Moving to Australia is a life-changing decision – I’ve moved internationally three times so definitely understand this! One of the most common questions people ask is should you visit Australia before you move?
It’s often referred to in the expat community as an ‘LSD’ trip – no not that kind! – a look, see, decide trip. It’s a big investment of time and money to come out for a trip, but could it be worth it in the long run?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of whether you should visit Australia before you make the move.
Our Decision on Whether to Visit Australia Before We Moved
When we decided to pursue moving to Australia, neither I nor my husband had ever been to Australia. All I know about it was that they loved sport, had loads of sunshine and stunning beaches – what’s not to love?!
We looked into whether we should visit Australia before moving, and decided against it. The cost was prohibitive and on top of already saving hard for the visa and relocation fees, it just wasn’t feasible for us financially. Plus, my son was around 18 months old when we started the visa application process and the thought of flying from the UK to Australia with a tiny tot was not appealing at all!
Plus, Australia is a huge country and we were undecided where to live. It seems pointless planning a trip to Brisbane if we actually ended up in Perth, or Adelaide – these were our 3 top contenders when we were choosing where to live.
Once our visa was granted, which took 6 months instead of the 12 we were told it would, we made the crazy decision to send my husband over for a week – see, told you it was crazy – to have some interviews and try to find a job before we moved. So, technically Mr C visited for about 6 days after our visa was granted, but it was a total blur so I’m not sure it counts. He did however manage to get a feel for Perth and had a gut feeling that we would all love it here – which we totally do.
Now that you know a little about how we made our decision, let’s look at the pros and cons of whether you should visit Australia before you make the move.
The Benefits of Visiting Australia Before You Move
Get a Feel for the Country
Australia is vast, and each city has a unique atmosphere, culture, and lifestyle.
Sydney is a bustling metropolis with a high cost of living but offers stunning beaches (not as good as Perth in my humble opinion!) and a thriving job market.
Melbourne is known for its arts and culture scene, with a more temperate climate and a European feel. Brisbane offers a more relaxed lifestyle with a warm, subtropical climate, while Perth is certainly more remote but our gorgeous city boasts beautiful beaches and a strong economy.
Visiting in person allows you to experience different cities and their suburbs firsthand. Online research can only go so far in conveying the feel of a place. Walking through different neighbourhoods, testing out public transport, and even chatting with locals can help you determine whether a city suits your lifestyle and expectations. Some people thrive in high-energy, fast-paced environments, while others prefer a quieter, more suburban feel. A visit will certainly help you identify areas where you might feel most comfortable.
Check Out Employment Opportunities
If you’re moving for work, a visit can be beneficial for understanding the job market, meeting potential employers, and even attending interviews in person. Many Australian employers value face-to-face interactions, and showing initiative by travelling to Australia could work in your favour.
In addition, certain industries are more prominent in specific cities. For example, Sydney and Melbourne have thriving finance, tech, and corporate sectors, while mining and engineering jobs are more abundant in Western Australia and Queensland.
Health care and education are needed everywhere, but local demand can vary. Visiting Australia can help you network with professionals in your field, set up informational meetings, and gain a realistic view of the job opportunities available.
Now I said at the start that Mr C came over for a week to try and line up a job before we moved. While he had a few interviews, and meetings with recruiters, he did not get any offers as we were not quite in a position to move immediately. Employers here generally want people to start asap, as many companies have short notice periods and people seem to job-hop a lot here.
He did meet with a recruiter that ended up connecting him with his first job in Australia, where he worked for several years, and they even kept in touch beyond this with more job opportunities further down the track. So overall, while he didn’t walk into a job after visiting Australia, he did form some good employment connections.
Research Schools and Suburbs
For families with children, education is usually a top priority. While online research can provide insight into school rankings, curriculum, and parent reviews, nothing compares to seeing a school in person. Visiting schools, meeting teachers, and walking through potential neighbourhoods can give you a clearer picture of what daily life might be like.
