Topic: The Aussie Thread

[pepe_carra_stevie_nando]

Hmm, I think its the last weekend of April but that could be wildly wrong

Shit thats a long one this year.

[Rusty]

Shit thats a long one this year.

Hmm, I think its the last weekend of April but that could be wildly wrong

Just looked it up, April 3rd 2011:

http://alldownunder.com/oz-k/date/australian-daylight-savings.htm

[S24 LFC]

Just ordered my new iPad online. Now off to bed!

[Hyypia headers]

Where to go? I hope some of you can help me out on this one. I planning a working holiday in Australia, probably in a year or 2. I'll finish
school first and work for a year before I leave. Leave Belgium that is. so no pressure ey;). Anyway, I've been looking around
to see what city and state I want to go. I'll probably stay between 6 to 8 months, and I would like to spend half of that in a
major city. The rest of the time will be used to have a look around the place. I'll try to find myself a job and if possible a sponsershipdeal, but
the most important thing to me is to get to know the country and its people.

So far, 3 city's seem to have caught my eye. Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. I haven't had a proper look into Sydney or Brisbane,
and I'm not really considering Darwin. Can't really give any reasons for that. But offcourse, I only know what I can find on the internet. That said,
I've found a few Belgians living in Australia, so I'll have a word with them aswell. So I was hoping some of you Aussies who are born end bred in Australia
could give me some of their opinions on Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Any other information will be equally appreciated.


Greetings,


Fred

[bakstabba]

Where to go? I hope some of you can help me out on this one. I planning a working holiday in Australia, probably in a year or 2. I'll finish
school first and work for a year before I leave. Leave Belgium that is. so no pressure ey;). Anyway, I've been looking around
to see what city and state I want to go. I'll probably stay between 6 to 8 months, and I would like to spend half of that in a
major city. The rest of the time will be used to have a look around the place. I'll try to find myself a job and if possible a sponsershipdeal, but
the most important thing to me is to get to know the country and its people.

So far, 3 city's seem to have caught my eye. Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. I haven't had a proper look into Sydney or Brisbane,
and I'm not really considering Darwin. Can't really give any reasons for that. But offcourse, I only know what I can find on the internet. That said,
I've found a few Belgians living in Australia, so I'll have a word with them aswell. So I was hoping some of you Aussies who are born end bred in Australia
could give me some of their opinions on Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Any other information will be equally appreciated.


Greetings,


Fred

Are you looking for more of a 'bustling city' type of environment, or a quieter town sort of environment?

[Hyypia headers]

Are you looking for more of a 'bustling city' type of environment, or a quieter town sort of environment?

Bit of both actually. I love a nice quiet place but I also get along nicely in a busy city. For what I know of it, I seem to like Perth and Adelaide alot, maybe because they are not as big as Melbourne or Sydney.

Don't know if that really made things clear

[RedmeisterOZ]

Good point bakstabba. A lot depends on your personal interests. But, I'm guessing Hyypia headers questions will generate another round of, "My city is the Bestest" knuckle dragger responses.

[Hyypia headers]

Well if they answer WHY their city is the best, then they have ansewerd my quiestion ey .
But seriuosly, any opinions, any info, I'll take it all in and see what I make of it. I have got a bit of time left before I actually go and this isn't my only source, I'll compare and consider it all.

[Scaryscouse]

I've only been to Sydney so couldn't really comment. But you've got everything on your dorrstep here. You're very near the coast some beautiful beaches etc. Loads of parklands and loads of Jobs. Plus you will not get flooded/hurricanes/forrest fires in Sydney. It's fucking expensive though.

I lie, I've been to Canberra...... it's shit.

[WEST HAM PAUL]

Hyypia Headers.

As a non biased pom. I've been to Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra,Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth. I'll be honest & say you can't go wrong with any of the cities. Even Canberra it's no where near as nice as the others not worth anymore than 2 days.

But as for the rest you'll find great sights interesting things to do . Busy areas & quiet areas in all. If your only there for 6-8 months & depending on your finances I wouldn't stay 3-4 months in one city. You never know when you may go back to Australia so see as much as you can. Wherever you go you will meet people saying you should have gone here or there.

The city to visit depends on your interests aswell, ie sports, wildlife, beaches, culture, nightlife & sightseeing.

Answer that & it may narrow your choices.

[nonkiwi-nonblue]

Mate really depends on what you want.
If you want a laid back, sunny most of the time, holiday, then Queensland is your best bet.
Although Western Australia is also quite beautiful.
If your after sport and nightlife, cafes and shopping then Melbourne would be the place to go.
If your interested in churches go to Adelaide.
And if you want to put yourself through hell go to Sydney.





