Tasmania
 

I have been offered a job in Tasmania, Australia.
Where as I am doing my research into the island, has anyone been to Tas??
I have asked some Australians and they told me its great but I need to know.
Whats it like to live there? Schools? Cost of Living? Anything useful I guess

Re: Tasmania
 

Beautiful place but friggin cold in the winter. My better half is tasmanian and we went back for a week in about 2 months ago. Beautiful scenery, more laid back than brisbane, awesome weather until we had a 6 degree rainy cold day and reminded me of england.

Apart from that I would live there as the property is cheap, just wages are an issue for me over there.

Re: Tasmania
 

It's the only part of Oz I'd consider moving to. Had a few weeks there 2years ago mainly near Geeveston in the south. The weather is more like UK but good enough still to grow olives/grapes etc.
The beaches on Bruny island were unbelievable. Bay of Fires up in the north east again was astounding. And if there was somebody on the beach, you drive to another a couple of miles away and then you'd have it all to yourself.
As for cities, Hobart was nice enough with a great market at the weekend (and a short plane ride to Sydney if you want a bit more life), Launceston I thought reminded me of the 'townships' in NZ so didn't really care for it. And that's about it, lots of nothing (trees) in between. My Melbourne/Perth based relatives would take the mickey about it because of the amount of 'bogans' there. But my rellies fell in to the chav bracket and I'd rather live with bogans than chavs any day.
Housing seems to be much cheaper than the rest of Oz and houses right on the coast are easily affordable. Most houses I looked at 2 years ago are still for sale, even at much reduced prices.
I thought food was expensive but there are reams of threads on the whole food price issue.
Can't say about wages.

If you don't like all of it, there are far, far worse places to spend a few years of your life.

Re: Tasmania
 

It's lovely, small townish feel throughout and old country friendliness. If you have a job (which a lot of people in Tasmania don't seem to be able to get) it would be a great place to live. I have friends in Launceston with kids in private grammar school which they're happy with, a couple of good ballet schools in town too apparently. If it wasn't for our kids getting to the critical age in their schooling, we'd move there tomorrow. It's cold but the houses are built for the cold and the air is so crisp and clean you can forgive a bit of the chill. The rugged coastline is gorgeous and there is heaps of wildlife. We pulled up at a little bait shop and corner store on the way back from Port Arthur a couple of months ago and my son befriended a dog - the dog took him down to a little bridge and showed him his best mate (a seal that comes into feed at the bait shop every afternoon). The dog then jumped in and started swimming with the seal, so cute.

Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Hi, been in Palmerston North NZ for the last 7 years after 45 years in the UK. My wife is a senior nurse in palliative care and we have 3 children average age about 10.

NZ has lost much of its sparkle for many a reason and we now see Tazzy as an alternative.

We would like to live in Hobart as I have relatives there. Have not asked their views yet as this is all hush hush!!

It looks awesome have done the east coast of Oz back in 1990 but found the mainland too big and too hot. Taz seems like a great alternative.

Can I have some opinions of the place please? I assume nursey will be okay to get a job in nursing? Any ideas of the pay scales for senior nurses?

Thank you in advance.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

I can give you second-hand info that a good friend of mine told me after visiting. He told me it was the most beautiful place he has ever travelled to (second time I've posted this this week - Tasmania is obviously a popular place!). He has travelled a lot around Aus and NZ by the way. I would love to go there but no time/money/ etc. Hobart always appeals to me as well. It will be interesting to read posts by those living there to get the "inside" info!

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Tas can still be hot...I was in Hobart in January & it was a scorcher.

I haven't seen all of it...but I'd struggle to believe its more spectacular than NZ South Island.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

The wife's from Hobart. I love the place and the only thing that's stopping me going to live there is the cold winters which I escaped from back home and the lack of job opportunities.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Jobs are scarce and the pay will be shit.

A great place to retire though.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

We'd live there as my husband's self employed, but schooling and ballet are the issue for us. Hobart's lovely, but I prefer Launceston. Most of the Tasmanian's we spoke to when we were there last year wanted to get out because of the lack of employment.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Spent a lot of time there as I had a partner down there for a while and I still love the place. Main problem is indeed employment, but if you can get over that hurdle its a stunning place to be. Very friendly and laid back, gorgeous scenery and places to explore. Great variations too - the beaches and tranquility on the east coast compared with the wild west coast. Mountains, lakes and forests - more than you could dream of.....
Very easy to explore as its geared up for backpackers so coach services can get you from town to town easily.
Food and drink is amazing - great seafood restaurants, some wonderful places that specialise in fruit, cheese, etc, and plenty of local beers as well as some excellent wineries.

It is quiet, could possibly be a bit insular, but its only a short flight from Melbourne. Weatherwise you'll get the lot. I've been there in snow, rain, sleet, gales - but also in some lovely sunny weather, weeks of 23-36 degrees. It can get very hot though, winds from Adelaide are the usual catalyst and I remember 2 days of 38 degrees a few years back. :eek:

And there's a definite north-south divide. I'm a Hobart girl, Launceston just has a different feel to it :)

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

IMO Hobart at least to me feels far less insular compared to Country towns over 3 hours drive away from Melbourne.... Especially places like Mildura and the other Mallee towns. When you compare it to other well known Aus Country towns throughout NSW and Queensland you realise how accessible Hobart and Launceston really are. The proxmity and ease of travelling time to Melbourne and Sydney albeit by plane is what happily sold me on Tasmania.

