Perth or Adelaide
 

Hey guys, I'm new here. Looking forward to speaking to you all. I have been a bit of an onlooker over the past few months as I go through the steps of moving to Australia. I am just awaiting my skills assessment back (I'm from the UK) before I submit my EOI.

My dilemma is which state to choose (I am going to go for the subclass 190). I am a skydiver in my free time so Perth appeals to me in that sense. But also I prefer more relaxed quiet(ish) places. However, I had always been set on Adelaide (no idea why).

What are our experiences?

Thanks xx

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I've moved your post to the main forum as it is not really immigration / visa related but general life.

I suspect that the answer though will be to go where the work is - and where you can get sponsorship if this is a necessity. I did hear that WA were not sponsoring some visas without an offer of employment, but that information should be on the state website so I'd double check there.

There is also quite a downturn in the state affecting many - not sure how that will affect your occupation. That said, I believe the unemployment rate is higher here in SA.

Just checked your other post and the missing info here is that you are a midwife. Not sure what prospects are in either state - hopefully someone from that sector will see this and can offer some advice.

Good luck with the assessment and AHPRA registration - and welcome to BE :welcome:

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Aaahhh thank you so much for moving it. I had a feeling I probably posted in the wrong section.

I've been researching for well over a year now and have got great feedback from Adelaide hospitals in regards to work. I should have 70 points when submitting my EOI.

I was reading WA state nomination rules and requirements earlier. Other than the usual need for ANMAC and IELTS They just want you to prove three years of experience which is okay.

Thank you for the warm welcome xx

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Have you seen this - http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/SiteC...28final%29.pdf

Page 3 suggests that you need a contract of employment.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

My advice is to research jobs. The days of people in health care arriving in Oz and being comfortable of getting work anywhere are long gone.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I spent about 4 months in each a few years ago on my backpackers visa. I can't comment on jobs etc for you but as a place to live I preferred Adelaide, the climate's a bit easier, it's less remote, Perth also had a larger percentile of what they call "Bogans" from my experience than anywhere else I went in Australia.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Perth

Adelaide is a socialist basket-case that leeches off the rest of Australia. Employment opportunities outside of their bloated and inefficient public service are extremely limited

Avoid

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Thank you so much for your replies. I have had more of a detailed look of the prerequisites today. I can imagine securing a job before requesting state nomination is somewhat of a headache. So I am more than a little frustrated/stressed but he, it is worth it in the end!!

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I'm rather out of touch with immigration requirements these days, but with 70 points (if sponsored), do you actually need sponsorship?

Adelaide is a great place to live. Can't really speak for Perth but it is a very long way from the rest of urban Australia.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

As old.sparkles noted, the answer will be to go where there is work.

As another noted - the days of just rocking up to Australia and getting a health-care sector job are over.

Except in most of the regions. Have you considered that? I live country WA and would never live in one of the capital cities. I know in the WA regions you could probably find mid-wife work pretty easily and I can't imagine that SA is any different. My wife is in health care and - I mean this literally - has won every position she has ever applied for. She did graduate top of her class but there is such a dearth of regional health care workers that competent people will find something, even if they struggle to do so in Perth.

Both Perth and Adelaide are fine places to live if your employment situation is OK. If you are going to give country living a try - regional WA over regional SA for sure.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Absolutely. If I could work in the SW, I'd be there at a drop of a hat. Although I could do most of my work from home, clients and companies want you to be on their premises during office hours. I understand that as communication is critical - and there are no real companies in the SW unfortunately

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I'd actually much rather live in the country/suburb areas to be fair 😄

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

We moved to Adelaide from Scotland 10 months ago, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

We live in Semaphore - a beach suburb a few miles north of the CBD- and I was just watching the skydivers drifting down to the beach here, which made me think of your post (I think if you google "skydiving semaphore" you'll get some idea - I have no interest myself in any skydiving companies!).

I get the impression that if you are in decent employment here, life can be very good indeed - but I wouldn't want to be unemployed or at the bottom of the ladder, as i think it's tough to get ahead. It is very laid back, which took us a little getting used to, but there always seems to be something going on. It was a bit of a shock on first arrival - we were used to more hustle & bustle in the UK, but Adelaide has slowly revealed it's charms; the beaches are beautiful, the hills around are lovely, and it's packed with parks, reserves and great picnic spots. The shopping is quite good in the city, at Marion, West Lakes, Burnside too. Think Leeds or Southampton rather than London or Glasgow though! Anyway it doesn't get nominated 6th best place in the world to live for nothing...

