Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

I have a couple of questions

Josem (or anyone that can answer), my father was born and raised in australia and I've entertained the thought of living there for a year or so after I finally graduate from college(I'm 27 right now). With my father being an aussie national, how hard of a time would I have getting a visa that allows me to work and live in Australia if I wanted to live there. The main places I would want to live are either sydney or melbourne but am also curious as to what living would be like in adelaide or other major cities in either new south wales or south australia. Queensland is a bit too far out of the way for me.

another question, how easy is it to fly to new zealand and obtain a work permit there (mainly thinking about either wellington or auckland, I'd want to keep myself to the north island). I know that new zealand isn't exactly right next door to australia, but it's also something that I've considered

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
I just graduated from university and am about to plan a ~3month stay in Melbourne with the gf. She has a law degree (but cant practice yet) and I have finance deg.(but I plan to play poker there so wtv). We'll both be 23 by then.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know what you plan on doing, as tourist visas do not allow visitors to work.

[ QUOTE ]
We plan on getting an appartment for that time being, but I was interested on how easy it is to find one in a nice area of Melbourne and for only 3 months? Is this do-able or do I have to start looking now, assuming I want it for September.

[/ QUOTE ]
I would imagine it is do-able within a fortnight. Melbourne is a city of over 4 million people, so it's not a small town.

If the worst came to the worst, you may pay a premium for a short lease, but I would think that would be unlikely.

[ QUOTE ]
I guess it's easier to breakdown my questions in point form:

1)how long would it take to get an internet connection installed?

[/ QUOTE ]
It would normally take a couple of days in Melbourne. As soon as you have a location selected, get onto organising this.

[ QUOTE ]
2)In the conversation on AIM you posted, the guy showed a nice building apptments with internet included and many other things. Is this worth it? Or should I rent a unit to get a real australian experience instead of a living like a tourist:P??

[/ QUOTE ]
I've got no personal experience of those facilities. However, there are many inner-city furnished high rise apartments.

[ QUOTE ]
3)What areas of Melbourne (clean and secure) would you recommend?

[/ QUOTE ]
If you're after a high-rise apartment in a central location, Docklands or Southbank would be ideal. South Yarra through to Prahran is also very good, although they won't be high-rise places. Inner South-east Melbourne is the more affluent areas of town.

[ QUOTE ]
4)Is there any place I could buy used monitors and sell them back? -->multi tabling PP

[/ QUOTE ]
Ebay?
[ QUOTE ]
5)How easy will it be for her to get a entry lawyer type job...if not, any other decent job (clothing sales, waitress, etc)

[/ QUOTE ]
Unemployment in Australia is at a 30-year low. Be aware that tourist visas do not allow work rights (just as US tourist visas do not allow you to work in the US).

[ QUOTE ]
6)Will u be in Melbourne from Sept-Dec?

[/ QUOTE ]
I work for a Federal Member of Parliament, and our national election will be in mid to late November. I would envisage being very busy in the lead up to that. Afterwards, however, I imagine I'll have a lot more time.

[ QUOTE ]
Thx a lot, also added u on msn

[/ QUOTE ]
no problemo.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

In my previous post, I assumed that you were a US citizen.

People from Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom can obtain more information about Working Holiday Visas here: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/work.../417/index.htm


[ QUOTE ]
my father was born and raised in australia and I've entertained the thought of living there for a year or so after I finally graduate from college(I'm 27 right now). With my father being an aussie national, how hard of a time would I have getting a visa that allows me to work and live in Australia if I wanted to live there.

[/ QUOTE ]

It sounds feasible; more info at http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/index.htm

[ QUOTE ]
another question, how easy is it to fly to new zealand and obtain a work permit there (mainly thinking about either wellington or auckland, I'd want to keep myself to the north island). I know that new zealand isn't exactly right next door to australia, but it's also something that I've considered

[/ QUOTE ]

A flight between Australia and New Zealand is practically domestic these days when it comes to customs and visas etc. I assume that the barriers between Australia and New Zealand are even less than the barriers between the US and Canada.

NZ citizens (assuming they do not have criminal records and have not been deported and do not have untreated tuberculosis etc.) have wide ranging access to Australia - see http://www.newzealand.embassy.gov.au/wltn/VisaFAQ.html for more info.

"Citizens and permanent residents of Australia (who do not have certain criminal convictions) may visit, live and work in New Zealand indefinitely" (source: http://www.nzembassy.com/topic.cfm?C...l=60&s=go)

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Thanks to diebitter for moving it here.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Going to take a read through.

