Where to head in OZ?

trixyben

Wrecking my head as to where to head to in Australia when I head out in next couple months, I have pals in Perth but from the sound of Perth its not really appealing to me, I dont mind heading somewhere on my own as I really want a chilled out place just to kick back and relax, work a weeks work, few beers and chill...

Two locations im looking into are Darwin and Adelaide, anyone know much about them, how handy for jobs? are there hostels? can ya get a rental flat or room handy? etc etc

Any info on them would be great, also im guessing the regional work would be handier got in these kind of location?

Cheer

Syllabus

adelaide would be akin to waterford city imo - walk around it once and you've seen everything

wouldnt be a great amount of work to be had there either. havent been to darwin but i know its hot!!

if i was going back id be going to melbourne


(check out a little place called Apollo Bay in between adelaide and melbourne - Heaven:cool:)

mandrake04

Between Adelaide and Darwin I would pick Adelaide, have been to Darwin twice in the last month and it's crap wouldn't want to spend 3 months there. Adelaide is quiet but a very liveable city for a few months at least.

trixyben

Well Melbourne was where i was always going to go (dont know why really) but with pals in perth lookin me to head there, and the fact i dont want to be in the party scene was why i was looking for somewhere quieter, suppose the main factor is work, im flexible as to what i will do tbh...

So Melbourne, what size would it kinda be? something similar to Dublin? Is it crazy like perth or more chilled and not of expensive?

Xavi6

trixyben wrote: »

I really want a chilled out place just to kick back and relax, work a weeks work, few beers and chill...

trixyben wrote: »

the fact i dont want to be in the party scene was why i was looking for somewhere quieter, suppose the main factor is work, im flexible as to what i will do

You've just described Perth tbh

So Melbourne, what size would it kinda be? something similar to Dublin? Is it crazy like perth or more chilled and not of expensive?

Haha!

Perth is not crazy in the slightest and if someone told you otherwise they're a liar.

trixyben

Xavi6 wrote: »

You've just described Perth tbh



Haha!

Perth is not crazy in the slightest and if someone told you otherwise they're a liar.

Hey Xavi maybe you can clear a few things up for me regarding Perth, as I said I have pals in Perth and they all say it very expensive to live, they all found it hard to get a place, good hostels are nearly always booked out and the bad ones not worth going to, some of them have started traveling and are in Darwin now and after being in Darwin where its a bit quietier, not so expensive etc its a breath of fresh air and they glad they hit the road out of perth, but these are only their experience and sure if I land over it'll more likely be the same for me as id rather head somewhere on my own and enjoy my own experience if you know what I mean.

Pisco Sour

Firstly, Melbourne is not the size of Dublin! LOL. It’s about 3 times as big.

Don’t know where you heard Perth is a buzzing lively town. It is very much chilled out. In fact it is as dull as dishwater (in my humble opinion).

Would avoid Darwin as it’s a hole. Out of those 2 I’d pick Adelaide, but it would probably be even quieter than Perth, but definitely more beautiful. I’d advise either Melbourne or Sydney, but best advise would be to stay away from the pals, regardless of where they are. Better to try make some new friends rather than just stick to the Ireland Down Under scene.

NothingMan

From what I've heard of Perth it's pretty it's a bit of a party place because there's so many Irish. My sister's there and loves it and I've another friend there who could take or leave it.

I've only spent 2 weeks in Sydney but wasn't too keen on it. The city's mental and a bit of a headache after 2 weeks.

I'm in Melbourne now and have been for over 3 months and I love it. It's relaxed enough day to day but you can have a wild night if you want to. I'm staying in an amazing long term hostel which is more like a house share and I've met some amazing friends. Can't speak for anywhere else but I'd happily come back to Melbourne and settle for a while. I leave here next week and will genuinely be sad to leave.

Weather's shoite at the moment though...

Xavi6

trixyben wrote: »

Hey Xavi maybe you can clear a few things up for me regarding Perth, as I said I have pals in Perth and they all say it very expensive to live, they all found it hard to get a place, good hostels are nearly always booked out and the bad ones not worth going to, some of them have started traveling and are in Darwin now and after being in Darwin where its a bit quietier, not so expensive etc its a breath of fresh air and they glad they hit the road out of perth, but these are only their experience and sure if I land over it'll more likely be the same for me as id rather head somewhere on my own and enjoy my own experience if you know what I mean.

It is expensive to live, but no more so than any of the other major cities. Anyone coming from Ireland will find Australia costly until they find their feet and find a decent paying job.

It's coming into winter here now so it's the best time to get settled in Perth before the next wave come here around November/December.

I'd suggest coming to Perth, trying it out for a few weeks and if doesn't work head off to your plan B, whether it's Darwin or whatever. One way internal flights here aren't *that* expensive.