Unfortunately we must move to Queensland shortly (a new grandchild calls us North..), but otherwise I would have been very happy to settle here and I'll be sad to leave.

Also, the New Royal Adelaide Hospital opened recently, and it seems to be a big deal - most advanced in Australia I think? Maybe there are opportunities for you there.

I've yet to visit Perth myself so can't compare the two unfortunately - but this is my experience for what its worth.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Adelaide is sort of Eastern states but clearly not Melb or Sydney.

For me if you're not in mining etc then Adelaide's culture eclipses Perth. I've always been impressed by South Australians..nicest accents in the whole of AU. Some very cultured people with manners. But you need to arrive set up and to continue to be so.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Thank you so much for your replies guys, I honestly really do appreciate it. My heart has mostly been set on SA, it is just all a bit mind boggling at times (especially when I submitted my skills assessment.... SO stressful!!).

Aussielover, thanks for the recommendation on the dropzone, I will check it out :)

I have had some good responses from some of the maternity hospitals surrounding Adelaide, awaiting to hear back from Perth. I'm going to do a bit more research today looking at surrounding suburbs (Mainly due to the fact it is -2 here with so much snow.... I can safely say I'm staying indoors). xx

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Both places have pro and cons. Quite a lot despair at Adelaide being this and that. I have always liked it but never lived there only visited.


I agree with some comments made regarding the South West of WA. I used to live in Albany, where a new hospital was opened a couple of years back and increasingly improving lifestyle not to say cooler weather, if that's preferable. A very attractive location with lots of British and South Africans and increasing diversity from other regions.Outside of health care things may be a little difficult country wise though.
Bunbury could be another location worth a shot. Nearer to Perth, slightly bigger than Albany and probably better suited for work outside the health area.


If it must be a choice between Adelaide and Perth then not a lot between them. Either would suit at least initially as a location. Adelaide is a little cheaper than Perth and has some great nearby locations.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I know Albany very, very well and I agree with most of what you write. I think the things holding it back are its population is still too small - less than half that of Bunbury - and old cultural ideas about Albany being a retirement haven. Wheatbelt and Great Southern farmers still aim to go there for their retirements (I know two farmers in my tiny town who just sold their places and are heading down there in 2018) and it does have a noticeably older feel than places like Busselton and Bunbury. British Expats don't know or care about that but Aussie youths do and it does have something of a stigma because of it if you are young and single. There also still aren't enough professional-class jobs in Albany yet to make it an appealing economic alternative to the Perth-Bunbury corridor for regional young adults looking to break away from a career in agriculture.

If you're already married and can get a stable job though - Albany I feel is tough to beat, and the beaches/nature around there is some of the best in Australia.

I know they are trying to broaden their tourism appeal, to include others besides farming families in the southern part of the state who want to camp or have a holiday house at Bremer Bay or Walpole.

If the planned new fish market at Emu Point goes ahead and gains some traction, that will help too with its reputation as an emerging foodie locale.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I am so glad that I joined this forum, you guys are just so helpful. I cannot thank you all enough!!

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I'm sorry you are wrong there. Both populations are indeed similar in size. But Bunbury is located closer to the city with transport connections (train) and a more populous hinterland covering a very wide distance. (perhaps is what you meant)


The actual population of Albany, last 2016 census, was 37,533. While Bunbury was indeed ahead, coming in at 40,760. Hardly half.


Both have substantial UK born populations. But Albany is ahead here. 8.5% of the Albany population was born in UK. The population increased 2,254 over five years.
The figure for Bunbury is less but similar at 7.1%. Population increased 2,320 over five years.


Hence both are remarkably similar at initial glance.


Albany over recent history has often played second fiddle to Bunbury. They got the first traffic light (BY) a high rise hotel, development on a large scale (Marsden Point) by the old port where a complete new, and rather nice suburb was built right beside the CBD.


