Living abroad: A love letter to Australia (and myself)

Within the last 15 months, I decided to leave the UK, bought a visa, and actually lived abroad for over two-thirds of a year. Boy, that’s gone quickly. Although my return to London is three months earlier than I’d planned - the result of losing my job, a cancelled travel tour, suspended Greyhound buses, closed state borders and even hotel booking rejections (due to my Sydney hotspot postcode), cheers ‘rona - it makes the most sense within the circumstances. While I didn’t get to tick everything I wanted from this year off my list, due to repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic, I had some INCREDIBLE experiences, learned so much about myself, and actually got to live like an Australian, rather than a Brit abroad.

To conclude this experience and start my next adventure, whatever the hell it is, here is a love letter - or perhaps a thank you letter - to my time in Australia and, actually, to myself. Buckle in, it’s a bit of a long ‘un.

Thank you for good luck and timing

I sometimes resent when people say “you’re so lucky!”, and I am very sparing when saying it to others. The notion of ‘good luck’ sometimes diminishes the hard work, sacrifices and intense planning a lot of us commit to in order to achieve the things we do. However, luck, or God’s good grace, did have its moment with my time in Sydney - particularly at the beginning! Entering the country when I did, a month or so before Coronavirus closed the international borders, was pure luck. As was the room I lived in central Sydney becoming available when it did, and securing a job within days of the job market plummeting and lockdown coming into effect.

Thank you for instilling a new confidence in me

As an adult, it would be inaccurate to say I was a shrinking wallflower (despite my height definitely fitting the ‘shrinking’ description!), but I would also be lying if I said I felt totally at ease in a room full of strangers. However, within the first month of my time in Sydney, I forced myself into situations where this was the norm, and it’s true: practice makes perfect. Before the Covid lockdown, I set up a flurry of ‘girl dates’, posting on the Solo Female Traveller Network and meeting some of these women in the hope of making new friends, as well as having dinners and drinks with friends of friends. In addition, when it came to the likes of job interviews, I feel less nervous than I used to, now used to speaking at length to strangers about my experience, job, opinions and thoughts.

Put most simply, my main learning of this whole trip is that if ever I need to, I can always up and start again from scratch - leave family, friends, my boyfriend, my flat, my things, my job, a city I know like the back of my hand - and still be okay.

Thank you for making exercise a more permanent feature in my life

Exercise once filled me with that pre-PE dread, until my friend went into PTing a few years ago. However, after a year or two, I was unable to train with her as we’d both moved houses, and I went right back to my old habits. Then again, in summer 2019, I began gymming regularly with my friend at lunchtimes, and maintained that when I moved home that Christmas with my brother; however, these were both more a socialising/quality time thing than doing it to better myself.

However, arriving in Australia encouraged me to maintain exercising as a way to have a routine when everything was brand-new and uncertain. It was an activity that I was able to do that didn’t feed my loneliness, but rather empowered me as someone on her own. I had never run in my LIFE for more than 30 seconds (honestly, ask my PT friend; that’s where I put my foot down, so to speak), yet here I was going on runs VOLUNTARILY, multiple times a week. It has made me more confident and comfortable in my body. And the bush walks of the Blue Mountains; who’d have thought something that involves bugs, dirt and long exercise would actually become one of my favourite hobbies?

Thank you for reminding me that everything happens for a reason

This is something I strongly believe in, but sometimes forget during hard times. It’s no secret that I struggled with the job search at the beginning, as I wasn’t used to being unemployed; it was something that affected me far more than I had expected. It’s pretty demotivating to apply for multiple jobs each day and get a stream of rejections (over 100, I counted) - or worse, pure silence - after you put time into the applications. I was even rejected from a role after receiving nothing but positive feedback from them throughout the process. However, like they say in Sex Ed classes: it only takes one! I landed a flexible role at a tech company, and was arguably more financially secure during the Coronavirus period than I would have been in another field (well, until I lost said job, but in the end, it was only a month earlier than I was due to finish…)