I am considering moving to Australia from January - May of 2008. After I get a chance to read, I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions for you.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

So as far as I understand, my best chance here is submitting a tourist visa application online and asking for a stay of 6 months right? Here's the link:

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/index.htm

If I don't intend on visiting Australia until January of 2008, should I still do it now? Will the visa be valid until I decide to enter next time?

Is there some other way to stay for more than 3 but less than 6 months as a US citizen?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
So as far as I understand, my best chance here is submitting a tourist visa application online and asking for a stay of 6 months right? Here's the link:

[/ QUOTE ]

That sounds fine. US citizens (as, from memory, I think you are) are able to obtain tourist visas of up to 12 months.

Obviously, like tourist visas to the US itself, there are work restrictions.

[ QUOTE ]
If I don't intend on visiting Australia until January of 2008, should I still do it now? Will the visa be valid until I decide to enter next time?

[/ QUOTE ]
When you apply for a visa (for any country, not just Australia) you need to include on your application your prospective dates.

Thus, just apply for it to be valid from, say, December 2007 until December 2008. I don't think (from memory - check for confirmation) there is any difference in cost for the length of your visa, so I'd assume you'd be better to get a longer one in case you change your plans.

There are a whole series of events from Boxing Day onwards in Australia, so if you don't have Christmas committments elsewhere, you may gain value from coming around then. Some are listed earlier in the thread, but some well known high profile events include:
-Christmas on a beach
-Boxing Day Cricket Test (MCG, Melbourne) (Dec 26)
-New Year's Eve at Sydney Harbour (Dec 31)
-Aussie Millions Poker (middle half of January
-Australian Open Tennis (2nd half of January)

[ QUOTE ]
Is there some other way to stay for more than 3 but less than 6 months as a US citizen?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes - the Electronic Travel Authority, which is available very easily at www.eta.immi.gov.au

The conditions are:
[ QUOTE ]
Valid for visits to Australia for tourism or to visit friends or relatives
Valid for multiple visits within 12 months from date of issue
Maximum length of each visit is three months
You must not work while in Australia


[/ QUOTE ]

However, you do need to leave and return. In contrast to the vast majority of other countries in the world, Australia has no land borders, and thus, leaving and returning is likely to be slightly more difficult than elsewhere.

A flight to NZ or Indonesia would probably be the most effective option.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
So as far as I understand, my best chance here is submitting a tourist visa application online and asking for a stay of 6 months right? Here's the link:

[/ QUOTE ]

That sounds fine. US citizens (as, from memory, I think you are) are able to obtain tourist visas of up to 12 months.

Obviously, like tourist visas to the US itself, there are work restrictions.

[ QUOTE ]
If I don't intend on visiting Australia until January of 2008, should I still do it now? Will the visa be valid until I decide to enter next time?

[/ QUOTE ]
When you apply for a visa (for any country, not just Australia) you need to include on your application your prospective dates.

Thus, just apply for it to be valid from, say, December 2007 until December 2008. I don't think (from memory - check for confirmation) there is any difference in cost for the length of your visa, so I'd assume you'd be better to get a longer one in case you change your plans.

There are a whole series of events from Boxing Day onwards in Australia, so if you don't have Christmas committments elsewhere, you may gain value from coming around then. Some are listed earlier in the thread, but some well known high profile events include:
-Christmas on a beach
-Boxing Day Cricket Test (MCG, Melbourne) (Dec 26)
-New Year's Eve at Sydney Harbour (Dec 31)
-Aussie Millions Poker (middle half of January
-Australian Open Tennis (2nd half of January)

[ QUOTE ]
Is there some other way to stay for more than 3 but less than 6 months as a US citizen?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes - the Electronic Travel Authority, which is available very easily at www.eta.immi.gov.au

The conditions are:
[ QUOTE ]
Valid for visits to Australia for tourism or to visit friends or relatives
Valid for multiple visits within 12 months from date of issue
Maximum length of each visit is three months
You must not work while in Australia


[/ QUOTE ]

However, you do need to leave and return. In contrast to the vast majority of other countries in the world, Australia has no land borders, and thus, leaving and returning is likely to be slightly more difficult than elsewhere.

A flight to NZ or Indonesia would probably be the most effective option.

[/ QUOTE ]

I had actually wanted to visit New Zealand as I assume there is some worthwhile stuff there. If I plan a flight over there for the very end of March and spend a week or two and then fly back I would be eligible to stay for another 3 months?

