Has anyone done a leaving Australia checklist that I can use.. 8 weeks to go and want to make sure there is nothing lurking that I should be doing/have done by now....

I haven't done a list (but probably should have!)..

The things I've done (that I can think of on the spot) in the run up to leaving (on 22nd October)...

Cancel electric/gas/telephone/broadband/Foxtel
Give notice in at work
Return library books
Sell stuff on Ebay/give it away (still in progress)
Apply for tax rebate for this financial year
Download form to get super back once in the UK (I'm temp resident)
Arrange for return of Bond for rental (in househare now)
Arrange for bank account online (HSBC Passport, took about 2 weeks for forms to come through, then take to branch with ID in the UK)
Apply for jobs
Book a motel near Heathrow for first day back
Arrange accommodation
Get a travelex passport card from the post office (can withdraw funds in sterling and the rate is fixed at the time you buy the card)
Buy plug adaptors (cheap from JB HiFi)

I'll add more as i think of them... good luck!

cheers, so can you get your tax rebate early for this financial year? Assumed I would have to wait until July at least as wont have wages stuff from employer....

I presume you have to tell ATO etc...

By law you have to do tax before departure ,im doing mine mainly because HSBC international bank want 3 years books on arrival if you want finance on arrival ,otherwise there is a possibility depending on the mortgage deals around at the time which i believe isnt many in the uk at the moment that you will have to wait 3 years before any bank building society will look at you ,depending on your deposit ofcourse .
I made inquiries in 2005 and the banks looked at me with huge suspicion ,like ermmm where u been for 20 years . Get as much financial info as u can is my recommendation .
I spoke to a bloke called patrick harper ,of the HSBC INTERNATIONAL departmernt in southampton ,very helpful and gave totally differnt info than the conventional HSBC line when dealing with a local bank ,as they are following bank protocol these days .

I was under the impression I had to. I've attached the PDF I'll be using to apply. Not sure how it'd work as you're not getting wages stuff til July.. maybe ring the ATO to get advice...

Yes, you can,and it only takes a couple of weeks to get it. You must have left your employ though, so it cannot be done until near the end of your stay in Aus

jut spoke to ATO, you can either file an early tad return and attach the taxpayer leaving form for early processing providing your employer can supply details for you or just wait until July and do e-tax or paper return then and mark on form that this is your final return and leaving australia.

car insurance no claims is a good one to get too .