Albany is catching up in areas though. A large, modern training hospital has recently been completed. One of only three in country WA.
There is work in social care areas but as noted can be tough in other areas. Indeed a feature of the city is younger people leaving and don't expect that will change in a hurry. But then I know many migrants whose kids left Perth for brighter lights as well. Hence living in Perth or Adelaide will not arrest this, but Albany would be even more likely for sure.

Another thing it is hardly cheap these days. I don't see the cost of living as any cheaper than Perth, necessary. House prices in better areas certainly reflect that.


Albany is WA's leading holiday/tourist town. When last down there in early October, most places were full of tourists from around the world.
Looking in the tourist book noted many with home address noted as Singapore and Malaysia, and certainly noted a lot of Asian tourists around venues.


Albany has developed considerably since the days I lived there. The new entertainment centre of several years standing situated right on the lovely water front, the Sunday Waterfront markets great.
In fact my favourite Indian restaurant is in Albany. But again I do not detect much difference in eating out prices from Perth.


There are some lovely places along The Terrace now to dine and drink and no appearance when I've visited, at least, of some of the rough behaviour that once characterised the place decades before.


Albany needs to play to its strengths. Retirement is a major source and a business to boot. Develop that more to make it attractive. Tourism can be expanded and keeps the city ticking over in part with many cafes relying on high prices paid by tourists.
As an example, a really cute, French provincial style café, with all the trimmings on The Terrace charges $18 for onion soup. I don't recall ever paying that sort of price anywhere in France.......but a very pleasant ambiance.


For those in social care, I include mid wife here, it is worth checking out, if something other than a suburban existence in a Perth suburb, certainly not for all, saying that small city living not for all either. But worth a consideration.


Bunbury certainly worth consideration as well. Then I don't mind Adelaide either .........

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Absolutely love Albany, I have friends there and until I left Oz would visit at least 5 times a year. If we return to Australia, that's where we'll be living.:thumbup:

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I am not wrong - the population of Bunbury and suburbs is 67,000 (according to ABS) not 40,000. So, yes, half.

It is also much bigger just based on the eye test and you can tell that just driving around. I don't find the two places to be similar, I find Albany much nicer.

It still is viewed as a retirement community and school-leavers from the farming areas make a bee-line for Perth. They don't want to go to Albany. Young families who can get jobs, however, do want to go there and for good reason. Albany is not a place for the singles scenes but good if you are looking to settle down.

The rough behaviour is still there just they do a good job now of keeping it away from the tourist areas and places like The Terrace. I do concur the restaurant scene had improved a lot.

I do agree with you about the cost of living - the areas of Albany where you can get a really cheap house are not places one would want to live. I don't find it any more or less expensive than Perth.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I have lived in both as well. Please consult the demographic stats. Both are similar in population. I have the figures given in my previous post. Both are rather spread out. You must be including areas like Brunswick and Australind and Harvey. Not Bunbury suburbs as such. Even then it must be wide spread indeed to amount to 67,000 thousand, But what is termed Bunbury is about two thousand plus more than Albany.


I have not said that they are similar in anything but population(which is true) and both are major regional cities, a rarity in the WA context. There are some similarities in both are ports, by the sea with a not to dissimilar sixe CBD. Bunbury being a little bigger. Bunbury is far more working class (in blue collar sense) Albany less so, especially since the loss of a lot of its industry from whaling, to woollen mills to meat works in town.


Hence Albany these days is more 'refined' IMO, certainly compared the days passed when it was certainly rough. But you are right more unsavourily types not as visible as once but under currents exist of course. Quite large pockets of social exclusion and issues including drugs blight both places.


There are plans to expand the university there. Already student lodgings are going up just up the road from the uni (in the old post office)


I have often thought Albany should have greater focus on arts and promotion and become a small version of St Ives, in Cornwall in that sense. It has similar stunning coastline to Cornwall .......but I suppose we fall back on sustainability with a low population base ......

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Yes lovely spot in many ways. We have looked at housing over recent years down year, but can't get over the price rise over fifteen years or less. The better areas are similar in price to areas close to Perth CBD. Middleton Beach will probably go through the roof with the construction of the new hotel and amenities at that location. Already close to a million dollars in some cases and high 800,000s at the places we looked.