If so that sounds like the best option as the ETA seems cheaper and simpler. I just wasn't sure if leaving and returning soon after leaving would work to receive another 3 months.

Bought Lonely Planet's Australia today and go to take a look at it on my flight back to Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
I had actually wanted to visit New Zealand as I assume there is some worthwhile stuff there. If I plan a flight over there for the very end of March and spend a week or two and then fly back I would be eligible to stay for another 3 months?

[/ QUOTE ]

I am not a registered migration agent, and I think there are some restrictions on offering migration advice, so for an expert answer you can legally rely upon, you should contact the embassy where ever you are.

That said, the ETA is "Valid for multiple visits within 12 months from date of issue" and "Maximum length of each visit is three months." Thus, it would seem that what you describe fits into the purpose.

I'm trying to be very careful with the disclaimers, 'cause I don't want to accidentally stuff someone's journey up. While I certainly am trying to respond accurately, I don't want to be blamed for an error - I'm not an expert.

[ QUOTE ]
If so that sounds like the best option as the ETA seems cheaper and simpler. I just wasn't sure if leaving and returning soon after leaving would work to receive another 3 months.

[/ QUOTE ]
This seems reasonable to me.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

I has an ETA. Moving to Australia on January 4th, 2008... woohooo... now just need to decide where [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
I has an ETA. Moving to Australia on January 4th, 2008... woohooo... now just need to decide where [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

what do you want in a place to live?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I has an ETA. Moving to Australia on January 4th, 2008... woohooo... now just need to decide where [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

what do you want in a place to live?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not sure. I might split it up between 2-3 places, but ideally at least some time in a big metropolis and some time in a good place for learning to surf. I'd like to spend 2 of the months taking surf lessons at least a few times a week.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

I'm 20 years old and will need a car on the Gold Coast for approximately 7 days. Are there any good places to look for very cheap used cars that I could sell back at the end of my stay?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
i just had this AIM conversation last night.

I only made a couple of minor edits to preserve the other guy's anonyminity. my aim is "aujoz".

[/ QUOTE ]

You didn't do a very good job. When is Slider moving to Australia?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm 20 years old and will need a car on the Gold Coast for approximately 7 days. Are there any good places to look for very cheap used cars that I could sell back at the end of my stay?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't imagine that buying/selling the car will be cheaper than renting a vehicle for a week. The time to buy a car and sell it, and fill out all the relevant paperwork would make this far more costly than you expect, I reckon.

A number of places rent scooters on the Gold Coast, which are likely to be cheaper than a car. Depending on your specific needs, of course, this may be suitable for you.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Unfortunately a car is necessary for at least part of the time. When I'm down in Sydney I won't need a car, though.

Since my last post I managed to find this company that will rent to people under 21: http://www.goldcoastcarrental.com.au/prices.php

Would it be extremely bogan to rent (hire) the '88 Holden?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
i just had this AIM conversation last night.

I only made a couple of minor edits to preserve the other guy's anonyminity. my aim is "aujoz".

[/ QUOTE ]

You didn't do a very good job. When is Slider moving to Australia?

[/ QUOTE ]


uh, ask him. I don't remember the conversation particularly well now (many months later) but I'm fairly sure that guy wasn't slider.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Would it be extremely bogan to rent (hire) the '88 Holden?

[/ QUOTE ]

Let me give you the hot tip that it would be no more "boganish" to rent a 1988 holden than it would be to buy and sell one cheap enough to turnover within a week.

Mind you, the 1988 Holden Apollo is actually just a rebadged Toyota Camry, so you can't go wrong with that.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
i just had this AIM conversation last night.

I only made a couple of minor edits to preserve the other guy's anonyminity. my aim is "aujoz".

[/ QUOTE ]

You didn't do a very good job. When is Slider moving to Australia?

[/ QUOTE ]


uh, ask him. I don't remember the conversation particularly well now (many months later) but I'm fairly sure that guy wasn't slider.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just realized how old that was [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Guy named Max lived in CA with roommates and lease ends in August. Has a mom from the Phillippines. If that isn't Slider that is one hell of a coincidence.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Guy named Max lived in CA with roommates and lease ends in August. Has a mom from the Phillippines. If that isn't Slider that is one hell of a coincidence.



[/ QUOTE ]

Well, sure, if you're stalking him, I have no doubt you could figure it out.


