more expensive. In recent years the Pound has also weakened against the Australian Dollar, which Brits need to factor into their moving budget. But, as Nigel explains, “If you constantly convert prices into Sterling at the current exchange rate, you will think everything is expensive but as I’m earning dollars, the price is relative – it is what it is!”
So what other advice does Nigel have for those hoping to one day follow in his footsteps? Except for doing your own paperwork, he says: “If you’ve got the space in your container and you have a decent car in Britain bring it with you – you’ll sell it for next to nothing in the UK and have to pay out big bucks to replace it over here.” At the time of writing, the Burrows are looking forward to summer kicking in and preparing for their first Christmas in Australia, while finding it strange to be doing so with warm weather the novelty and adventure of it all is palpable, so that, sat in cold Britain, I’m left feeling rather jealous. That said, bear in mind Nigel’s parting remark to me: “Remember nothing in life is forever.”
Nigel measures up five different lifestyle factors in Australia against those in the UK:
Climate: “The weather we’ve experienced so far was during winter, when the skies were clear beautiful days of 19–20 degree Celsius or rainy – when I say ‘rainy’, I mean two or three days of ‘stair rod’ rain.”
Work/life balance: “The balance between life and work is far better than in the UK, leaving plenty of time for sport and family life during the week and at weekends.”
Property: “The houses are mainly single storey and are built to different (not better or worse) standards and styles to what you’d get in the UK, we are renting at present and there is a wide range in the property standards available.”
Cost of living: “The cost of living is high, especially with regard to running a vehicle but after I’ve paid out for everything, there’s still plenty left over at the end of the month to save – so it must be lower than in the UK.”
Leisure activities: “Most of the leisure activities are based outdoors, in Port Stephens there is easy access to all water based sports – kayaking, boating, swimming etcetera, we are all members of the local surf life-saving club. There are great bush walks, soccer, football and cycling clubs, and of course bowling clubs – good for a meat raffle.”
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