Hi, I also had the idea of a bigger house, better life style and more sun. I also wanted a better life for my children.

I can get a much better house than in the UK, although not necessarily with a big garden. The weather is great at the moment but in the summer it was so hot that I found it too tiring to do anything. We have not necessarily had a better lifestyle as my husband works longer hours for less pay and it is dark when he gets home at 6.00 pm. The weekends however are good and there are loads of great places to visit.

I was not unhappy with my life in the UK, and until I emigrated here I didn't appreciate what I had. We also thought that you only have one life so why not live it, but at 45 we realise that we prefer our life in the UK. We miss longterm friendships and most of all we miss our families. We will probably go back to the UK, not because we don't like Australia, but simply because we don't see our future here.

You are right to think of doubts before you go, as you will not then be disappointed when you arrive (I think I was too optimistic).

I have always had a love of travel and in fact I left home at age 15 and moved 2200km away on my own. Didn't go back until I was 22. In that time I had lived all over Canada and had a wonderful adventure. My husband also loves an adventure and is more than happy to try anything. Our children are still young enough that they are portable, so why not? We know we will both have to work and that our home will have a big mortgage, but who cares?! We are only given one life to live and my family (hubby, kids and I) feel that it should be lived to the fullest of one's abilities. As for why Australia? Again, why not? It's beautiful, exotic, warm and friendly, tropical, on the oceans, etc. I come from a land of cold and snow, so never having to shovel my driveway again is one of the great benefits of emmigration.