Did you know that the 26th of January is Australia Day?
The day marks the anniversary of when the first fleet of British ships arrived at Sydney Cove, New South Wales, and the raising of the British flag in 1788. Whilst Australia is still a part of the Commonwealth, Australians tend to celebrate community and citizenship on Australia Day.
And there’s plenty to celebrate, indeed. With its sunny climate, laid-back state of mind, thriving job market, and world-class education and healthcare systems, there’s a lot to like about living in Australia. The country consistently ranks in the top 15 happiest places to live, making it the perfect choice for anyone wanting to escape the dreary hum-drum of the UK. So, whether you’re after a fresh start, better opportunities, or relocating for work, Australia is a solid choice. Let’s find out more about why you should consider life Down Under.
Why People Move to Australia
So why should you consider moving to Australia? Besides the better weather, there are plenty of reasons that people choose to move to Australia.
Population
Many people are attracted to Australia because it is not as densely populated as many other countries. As of 2025, Australia’s estimated population is around 27 million, while the UK is estimated at nearly 70 million, and there’s a lot more land to cover in Australia! The most populous states are New South Wales and Victoria, and the capitals of these two states, Sydney and Melbourne, are the largest cities in Australia.
But in general, the settlement trend of Australia’s population can be seen along the coastal regions of Adelaide to Cairns, with a small concentration around Perth, Western Australia. The centre of Australia is only sparsely populated, mainly due to the more difficult climate and living conditions.
The Weather
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world and therefore has a diverse range of weather. Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which is the opposite side of the world from the UK (located in the Northern Hemisphere). This means that when it’s summer in Australia, it’s winter in the UK. However, a Brisbane winter day can still see temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius, which is quite a contrast to our rainy/snowy winters. Due to the vast landmass of Australia and different climates, it’s difficult to give average temperatures. But rest assured that, for the most part, Australia is sunny and warm, sometimes downright hot.
There are actually 6 climatic zones in Australia, which translate into a Temperate region, showing a distinctive Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring pattern, and a Tropical region with a more distinctive wet or dry pattern. More detailed information on the weather in Australia can be found here: http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-weather-and-the-seasons
Culture
Australian culture is as broad as the country is vast. It is multicultural and multiracial, and this is reflected in the country’s food, lifestyle and cultural practices and experience. The country has inherited an important heritage from its indigenous people – it has 19 World Heritage sites – and this plays a defining role in the cultural landscape and is enhanced by those who have migrated to Australia over the years since it was established as a settlement back in 1788.
At the heart of Australia lies one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures – that of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The peoples hold a deep connection to the land, through storytelling traditions that still shape Australia’s identity today.
In combination with the indigenous heritage of the country is a diverse migrant population, with more than 30% of Australians born overseas.
The Language
English is the main language in Australia, making it an obvious choice for those moving from other English-speaking nations like the US, Canada, the UK, or New Zealand.
That being said, don’t be surprised if it takes a bit of time to adjust to the local slang and some rather unique expressions. Like every country, there are variations to English and there are some particular nuances such as “G’day Mate”, “Crikey” and calling Brits “Poms”.
Finance
The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), and this is mainly shown by a $ or A$ sign. As of 2025, this was the 5th most traded currency in the world.
Australia does offer an exceptional quality of life, but it’s important to be realistic in your expectations of the cost of living, especially in major cities. Melbourne and Sydney are among the most expensive cities in the world in which to live, particularly when it comes to housing. In 2025, the median house price in Sydney sits at just over A$1 million, with Melbourne falling not far behind.
That being said, costs vary wildly depending on location. Cities like Hobart, Brisbane, and Adelaide offer more affordable housing and overall cost of living, whilst still offering many of the benefits of the lifestyle that Australia is known for. The upshot is that salaries in Australia are generally quite competitive, and the country’s strong healthcare, education, and transport systems help to offset the costs of living.
Geography and Location
Australia is found between the Indian and Pacific oceans and is an island continent in its own right. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique geography. Many think of Australia and see endless, stretching beaches and arid deserts, but did you know Australia is also home to tropical rainforests and even snow-capped mountains? As such, Australia’s natural beauty is one of the biggest draws to people moving to the continent.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Australia is home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife on Earth. Up to 80% of Australia’s animal and plant life can be found nowhere else on the planet. Take, for instance, the iconic kangaroo, koala, wombat, or even the platypus!
Australia also boasts some of the most famous natural wonders in the world, like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Conservation is taken seriously in Australia, with marine reserves, eco-tourism initiatives, and national parks playing a key role in preserving Australia’s natural life for many generations to come.
Moving to Australia can be a life-changing decision – but an exciting one. It is a long way to go, and it can sometimes feel a world away from family and friends in the UK. Shipping can take as long as 12 weeks to reach Australia, so preparation is the key to a stress-free move. A removals company with good international experience will make your relocation much easier. They will be able to advise you about every step of your move, from what you can and can’t take, to help with visas, transferring your money, and insuring your goods during their deep-sea transit.
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