What people wish they’d known

Most British people who move to Australia are glad they did. But the same few surprises come up again and again. Knowing them early makes the first year easier.

1. The distance hits harder than you expect

A trip home takes about a day each way and costs a lot, especially for a family in the school holidays. Many people find they go home less often than they planned. Missing weddings, funerals and new babies is the hardest part for many. The time difference is 7 to 11 hours, so calls to the UK work best in your evening, which is their morning. See Is Australia right for you?

2. Renting is hard work

Rents are quoted by the week, not the month. Popular homes can get dozens of people at an inspection, and you are competing with people who have local rental references. Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane are among the tightest markets, with fewer than 1 in 100 homes empty. Many newcomers book a short-term furnished let for the first month while they search.

3. Visas take time, and plans can change

Processing times change month to month. These are the times within which half and 90% of applications were finished, from Home Affairs figures published on 29 September 2026: Check the live figures on the Home Affairs visa processing times page

Don’t resign, sell your home or book flights until your visa is granted. Rules and occupation lists also change, so check again before you apply. See Visa routes to Australia.

4. Making friends takes time

Australians are friendly and easy to chat to, but many already have busy lives built around family and old school friends. A barbecue invitation doesn’t always turn into a close friendship. Most people say the first year is the loneliest. Joining something regular, such as a sports club, a parkrun, a school group or a volunteer group, helps most.

5. The culture is direct, and modest

• People say what they think. It isn’t meant to be rude, and they expect you to do the same
• Showing off is frowned on. Australians call this “tall poppy syndrome”: people who seem to think they’re better than others get cut down
• Humour is dry and teasing. Being able to laugh at yourself helps
• Workplaces are informal: first names, few titles, and bosses who expect you to speak up. See Working in Australia

6. The sun is stronger than you think

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Skin cancers make up about 80% of all cancers diagnosed there each year. You can burn on a cloudy day. Cancer Council advises protection whenever the UV index is 3 or more:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin
• Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, 20 minutes before going out, and reapply every 2 hours
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses

7. Things cost more than the exchange rate suggests

A higher salary in dollars doesn’t always mean you’ll be better off. Rent, eating out, alcohol and running a car can all cost more than you expect. Compare a whole month’s spending, not just salaries. Try the cost of living calculator.