“My husband thinks I'm bonkers but it really does cool me down!”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen talks about how to survive and thrive in summer in Australia, including:

• Tips and hacks to stay cool during hot weather
• How important is air conditioning?
• Things you don't do in summer in Australia that you used to do in the UK during summer
• and more.

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move
• Join the Move to Australia Facebook community
• Related episode: Six tips for living with Australia's extreme weather, Enjoy Christmas in Australia

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find the show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-44

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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“The wildlife here is more incredible than dangerous - you just need to be aware of it.”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen talks about her experience with Australia's scary and dangerous wildlife. Including:

• Will your house really be full of spiders?
• Heads up: Cockroaches can fly!
• Sharks and stingers - you're venturing into their home!
• Awareness and knowledge is power.
• The not-so-nice wildlife in Australia (and it's not what you think!)
• and more

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.
• Join the Move to Australia Facebook community
• Related episode: Bucket list experiences: The unforgettable experience of whale watching
• Related blog posts: Should I be scared of dangerous spiders?, Find a natural mosquito repellent, Snakes, Spiders and bugs in Australia + first aid tips

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If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find the AI-generated show notes at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-43.

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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“When we decided to move to Australia, one of my biggest fears wasn’t about visas or jobs or even the flight… it was about whether I’d ever feel at home again. I worried that I’d always be in this in-between place — missing my old home more than I loved my new one.”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this week's episode, Karen chats about her feelings around what home means to her, and how her perspective has shifted over the years. The episode covers:

• The places where Karen has lived and her feelings around 'home' in those places.
• How she was always searching for the elusive feeling of 'home.
• How home is a feeling, but it comes from a choice you make. If you don't feel at home where you are, you get to choose and move on.
• How you can choose to leave places even if you love it and feel at home there - it's OK to end up loving more than one place!
• How staying somewhere because it's easy isn't usually the right decision. Growth comes when you challenge youself.
• And more!

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.
• Join the Move to Australia Facebook community
• Related episode: Will I regret moving to Australia?

Find the show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-42

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

“Most of these are all connected with the same theme!”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this week's episode, Karen gives a different perspective about living in Australia by exploring some of the worst things about living in Australia.

Of course, there are lots of amazing things about living in Australia, but there are also some things that aren't so good. Listen to this episode where Karen talks about her five worst things about living in Australia.

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.
• Join the Move to Australia Facebook community

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-41

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

“I don't think you regret giving something a try!”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this week's episode, Karen answers this important question: Will I regret moving to Australia?

Karen shares an eye opening experience that really got her thinking about the concept of regret. If you've been wondering if making the move is the right decision for you, this short episode is just for you!

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find the full show notes and transcript over at, https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-40

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

“We assumed because we were eligible now, we'd always be eligible!”

Don't make these common mistakes with your move to Australia!

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this solo episode, Karen explores 10 common mistakes that people make when moving to Australia so you can avoid making them!

From listening to incorrect visa advice, skipping a leaving party and getting rid of all of your belongings, this episode explores some of the mistakes you should try to avoid when making the move.

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.

For the full show notes and transcript, visit https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-39

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

“Do it with your kids, not to them. Include them!”

Moving to Australia with kids? In this episode, Karen chats with Tracy Collins about how to help children adjust to their new life Down Under. From choosing the right school and managing goodbyes to handling long-haul flights and building new routines, this conversation is packed with practical tips and personal insights to support your family through the transition.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

Tracy Collins is host of the UK Travel Planning and the Global Travel Planning podcasts. She has a background of moving internationally herself, and also has experience of moving to Australia with her daughter - plus she has a background in education and working with special needs children, so she has a wealth of experience to share. This episode covers:

• How to choose a school in Australia that fits your child
• Supporting your kids with leaving friends and family behind
• Long-haul flight tips for young children
• How to help kids settle into their new routine and social life
• The emotional journey for parents and children alike
• Why it's important to wait before planning a return holiday
• The power of involving your kids in every step of the journey
• And so much more!

Additional resources

• Listen to Tracy's other episodes on the New Life in Australia podcast: Moving to Australia and moving again, Housesitting in Australia and Planning a big holiday back to the UK.
• Read the blog post Tracy and Karen wrote together to accompany this episode
• Read this blog post about traditions in Australia and hobbies in Australia for inspiration.
• Check out Tracy's UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning websites.

You can find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-38

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

"I like to reference Sydney when they announced the Olympics 1990 to when they held the games in 2000, the government spent a similar amount on infrastructure projects...these things make the city a more desirable location. Sydney saw a growth across the metro locations of around 94% over that ten year period. If history is anything to base it off, Brisbane has a similar opportunity here. The Olympics will put Brisbane on the global stage."

With thanks to Buyers Collective for sponsoring this episode.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen talks to Jack from Buyers Collective, a buyer's advocate agency helping clients buy a home or invest in property from Brisbane down the coast to Byron Bay. We talk about:

• The impact of the Sydney Olympics on house prices and what this signifies for Brisbane
• How property values are likely to grow
• Major infrastructure projects that are planned or underway
• Tips for buying into the market
• Potential downsides of the Olympics coming to Brisbane
• Why research is key before making a move
• Opportunities for newcomers to Australia

…And many more insights for anyone interested in property and investment in the Brisbane area.

Additional resources

• Listen to Dianne from Buyers Collective on episode 27 of the New Life in Australia podcast about buying your home in Queensland the smart way
• Find Buyers Collective in the Move to Australia Directory
• Visit Buyers Collective website and book a discovery call with Jack or Dianne
• Read Buyers Collective's article about buying a home on the Gold Coast

You can find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-37

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts! All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show