One week in... :)
Sep 25th 2006, 11:57 pm
#1
Oz here we are!!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Wanneroo, Perth, WA
Posts: 57
One week in... :)
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 12:01 am
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: forest lake brisbane
Posts: 486
Re: One week in... :)
sounds like your having fun good luck
Sep 26th 2006, 12:03 am
#3
Sunny Sydney
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6,241
Re: One week in... :)
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 12:10 am
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 757
Re: One week in... :)
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 1:34 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Poole, Dorset
Posts: 1,217
Re: One week in... :)
Pleased to hear that everything is going so well.
Sep 26th 2006, 5:05 am
#6
Essex Staffy
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 218
Re: One week in... :)
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 7:01 am
#7
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,693
Re: One week in... :)
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
Jo & Stu
V interesting post, good luck guys !
Dave
Sep 26th 2006, 7:31 am
#8
Former Resident Visa
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 2,887
Re: One week in... :)
Very interesting post, thanks for sharing. Good luck with the 'where to live' decision. Look forward to part 2!!
J x
J x
Sep 26th 2006, 7:36 am
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 25,277
Re: One week in... :)
Good post Can't believe you've done so much is only one week 
Best of luck in deciding where to settle
Can't believe you've done so much is only one week Best of luck in deciding where to settle
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 7:41 am
#10
visa holder
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Thornlands, Bayside
Posts: 1,964
Re: One week in... :)
Glad you (and cats) have arrived safely. Look forward to the next instalment and where you decide to stay.
Joex
Joex
Sep 26th 2006, 9:23 am
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Hell,UK but with a smile now we have our visa's !!
Posts: 303
Re: One week in... :)
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 11:44 am
#12
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: north east england to south east queensland(cleveland in fact )WE WON THE CUP
Posts: 5,867
Re: One week in... :)
Originally Posted by JoandStuV
OK it's an early update but I found these type of threads very interesting so here goes...
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
We flew to Perth with Singapore airlines on the 20th Sept, we managed to get the 40kgs each without a problem, we were a little worried as we had already validated but the check in person didn't bat an eyelid. We were also pretty worried about the hand baggage rules but again got away with a (huge) ruck sack, hand bag and two pillows without a problem! Flight was l-o-n-g but ok, food was pretty good by airline standards. After an hours stop over in Singapore we flew on to Perth.
We hired a car with Avis as they were open (at 1am) and we were tired, costs were reasonable even for the huge 4x4 Nissan they had available! We had booked to stay in the Comfort Inn self serviced appts on Brighton Beach, appt was old fashioned but very clean and functional and the view of the ocean more than made up for the 70s decor! Have to say the sat nav unit we brought in the UK was invaluable at this point, it was a navman which we had already loaded up with Oz maps, it fired straight up and got us to the appt with no trouble whatsoever. Much easier than two sleep deprived people trying to map read!!!
We managed to visit our two cats in the quarantine station down in Byford on the Friday, they were both absolutely fine and had coped with the flights. Smudge actually attacked one of the women when she tried to hose out their cage but she promised they would still feed him!!! The staff there are lovely and they are being well looked after (they were shipped by Golden Arrow who were faultless and absolutely lovely).
After a few days in gorgeous Perth we flew across to Sydney to pick up a car we purchased online from the UK. We struggled to find accommodation as it's a long weekend here + school holidays next week and cup final weekend. Ended up in a Medina serviced appt just outside Sydney which is lovely but more than we wanted to pay per night.
So far we have easily sorted out mobile phones (pay as you go types), changed our existing bank west account to a proper current account and ordered debit cards and arranged for the car to be pink slipped (MOT'd) and REGO'd. We have also set up a PO box as we don't have a permanent base yet.
So far it's been pretty stress free, we plan to take a driving/(diving!) holiday up the Gold Coast to check out Brisbane before making the final decision as to where we will settle (although at the moment our hearts are still in Perth)!
Will try and do another update once we are a bit more settled.
Good luck to anyone waiting on visas etc. believe me it's worth all the stress and waiting. For us, the minute we stepped off the plane it just felt right, I hope it stays that way!
Cheers!
Jo & Stu
Sep 26th 2006, 10:05 pm
#13
Oz here we are!!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Wanneroo, Perth, WA
Posts: 57
Re: One week in... :)
Hi all, thanks for the replies!
We brought the Navman off ebay, it cost about £150 and is an ICN 650 model. Hubby downloaded all the maps off the internet and paid about £75 for all of Oz and NZ (it came with UK and Europe maps). It worked like a dream in Perth but has struggled a bit in Sydney CBD, I think it's all the v tall buildings. Overall though a v good buy and has definitely helped us get so much done in such a short space of time.
As a mini update, we sorted out medicare today, it was easy as pie, just went into the medicare place in a shopping centre and handed over our UK passports. We have been given little slips of paper as temporary cards and the plastic cards will arrive in 2 weeks. Would really recommend a PO box to anyone just arriving and not sure of where they will settle, it cost around $159 for a year and can be forwarded from state to state as you move. Also don't be afraid to use a temporary address such as an appartment/hotel as your residential address, a lot of places let you put in an additional mailing address so you can use your PO box and no mail will ever go to the hotel.
Beer 'o clock here so that's all for now!
We brought the Navman off ebay, it cost about £150 and is an ICN 650 model. Hubby downloaded all the maps off the internet and paid about £75 for all of Oz and NZ (it came with UK and Europe maps). It worked like a dream in Perth but has struggled a bit in Sydney CBD, I think it's all the v tall buildings. Overall though a v good buy and has definitely helped us get so much done in such a short space of time.
As a mini update, we sorted out medicare today, it was easy as pie, just went into the medicare place in a shopping centre and handed over our UK passports. We have been given little slips of paper as temporary cards and the plastic cards will arrive in 2 weeks. Would really recommend a PO box to anyone just arriving and not sure of where they will settle, it cost around $159 for a year and can be forwarded from state to state as you move. Also don't be afraid to use a temporary address such as an appartment/hotel as your residential address, a lot of places let you put in an additional mailing address so you can use your PO box and no mail will ever go to the hotel.
Beer 'o clock here so that's all for now!