Perhaps renting may prove a better option. Although on other occasions I come to the conclusion, better leave it as a pleasant 'getaway' for breaks from the metro a few times a year. One does become very 'noticeable' in places like Albany over a short time.


Another factor, while a major centre for retirement, in case of certain serious illness people had to be treated in Perth. This is likely not quite as relevant with the 'new' hospital, but limitations, I believe still remain, so the need is unlikely to dissipate completely any time soon.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

At the end of the day I would allow work to dictate location. Not the reverse. There is little point being in a place where work proves difficult to obtain.
Australia is an expensive country. There is no other way to describe it.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I could only live in Albany town centre, or maybe Mount Melville within walking distance to the centre. After living in the UK I'm used to be able to walk to everything I need :thumbup:

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Having lived in Australia (Melbourne and Adelaide) for longer than the average Aussie has been alive, I don’t know why some people criticise Adelaide as if it is an outer suburb of Alice Springs!

With a population of 1.3 million and very spacious, it is a step up from any British city outside of London. I agree that it doesn’t have the big city buzz of Sydney or Melbourne, but if you want quality of life, Adelaide is hard to beat. It hasn’t become the world’s 6th most liveable city for several years for nothing.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I agree, although I would stretch my desired area to of course Middleton Beach (which is walkable done it many a time or cycled) possibly Emu Point, as do the beach walk most mornings from Middleton to Emu when there.....


I used to live in Port Albany, although not sure it was called that when there. Only a five minute walk to The Terrace. It was before the improvements though with Dylans on The Terrace being perhaps the main feature.


Definitely prefer walking everywhere. Something I dearly miss from London days. The Albany bus service is hardly sustainable with a very limited route and timetable.


I saw a house in Festing Street (in town) $800,000 plus. An old refurbished one, nice but really inflated. It seemed to be removed from listings when looked three weeks later. It is possible to buy in the dress circle (so called) close to the beach for that price. What were they thinking? Throwing a line in and seeing if any bites would be my guess.


Sorry not meaning to make this an Albany thread, (it could almost be dissected and Albany related issues have a stand alone thread?)


But I did think it worth, someone in the social/health care industry to consider prospects outside the capital cities.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I'm very cautious at using slogans like 6th best city in the world to live in, as the measurements are for business travellers and hence things like real estate costs are not included . As much as I like Adelaide, I would find it hard to rate it so high on a world scale, although Melbourne/Vancouver ratings yearly in well over the top for average people.


Besides that Adelaide is a fine city, if a little quiet. It wouldn't suit all tastes but neither does Perth. Never heard it called a burb of Alice Springs (a city I lived a month and probably the worst in Australia, IMO)


Do I detect a degree of 'home sickness' on your part for SA? I believe you are in Torquay? I tried England for living in 2010 but London. I'm afraid the experience wasn't what I would have hoped. What's the saying about returning to the past?


England holds little interest these days in the sense of living. European mainland more so but hardly issue free.


Saying that Australia is not without a list of issues as well. IMO, Sydney is all but unaffordable, (been there twice this year) but still cheaper than going out in Perth, which was inflated badly by the resource industry boom. Please not another one anytime soon. Seriously damaging for financial health .....

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I really appreciate your Input so don't apologise. I have been looking into Bunbury and Mandurah today 😄

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Right you are then. My thoughts on Bunbury. Unless can afford to live close to centre, I'm not sure I'd bother. Well I'll refine that. Check out the suburb well. Bunbury has some serious 'social issues' in areas and quite an extensive drug problem.
Saying that Marsden Point is lovely by the sea front, walkable to city centre and beaches. I almost bought a place there when it was being built. I certainly should have done as prices have near doubled.


Somewhere close enough otherwise like Australind may suit for living. Capel has seen growth of population in recent years. Brunswick perhaps? Don't recall of hand what it is like these days.


Mandurah from a personal level I don't much care for. There are a considerable disparity between those with money and those without, shall we say, and social problems to match.
It looks 'very' nice in pictures and many UK people seem to be attracted to it. The waterfront looks nice, in a sterile sort of way IMO. House prices have dropped quite considerably in recent years, so an interesting prospect in that sense.
Beaches are rather nice there and the Perth/Metro train line concludes there. So it definitely has plus points.