Thank you for ingraining that Instagram isn’t real life

We hear time and time again that “Instagram isn’t real life”; however, it’s all too easy to forget as we aimlessly scroll through photos of each other, lit in the best way, set in the best location, body positioned at the right angle. Scroll through my feed (@twentiesintransit - give me a follow while you’re there #shameless) and you’ll see that from the moment I landed in Australia, I posted copious beach photos, landmark snaps and whimsical walking views. You’d be forgiven for thinking I was living the absolute perfect existence - I would think the same from the outside. You know what? On some days, I really was living the dream, but this wasn’t the full picture. From a hospital spell of a loved one back home to the intense loneliness I felt for a good portion of my time in Sydney, particularly around months 4-6, then losing my job, at some points, I really struggled with these new feelings and grappled with changing my flight home on a regular basis. These things do not take away the incredible parts of my living abroad experience - not by a long shot - but they’re a reminder that social media doesn’t show us everything! Remember that when you’re feeling less confident and/or jealous after a scroll!

Thank you for the ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences

I was very blessed to have a fair few ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences before, and in between, the Coronavirus waves here. The first was attending the Fire Fight Australia concert, kind of Australia’s version of Live Aid for the national bushfire relief, where not only did we raise money, but I did a deep-dive into Australian music (plus see the likes of Queen, Adam Lambert and Olivia Newton-John).

Secondly, I got the opportunity to volunteer at Mardi Gras, which meant having some great one-to-one interaction with those who had been members of the parade FOR YEARS, and were able to enlighten me on what it’s been like for the LGBTQ+ community in Sydney over the years. Being a volunteer also enabled me to experience the amazing parade from the front row! This was one of the last big crowd events here before Covid restrictions came into effect.

Another huge one was riding in a hot air balloon over the Hunter Valley! It was an incredible experience that has been on my bucket list for years, and I even got to see wild kangaroos from above. Weirdly, you couldn’t feel a thing - the thing I could liken it most to is floating in a still pool. On the other hand, the whale watching cruise I could DEFINITELY feel. So much so, that I had to do everything in my power not to throw up into the provided sick bag. The captain came and chatted to me for a good while to distract me (after they had also re-routed the boat to come and pick me up at Circular Quay; I definitely cannot fault their customer service), and I saw actual whales out on the Pacific Ocean - incredible! Keeping in line with animals, one of the top moments of my whole time here was definitely camel riding in the sand dunes and into sea of Port Stephens, where we saw dolphins playing and a rainbow in the sky too, as well as horse riding on the beach at sunrise in Byron Bay. Both were magical experiences.

Thank you for your surplus of watermelon

This is my personal heaven, I can’t lie. Aside from fried chicken, one of my favourite foods is watermelon and, boyyyy, are they in ready supply here. My quick Woolies shop always provided a snack pot of watermelon bites, while I lost count of how many bars, restaurants and beachside cafes I visited during the summer and autumn that listed a watermelon cocktail or drink on their menu. At my favourite breakfast cafe, Organism, I always ordered the Deluxe Bacon Roll (and open sandwich of egg, bacon, apple, avocado, rocket and maple syrup), washed down with a watermelon smoothie….mm mm mmm. Remember though: seasonal menus. I was heartbroken during winter when these were off the menu.

Thank you for reminding me what amazing people I have in my life

I was reminded time and time again how incredibly blessed I am with the people I have in my life, from the moment my leaving do commenced to right now. From weekly Google Hangouts quizzes with my previous work team, Houseparties with my family (plus poker games with my brothers using the tablet), virtual dates with my boyfriend, a virtual ‘Christmas in July’ with my friend to general “how’s it going over there?” messages from friends, I felt a lot more people were virtually along on my journey with me than I’d expected. One of my most valued possessions here was an iPod a very good friend of mine created with voice recordings from my closest friends back home, and listening to their voices and messages reminded me why I did this each time I faltered. My boyfriend also orchestrated a video of these loved ones, plus some members of my family, singing Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’, which I still watch on repeat. Funnily enough, the people who probably wanted me home the most are the reason I stuck it out so long in these crazy COVID times: because of their support.

