I've tried searching but to no luck although I'm sure the questions been asked before. But I'm just waiting on sponsored visa and then I'll be making the move. Basically just trying to think of things to do (practical and social) before.

Some things I've thought of so far are;

- Dentist check up
- Eye test
- Visit some places in UK / Europe that I haven't seen (while it's on my door step)

Just wandering if there's anything else worth doing or buying? Say if you had the option to put a few things in suitcase that are more expensive in Oz then UK what would they be? Anything else?

Definitely get all dental/medical/optical matters attended to. Contraception also if you emigrating with your partner as it can be expensive here too. Get decent polarised sunglasses in the UK as the prices here are way more for good brand ones. Books, dvds etc are far cheaper in the UK. Trainers???? Leather shoes???? (crazy prices here for good stuff)

There are lots of things I wish I could buy from the UK but really would need a container to ship them all in as sometimes the postage is too much on bulky items - stuff like dive gear, sports kit etc

Hang out in nice pubs, eat lots of curry and enjoy the feel of a good pint in your hand?

A good curry and few pints will definitely be added to the list. I think I'll have a week of that before I make the move haha. I've got a lot of decent trainers so will take them and need to get some new shoes anyway.

No curry?? Aaaaaaaarrgghhh!!!!

Surely things aren't THAT expensive turban??

You'll need a big pinch of salt..........

Think I had a decent curry every night the week before I left the UK last October....

Think the answer to this is to learn how to make a good curry (maybe sell it lol )

You know what - You can get the majority of things here, you have pommie shops here that sell some UK branded products yes they are expensive but obviously there is an import cost.

People say about cost of stuff here is expensive - but it is all relative to your earnings. We look at it simply (like this):

(As an example only, I don't know cost of UK fuel anymore!! )

UK (Pounds)
Salary 28,000 Petrol 1.45/ltr

AUS (Dollars)
Salary 50,000 Petrol 1.45/ltr

We are better off here in Australia than we ever were in the UK that's for sure!

Good luck you'll love it

This is VERY sad! But, when my shipment arrived was thrilled to find some Ariel and Persil tablets. Can't find a decent washing powder here!! Don't bother buying books - you can order from bookdepository online with free shipment here. I would also buy a load of birthday etc cards (always bring them back from home) as here they cost about $5 (I buy from Tesco less than £1). Linen very expensive too though you can get shipped nowadays from M&S and Debenhams.

Thought of more things. If any of your electrical items are on last legs I'd get there - very expensive here (if you're crafty can probably get VAT back too). Buy loads of cheap travel adaptors - I know you can get at home for a few pounds but if you buy here they're about $10. Best thing I've ever bought is an internet radio from Amazon as radio here pretty pants!

Bedding. Decent quality sheets and duvet covers are a fortune here.

Can you only bring washing powder over in tablets or is the liquid okay too??

I would worry about it leaking!

You do not need to bring washing powder! Do you think people go around in dirty clothes in Australia and what will you do when it runs out, go back and get some more? Part of emmigrating is adapting and that includes accepting the local washing powder.

haha *vision*
the main reason for asking is that I buy in bulk when it's on offer as its so bloody expensive anyway, so do start running things down when d day is near or should I just do what I do?! plus can I bring it is another question?
The way I see it there will be a lot of things to adapt too, i know one thing, the kids will have to start getting their teeth around Vegemite (i'm a hater lol)