 

But honestly mate, all places have their charm, and all will give you a great time.
Do some thinking on what you want to do here (apart from study and work) and get back here for some deeper feedback.

[leroy]

Sydney - Fantastic location, lots to do with some great short trips available around it.  The central to north coast are just beautiful.  After a good rain... just lush vegetation... great climate... wonderful coastline.  The south coast and mountains are very popular too.

Melbourne - Much the same without the quick access to great beaches.  But the Mornington peninsula is a short way away and is really a beautiful coastline (though swimming in winter is chilly:)). 

A lot is made of how different the people from Sydney and Melbourne are....  never really noticed it much myself.  I think people mostly just read into it what they think they see, or what they've been told.

Perth - Only been to Perth once and just sort of caught it around the fringes.  Slower and less built up at the moment, but supposed to be a really nice place to live.  Fantastic trips up and down the coast... just don't underestimate how big the place is.  The East coast is daunting enough for travellers, but in the west it's ridiculous. 

Adelaide - Much quieter and reserved.  I've only been there when I was a kid so I don't really have a great grasp on the place.  Seems to be very popular with with the weekender set though.

Brisbane is a bit of a weird place.  Lots of friendly people with some fantastic areas, but in the summer it can really suck.  It can just get a bit sun blasted.....  still I enjoyed it when I lived there.  Qlders are a bit of a special breed.  Remember too that it's also a long, long way from the tropical part of QLD.  I've known a few people who set up in Brisbane thinking hey it's in the same state... it's close to the barrier reef and the rain forrest.....  yeah 1500km away.

North QLD is a paradise in some areas.  I loved the winters up there because it takes away that horrific heat, but leaves all the good stuff.  Definitely an area you don't want to miss.

As for Canberra... weekend visit while your in Sydney.  Ok place, but sterile.

I currently live in Sydney where my family is originally from (and have done for a decade) and my brother is down in Melbourne, so I get down there fairly regularly.  Was in Brissy for a couple of years after school, and before that spent time in Central QLD, Canberra and the NSW central coast.

Mate where ever you go I'm sure you'll have a good time.  It's a big place and people are mostly the same all over.

[pepe_carra_stevie_nando]

As a born and bred West Aussie I have to say Perth. You say you want to spend part of the time in a major city, then the West Coast is what you want. The coast is magnificent. All the way down in Esperance up north to the Kimberleys you will never run out of places to see and things to do. If you do come to WA, you have to check out Ningaloo Reef which I would call the Great Barriers younger Brother. Coral Bay and Exmouth up north both have amazing coastlines. As leroy said above, don't underestimate just how big WA is.

Perth is a great city. It's not as hectic as some of the larger citys and personally thats how I like it. If you look for a job you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one as we haven't been affected by the GFC too much. Our mining has just picked up again and we start a huge deal with China in the next couple of years wich will generate hundreds if not thousands of jobs. If thats not your thing then you can always go work doing some fruit picking. If you have any training or experience in a trade, you may be able to get a job doing that as well.

I would recommend coming out on holiday first to see the country and make your decision much easier.

[Scaryscouse]

Anybody know anything about form 457? Was going to submit a waiver to work longer but was recommended by the guys at immi. Has anybody any Knwledge of these?

[BSBW]

Anybody know anything about form 457? Was going to submit a waiver to work longer but was recommended by the guys at immi. Has anybody any Knwledge of these?

http://www.australia-migration.com/page/Work_permits_457/307

http://www.immi.gov.au/

Mad eh?

[Scaryscouse]

I was talking more in terms of how long they take to get processed once you've applied that kind of thing. I know how to use google mate

[wilo in berlin]

Mine came through pretty quick, around 3 weeks, as a skilled worker. Needed a letter from work plus uni transcript to confirm this. I'm in online marketing and it's quite easy to bluff through saying you're very niche.

Major benefit for me is lafha, which means I don't get taxed on my rent - which is awesome!

[wilo in berlin]

... uni transcript is very poor and has zero indication on my ability to do job - they still needed it.

[BSBW]

I was talking more in terms of how long they take to get processed once you've applied that kind of thing. I know how to use google mate

Try the Pomzinoz website, it's a best I know of for the unofficial  kind of advice:

http://www.pomsinoz.com/

[sharkeyb]

it always get panned by people who just go for the rock, but Alice Springs is really something that you should experience.  and you'll only get the full experience if you stay longer.  Its really easy to get a job out there, but the culture surrounding the place is unreal, nature surrounds the town and the people are so welcoming and friendly.

its got social problems with the indeginious people, but the more you learn about  their culture and ways the more you'll appreciate why there are problems with in the town and the effect western culture has had on their people.