I've seen another side of it which has certainly 'coloured' my perceptions somewhat.
Lots to chew over anyway.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Wow, thank you for your Input on those places!! Definitely lots to think about. What about if I was to look a little east of Perth? Most of the skydiving centres are along the coast line so I want to be close enough in that respect. I had looked at Busselton, however maternity hospitals appear to be scarce in that respect and mostly I need that to take priority in terms of places of living.

Xx

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Busselton is a nice spot. I can't comment too much on the town as only made a few day trips there over recent decade. But I would say a lot of retired folk but haven't looked at the demographics. Probably you are right though. Not great in your line of work.


I spent years working in the eastern suburbs. Certainly some issues in a number of them, but certainly cheaper housing than western suburbs and areas of others. I forgot skydiving is your thing. I'm afraid I know nothing about this and any info would be only through the internet, which you can do probably better than me. Any area that takes your interest though, don't hesitate to ask and if I know it on a personal level I will give you my honest opinion.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Troubadour, I don't like Bunbury or Mandurah either and think people shouldn't bother moving there. However I feel you are seriously over-selling Albany (and I am right about population - my statistics come from the ABS, though as I mentioned, it is obvious just driving through both). It's also not even close to being the top tourism town in WA - that would be Perth, and then Busselton and Margaret River either. Though Albany is top 5.

However, it is very refreshing to find another person on this forum who understands the value and appeal of the regions. I have spent several years in the WA regions and would never live in Perth.

Busselton has a serious crime and drug problem and has changed a lot in the past several years, not all for the better. Clacfart needs to understand that this will be a recurring theme in regional towns, especially in regards to ice and meth - and that includes Albany. Unlikely to affect the OP directly but break-ins are common and statistically probably a matter of time for all of us. Police effectiveness is a serious political issue in the regions.

As the South West and Great Southern have been covered in previous posts perhaps looking a bit east and north could be of some use.

The Wheatbelt always has a need for health care professionals and can offer good value for money compared to the rest of WA. Most of it is not all that far from Perth either. People living in Northam or York are close enough for a (long) commute. However the Wheatbelt is suffering from long-term population decline and though people are there, it is not a cracking social destination. If you are quite outdoorsy than it is a great place; if you need your dining experience and social clubs it won't be for you (and neither will be Busselton or Albany). Plenty of skydiving though in the Wheatbelt. The local councils and tourism commissions are trying very hard to promote it as a tourism destination as well though with limited results.

Cervantes and Jurien Bay are nice places and Geraldton is the Mid West equivalent of Albany, though slightly bigger.

If OP is willing to go remote, the cash is there and those towns will probably surprise with their offerings (I have been to almost every shire in this state in the past three years). Kalgoorlie is about the same size as Albany and Geraldton and due to its place as a centre for gold and mining has a lot more than you would expect, especially in regards to restaurants. I quite like it.

We love Broome but that won't be for everyone, especially in summer, when the heat, rain and jellyfish arrive.

Rockingham and Mandurah have rough reputations - they are seen as cheaper than Perth and so are undergoing something of a boomlet as a moment as people look for cheaper houses etc that are still within commuting distance. The electorate of Brand is here and I read once that when Kim Beazley represented it, it had the lowest proportion of university graduates of any electorate in Australia. In terms of Perth suburbs I think you are better heading north first, then east, and south last.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I should also add: Karratha pleasantly surprises me, and it seems a place that strives to be a livable town. There are also some awesome national parks around there. Port Hedland in contrast strives to be the world's biggest FIFO camp and there is little to recommend it other than salary.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Sorry if you feel that I am over selling Albany. I can tell you I am not. I have already stated the ridiculous house price inflation there as well as the expense of dining out.
It is and remains though one of the more attractive small cities in WA. It should be recalled, we are a big state, but at the end of the day, there are not a lot of practical alternatives outside of the Metro area. I also suggested health issues, although the Albany Hospital has modernised, may still require treatment in Perth. Practicalities as these need to be considered though everywhere in country WA.


I have thought long and hard at locations outside of Perth, in my own situation but have yet to come up with a place that ticks all the boxes. Simply it doesn't exist.
It is hard enough attempting such a feat Australia wide, let alone sparsely populated WA.


