Moving to Australia with family is one of life’s biggest adventures – and biggest decisions! The prospect of relocating your entire household to the other side of the world brings excitement, hope for a better life, and (let’s be honest) more than a little anxiety. Will the kids settle into new schools? How will we find the right suburb? Can we really afford it? What about healthcare?
If you’re a UK family dreaming of sunshine, beaches, outdoor lifestyle, and a fresh start Down Under, you’re not alone! Thousands of British families make this move every year, and most never look back. Australia consistently ranks as one of the world’s best countries for families, offering excellent education, healthcare, safety, and that legendary work-life balance.
But here’s the thing – moving to Australia with family requires serious planning. Unlike solo moves where you can wing it a bit, family relocations demand careful consideration of schools, childcare, housing, healthcare, and costs that multiply with each family member. The visa process is more complex, the budget bigger, and the stakes higher when little ones are involved!
That’s exactly why we’ve created this comprehensive guide. Whether you’ve got toddlers needing childcare, primary schoolers requiring enrollment, or teenagers facing high school transitions, we’ve got you covered!
What you’ll discover in this guide:
- Best family visa options and which one suits your situation
- Complete cost breakdown (visa, moving, settling, ongoing expenses)
- City-by-city comparison for families with children
- School system explained: public, private, and enrollment process
- Healthcare coverage for families (Medicare vs private insurance)
- Finding family-friendly housing and suburbs
- Practical tips for settling kids into Australian life
Based on 2025 data and real expat family experiences, this is your complete roadmap to moving to Australia with your family. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect, what it costs, and how to make it happen. Let’s dive in!
Quick Overview: Is Australia Good for Families?
Short answer: Absolutely yes! Australia consistently ranks as one of the world’s best countries for raising families, and for very good reasons.
Why Families Love Australia:
Outdoor Lifestyle: Beach culture, 10,685 beaches, 500+ national parks, BBQs, year-round sports and activities
Weather: 300+ days of sunshine in most cities (goodbye SAD, hello vitamin D!)
Education: High-quality public schools (free!), affordable private schools, world-class universities
Healthcare: Excellent Medicare system with comprehensive family coverage
Space: Larger homes with gardens are standard, even on modest budgets
Work-Life Balance: 4 weeks annual leave, less overtime culture, family-first mentality
Safety: Low crime rates, safe neighbourhoods, kids can play outdoors freely
Universities: World-class higher education when your kids reach that age!
Key Statistics (2025):
Compare Australia vs UK across family-relevant metrics:
- Quality of Life Index: Australia 186.7 vs UK 160.5
- Safety Index: Australia 78.4 vs UK 68.2
- Healthcare Index: Australia 76.8 vs UK 72.1
- Education Index: Australia 82.3 vs UK 78.9
- Work-Life Balance: Australia 8.2/10 vs UK 7.1/10
The Bottom Line:
Australia offers exceptional quality of life for families. Your kids will grow up outdoors, active, and healthy. The education system is excellent, communities are welcoming, and the lifestyle is genuinely transformative. The main challenges? Distance from UK family (big one!), higher cost of living than UK, and significant upfront relocation costs.
But here’s what most expat families say: “We wish we’d done it sooner!” The benefits far outweigh the challenges for most families, especially those with young children who adapt quickly.
Ready to explore if it’s right for your family? Let’s break down exactly what’s involved!
Family Visa Options: Which One Is Right for You?
Understanding visa options is crucial when moving to Australia with family. The good news? Most family visas include your partner and dependent children automatically!
1. Skilled Migration Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) – Most Common
Who It’s For: Families where one parent has skills on Australia’s in-demand jobs list
Eligibility:
- Primary applicant under 45 years old
- Occupation on skilled occupation list (IT, healthcare, engineering, trades)
- Points test (minimum 65 points, but realistically need 70-85)
- English language proficiency (IELTS 6-7+ or equivalent)
- Skills assessment from relevant Australian authority
- Health and character clearance
Family Inclusion:
- Partner/spouse automatically included
- Dependent children under 18 (or 18-23 if full-time students)
- Everyone gets permanent residency from day one!
Processing Time: 6-12 months typically Cost: £5,000-£8,000 for family of four
Pros:
- Permanent residency immediately
- Access to Medicare straight away
- Children can attend public schools
- No employer sponsorship needed
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
Cons:
- Strict points requirements (competitive!)
- Age limit (under 45 for primary applicant)
- Skills assessment required (can be complex)
- Long processing times possible
Best For: Families with primary applicant in high-demand profession (nurses, software developers, engineers, teachers, electricians).
2. Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482/186)
Who It’s For: Families where one parent has secured a job offer from an Australian employer
Eligibility:
- Job offer from approved sponsor employer
- Relevant skills and work experience
- English language proficiency
- No age limit for temporary visa (482)
Family Inclusion:
- Partner/spouse included
- Dependent children included
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 186 after 3 years)
Processing Time: 3-6 months (482), 8-12 months (186) Cost: £3,000-£6,000 for family of four
Pros:
- Job security before arrival (huge peace of mind!)
- Faster processing than skilled migration
- No age limit for a temporary visa
- Employer often provides relocation support
- Clear pathway to permanent residency
Cons:
- Tied to a specific employer initially
- Temporary visa first (482) before permanent (186)
- The employer must be an approved sponsor
- Job market dependent
Best For: Families where parent has secured job offer, especially in regional areas (faster pathway).
