and these guys are "well travelled"

 

*Shakeshead*

You guys have know eye deer!

 

Shakes head. Two words. OLIO

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-04/singapore-family-sedan-matches-cost-of-a-u-s-home.html

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-south-africa/south-africa-has-the-most-expensive-cars?sn=2009+Detail