I reckon it's going to fulfill its obvious potential as a very desireable location once the boom times bounce back.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

I agree

Re: Tasmania
 

Hi
We are looking to relocate to Tasmania from Adelaide in January 2013. Really don't know where to start! Where is the best place to live? I'm a registered nurse and John is a support worker for the disabled. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Tracy

Re: Tasmania
 

When I first posted this thread I was a bit weary about going. With a week to go before we leave I feel very positive about the change. Every one I spoke to told me its out in the sticks. My main worry is weather as Perth and Brisbane are up in the 25's and hobart is just getting to 20. However from what I'm told it's very fresh and warm without the discomfort of being to hot.
We have been looking at housing and for a comfortable 3 bed house with garden and large rooms we are looking at 300 pounds per week (1200 per month). This is better than here.
Area wise i have been offered launcheston which is north tasmania. This will allow us to move to Melbourne when ever we wish to go for the weekend.
Most of the information I got was on line but talking to Australians does help.

Re: Tasmania
 

Been several thread on here in the past with info if you do a search. Its a beautiful island, fantastic scenery, good climate - the only issue really is the employment one.

Re: Tasmania
 

:eek:I thought bogans were chavs? What's the distinction? (For my own elucidation)

Just to check - do you mean $300 per week? Cos £300 pw would be crazy expensive for small town Aus with low employment levels

Re: Tasmania
 

If you going to both have decent paying jobs in Tasmania your likely to end up better off than any other part of Australia. Reason being housing and electricity are so cheap. From reading these boards over the past few years, Tasmania seems to have less complaints from people from migrants, so it's satisfaction level seems to be high. The other point that struck me personally is it feels far less remote than you would be led to believe. It's very close to Melbourne and easily accessible from it's incredibly easy to transit, well serviced quiet, airport terminals.

Far far better off there than almost all of the provincial towns on the mainland in any State, Another factor Hobart and Launceston have more to offer in choice and diversity than most of the mainland provincial towns. So go for it 100 pct.

Finally Hobart is even prettier than Sydney... which gives it a hell of a Wow factor.... Whoops one more final... Almost certainly the best food in Aus.

.

Re: Tasmania
 

JohnnTracy have you secured jobs? I'm a nurse, it took me a year to get a permanent contract at the Royal Hobart, there has been a massive reduction in job opportunities. All, and I mean ALL, new contracts have to be approved by the CEO!!!
If you're both not earning a decent wage then the cost of living is as bad as anywhere else in Oz.
Electricity is NOT cheaper. $700 last quarter, & we heat with a wood fire.
Unfortunately, despite having a lovely house In a great spot, a move back to WA may be on the cards for us

Re: Tasmania
 

You need to look at this.... I've got this information from very reliable sources on the Whirlpool forums. Because Electricity is cheaper to generate in Tasmania courtesy of the Hydro schemes. It's far far cheaper to use Electrcity...especially for heating and cooling and Hot water than anywhere else in Aus.

Saying it's 700 a quarter is ridiculous as it comes down to the price per Kwh... much like comparing the price of petrol per litre and dring a big car as everyone uses electrcity in a different way.

House prices are at least 20 to 30 pct cheaper in Tasmania than anywhere else on the mainland.... other prices are very similar groceries etc etc.

http://www.auroraenergy.com.au/your-...s-and-charges/

I can get very technical on this subject.... however Lighting and general use of electrcity in a household make up less than 20 pct of the cost... with Heating, cooling, cooking and hotwater making up the other 80 pct.

Re: Tasmania
 

Thanks for your replies guys. Neither of us have jobs there yet, although I've applied for a few. I'm not too worried about working in a gov hospital (although that's what I'm doing now)! I've applied to the red cross and other private health companies. Just wondering where the best place to live is. The jobs I've applied for are mainly in/near Hobart. What is launceston like?

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Hi we have been living here in Tas for the last almost 5 years. It is beautiful, the people are lovely. I am quite sure your wife will have no trouble getting work here, although I have no idea of pay for nurses. The weather is sooo changeable, this winter has been very very mild, yet last winter was shockingly cold! Last summer was glorious and autumn was just gorgeous! But you just never know how it's going to be, each season seems to be different from year to year. The summer before last was shocking. Two weeks ago we were basking in 23c sun, this week we are getting blown away in freezing cold wind, yesterday it snowed! So surfice to say weather here is crazy!! We live semi rural about 40 mins out of Hobart. There is a big north south divide here, I think both north and south are a great as each other, but for different reasons. The north is certainly greener, they get a lot more rain. The south tends to get warmer weather, but watch out for a southerly breeze, it gets pretty chilly! It's nice that we aren't too far away from the city, but are far enough away for a quiet country lifestyle. I think we get the best of both worlds here.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Two threads merged as both current ;)

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Lived there for 3.5 years but had to relocate to Perth (ick) would prefer Tassie.
We have a home for sale in the Huon Valley (I've just put it up in the classified's section here). There is a Top Class Nursing Home 10 minutes from the property - It is one of the best rated homes in Australia and they are always looking for Nurses.