It's not as if there's anything secret in it, and the reference to anonyminity was to avoid him getting spammed by random people on aim. I, on the other hand, don't mind, so feel free to chat to me any time (aim: aujoz; msn:michael@michaeljosem.com)

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Hey, I'm going to melbourne from Oct-Dec. I found a really nice appt on Bourke St near Spencer St Station, for a really cheap price as well.

Can somebody tell me if it's a nice area? It looks closer to CBD than Prahan/South Yarra, but is Prahan/South Yarra better to live in than Bourke St? I'd like a few comparisons if possible, and am wondering if theres a reason why the appt is cheaper.

Thx

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hey, I'm going to melbourne from Oct-Dec. I found a really nice appt on Bourke St near Spencer St Station, for a really cheap price as well.

Can somebody tell me if it's a nice area? It looks closer to CBD than Prahan/South Yarra, but is Prahan/South Yarra better to live in than Bourke St? I'd like a few comparisons if possible, and am wondering if theres a reason why the appt is cheaper.

Thx

[/ QUOTE ]

Bourke St, near Spencer St, is right in the heart of the CBD. You'll be amongst city offices and the like, so it's not a "nice" place in the sense that most people think about it.

However, it is certainly going to be well located, and there'll always be plenty around you. I suspect that it isn't a big place, either. You won't need a car or have any difficulty getting around - you're probably only a few hundred metres from the casino, and there are plenty of bars and stuff around there.

The main East-West street in Melbourne's CBD, Collins St, runs parallel to Bourke St, and is the next street south. The other end of Collins St, up near Spring St, is often referred to as the "Paris End" of Collins St, and I've always thought of your end as being the "Warsaw End." Lots of big, grey, dark, buildings, but htere's a whole lot of recent development down there, so it's getting better.


I obviously can't explain much more why the apartment is priced as it is without knowing more about it.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Thanks Josem...

So the "Warsaw End" is still a nice place to live right? I'm basically looking for a safe yet lively neighborhood, thats close to cafes/bars/restaurants. Obviously the advantage of this place is that I'm closer to the casino, but w/out that is it better to live in South Yarra and Prahan?

How long does it take to get to CDB from South Yarra/Prahan using public transportation?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Josem...

So the "Warsaw End" is still a nice place to live right? I'm basically looking for a safe yet lively neighborhood, thats close to cafes/bars/restaurants. Obviously the advantage of this place is that I'm closer to the casino, but w/out that is it better to live in South Yarra and Prahan?

[/ QUOTE ]

My reference to the "Warsaw End" was meant as a joke about great big towering brown/grey bureacrat offices being common down there. It used to look like something out of the Soviet Union.


Realistically, crime is not a big concern in Melbourne - I don't think I've ever felt unsafe, and, as I understand it, crime rates in Melbourne are a fraction of those in the US (where I assume you're from)

There's a heap of development in that part of town in the last few years, and I'd feel very good living there - except that there isn't as much ground floor atmosphere/bars/cafes (especially cafes) open on a weekend as somewhere like South Yarra/Prahran.

I generally have developed a hatred of live poker (why play live with morons when you can earn 5-10 times more per hour at home?) and thus am not a big fan of the casino, but both this location and South Yarra/Prahran are great locations. You're not going to be lacking night life access in either.

[ QUOTE ]
How long does it take to get to CDB from South Yarra/Prahan using public transportation?

[/ QUOTE ]

12-15 mins?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Josem,

I am in my early forties with a wife and two kids, 9 and 6. If my net worth is around U$2M to U$2.5M, can I move to Australia with my family and enjoy a decent life without working?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Josem,

I am in my early forties with a wife and two kids, 9 and 6. If my net worth is around U$2M to U$2.5M, can I move to Australia with my family and enjoy a decent life without working?

[/ QUOTE ]

it depends on your living standards and expenditure.

if that is $US2m in addition to your family home, I think you could do so quite comfortably - if you're able to invest for $A200k/year income, you'd be well above average.

The average wage in australia is about $A50k/year.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

I had a chat over AIM with a poster on here about poker in Australia. I've removed his name since I forgot to ask if it was ok to post the transcript on here.