It wasn’t just people back home either: my housemates in Sydney were great in helping me adjust when I first arrived. Along with introducing me to the best trash TV (hello, MAFS and Dummy), one housemate (arguably over-)indulged my KFC and weekend away obsession, another practically filled half my wardrobe as we were a similar size, another was always waiting with open arms when I returned from time away, and as a house, we won $150 at The Winery Wednesday Night Quiz too. Then came my friend, who I met by chance in 2017: we were both travelling solo in Morocco and were roomed together by G Adventures. She and her family opened their home in the Blue Mountains to me with unprecedented hospitality for two months when the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown rules came into play, and for two weeks before I returned to London. We celebrated things like Anzac Day and birthdays together, and I felt so at home with them. They are now truly my Aussie family and I can’t wait to see them again, be it here, in Oz, or elsewhere in the world!

Thank you for truly teaching me about myself

During a particularly lonely period, my mum sent me this quote from Mandy Hale: “the caterpillar grows wings during a season of isolation. Remember that next time you’re alone.” I thought I really knew about being by myself and also about who I was; after all, I’d had plenty of time to learn. However, until now, I’d never had this amount of time with my own thoughts, and I’ve learned far more than I expected. I’d be here for hours listing it all… and if you’ve read this far, I’ve taken up enough of your time already! I’ll just say, I am so grateful to have had this experience; for me, it turned out to be far more than just the chance to see some new places, go to the beach often and get an Aussie company or two on my CV.

If you need me, I’ll be somewhere in London, curled in a corner, eating Tim Tams, dipped in Vegemite, sprinkled with chicken salt and whispering ‘she’ll be right’ over and over again under my breath (that, or the C word #Straya).

The Blue Mountains' best bushwalks and lookouts

My favourite thing about staying in the Blue Mountains (second only to the amazing hospitality of my friend and her family) is the abundance of bushwalks and breathtaking lookouts. Some are a part of bigger walks, some you drive up to, some are fenced off, clearly anticipating the tourists, and others rely on your own good sense to decipher how close to the edge to venture.

So, don your trainers, spritz on your bug spray - the mozzies are unforgiving here and will bite through clothes unless you have sprayed - and get ready for a beautiful hour or two; here are the best bushwalks and lookouts in the Blue Mountains (in my opinion… ask a local, they may say different!)

Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Katoomba

Starting at the famous Echo Point, take in the glorious view of the Three Sisters, a rock formation steeped an intriguing Aboriginal legend of love, battle and spells. The next 45 minutes walking will take you through the bush, along a signposted, mostly accessible, path, from which you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Jamison Valley along the way, marvelling at the towering mountains and tables, and the blue haze.

Govetts Leap, Blackheath

Drink in the panoramic views of valley after valley from Govetts Leap. The Mountains honestly look endless from this vantage point. Its eponymous blue haze is more obvious here; and, honestly, I could not imagine ever tiring of this view.

Flat Rock, Wentworth Falls

It’s in the name! It is literally a flat rock with stunning views like Govetts Leap, except there are no barriers to keep you from falling! Officially called Lincoln’s Rock, it’s predominantly visited by locals, especially at sunset; however, more and more tourists are starting to discover its beauty.

Martin’s Lookout, Springwood

Martin’s Lookout is an easy 40- 50-minute amble (with ample ‘soak in the views’) time. The rocks around the area make the views even more picturesque!

Chalmers Lookout, Glenbrook

Another fabulous spot to catch the sunset. The view took my breath away; it looked like a spread of rainforest below, as far as the eye could see! Once you return to the car park, take the other pathway for a wonderful bushland walk, where a natural stone pathway, blanket of trees, and obstacles to climb ensure you earn any breathtaking views.