I've not been to Darwin but from what I've been told and read it's not somewhere I'd want to go for a long period of time, but it might suit you.

04072511 wrote: »

(in my humble opinion).

:pac:

NothingMan wrote: »

From what I've heard of Perth it's pretty it's a bit of a party place because there's so many Irish. My sister's there and loves it and I've another friend there who could take or leave it.

If you move here that's exactly the sort of scene you want to avoid.

NothingMan

Xavi6 wrote: »

If you move here that's exactly the sort of scene you want to avoid.

Agreed. It's the same reason I avoid St. Kilda in Melbourne. It's full of all the Irish I didn't like back home.

Op, if you do decide to come to Melbourne I highly recommend a hostel called CMA (Central Melbourne Accomadation). It's in Richmond very close to the city but a bit quieter. Really cool area for cafe's and shops etc... Hostel is min 1 week stay but most people there now are here months so you do make great friends.

Whatever city you choose a good hostel/shared accom can make all the difference and probably a reason I didn't take to sydney was becasue the hostel was a wild party hostel and I'm not exactly a wild person, at least not all the time.

markymark21

It's fairly easy to avoid any kind of scene in any city if you don't want to in my opinion! I dont have any experience of living in any other city but Melbourne but id reccomend it anyway! What ever your into Melbourne probably has it. Fantasic bars, great restaurants, good sports scene and great scenery (great ocean road, Philip island, Yarra valley etc)

Although its cold at the moment so don't forget your coat!

Pisco Sour

markymark21 wrote: »

Although its cold at the moment so don't forget your coat!

Will ya go way out of that. Don't listen to the Aussies. They don't know the meaning of what "cold" is (just like we don't know the meaning of what "hot" means). Melbourne is not cold. We're in mid May now and I still haven't upgraded from my Irish summer jacket to my winter woolies. It gets nippy alright but wouldn't classify it as cold. You'd need to be away from Europe or North America a long time before you start to find Melbourne geuinely cold.

markymark21

04072511 wrote: »

markymark21 wrote: »

Although its cold at the moment so don't forget your coat!

Will ya go way out of that. Don't listen to the Aussies. They don't know the meaning of what "cold" is (just like we don't know the meaning of what "hot" means). Melbourne is not cold. We're in mid May now and I still haven't upgraded from my Irish summer jacket to my winter woolies. It gets nippy alright but wouldn't classify it as cold. You'd need to be away from Europe or North America a long time before you start to find Melbourne geuinely cold.

When I left 3 weeks ago and it was getting pretty nippy at night!

Granted its not proper cold but 8 degrees feels cold when it's 20 odd degrees most days

Pisco Sour

markymark21 wrote: »

When I left 3 weeks ago and it was getting pretty nippy at night!

Granted its not proper cold but 8 degrees feels cold when it's 20 odd degrees most days

I ran a 10k last year in June. Weather was 16 degrees (felt like more), and there wasnt a cloud in the sky. When the wind blew it was ok, but for a lot of that run the conditions were still. Found it unbearable. At a few points I felt dizzy. 16 degrees here feels a lot more than 16 degrees in Ireland (especially when you are running), for whatever reason. After the race I said to my clubmates that I found the conditions unbearable. They laughed at me, dismissed completely what I said, and insisted it was “cold”. Since then I just don’t take Australians seriously when they describe their winters, just like the farmers I worked for on my regional didn’t take me seriously when I commented on 26 degrees being very hot. A couple of years up in Northern Sweden would put some hairs on their chests!

Iwannahurl

Agree re the weather. Melbourne has a reputation for fickle weather, but most of the people who believe that have probably never been in Galway!

I don't know about anywhere else in Oz, but Melbourne is a great spot in many ways.

My chief complaints are the sprawl, car-dependence, traffic and the horribly expensive cost of living.

You won't freeze, but you will need deep pockets. I thought Ireland was pricey until I came here. An early shock was paying $4.50 for a litre bottle of water in a 7-11 convenience store. Another was paying $40 for a three-pack of Myers branded underwear! I met an Irish GP in the Apollo Bay area (mentioned earlier) and even on his salary and conditions, which included free accommodation, he recommended going to Op Shops, ie charity stores!

I believe Adelaide is quiet, and we bumped into an Irish couple who have been living there for years who regard Melbourne as a "madhouse".

A thirty-something French guy I spoke to recently said Melbourne CBD is a "zoo" on weekends. I'm inclined to agree -- didn't like what I saw on the night of March 17th.

Melburnians are friendly and laid-back (except behind the wheel of a car, IMO) and you will have no trouble socialising in whatever mode you fancy.