[ QUOTE ]
XXX: hey mate, this is XXXX from 2+2...got a few questions about poker in aussie if you've got any time
aujoz: sure
aujoz: shoot
XXX: ok...poker on the gold coast and in sydney? what's the rake structure like and are the games good/bad/terrible?
XXX: i know you're in vic so you might not have played up there
aujoz: i haven't played on the Gold Coast
aujoz: but off the top of my head it is similar to Sydney
aujoz: there's a corker of a blog post on sydney
aujoz: by teddyfbi
XXX: do they have nlhe? when i was up in brisbane 2 years ago they had lhe but the rake was absurd
XXX: thanks, i'll have a look
aujoz: let me find it
aujoz: they have NL at Sydney
aujoz: the rake is extortionate
aujoz: for a $5/$5 $200buyin game, they take $1 per hand per player - literally, 5% of a buyin off the table EVERY hand
aujoz: here y'are: http://zbasic.com/2006/08/tuesday-au...gures-and.html
XXX: yeah, that's what the rake was in brisbane, just ridiculous
aujoz: yep
aujoz: the only thing worse are the players
XXX: yeah, i remember that
XXX: although my local casino here is pretty bad as well
aujoz: live poker is so painful
XXX: it is


[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Josem,

I want to live in a city with reliable, fast internet, a good amount of things to to do and culture to experience, and very importantly (second only to reliable, fast internet) good surf.

I envision my time in Australia spent in one central location renting an apartment there and taking surf lessons and practicing on my own several times a week. Occasional trips to other parts of Australia will be made so good ability to get around easily is a must. Either the ability to get by without a car or the availability of reasonably priced scooter rentals would be nice. I'll be there for almost 5 months it appears.

It seems like if I want a big city and surfing, Sydney is the only choice. I hear Melbourne is a better city to live in but the surf is nonexistent. Any insight you can offer is good. I don't mind a smaller city if it meets my other needs (reasonably well-connected transportation-wise and good, reliable internet available).

Also, nudges in the right direction for short-term furnished apartment rentals would be great though I'm sure I can just google that stuff.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Josem,

I want to live in a city with reliable, fast internet,

[/ QUOTE ]
almost every town of over a hundred people has 8mpbs via ADSL1.

ADSL2+ is spreading - www.whirlpool.net.au has the best and latest information on this. My town of Wangaratta, with a population of about 20k, has ADSL2 which offers me "up to" 20mbps.


[ QUOTE ]
a good amount of things to to do and culture to experience,

[/ QUOTE ]
this would lean you towards a major city - Melbourne and Sydney are the obvious choices here, followed by Brisbane and Adelaide.

[ QUOTE ]
and very importantly (second only to reliable, fast internet) good surf.

[/ QUOTE ]
the further north you go, the more "year-round" this will be available.

sydney has surfers on its beaches much of the year; melbourne it is a couple of hours drive, and really only during summer. brisbane and north is suitable 365 days a year, i'd assume.

[ QUOTE ]
I envision my time in Australia spent in one central location renting an apartment there and taking surf lessons and practicing on my own several times a week. Occasional trips to other parts of Australia will be made so good ability to get around easily is a must. Either the ability to get by without a car or the availability of reasonably priced scooter rentals would be nice. I'll be there for almost 5 months it appears.

[/ QUOTE ]
sydney is still an obvious selection and meets all these criteria.

[ QUOTE ]
It seems like if I want a big city and surfing, Sydney is the only choice. I hear Melbourne is a better city to live in but the surf is nonexistent. Any insight you can offer is good.

[/ QUOTE ]
that is fair, although i'm biased in favour of melbourne and probably colour my answers in that regard.

[ QUOTE ]
I don't mind a smaller city if it meets my other needs (reasonably well-connected transportation-wise and good, reliable internet available).

[/ QUOTE ]
Newcastle might be an option, but I don't think you'd have as much fun of an evening up there (I lived there for a year until March of this year)

[ QUOTE ]
Also, nudges in the right direction for short-term furnished apartment rentals would be great though I'm sure I can just google that stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]
realestate.com.au
domain.com.au
myhome.com.au

probably as good a place as any to start.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

So getting it in my head that I am going to have to spend about $2,500 AUS per month for rent is a good idea. Not excited to see that the prices I was finding weren't extraordinary.

Around Sydney, which of those beach areas would you recommend I look in? I think that might be a good choice if I'm going to be trying to go to the beach a lot to surf.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
So getting it in my head that I am going to have to spend about $2,500 AUS per month for rent is a good idea. Not excited to see that the prices I was finding weren't extraordinary.

[/ QUOTE ]
I pay $185 per week for an unfurnished two bedroom unit in a country town. The idea of spending $AU576 per week for a furnished apartment is extraordinary - even in the heart of Sydney. I can't imagine that's even in the ballpark unless you're looking for some seriously balla place with gold plated toilets.

TeddyFBI got a furnished one bedroom place literally 50metres from Bondi beach for a little over half of that.