Red Hand Cave, Glenbrook

If you want a true ‘bush’ adventure, this is the one for you. Roughly two and a half hours’ round trip from the walk’s entrance (if you don’t stop too much), this hike to Red Hand Cave will see you climb over fallen tree trunks, traverse brooks, and battle against bugs, plants, and inclines. I felt like Robin Hood, or Shrek and Donkey on another whirlwind adventure! I chose to do this one without any headphones as the natural sounds were soundtrack enough. You can hear the babbling stream below you, the tweets of the birds, a constant buzz of what sounded like a bees’ or flies’ nest and, dare I say, the unsettling movement of leaves near you… lizards, not snakes, I hoped!

Nepean Lookout, Glenbrook

After my hike to the caves and back, I hopped in the car and we drove around eight kilometres to the Nepean Lookout. I’m going to run out of synonyms for ‘beautiful’ soon, but… WOW. Compared to some of the other lookouts, this one isn’t as lofty, so while there are stunning valleys before you, they surround you too. The focal point though: snaking through the stark green is the Nepean River.

Evans Lookout, Blackheath

Australia’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Evans Lookout is one of my favourites. Defined by its low valleys, and soaring mountains, exactly like the GC, but with trees galore, it is very impressive. If you’ve got a couple of hours, take the Grand Canyon bushwalk to or from this epic vantage point.

Scenic World, Katoomba

If you’re on a day trip and want a quick tourist experience, Scenic World is the way to go. Adapted to fulfil COVID regulations, a ticket to Scenic World gets you a cable car ride that boasts fantastic views of the Three Sisters and the valley below (stand on the glass bottom if you’re brave enough); a ride on the world’s steepest train (where you’re at such an angle that you’re practically lying down when you first take off); and a gondola-type ride. The views are absolutely spellbinding!

Megalong Tea Rooms, Megalong Valley

Okay, technically, this one isn’t a lookout nor bushwalk, as the view is enjoyed from ground level and you can only access it by car, but wow. I couldn’t miss it off this list. Enjoy a quintessentially British cream tea, set against a luscious green backdrop, at Megalong Tea Rooms. The scones are so soft on the inside and beautifully baked on the outside, and the Lamingtons - an Aussie sponge cake with chocolate, coconut flakes, jam and cream - well, they are divine. My Aussie family quipped it was one of the best Lamingtons they’d had; it was so light and fluffy!

And…

My first spell in the Mountains was during the initial COVID lockdown and, as such, all the above were closed off to the public. However, right on our doorstep was an abundance of smaller, but just as stunning, bushwalks with astounding views and lookouts just waiting to be explored. So, in whatever town you’re staying in the Mountains, be sure to ask a local for their recommendations. Chances are, they’ll know some unnamed paths that they’ve been frequenting for decades, with not a tourist in sight!

The best long weekend destinations near Sydney

Travel as we know it has changed dramatically this year. Many countries have closed their borders to foreign travel, as have some borders within countries, like Australia. At the time of publication, travellers can’t even get to Melbourne or Cairns from Sydney, much less the likes of New Zealand or Fiji! However, this has given me the opportunity to really explore what New South Wales has to offer and indulge in some long weekends out of the city.

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley area is renowned for its smattering of vineyards and wineries, and while you’d imagine visiting on the warm spring or summer’s day, as the grapes grow, the area is just as vibrant in the winter - just be sure to pack your layers, as temperatures can dip to just a couple degrees in the mornings and evenings.

My time in the Hunter Valley marked off a big tick on my once-in-a-lifetime bucket list: a hot air balloon ride! We chose to ride with Beyond Ballooning, with whom you meet in the early hours at a local hotel, who then drive you to the launch site in coaches. The morning was windy at the planned launch site, so the dedicated staff drove us to a valley around half an hour away, where the air was more still. It wasn’t until we watched in awe and anticipation as the balloons were blown up that I realise what we were about to do, but I need not have feared anything at all. Riding in a hot air balloon is so incredibly smooth and peaceful; you literally don’t feel a thing (and this is coming from someone who is super sensitive to turbulence when flying, and cannot stand fairground rides). The closest thing I could liken it to is floating in a still pool, where you reach the other side, but you’re not quite sure how you got there. While up there, we revelled in the incredible valley views, as well as watching wild animals below, like kangaroos, hopping around.