I'm sorry I stand by my demographics on Bunbury because it is fact. I know what Google says but that includes the electoral boundaries, not purely the city as such. It is hardly an important matter and see where you come from.


My praise for Albany largely rests around the improvements in recent years. Only being several years on the 'country scene' as I believe you wrote, you'd have limited awareness of how it was in times past.


Moving on. Geraldton is certainly a place I know reasonably well having lived there, but not in recent times. Not really a place I fancy. Further from Perth than other locations mentioned, some similarities to Bunbury in being more a working class city.... again crime an issue with certain burbs certainly incident prone. The time I was there probably jaded my perceptions as crime and race relations were not very positive shall we say.
Still a city beside the sea. Some pleasant beaches but very windy.


Just after I fired off the main yesterday, I thought about Northam and a connection with sky diving. I don't think it a viable place to live though. Gets stinking hot in summer due to its geographic location and rather limited in most areas. I decided against working there after spent a bit of time looking around.
I'm not sure such a place would be a great introduction for someone coming from UK?


Hence the long and the short of it all, considering my personal opinions on Bunbury, Geraldton ,Mandurah, Northam I'm not sure where outside doable Albany is really feasible due to size and work prospects or pure desirability to live. Esperance, very far, but quite pleasant, at least from a tourist perspective, could be a consideration. I met a woman from Scotland there last visit who loved the place. I suspect too small and isolated for me but worth a thought.


Interesting you like Broome. I find it somewhat spoilt these days. Although nice some decades back way over priced and a bit meh. I spent a spell in Derby, which I learned to like quite a lot, hence Broome was 'just down the road' and when in need of the bright lights went there,but too reliant on tourists and back packers. Not exactly safe to walk at night either.


I suspect after more consideration Perth or Adelaide would be better selections for an incomer at least on initial arrival in order to find their feet and consideration of outside localities could be arrived at some other time.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Another reason I mentioned Albany, is IMO, is has something of a quaint 'English seaside town' about it.


Its oldness, its grey skies and rain, Devonshire teas in the main street, British accents rather common...It has a cosiness....


Bunbury on the other hand, nor Geraldton would one ever consider any such resemblance. I seem to recall Bunbury was once voted the most Australian of towns in Australia.
Now that could be a positive or equally a minus, depending how you look at it and personal sensibilities.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Hi, this post was quite insightful so thank you! In regards to areas such as crime and drugs, I have to say it is an area of work I am particularly interested in therefore I am guessing work for drug dependency practitioners are needed (Just a thought?). Having worked in particular areas in the UK (not sure if you have heard of Bristol but I worked there once) and parts were rather socially deprived. I managed to get a lot of experience in caring for drug dependent childbearing families. It is a particular interest of mine. Different I suppose though to wanting to live in areas with high drug use. I much prefer the quiet areas with not too much going on but close enough to go on walks. I don't mind having to drive an hour or two to go skydiving on my days off!!

I have jut been looking into Wheatbelt. It looks good from what I can see. Close to plenty of dropzones, not too far from Perth to be fair. I'm not a partying sort of person. I am much more into having family and friends for a bbq haha. :thumbup:

All this is a little difficult I guess due to not being able to see for myself before I move out. Perhaps I should invest in a quick fortnight to have a wander around particular areas. Although I feel this still would not give an accurate feel to what it would be like living there.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

There are some small, but surprisingly pleasant towns, not to far from Perth, one I was at recently being Wagin. For someone that prefers a quiet life, cheap housing, but accessible to the Big Smoke on occasional visits it would be a thought.


But I wouldn't over complicate things. Probably better at initial instance to keep focus on Perth and Adelaide. It will all be too mind blowing, looking at lists of strange names, in a country that don't know.


Yes there would be work in the drug area if have qualifications. I know many people that got their start in the social area through the drugs or justice or child protection areas.


You will need to go where the employment is most readily available so that may well be the deciding factor with regards to residence.


A shame perhaps more views on Adelaide and SA alternative possibilities have not been offered.