[ QUOTE ]
Around Sydney, which of those beach areas would you recommend I look in? I think that might be a good choice if I'm going to be trying to go to the beach a lot to surf.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a surfer, I don't know.

My only suggestion would be http://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid...ey+surf+beaches

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

How/where did TeddyFBI do that? I've been looking and there are no furnished rentals for under $500 per week anywhere. Even dumps.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

i may have exaggerated on the price, but i can only suggest you pm him.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

OK, PM'd him and it does seem like around $2,000 AUS per month is going to be about what I am going to have to expect to pay unless I rent a closet. He seemed to suggest that he liked Bondi Beach a lot, any experience with the different beaches from a non-surf point of view Josem?

Might be getting a 2-bedroom and am not opposed to splitting it if someone is interested. Josem, do you recommend looking before arriving or is it possibly to do after you get there? I'd imagine availability would be small trying to do it after arriving but TeddyFBI made it sound like he did it when he get there. Thoughts?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
OK, PM'd him and it does seem like around $2,000 AUS per month is going to be about what I am going to have to expect to pay unless I rent a closet. He seemed to suggest that he liked Bondi Beach a lot, any experience with the different beaches from a non-surf point of view Josem?

[/ QUOTE ]

meh. a beach is a beach. sand and water.

the difference between the various sydney city beaches is likely to be fairly marginal.

[ QUOTE ]
Might be getting a 2-bedroom and am not opposed to splitting it if someone is interested. Josem, do you recommend looking before arriving or is it possibly to do after you get there?

[/ QUOTE ]
it's certainly likely to be possible to do before you get there - that way you'll be able to meet housemates (an interview?) before they move in with you.

[ QUOTE ]
I'd imagine availability would be small trying to do it after arriving but TeddyFBI made it sound like he did it when he get there. Thoughts?

[/ QUOTE ]

Teddy lived alone.

There's likely to be a bundle of other people who are seeking similar, short-term and close-to-beach arrangements, so I doubt you'd have trouble finding someone after you move there.

In a city of 5 million, I suspect there's at least one who will tolerate you.

[img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

1) Americans often associate Australia with Kangaroos. How often do you really see Kangaroos in Australia?

2) Another thing we associate with Australia is Aborigines. What are your thoughts on the Aborigines? What are they like?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
1) Americans often associate Australia with Kangaroos. How often do you really see Kangaroos in Australia?

[/ QUOTE ]

They simply don't exist in cities - and over 85% of Australia's population live in large cities. I'm currently living in a country town of about 20,000 people. I have no doubt that at dusk I could drive for under 30 minutes and see plenty of the things.

Their meat, I find, is very "gamey" - it is very stringy, and has very low levels of fat. Their skin also makes great football boots, and is used throughout the world for top level boots of this sort, most famously by David Beckham. Some moronic and ignorant Europeans (the ignorance of the European "intellgentsia" never ceases to surprise me) launched a campaign about this, without realising that the animals are in plague proportions in many parts of Australia and are reguarly culled.

One word of caution though: they totally bugger up your car if you hit them while driving along country highways. If you're doing a lot of driving on country roads, it is well worthwhile to invest in a bullbar as kangaroos have an unfortunate habit of destroying your car when you hit them at 100kph.


[ QUOTE ]
2) Another thing we associate with Australia is Aborigines. What are your thoughts on the Aborigines?

[/ QUOTE ]
As a group, many suffer a variety of very serious problems. The Australian Government has just announced a crackdown on alcohol and sexual abuse in many of the remote aboriginal communities which involves, amongst other things, sending in the army and large numbers of police officers to get in there and fix the situation up.

There are some horrific (like, it makes OOT look like a convent by comparison) stories of some genuinely revolting episodes of abuse. Google news will have more info on this.

[ QUOTE ]
What are they like?

[/ QUOTE ]
I guess they're like any people. I don't understand this question...

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

Foster's.... Australian for Beer.

Confirm/deny?

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

[ QUOTE ]
Foster's.... Australian for Beer.

Confirm/deny?

[/ QUOTE ]

Apart from special events like the Grand Prix, Fosters is not heavily marketed in Australia.

The biggest brand is Victoria Bitter, which accounts for a quarter of all beer consumed in the country.

Other leading brands include Carlton Draught, Tooheys New and XXXX.

The premium beer market has been experiencing strong growth recently.

Re: Ask Josem about visiting/living in Australia
 

So Victoria Bitter is like the Budweiser of Australia. Is it any good? What good Australian brews should I try... I have a thing for dark beers if that helps.