After our early start, we met with the rest of the group for a day of wine tasting and vineyard visits. We visited Boydells in Morpeth, in which we tasted 10 fab wines. It was a beautiful space, with a well-informed host and sommelier, but didn’t feel pretentious; as a group, we had different knowledge of wine, and it was inclusive for all. You could taste the difference of each wine, as well as the care that had clearly gone into each creation.

Later, we visited the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard and winery. As it is a little out of the way, it was not teeming with tourists. Now, you can pre-book a tasting indoors, or do what we did - buy a bottle or two there, then sit on the green in front of the grand building, soaking up the incredible vineyard view below, backed by craggy mountains in the distance.

Mudgee

Another destination for wine lovers - hey, travelling with our taste buds is all we’ve got during this pandemic! Around three and a half hours inland from Sydney, you’ll find the town of Mudgee. The main thing to do here is, of course, wine tours: you can travel via horse-drawn cart, car or coach from cellar door to cellar door on pre-organised wine tours, or you can organise your own tastings. As we decided to book our trip to Mudgee relatively last minute, we had to organise our own tastings as all pre-organised tours were already booked up. The key here is to make sure you pre-book these, along with any transport between each, unless you have a designated driver amongst yourselves. The cellar door map on the Visit Mudgee Region website is a great planning tool.

Our first stop of the day was Lowe Winery to which we arrived at 9.40, the first drop of wine passing our lips at about 10.05 - start as we mean to go on, right? Lowe specialises in organic and biodynamic wines, which hold fewer preservatives, so you'll feel less of the hangover the next day. Our relaxed sommelier was friendly and very knowledgeable about the 7/8 wines we tasted. The surrounding area was so picturesque too; from the rolling hills to orange trees, kitsch swing to jetty leading into the water.

Next up, we headed to Heslop Wines, which was set in an equally picturesque location, but was a totally different vibe: the tasting room is in the owners' home, exuding cosy cottage vibes, decked out in wood panels - it wouldn't have been out of place in a Swiss town. It was run by a couple and their son, who also make the wines. As was the homely personal touch that one of the owners drove us to our next stop when our booked cab failed to turn up.

After a short meander around town, lunch and cocktails, our third and final winery was Logan's, a beautiful spot with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You choose your 'flight' from four options, each with 5 wines: adventure, heroes, red or white. I chose adventure and tasted a great selection of whites, roses and a red. We ended our day with our snack and dinner purchases from Coles a day before, and the wine we’d purchased all warm and cosy in the Airbnb.

Jervis Bay

Home to a smattering of gorgeous white-sand beaches, you’ll find Jervis Bay two to three hours south of Sydney. Arriving on Friday evening, after a few wrong turns and a delicious KFC stop (they played the whole Britney Spears backlog on the speakers and it had a stunning lakeside location - it was worth it), we effectively had one full day, which we definitely made the most of.

Start your day with a dolphin watching tour, leaving from Huskisson - we pre-booked online with the aptly named Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay. Now, like my dolphin watching experience in Bali, I expected this to be a frenetic zoom from spot to spot to catch a glimpse of the dolphins, however, nothing could have prepared me for just how many we saw. Easily 30, if not more (that said, they could have been the same ones popping up; I didn’t ask their names). It was incredible - we even saw one do the famed leap in the air!

Next up, we drove to Hyams Beach and… wow. White sands, clear waters. Tourists aside, this would be the spot for Instagram bikini shoots come summer. Our little winter bodies needed coats and cardigans though, otherwise, I’d have made a beeline straight for that sea. Had we had an extra day, we’d have done the White Sands Walk, which takes in this and many other white-sand beaches in the area. Afterwards, we returned to Huskisson where we caught a dramatic pink and orange sunset (after catching the beginning of it at Plantation Point beach during a stroll).

