Re: Not quite an ex pat
 

It very much depends on where you live. I live in Sydney and there's only a couple of days a year you wouldn't go outside, unless its hammering it with rain which can happen in Sydney. In certain times of the year, it can rain for 4 days straight with no let up, however its not common. We don't have air conditioning in our house. Its low on the priority. I reckon we needed it once or twice the summer just gone. We have ceiling fans and they are superb. Heat is our main consumer of energy. From about now through to September we will have a gas heater running in the evenings.

Australia is a big place and the climate heavily varies depending on location. Don't let the doubters tell you otherwise.

Re: Not quite an ex pat
 

Everyone's comfort level of heat is obviously different. We have no issues with it and never use the air con and have never not gone outside because it's too hot. They may be visitors or stupid or just happy with the weather but there are always families out and about in parks, beach etc. We were in the same situation as you but 14 years ago. The husband was born in Aus but his family moved back when he was four so whilst it was great for moving out and not having to get work visas etc, you're still in the dark with all things Australian. Worked for us, didn't work for others. No way of knowing until you try. Good luck.