I would not disregard that state in your quest. Adelaide being rather nice and well within your apparent preferred life style.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

I know Wagin well. While I agree it can be pleasant, it is seriously in decline and lacking in amenities (the closest supermarkets are 50 km away in either Katanning or Narrogin - I don't count the IGA Express or FarmWorks in Wagin as they are not full-service supermarkets). I think OP would be well-served taking a look at a few larger Wheatbelt towns like Northam, Narrogin, Jurien Bay or Merredin.

None of those places qualify as "large" by any means but there can be a massive difference in amenities between a Wagin, with a population of about 1,500, and a Narrogin, with about 4,500. The difference being a supermarket, a few acceptable restaurants, longer hours for petrol stations, a senior high school rather than a distrcit high school, more shops for essentials, etc.

A good idea might be to download the list of government schools in the Wheatbelt (there is a page with that) - that can be a good indicator of what you can find in a town. If the town only has a primary school - it is going to be TINY and may not have anything more than a general store (and might not even have a petrol station). If it only has a District High School (that is Kindergarten to Year 10, in the same campus) - it likely will have a few shops and a few co-ops like IGA or FarmWorks but not much more than that. If it has a Senior High School - then it will have a supermarket, more shops, a bank, and so on. Northam even has a McDonald's! You laugh but I was on the road this morning, very early, skipped my breakfast and arrived in Collie at 6 AM, cranky and hungry, and they have one there and this morning it was a life-saver for me.

That is not to quibble with Troubadour, he is quite right that a lot of small Wheatbelt towns are worth investigating.
Commuting from Wagin if you don't have work there to some larger nearby towns is certainly an option. I routinely drive over 100 kms one-way depending on where I need to be on a given day. Large numbers of Wagin kids give the school there a miss and take the bus daily to and from Narrogin Senior High School. Similarly it would be possible, easily, to live in York or Toodyay and commute to Northam, etc.

I agree 100% with Troubadour's advice that looking at a zillion place names will be too mind blowing. Australia is just too big to investigate everything. If you are interested in the Wheatbelt - do a recce, hire a car, and directly visit places you think might have some employment leads (you can just show up unannounced). The managers will talk to you and give you an idea of what the hiring situation there is like and what you have to do. Country WA is very good like that. You do have to visit in person though -
e-mails aren't likely to get much of a response.

The Wheatbelt is also famous for its granite outcrops, many of which are awesome to climb and scamper around, though not too taxing. The "Wheatbelt Way" is a guide you can get online. Wave Rock in Hyden is the most famous, though Elachbutting Rock near Mukinbudin is fantastic as is Kokerbin Rock (a rock) near Bruce Rock (a town).

One other thing to keep in mind, and to investigate in your field. Traditionally in some sectors new employees work Outback for a few years first, then get transferred into Perth or a nicer regional place (like Albany or Geraldton) from there. Don't know what your field is like but it's worth seeing if that applies in your sector - some Wheatbelt towns offer more "transfer points" than others etc. You could probably skip Outback and go straight to a place like Wagin or Mukinbudin instead as people aren't exactly beating down the doors to be sent there from Perth.

From what you have written the type of work available may be regional rather than town based - ie, you live in Town X but your schedule is Monday-Tuesday in Town Y, Wednesday in Town Z, Thursday-Friday in Town A. A lot of positions in the Wheatbelt look like that as the towns are often not big enough to have a dedicated person there full-time.

You can, also, as Troubadour pointed out, start off in Perth (or Adelaide) and then go regional later. Though regardless I would do a recce (to Perth, the Wheatbelt, or wherever you decide to prioritise) and speak to hiring managers directly before making any decisions.

Re: Perth or Adelaide
 

Worth remembering as well, I suppose, that Australian towns are quite removed from many of their UK equivalents by a considerable margin.


Another reason I would probably suggest finding ones feet in a principle city (can be hard enough) before thinking elsewhere. Sorry I deflected, largely me anyway, from the two cities OP enquired about.


I note on the news last night Adelaide was confirmed the 'ice' capital of Australia. Perth and Regional South West Australia, not too far behind.
Hence there could well be work in the area, depending on funding availability, of course, which changes year to year.


On the other hand some commentator, I suspect drug free, suggested Perth was the 'coolest main city' in Australia. Not sure where they find them, but I suspect Perth will run with that.


Keep it simple OP and run on your original idea, Perth or Adelaide. Either will be adequate. Just keep in mind where work looks most promising.