The most dazzling attraction of Jervis Bay is the bioluminescence, where the sea lights up at night, thanks to algae and other living organisms - think of it as the Northern Lights of the sea. Much like the Northern Lights, they require complete darkness, high-exposure camera settings (if you want a pic), and make you chase them! On our first night, we wandered to Orion Beach by a residential road, careful not to tumble down the stairway into the pitch-black waters, but on the second night, we were more prepared, seeking out a car parking spot near the Plantation Point beach entrance, so we could keep warm in the car between running to check whether they were there yet. Ideally, the darker and longer after sunset, the better, so when we didn’t see them at first, we went to dinner and returned. Now, like my experience with the Northern Lights, what we saw wasn’t the huge blue hues depicted in photos, but rather what I would describe as a dance mat of stars, if the stars were on the sand. Glittery and gorgeous. Perhaps had we returned at 1am, it may have been a different story, but our Death Valley drive back to the AirBnb wasn’t something we wished to do at that time…

Cowra

Cowra, sitting four hours’ drive inland from Sydney, is a small town with a big history. Start your time in Cowra with a trip to the Tourist Centre, which tells the history in the intriguing form of a small hologram. Once home to a Japanese prisoner of war camp, the history is not particularly pleasant, but the town represents its ties with Japan in many ways. One is the five-hectare Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, an absolutely stunning place for walks and reflection. It is home to a peace bell, a smaller replica of the peace bell in the town, which in turn is a match for the one in New York. The town is small - one local quipped we were walking to the other side of town for our evening KFC… and, we did, all 10 minutes.

Elsewhere, a huge draw to Cowra, especially in the spring, is the canola fields. A drive in and out the town takes you past sweeping fields of gold - absolutely stunning! Feeling peckish while in town? The Breakout Cafe is a great spot for alfresco eats.

Port Stephens

We drove up to Port Stephens from Sydney, via a night in the Blue Mountains. Our first stop was the stunning Tomaree National Park, and the Head Summit walk. Although it is listed on the website as a Grade 5 hike, I would say it was completely doable for any able-bodied person - yes, it is steep, but the hardest part is near the bottom, before you reach the first metal steps. After that, it’s all good, and, boy, is the view from the top worth it! You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the Maldives or the Whitsundays, I couldn’t believe my eyes. After descending, we caught view of the mountain we'd just climbed from a secluded, deserted beach where tropical island vibes continued, with lush greens, fine sand and crystal-clear water (it was so clear that we're pretty sure we saw a shark from the mountaintop as we looked down…)

Our next sightseeing spot was the Worimi Conservation Lands, specifically the Oakfield Ranch where what commenced was probably my favourite experience throughout my whole time in Australia, and probably one of my top life ones too: Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides offer a desert-style experience with camel rides through the sand dunes. Daytime camel rides are 20 minutes’ long, and can’t be pre-booked, while sunset camel rides are longer at an hour, and you can pre-book. We opted for the latter. Our camel ride took us through the majestic sand dunes and into the lapping sea. I've always had a fairytale desire to ride a horse on the beach and this was one better as we literally went through the water. On the ride, we saw a rainbow in the sky, jumping dolphins in the water and even a proposal on the beach. I can't rate Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides highly enough: they answered questions, took incredible photos, gave us an incredible experience and clearly care for the camels. It is an experience I will never, ever forget.

The next day we returned to the Worimi Conservation Lands, where it literally felt like we were on another planet. We accessed the dunes from a quieter trail, meaning there was not another soul around and you could see sand dunes for miles (32 kilometres to be exact). Again, it was another incredible otherworldly experience I ticked off the bucket list, I can barely do it justice with my words!

Moving to Australia: what to apply for and when

For an over-planner like me, it can feel a tad overwhelming moving abroad and not instinctively knowing the daily nuances, like how to access healthcare, what you need to open a bank account, or even, what you need to pass through immigration once you arrive! I had visions of being turned away from the airport after 24+ hours travelling for forgetting something vital… awks.