I worked as a tour hoast (guides lacky) and getting out into the real outback is something i'll never forget

i'd highly reccomend if you're looking for work, head there.

[Scaryscouse]

Try the Pomzinoz website, it's a best I know of for the unofficial  kind of advice:

http://www.pomsinoz.com/

Nice find, cheers for that passing that one on. Just reading some of the scenarios people going through the same stuff. Finally got a very well informed person on the phone at immi and hopefully have put the thing to bed now. Although not sure if the department sponsors. I've done all I can from my side

[gerrardsarmy]

Anyone know the best place to watch Liverpool games in Melbourne?

[Scruba]

The Celtic Club in Queen St mate, they have Liverpool fans there for every game
http://www.celticclub.com.au/

[Rusty]

Anyone know the best place to watch Liverpool games in Melbourne?

Either the Celtic club as mentioned below or check out the Melbourne Liverpool Supporters Association (MLSA) website: http://mlsa.lozt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1193 that page has directions to the Imperial hotel. They're a good bunch down there, I watched several games down there and already lots of Reds there to talk to even if you pop down on your own.

[sharkeyb]

the celtic club is quality - dick whittingtons shows the really late kickoffs if its a big game


if everything else fails the casino will show it without commentary as it's 24 hour.  only time i ever went there was at some ungodly hour fo rthe villa away last season, torres last minute, it went off with the 6 of us there

[perth-red]

As a born and bred West Aussie I have to say Perth. You say you want to spend part of the time in a major city, then the West Coast is what you want. The coast is magnificent. All the way down in Esperance up north to the Kimberleys you will never run out of places to see and things to do. If you do come to WA, you have to check out Ningaloo Reef which I would call the Great Barriers younger Brother. Coral Bay and Exmouth up north both have amazing coastlines. As leroy said above, don't underestimate just how big WA is.

Perth is a great city. It's not as hectic as some of the larger citys and personally thats how I like it. If you look for a job you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one as we haven't been affected by the GFC too much. Our mining has just picked up again and we start a huge deal with China in the next couple of years wich will generate hundreds if not thousands of jobs. If thats not your thing then you can always go work doing some fruit picking. If you have any training or experience in a trade, you may be able to get a job doing that as well.

I would recommend coming out on holiday first to see the country and make your decision much easier.

ive lived in perth for four years and am getting quite over it to be honest (from melbourne). The prestine beaches dont make up for the constant heat in my opinion. But the oldies like it and i guess every1 has their own tastes so each to their own. 

[pepe_carra_stevie_nando]

ive lived in perth for four years and am getting quite over it to be honest (from melbourne). The prestine beaches dont make up for the constant heat in my opinion. But the oldies like it and i guess every1 has their own tastes so each to their own. 

You have come from the cold to the heat. My Auntie is from Melbourne and she said it took her a few years to get used to the heat. To be honest though, I am sick of the heat but all my mates love it. Like you said, everyone has their own tastes.

[KERRYKOP]

This country is too hot! 37 again today, getting a bit sick of it now, Id love a dreary wet Wednesday.

[leroy]

You need to be in Sydney.  Been dreary all week!

[Scaryscouse]

Today isn't too bad, bit of sun, not too warm.

[leroy]

Yeah I love the winter sun.  If it sticks around we may even get a game this weekend!

[jooneyisdagod]

Yeah I love the winter sun.  If it sticks around we may even get a game this weekend!

Aussie winter sun is something else.  Bright as hell but quite cool at the same time.  At least not hot.  And the nights are excellent. 

[pepe_carra_stevie_nando]

Aussie winter sun is something else.  Bright as hell but quite cool at the same time.  At least not hot.  And the nights are excellent. 

Come to Perth. Bright as hell and hot as fuck.

[jooneyisdagod]

Come to Perth. Bright as hell and hot as fuck.

During winter ?

[Rusty]

Come to Perth. Bright as hell and hot as fuck.

Clearly talking about the weather and not the women

[Carllfc]

Cant wait to get to Sydney again in June for 5 weeks.

[pepe_carra_stevie_nando]

During winter ?

Woops. Read that as the Aussie sun and not winter sun. Don't mind me. Carry on fellas.

[StevieSuarezJoe]

Usually hesitant at the start of the AFL season, but quite enjoying it already.

[Hyypia headers]

As my first post wasn’t really specific on why and what I’m looking for in Australia, here’s another go, a bit more extensive this time.