Additionally, suburbs can differ greatly even within the same city. Some are bustling with nightlife, some are more industrial, while others are more family-friendly with parks, good schools, and quieter surroundings. Visiting potential suburbs allows you to evaluate traffic conditions, safety, and the availability of amenities like supermarkets, medical centres, and public transport options.
Experience the Climate
Australia is known for its diverse climate, which varies significantly from region to region. Many people assume Australia is always hot and sunny, but this isn’t the case everywhere.
If you’re considering Melbourne, for example, you may not realise just how unpredictable its weather can be—locals often joke that you can experience four seasons in one day, like Cape Town!
In contrast, Perth enjoys long, dry summers (although we have had a fair amount of humidity this last summer) and mild winters, making it appealing for those who prefer a Mediterranean climate. Brisbane and the Gold Coast have humid, subtropical weather, which might not suit everyone.
Visiting before you move gives you a real taste of what to expect, helping you prepare appropriately. Experiencing the climate firsthand can also influence your choice of location if you have strong preferences for certain weather conditions.
Moving from 10 years in the UK, we definitely wanted somewhere warm and sunny and on the quieter side, so Melbourne and Sydney were never contenders for us. And I’m so glad we ended up in Perth, it’s just perfect for us and our family lifestyle.
The Downsides of Visiting Australia Before You Move
Costly and Time-Consuming
A trip to Australia is expensive, especially from South Africa on rands, or due to the sheer distance from the UK. Flights alone can cost thousands (thanks a lot, COVID), and accommodation, transport, and daily expenses add up quickly.
If you’re already stretching your budget for the actual move, it may not be practical to spend a large amount of your emigration savings on a pre-move visit. Additionally, time constraints may prevent you from staying long enough to gain a deep understanding of what life in Australia will be like. The country is so large, that trying to decide between say Perth and Brisbane, may not be possible financially or time-wise.
Limited Perspective
A short visit might not give you the full picture of daily life in Australia. When you travel as a visitor, you don’t experience the long-term realities of working, managing bills, and settling into a routine. The excitement of a trip might mask some of the challenges that come with moving, such as adjusting to cultural differences, handling financial pressures, and dealing with homesickness and the emotional phases of moving overseas.
Additionally, depending on the time of year you visit, your experience may not reflect the full reality of life in your chosen location. For example, if you visit Perth in summer, you might love the warm weather but not realise how cold it really gets in winter – it does, trust me! A trip in December might show you a festive, lively Sydney, but not the quieter, routine-driven lifestyle that settles in during the cooler months.
Visa Considerations
Depending on your visa situation, visiting Australia before moving may not always be straightforward. If you’re applying for a permanent residency visa, you may have travel restrictions that prevent you from entering the country until your visa is granted. Visiting on a tourist visa could also raise questions from immigration officials if they suspect you’re planning to stay without the correct visa or try to find employment, which is not allowed on a tourist visa.
If you do plan to visit before your move, ensure that your travel plans align with your visa process and that you have the appropriate documentation to avoid complications.
So, Should You Visit Before Moving?
Ultimately, whether or not you visit Australia before moving depends on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences. If you can afford it and have the time, a visit can provide valuable insights and peace of mind. It can help you feel more prepared, reduce the unknowns, and allow you to make informed decisions about where to live, work, and settle your family.
However, if visiting Australia before you move isn’t feasible, you can still do plenty of research online. Joining expat communities, following Australian-based social media groups (like mine over at Proudly South African In Perth & WA), and speaking to people who have already made the move can help you gather as much information as possible. There are also countless YouTube channels, blogs, and forums dedicated to helping new arrivals settle into Australian life.
Many people successfully move to Australia without visiting first, relying on thorough research and careful planning. While a visit can be helpful, it’s not a necessity—what matters most is ensuring you are well-prepared for the transition.
Need Help Planning Your Move?
If you’re getting ready for your big move to Australia, check out the Proudly South African In Perth shop for my emigration related digital products designed to make your transition smoother! From checklists to guides, our resources are here to help you navigate the moving process with confidence.
Check out my emigration budget planner now to help you work out if you can afford to visit Australia before you move, and my cost of living in Australia calculator, to help you work out if you can afford to survive or thrive Down Under.
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