I found Summer's hot in Tassie, but you get a hot day and then the next one will be milder, not like here in Perth where it can be over 40 degrees for ten days straight.

I loved the Winters but I think that is because I grew up in Brisbane and then lived in Perth for twelve years so cold foggy winter's were just beautiful for me.

There is a Catholic School in Cygnet, the bus runs past our house, there fees are very good. Also good tiny rural school in Franklin and Bus to Hobart (45mins) run's past our door as well.

Re: Tasmania
 

So bloody true!!! We are back in Perth and it's so far awaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy

cooooo-eeeee

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

So we have now arrived in Tasmania and staying in Launceston for the last 3 weeks. What can I say? Pace of life is slow compared to London however I find that you have time to do alot of thinhs you couldn't do in England. Work finishes at 5.30 and your home by 5.45. NO traffic on road. After dinner can take a nice walk around town. Weather can be cold as was Saturday when it got to 9C in day and 2C at night however on Sunday it was 19C and very warm (Had to leave jacket and jumper at home). Got to be careful however as sun is low and can get sun burnt quick therefore sunblock advisable.
Food is good. Tasmania has the best food going. Plenty of places to eat. If you want to buy groceries there are to 2 main supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths. Groceries can be bought from from farmers markets, so they are very fresh and cheaper than the shops.
Living costs such as renting a house/flat is different to England.
We rented a resonable two bed flat in outskirts of London for 275 rising to 300 per week just before we left. In Tasmania I have just rented a large 3bed house with for equivalent of 310. Accordingly land is abundant therefore living in space is possible.
Electricty is cheaper than England 200 per quarter. Most modern houses have heat pumps so heating powered by electricity gets circulated.
Overall even though its still early days I feel we will be happy here. Pace of life is more comfortable than England.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

I've got an interview for a job in Burnie! Can anyone tell me what it's like?

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Hi, Did you have the interview in Burnie?
Its a while since I've been on here, I'm living near Devonport, so not too far
from Burnie. I have been there twice, seems okay- a bit industrial, but a nice coastal drive to reach it. You've probably got a job now ayway so wont say anymore about Burnie. Hope its going well for you.:)

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Yes, got the job in Burnie, but ended up taking a job offer in Launceston. We have been here a couple of weeks now, so far so good! Living out in Legana, lovely rural location. Been busy with the move and new jobs so haven't really explored yet, any suggestions?

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Keep up your negative posts about my chosen home state! You're keeping all the *****s out who might want to come here!
<<edited by moderator>>

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

[QUOTE=Genesis;10231323]Hi, been in Palmerston North NZ for the last 7 years after 45 years in the UK. My wife is a senior nurse in palliative care and we have 3 children average age about 10.

NZ has lost much of its sparkle for many a reason and we now see Tazzy as an alternative.

John Cleese not too keen on Palmerston North either!:)

Looking back on his visit to the Manawatu town he remembers “we had a thoroughly, bloody miserable time there and we were so happy to get out”. On his website http://www.thejohncleese.com he states that Palmerston North should be renamed “suicide capital of New Zealand” as “if you wish to kill yourself but lack the courage to, I think a visit to Palmerston North will do the trick”.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

A correction

Jobs are plentiful and the pay will be superb - the highest in Australia.

A shit place to retire though.

My mistake

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Hi again, thats a nice area, we went camping at Longford a few weeks ago, and travelled up to Beauty Point and Greens beach, then back down through Beaconsfield, to Westbury, Deloraine, Alum Cliffs and Chudleigh - which has a lovely honey farm. Theres lots to do around your area, we love Deloraine, and Launceston is a great city, with so much going on. Depends what you are in to, but we love it here! Hope your jobs are going well.:)

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

hmm...always wanted to visit - and must surely do so, being in Melbourne.

the only thing that puts me off is that it might be a bit hick or insular- a sort of colder QLD - but Pollyanna and Ozzie make me feel I might be totally wrong on that count.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

It's true that Tasmania is like stepping back into the 80's, but in a good way. So friendly and laid back - every store and little town reminded me of my corner store in the 80's. Lovely people.

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

We have been in legana, launceston for 3 months now and settling in nicely! Both enjoying the area and our new jobs. Local pub is ten minute walk away and people are lovely and friendly. Getting a bit colder especially at night. Loving the smell of wood burners! Reminds me of bonfire night back in blighty!
No regrets about moving here!

Re: Tasmania, what's it like then?
 

Looking at our November holidays, and the choice is quite varied for us. However we've settled on two main destinations. Clifton Beach nr Cairns, or St Helens in Tasmania. Due to the fact they both have (API) Aus Post holiday homes.

Tasmania just feels more enticing to us.... So I reckon we'll end up there. I think this kind of report helps with the final choice though..

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/tasm...351032596.html