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Moving to Australia
GEOGRAPHY OF AUSTRALIA Australia is the largest island and the smallest continent on Earth. It stretches some 3700 km from its northern-most to its southern-most point, and about 4000 km from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Indian Ocean in the west. There are vast sandy deserts and tablelands in the west and the centre, sweeping plateaus and plains flanking narrow coastal slopes to the east. The coastal regions feature broad sandy beaches and lush vegetation. Overall, Australia is the second driest continent on Earth (after Antarctica) yet, surrounding the arid centre, there are large tracts of rainforest, temperate grasslands and bush. REGIONS OF AUSTRALIA Each state, while sharing Australia's ethnic and scenic diversity, has its own lifestyle and unique attractions. WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA) From grasslands to countryside English settings, to coastlines with the scenic tranquility of Pacific islands. Rich mineral resources drive the state’s economic growth, so evident in the prosperity and lifestyle of the capital city of Perth. Key facts about Western Australia Capital: Perth Population :2 million Climate: Average temperatures winter to summer: 8 to 32°C Claim to fame: Perth is the fastest growing city in Australia! Website to visit: http://wa.gov.au/governmentservices/lifestyleenvironment  SOUTH AUSTRALIA (SA)
The capital Adelaide is often called the “20-minute” city - the maximum time to drive from home to work. 4000 km of coastline with plenty of sunshine, and the famed vineyards of Barossa Valley create a Mediterranean charm. Key facts about South Australia Capital: Adelaide Population: 1.6 million Climate :Average temperatures winter to summer: 20 to 28°C Claim to fame: Adelaide is a stone’s throw away from Barossa, the world famous wine region! Website to visit: http://wa.gov.au/governmentservices/lifestyleenvironment  VICTORIA (VIC)
Victoria has its share of splendid cities set amidst natural beauty. It is a melting pot of cultural diversity, with as many as 175 languages spoken. The garden city of Melbourne boasts the headquarters of some of Australia’s largest companies. Key facts about Victoria Population: 5 million Climate: Average temperatures winter to summer: 5 to 27°C Claim to fame: Melbourne has a chic ‘European’ city feel! Website to visit: http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=14&languageId=1&contentId=-1 
NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)
Key Facts about New South Wales
Population: 6.8 million Climate : Average temperatures winter to summer: 7 to 26°C Claim to fame: Sydney is Australia’s largest and most vibrant city! Website to visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/index.asp 
QUEENSLAND (QLD) Known as the Sunshine State of surf and fun. Queensland boasts one of the most famous natural wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef. For the adventurous, there is no better place for fishing, diving and snorkelling.
The capital Brisbane is a bubbling cauldron of cultures. Key Facts about Queensland Capital: Brisbane Population: 4 million Climate: Average temperatures winter to summer: 10 to 29°C Claim to fame: The weather is beautiful one day – perfect the next! Website to visit: http://www.qld.gov.au/moving_to_queensland/ 
Helpful Tips for Moving To Australia
RENTAL ACCOMODATION The two most popular websites are: www.domain.com.au www.realestate.com.au www.realestate.com.au
Both are user friendly with a number of pictures of the property. You can also search by area or suburb, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You can even put in key words like ‘backyard’ or ‘balcony’ to make the search more specific. Phone numbers will be on the listing so that you can call and ask questions prior to seeing the property.
Many Australian cities are currently experiencing a shortage of rental accommodation. It is unlikely that you will be able to secure a place more than a few weeks in advance. If the property has been placed on the website by a Real Estate agent the viewings will generally be on a Wednesday /Thursday afternoons and Saturdays. Private vendors may be more flexible.  You will generally need to pay a bond for the property. Bonds are between 4 and 6 weeks rent. The Bond is then deposited with a body called The Bond Board. The Bond Board holds your money – not the agent or owner. At the end of the lease, if the owner/agent want to withhold money for damages and you disagree you can dispute it with The Bond Board. For more information see: http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/realestaterenting/tenantslandlords/rentalbonds.html TAX FILE NUMBER You will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Tax Office. Failure to do so will see your wages taxed at a higher rate. For more information and to apply online go to: http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/38760.htm BANK ACCOUNT The four major banks in Australia are: Commonwealth Bank - http://www.commbank.com.au/ ANZ - http://www.anz.com/ Westpac - http://www.westpac.com.au/ National Australia Bank - http://www.nab.com.au/ You will find their savings accounts are very similar. They generally provide you with a debit card, free telephone and internet banking. Monthly fees in Australia are quite low at $5-$10 per month. However, while it is free to use your bank’s Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) you will be charged fees if you use another bank’s machine.  The countries listed below have a reciprocal agreement with Australia which means citizens of those countries can access the Medicare system. Italy Republic of Ireland Finland Malta The Netherlands New Zealand Norway Sweden United Kingdom The Medicare system covers visits to the doctor, subsidized medicine and access to public hospitals. Certain countries have different levels of cover, for more information please read: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/going_overseas/uk_sweden_finland_norway_netherlands_malta_italy.shtml If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement with Australia you will need to organize private health cover. For more information regarding private health insurers who provide cover for overseas visitors please read: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/information/works/migrants/overseasvisitors.htm DRIVERS LICENSE
The rules covering the length of time you may drive with your overseas license are different from state to state. For more information regarding transferring your driver’s license please visit the relevant link below: • Western Australia: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing/yourlicence/1363.asp • Queensland: http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Assistance_and_services/Visitors_and_new_residents/International_drivers/ • New South Wales: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/newtonsw/international_drivers.html • South Australia: http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/licences_certification/drivers/interstate_overseas.asp • Victoria: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licensing/NewResidentsVisitors/OverseasDriversLicences.htm  SUPERMARKETS
The two major supermarket chains in Australia are: · Woolworths · Coles Each state will also have a number of local competitor’s as well smaller independent grocers for you to choose from. 
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