As for work, my impression is that there is no significant lack of jobs. There is a belief that the state of Victoria is having a hard time compared to the rest of Australia. For example, The Age reported a month ago that unemployment in Australia had "climbed" from 5.1 to 5.2 percent, with Victoria experiencing the worst job losses. Like the weather, they don't know how bad it can get!

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/27000-jobs-down-the-drain-20120308-1unbb.html

The housing market has declined, especially for high-end properties, but as far as I can see construction is occurring throughout the city pretty much non-stop. Ought to be jobs in construction or related areas, I would imagine, if that's your bag.

As for elsewhere in Australia, such as the Pilbara, the mining sector is booming.

By the way, here's a recent story from Perth. You've been warned! http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13651850/police-act-over-irish-backpackers-behaving-badly/

Best of luck with your travels.

Pisco Sour

Iwannahurl wrote: »

By the way, here's a recent story from Perth. You've been warned! http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13651850/police-act-over-irish-backpackers-behaving-badly/

Don't think this has been discussed here at all...

Iwannahurl

Melbourne judged world's most liveable city (2011).

http://www.smh.com.au/business/melbourne-judged-worlds-most-liveable-city-20110830-1jjaq.html

hiltonhater

Have not read other replies (in work and may be hanged if I spend too much time online lol)
Between darwin and Adelaide I pick Adelaide every time. I lived there some years back and loved it and there is LOADS to do there. Nice and quiet compared to the other main places (retirement village of aussie) but beautiful, friendly and plenty of both culture and entertainment to be found. Not sure on the work front right now but i was back for a months holiday last year and did not hear too many complaints from ppl who had gone over looking for work. Will of course depend on your field.
Melbourne, well, I only stayed in the city and will never go back there. Then again I had a 12-13 month old with me and they are not in the least bit child friendly in the city.
Apart from the above I can recommend Sydney, darling harbour especially or manley island - this would be for visiting rather than working though. I could not get enough of Sydney and will definitely be heading back!

The Aussie

trixyben wrote: »

I dont mind heading somewhere on my own as I really want a chilled out place just to kick back and relax, work a weeks work, few beers and chill...

What about ditching the Capitals, does it even have to be a State Capital???, why not try something different to the norm and give either the Central Coast or North Coast of NSW a go, some really beautiful chilled out parts of the world around there, and that way you can say you did something different to the Bondi/ Northbridge/ St Kilda thing, just a suggestion.

CiaranC

I think if you are used to European or North American city living you will go a bit mad living anywhere other than Sydney or Melbourne. Adelaide is like a big country town, not a city. Depends what you want really, its a fine line between being relaxed and bored senseless.

Pisco Sour

CiaranC wrote: »

I think if you are used to European or North American city living you will go a bit mad living anywhere other than Sydney or Melbourne. Adelaide is like a big country town, not a city. Depends what you want really, its a fine line between being relaxed and bored senseless.

Agreed. Australia is great for travelling, lots of incredible sites, but with regards living, I don’t think I could live anywhere outside of Melbourne of Sydney. I spent 3 months in regional areas and I was bored out of my stones. I was in 4 different places in Victoria (Dunkeld, Broadford, Alexandra and Glenrowan) so it isn’t a case that I got bad luck and had one bad experience. Yeh it would be better living by a beach, but that can only keep you occupied for so long. I guess it’s all an upbringing thing. Some people are happy enough to just chill and not do a whole lot at all. I’m not one of those people, and get bored with sitting on a beach after a couple of hours.

Cooperspale

Adelaide from those two.

Branching out by yourself will do you a favour in the long run. Too many get sucked in to Co. Bondi, St Kilda and Northbridge and it's a case of work, have some drinks through the week and get scoobied Fri-Sun. Then your times up.

Australia is not a cheap destination.
Rent can cost per week here what some people pay per month in Ireland.

Smaller cities and towns will be less cosmopolitan and downright boring in some cases. Generally the further north you go, the culture starts to ebb.
What are your interests? If you like art house cinema, live music (that is not a cover band) sporting events (that you can attend regularly) interesting food and restaurants, museums etc etc then stick to Melb,Syd,Brisb, Less so Perth, Adelaide.

If you prefer small town stuff, Port Dougas (less riff raff than Cairns) Byron Bay. Both are small but get a big international tourist trade which should keep it varied for you.
Just depends on your needs and likes. You could live in one of the big cities but not in a backpacker hub.

markymark21

Cooperspale wrote: »

Adelaide from those two.



If you prefer small town stuff, Port Dougas (less riff raff than Cairns) Byron Bay. Both are small but get a big international tourist trade which should keep it varied for you.
Just depends on your needs and likes. You could live in one of the big cities but not in a backpacker hub.

