New Life in Australia

“I think the service can just relieve you of an additional weight physically and mentally whenever you first arrive in a country.” Moving to Australia is an exciting new adventure, but the practical side of relocating your life across the world can feel really overwhelming. What should you bring? What should you leave behind? Is it worth shipping your belongings, or would it be easier to replace t...

“You don’t accidentally build your dream life. You build it by noticing when you’re drifting and choosing a different direction.” Moving to Australia is often framed around big goals, new beginnings and exciting possibilities. But what happens after the move? When the dust settles, routines take over and life starts to feel like it’s running on autopilot again? In this episode of the New Life in A...

"Creating a vision for your new life begins the moment you start imagining what's possible for you."  In this final episode for 2025, Karen talks about how to intentionally design your life in Australia, whether you’re still planning your move, deep in the admin, or already settled. Moving to Australia is a huge achievement — but building your dream life here goes beyond just making...

“We helped to move just over £300,000 to Australia and were able to achieve an additional $18,000 Australian dollars into her bank over the UK bank she was using. That's huge!” Moving to Australia is exciting, but it comes with challenges - especially when it comes to transferring your money internationally. In this episode, Karen chats with Brett from TorFX , an international money transfer...

“ Is Australia affordable? I think it is definitely more expensive than the UK in many ways but there are areas where life is cheaper, so it's swings and roundabouts as to which one is actually cheaper.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode about the real costs of living in Brisbane in 2025, Karen breaks down everything you need to know to budget confidently for your n...

 With thanks to Rental Search Australia for sponsoring this episode. “ More people in this industry is great but you really need to do your research. Do some background checks by looking at reviews and social media.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen chats with Jade from Rental Search Australia about everything you need to know to secure a rental in Australia. If...

“ 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. Ad...

“ 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...

“ 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...

“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 e...

“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...

“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...

“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 thr...

"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...

"Be flexible. Don't overplan. Work around the things you absolutely have to do. 28 days isn't a long time!" Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen chats to Tracy Collins from the UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning podcasts and websites all about planning a big holiday back to the UK after you've settled in Australia.  This episode is...

"I had these clients…they’d seen a property in Hawthorn. That area wasn’t in our brief…this is why we do a brief, so we aren’t tempted by shiny things. They told me they wanted capital growth, and that property wouldn’t provide that. Stick to the plan!" Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen talks to Tonya Davidson from Davidson Property Advocates all about c...

"It always surprises me when I go to do viewings. People walk in and view and don’t have a conversation with the agent. You are there to present…always try and have a conversation with the agent and introduce yourself. If you love the property, tell them how much you love it. We always do that on behalf of our clients." With thanks to E-Sterling Services for sponsoring this podcast episo...

“If I wouldn’t live in it or invest in it myself, I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my clients either.” With thanks to Minihan Group Australia for sponsoring this episode.  In this episode, Karen chats to Janice Minihan from Minihan Group Australia. Janice is a licensed real estate agent in both Queensland and the UK who supports clients across the full spectrum of the property journey - from find...

"We know pets are part of the family, and we want the journey to be as stress-free for them as it is for you." In this episode, I chat to Andy Simons, owner and director of Transfur Animals, a UK-based pet shipping company specialising in relocating cats and dogs to Australia. We cover everything you need to know about moving your pet to Australia, including timeframes, costs, crate requ...

"No place is absolutely perfect, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work towards building your dream lifestyle." Trying to decide where to live in Australia? Whether you’re choosing between Brisbane and Perth, city or regional, beachside or bush, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you find the perfect place for your new life Down Under. Welcome to the New Life in Australia p...

"You can always make more money… but you can never replace the time." Wondering how much it really costs to move to Australia? This episode is a must-listen if you’re starting to plan your relocation and want to avoid hidden surprises. From visa fees and shipping to car seats and pantry staples, I walk you through the major expenses involved in relocating and setting up your new life Dow...

"Try to approach it from a position of opportunities and be creative — think about ways you can make yourself eligible if you aren’t currently eligible for a visa." Thinking about moving to Australia, but don’t know where to start? This episode is your practical roadmap to help you go from “can I move?” to “I’ve got my visa!” It’s a comprehensive overview of the key stages you’ll need to...

"I know it can be a bit weird to adapt to if you're moving from a country where it's normally cold and chilly and snowy over the Christmas period. But it is different and if you embrace those differences, then I think you will come to love it too!" With thanks to Tonya Davidson from Davidson Property Advocates , Chris Noone from Carly Car Subscription , Fiona Mayers from True B...

What is your priority when you're moving here? Is it the schools? Is it a house or an apartment? Do you love the ocean do you love the countryside? What are your must-haves? With thanks to Buyers Collective for sponsoring this episode. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast: In this episode, Karen talks to Dianne from Buyers Collective. In the episode, we cover:  Dianne's journey f...

Australia is quite different to many other countries and a lot of the makes and models [of cars] are different and the way you use your car is different...  Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen talks to Chris Noone, CEO of Carly Car Subscription. In the episode, we cover:  What is a car subscription and how is it different from a hire car or car loan. How often can y...