Despite my ramblings below, what you need to apply for is a pretty short, straight-forward list…

*The below information is based on being a temporary resident on the working holiday visa - some advice may differ between visas.

Before you get here

Your visa: You can’t get into the country without it! If you’re coming over on a temporary resident/working holiday visa as I did, it’s pretty easy to sort it out by yourself, without the need for an agent or middle man. Read the eligibility information and follow the steps on the official website to apply here.

You’ll be asked to present your visa countless times while you’re here - basically, any time you’re asked to present your passport, unless it’s at the bottle-o - so print it out and keep it with your passport.

In your first week

Medicare card: Your Medicare card is the Aussie version of your NHS number, and will save you a lot in medical fees, should you need medical attention. Fill in the forms online here, then print out and take to your nearest Centrelink/Medicare centre (be prepared with your Oz address, passport and visa). Now, this is the home of most benefits systems, so be prepared for a little wait; go and sign in at the front desk, registering why you are there, and then sit and wait until you’re called. You can also fill out the forms I referenced above on the centre’s computers, but it means even more waiting time.

On the day, you’ll receive a Medicare number on a piece of paper, which you can use if you need the docs while you wait for your actual card to arrive in the post. When you do go to the doctors, it’ll be free if you visit a ‘bulk billing’ GP. Partial bulk build and totally private healthcare are also available, increasing in price, of course. The price fluctuations also apply when it comes to pharmacies. I opt for Chemist Warehouse (think of it like when you go to Superdrug to get your prescription).

Bank account: Now, I didn’t actually apply for a bank account in my first week, because I had a Monzo account. Monzo doesn’t charge any fees for using the card abroad, I was able to see what I was spending both in dollars and pounds. It also meant I could budget and transfer my Oz savings from my UK account bit by bit. However, if your bank charges you for foreign currency purchases, this is definitely one to apply for asap. Research the right bank for you; there are a couple that are a bit more temporary-resident-friendly. I opted to go into the branch, but some banks allow you to apply online; you’ll need proof of address, passport and visa again here.

It is worth me pointing out I did this stuff having already secured a permanent address; if you’re living in a hostel, hotel or AirBnb, you can get your Medicare card sent to a friend’s permanent address and apply for a bank account from some banks while you’re still in the UK.

Before you start working

Tax file number: Once you secure a job, one of the things you’ll be asked for is your tax file number. It is unique to you and yours for life, whether you move jobs, countries, etc, and makes sure you’re paying the right tax (without it, you’ll end up paying more). I applied before I started working, but it arrives fairly quickly, so depending on how quickly you start your role, you can even apply once you accept your job. Apply for your tax file number here. Don’t forget: you MUST file your taxes (whether you’re permanent, contract, or freelance) between 1st July and 31st October.

Super: As a temporary resident, you’re probably not thinking about retiring here, but your super is your pension, and a portion of your earnings goes into a super automatically. You can research the best super for your circumstances, or just go with the default super offered by your company once you start working.

Once you leave the country, you can apply for your super back. The stinger though, they tax you SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT. Yup. Just gotta swallow that one. 35% is better than 0% though, right?

Any other pointers?

‘Supporting yourself’ funds: Looking at the forums and blogs on moving to Australia, it is recommended you travel with proof of being able to support yourself here, and funds/ticket for a return flight. The general rule of thumb is at least $5,000 (circa £2,500).

I printed an excessive amount of proof of funds, flights, and address, ready to be scrutinised at the airport, but border control let me through with just the simple passport and visa check. Within Facebook group comments in ex-pat groups, I found this is not uncommon, however it is best to be prepared, just in case.

Glasses/contacts prescription: For fellow blind bats, come armed with a print-out of your official prescription in case you need to visit the optician or order contact lenses. Once you have that, it’s the same process to get sorted as the UK.

Honestly, everything else you can do as and when it arises. I was surprised how easy and smooth it was to set up everything.