Moving halfway across the world isn’t a decision to take lightly, and for many in the UK, the allure of Australia is irresistible. From the sun-drenched shores to the laidback lifestyle, vibrant culture and sunny weather – moving to Queensland from the UK stands out as particularly enticing. I mean, who gave this glorious land to convicts? Hmmm?
Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland promises warm weather, stunning scenery and a quality of life that’s hard to beat. But what makes Queensland so appealing to those from the UK, and how easy is the process of making this dream a reality?
Why Move to Queensland Australia?
Queensland is a unique blend of urban sophistication and rugged natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Brisbane to the Gold Coast’s serene beaches and the Outback’s untouched wilderness, there’s something for everyone.
That’s not all. Queensland’s economy is thriving, with burgeoning industries ranging from technology and tourism to agriculture and mining, creating plenty of job opportunities for skilled migrants.
But moving to Queensland involves more than booking a flight and packing your bags! You have to plan carefully, from understanding visa requirements to deciding where you’ll settle, and what you’ll do once you get here.
Whether the promise of adventure draws you, the pursuit of career opportunities, or the desire for a more relaxed way of life, Queensland has plenty to offer.
Queensland’s East or West?
In Queensland, you’ll find diverse environments and lifestyles, from the arid landscapes of the Outback in the west to the vibrant coastal regions.
The cost of living can vary significantly depending on where you settle. Coastal cities like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast tend to have higher living costs but offer more job opportunities, especially in tourism, hospitality, and eco-technologies.
In contrast, the western parts of Queensland provide a more laid-back lifestyle with lower living expenses. Still, they may have fewer job prospects.
What You Need to Know About Moving Here from There
Visas
Before making the move, it’s crucial to secure the correct visa. Three main visas allow you to become a permanent resident of Australia:
- a family-stream permanent visa
- a work-stream permanent visa
- business or investor-stream permanent visa
Check that you meet our criteria before you apply. You can find out more here.
Finding a Job
Queensland is experiencing skills shortages in various fields, including engineering, ecology, tourism, hospitality, eco-technology, education, and healthcare. This presents a unique opportunity for skilled migrants from the UK to fill these gaps.
Depending on your field of expertise, certain regions of Queensland may be more suitable:
- Engineering: The mining sector in Queensland’s inland areas offers opportunities for engineers.
- Ecology: The Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas are perfect for ecology and environmental sciences professionals.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Coastal regions, especially near the Great Barrier Reef, thrive on tourism, creating numerous jobs in hospitality.
- Eco-Technology: Queensland invests in renewable energy, with wind farms and other eco-technology projects sprouting up along the coast.
- Education and Healthcare: There is a consistent demand for teachers and healthcare professionals across Queensland, from urban centres to rural communities.
For further insights into job opportunities in specific fields within Queensland, check out our article on major projects like wind farms and eco-initiatives.
Finding a House
The diverse housing options are among the best things about living in Queensland. From compact apartments in the city centre to large Queenslander houses in quiet, suburban neighbourhoods – there’s something for every family size.
Websites such as Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au offer extensive listings for both rental and purchase options across the state. These platforms allow you to filter searches by location, price, type of property, and more, making it easier to find something that meets your specific needs.
Rent.com.au and http://www.Realestateview.com.au are also valuable for those focusing on rental properties, while Onthehouse.com.au can provide insights into property values and neighbourhood information. But of course, there’s no better place to go than the heart of Queensland property – and that’s with us, the Queensland Property Experts!
If you’re buying, keep in mind some restrictions and regulations must be followed, including property inspections. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) oversees property purchases by non-residents, and approval may be required before proceeding with a purchase. Understanding these rules and planning accordingly can ensure a smooth transition to your new home in Queensland.
Education and Qualification Recognition
One big difference that UK expats should be aware of is the Australian academic calendar, which runs from January to December. Also, qualifications obtained in the UK may need to be assessed for Australian equivalence. For those with degrees from UK universities, places like Skill Recognition Australia provide services for recognising prior learning and qualification equivalency, ensuring your professional credentials are recognised in Australia.
Healthcare
While the UK has the National Health Service (NHS), Australia operates a mixed healthcare system called Medicare, which provides free or subsidised health care to Australian citizens and permanent residents. There are also private healthcare providers, and many Australians have private health insurance to cover services not fully covered by Medicare.
Driving and Transportation
In Queensland, people drive on the left side of the road, which is the same as in the UK. Note that everything is expressed in kilometers here. We have zero mention of miles, miles per hour, mile markers… none of it, what it says on the car dashboard, it says in kilometers!
The rules and regulations regarding driving licenses, vehicle registration, and road safety may differ. New residents from the UK need to understand these differences and may need to convert their UK driving license to an Australian one within a certain period after arriving. Our speed limits are BRUTALLY enforced too. No hurtling down the M1 in the fast lane at ridiculous kpm. The fast lane here, the right lane, is strictly set to the maximum speed for the road. The slow lane, the left, is for cars that don’t feel comfortable doing that speed. And, you must stay in the left lane at all times, unless overtaking. The maximum speed limit in Queensland is 110kph. Yes, we have a long way to travel, but we do it very, very slowly.
On that note….
While we’re on the subject of driving, Australia’s distances for travel are very different to the UK. To give you an idea, the distance from the southern end of England to the northern tip of Scotland is around 1,000km. The distance from the southern end of Queensland to the northern tip is around 2,700km. Keeping this in mind is essential when you’re looking at employment opportunities and lifestyle choices. Preparing for potentially long commutes or travelling to access services and amenities is essential.
Ready to Move to Queensland from the UK?
Moving from the UK to Queensland gives you a fresh start in a region known for its beautiful weather, diverse landscape, and friendly communities. Do your research, plan ahead and ensure you have all your documentation to ensure a smooth journey. And when you’re ready to find a place to live, we can’t wait to assist!