+1 Byron Bay. Cool little town

The Aussie

markymark21 wrote: »

+1 Byron Bay. Cool little town

Thats the sort of place i would be heading for, if you need a huge population for "things to do" your doing it all wrong.

CiaranC

The Aussie wrote: »

Thats the sort of place i would be heading for, if you need a huge population for "things to do" your doing it all wrong.

We cant all be children of the forest like you

trixyben

I dont mind where I go tbh as i can travel as and when, but i would like to land in a nice spot first, the sounds of adelade and the other quiet places do interest me the only thing im thinking is in these quieter places is there much work about?

Defo need to get some work as the old funds wont be long going without a bit of income!

markymark21

trixyben wrote: »

I dont mind where I go tbh as i can travel as and when, but i would like to land in a nice spot first, the sounds of adelade and the other quiet places do interest me the only thing im thinking is in these quieter places is there much work about?

Defo need to get some work as the old funds wont be long going without a bit of income!

You'll want to find work ASAP when you land. I dont think it's possible to really enjoy Oz if your not making a bit of money for yourself... Unless you wanna be a scrounging backpackers living of microwave noodles and surviving on $20 a day!

How fast you find work will probably depend on your qualifications and experience. Generally some sectors are easier to get into then others. Most people on a WHV usually get work in hospitality,retail, farm/regional work, charity work and tradie work. From my own experiences it's possible to make excellent money in hospitality.. But everyone has different experiences and situations so nothing is guaranteed!

If you choose to live in one of the big cities be prepared to be battling it out with many other WHVs for work do make your CV stand out and follow up all applications With a phone call!

Pisco Sour

The Aussie wrote: »

Thats the sort of place i would be heading for, if you need a huge population for "things to do" your doing it all wrong.

Nah, I think I'll keep to my cities thank you very much. It's nice to have access to a track to train on and not have to travel 300 miles to my nearest race.

Living in a "chilled out town" would basically mean giving up all the things in my life that have made me who I am. For what? To sit around on a beach patting myself on the back for how alternative I am? Nah, I'll save those places for when travelling.

The Aussie

CiaranC wrote: »

We cant all be children of the forest like you

We cant all be"Faux Europeans" "Earth Children" like you either there Ciaran, us mere mortals can only live in hope that one day...

BTW, Byron Bay, Bay as in water, so Byron Bay is a Coastal Town.

04072511 wrote: »

Living in a "chilled out town" would basically mean giving up all the things in my life that have made me who I am. For what? To sit around on a beach patting myself on the back for how alternative I am? Nah.

Hypocrisy there much mate. if you want to sit around "patting yourself on the back" about the person you have become :pac:, be my guest.

If you read the question from the OP he is asking for suggestions on places where to head to in OZ with suggestions of Darwin or Adelade and my reply was to this part of the first post

trixyben wrote: »

I dont mind heading somewhere on my own as I really want a chilled out place just to kick back and relax, work a weeks work, few beers and chill...

So i was suggesting the North/Mid Coast as a alternative, not everyone in life wants to follow everyone else, its a very Sheeple idea to suggest otherwise, nice try though...

CiaranC

The Aussie wrote: »

We cant all be"Faux Europeans" "Earth Children" like you either there Ciaran, us mere mortals can only live in hope that one day...

Not really sure what you mean there?

Anyway the OP should know what living in provincial Australia is like, hes a young guy and presumably has some interest in the things young people like. I spent some time in rural VIC and while it was interesting to visit, no way would I like to live there for any long period of time, it was remote and felt cut off like nowhere in Ireland is.

Unless of course he is in tune with the natural world like your good self. Maybe he'd like sitting outside, drinking poor quality beer, swatting bugs the size of golf balls and cracking jokes about wogs

Xavi6

I spent a full day in Byron in January and it bored the tits off me, couldn't imagine living there. Grand if you're a bit of a hippy or surfy but not for me.

Plus it pissed down all day and that was a summer's day.

hussey

Mod I'm stick of this sly little digs aimed at each other.
The_Aussie, CiaranC ... here is a warning, one more small little dig and you will be banned.

and by small dig I mean:
"We cant all be children of the forest like you "
"if you want to sit around "patting yourself on the back" about the person you have become , be my guest."
"Unless of course he is in tune with the natural world like your good self. Maybe he'd like sitting outside, drinking poor quality beer, swatting bugs the size of golf balls and cracking jokes about wogs"

so either behave or GTFO

markymark21

Xavi6 wrote: »

I spent a full day in Byron in January and it bored the tits off me, couldn't imagine living there. Grand if you're a bit of a hippy or surfy but not for me.

Plus it pissed down all day and that was a summer's day.

Yeh if ye don't surf there not much for you alright..

Speaking of which went surfing for the 1st time last week, some craic!