One point overlooked here is that although $95 for meat may seem cheap in UK, no aussie wage is going to allow you to spend anywhere near that amount a week on meat alone. That figure would be beyond the wildest dreams on an aussie budget. Big mistake to convert to UK pounds, more practical to think, aussie wage say $400, now ihow does it look. Also factor in, meat is the cheap one, hundreds of other items are more expensive here.

As for convernience food, there is little of it but cheap take outs are common, $5.95 for pizzas, $12.00 for a whole chook and chips. Sadly its all grease grease and more grease which is reflected in the awful size and health of most aussies, good for the odd night tho if you hate cooking. Most of my pommie friends have put on a good couple of stone since being here, so watch the scales when you arrive, its too hot to want to exercise, driving the car is necessary for everything and the diet is appalling, your hips will love it!!

Hi Dotty

I hope I didn't make everyone think that's the amount of meat people bought every week. I was just trying to give a guide to people as to what the price of meat was worth. The BBQ that we bought the meat for was to feed 13 adults and 8 kids!!

I totally agree that in the 10 years that I've been away from Oz, the size of people generally has increased, and the amount of takeways and junk food shops has also increased.

On the other hand, I think that the weather over here is just perfect for running. I get out at about 8am and do between 6 and 8 miles, which I would never consider doing in the UK as it's too cold, too wet, too dangerous etc., but I feel quite safe here, especially as there is a gravel running track which runs right around the perimeter of a golf course, so there are always people about. Plenty of people walking their dogs, doing their power walking (seems to be a big thing over here this walking lark!!) or even some runners like me. Love it!!