First of all why leave Belgium? Simply put, I’ve had enough of Belgium and the attitude of most people here. I’m doing a masters degree
in Electrical Engineering, but I just can’t see a lot of future for me in this country. Politics are a joke to say the least. Most people aren’t bothered
anymore about anything or anyone as long as they get money in the bank at the end of the month. But this simply can’t go on forever,
sooner or later the bubble will burst. So I’m out of here, and Australia is about as far as I can go.

Also, winters depress the hell out of me. Those 5 or 6 freezing cold, windy, rainy and dark months a year, if I would win the lottery in December I’d still feel horrible.

So why Australia? Well, looking from the outside in, you lot seem to have a brilliant country on all fronts.  As someone on here pointed out,
the mining business in WA is booming, as I’m doing a master degree, I’m pretty sure I could get myself a job somewhere on the West Coast. I’ve been
looking into Perth a lot. Seems to me like a city that has massive potential. I would love to be part of a society that actually improves and works
to improve rather than settle for what they already have no longer putting any effort in to make more of it. I’m looking for a city and state that is on the up. That
said, I'm not naive enough to believe that every Australian is putting in the effort needed.

So I was thinking to start off with a working holiday, to get to know the people, the country, and a major city.

Now I’m not going to travel over there for 8 months only looking for a job. I love the outdoors, I’m looking for long summers, beautiful beaches and
natural parks. Again, this brings me to WA. Perth’ s beaches, Broome, Esperance, Ningaloo and Kilbarri and off course Margaret River. If my budget
allows me, I’d love to do some hiking, especially in the Kimberleys. I’m sure there are many more places like that all around Australia, but these are the sort
of things I’m looking for. A few proper outback towns would be nice aswell.

As said, I would like to spent a few months in a city. I think this is the best way to experience the Aussie way of life. What am I looking for in a city? In a nutshell,
I love sports and have fallen in love with AFL, do a bit of fishing and like a decent night out from time to time (but that won't be important to where I'll end up, its on the list, but way down). I love a city where life flies by at 200 miles an hour but also give you the opportunities to step out of it and have a relaxed, calm day without having to worry about anything. And whatever I’m looking or searching for, I always seem to end up at Perth and WA.

I haven’t really figured out yet what Adelaide is about, I like Melbourne but I think it would be just too big a city for me to enjoy. And I know sod all
about Brisbane, Sydney or anything in the Northern Territories. So enlighten me if I’m missing something.



Cheers,


Fred

[WEST HAM PAUL]

Fred,

I don't think you can go wrong wherever you go in Australia. As I mentioned before people will always say you should go here or there.

What I think you should do if let's say you have 8 months or so.

Fly to Sydney do 3/4 days. You can't go to Australia & not see Sydney harbour & enjoy a ferry ride across to Manly. Have an evening down Darling Harbour & a coffee around Oxford Street & fish & chips at Watsons Bay. There's still some nice beaches to enjoy such as Palm Beach. The tourist ones such as Bondi, Coogee & Cronulla there worth a visit or a night out.

I'd then fly to Melbourne I'd do minimum a week here maybe 3. again great things to do. Go shopping here, go to St Kilda some good restaurants etc plus a beach. You can't go here & not see an AFL game or two . Go to the MCG , dependant on what time of year there's the Grand Prix aswell. Usually March time. Spend a few days doing the Great Ocean Road  or go down to Philip Island see some sheep shearing, the smallest penguins in the world. & a great beach.

Maybe then do Adelaide for a week. I loved it a relaxed beautiful little city. Great weather, go to Gouger St a lovely little array of restaurants & cafe's. Glenelg beach is nice. Do the Barrosa Valley & taste some wine. Hahndorf is lovely little town with a german influence. Also Kangaroo Island for wildlife & scenery.

Then finish with your last 4/5 months in Perth & WA coast. From Esperance to Ningaloo it is amazing. Look for work in Perth spend some time there. During that period ensure you visit Fremantle, Margaret River, Yullingup & Busselton etc. Around that area is beautiful , relaxed & great beaches. In Perth make sure you do Rottnest Island, Kings Park, Hillarys Harbour. Breakfast in Leederville & a beer in Northbridge.

If you can get to Ningaloo it's amazing. Incredible beaches, wildlife & you feel like you have it all to yourself. Turqouise Bay was my favourite great snorkelling there as with Oyster Stacks. Also it has the Cape Range National Park

Only some ideas. Not even mentioned the east coast . You don't want to overplan but want to have sone idea of what you intend to do.

You'll love it