3. Parent Visa (Subclass 103/143)
Who It’s For: Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents
Eligibility:
- Adult child must be settled in Australia (citizen or PR)
- Balance of family test (more children in Australia than elsewhere)
- Health and character requirements
Processing Time: 12-30 years (non-contributory 103), 2-4 years (contributory 143) Cost: £3,000 (103) or £35,000+ (143)
Pros:
- Permanent residency
- Medicare access
- Can bring dependent children under 18
Cons:
- Extremely long wait times (non-contributory)
- Very expensive (contributory)
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Age-related health checks
Best For: Grandparents wanting to join adult children permanently settled in Australia.
4. Business Innovation Visa (Subclass 188/888)
Who It’s For: Entrepreneur families with business background and significant assets
Eligibility:
- Successful business background
- Net assets £500,000-£1,250,000+
- Business turnover requirements
- Points test and state nomination
Processing Time: 12-18 months Cost: £8,000-£12,000
Pros:
- Full family inclusion
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Business opportunities in a growing economy
Cons:
- High financial requirements
- Complex application process
- Ongoing business obligations
Best For: High-net-worth families with entrepreneurial experience.
Our Recommendation for Most UK Families:
Skilled Migration (189/190) if you have in-demand skills – this gives permanent residency immediately with full family benefits.
Employer-Sponsored (482) if you’ve secured a job offer – provides security and support during transition, with clear pathway to permanency.
For detailed visa guidance, check our complete moving to Australia guide or consult a registered migration agent (budget £3,000-£6,000 for full service).
Cost of Moving to Australia with Family: Complete Breakdown
Let’s talk pounds and pence! Here’s the real cost of moving to Australia with family – no sugar-coating!
Pre-Move Costs
Visa Application Fees (Family of 4):
- Skilled Migration (189/190): £5,000-£8,000
- Employer Sponsored (482): £3,000-£6,000
- Skills assessment: £300-£800
- English tests (IELTS): £150 per person (£600 total)
- Health examinations: £300-£500 per person (£1,200-£2,000)
- Police checks: £50 per person (£200)
- Total Visa Costs: £6,000-£11,000
Migration Agent (Optional but Recommended):
- Full service: £3,000-£6,000
- Consultation only: £200-£500
Flights (Family of 4, One-Way London to Sydney/Melbourne):
- Economy: £4,000-£6,000
- Premium Economy: £8,000-£12,000
Shipping Belongings: Our removals to Australia services include:
- 20ft container: £3,000-£5,000 (fits 2-bed flat)
- 40ft container: £5,000-£8,000 (fits 3-4 bed house)
- Air freight (urgent items, 1-2 cubic metres): £1,500-£3,000
Pet Relocation (if applicable):
- Dog/cat: £3,000-£6,000 per pet
- Includes quarantine, vet checks, flights, permits
Vehicle Import: If you’re importing your car to Australia: £3,000-£8,000 total (shipping, compliance, registration)
Pre-Move Total: £16,000-£40,000 (depending on choices)
Initial Settlement Costs (First 3 Months)
Temporary Accommodation:
- Airbnb/serviced apartment: £2,000-£4,000/month
- Budget for 1-2 months whilst house-hunting: £2,000-£8,000
Rental Bond & Advance Rent:
- Bond/deposit (4-6 weeks rent): £2,000-£4,000
- Advance rent (2-4 weeks): £1,000-£2,500
- Total upfront: £3,000-£6,500
Furniture & Household Setup:
- Basic furniture package: £3,000-£6,000
- Kitchen essentials: £500-£1,000
- Bedding/linen: £500-£800
- Electronics: £500-£1,000
- Total: £4,500-£8,800
Car Purchase (Usually Necessary):
- Used family car (reliable): £8,000-£15,000
- Registration/insurance: £1,200-£2,000
- Total: £9,200-£17,000
School Costs (if mid-year enrolment):
- Public school voluntary fees: £500-£1,500 per child
- Uniforms: £200-£400 per child
- Books/supplies/laptop: £150-£300 per child
- Total for 2 children: £1,700-£4,400
Learn more about starting school in Australia for enrolment details.
Initial Settlement Total: £20,000-£45,000
Ongoing Monthly Costs (Family of 4)
Sydney (Most Expensive):
- Rent (3-bed house, suburbs): £2,400-£3,200
- Groceries: £650-£800
- Utilities (electric, gas, water): £200-£300
- Transport (2 cars, petrol, insurance): £400-£600
- Private health insurance: £250-£400
- Childcare (1 child): £1,200-£1,600
- Entertainment/activities: £300-£500
- Total: £5,400-£7,400/month
Melbourne:
- Rent: £2,000-£2,800
- Groceries: £600-£750
- Utilities: £180-£280
- Transport: £350-£550
- Health insurance: £250-£400
- Childcare: £1,100-£1,500
- Entertainment: £250-£450
- Total: £4,730-£6,730/month
Brisbane (Best Value):
- Rent: £1,800-£2,500
- Groceries: £580-£720
- Utilities: £170-£260
- Transport: £320-£500
- Health insurance: £250-£400
- Childcare: £1,000-£1,400
- Entertainment: £220-£400
- Total: £4,340-£6,180/month
For detailed childcare costs and subsidies, see our cost of childcare in Australia guide.
Total First-Year Cost Estimate
Conservative Budget (Brisbane, Family of 4):
- Pre-move costs: £16,000
- Initial settlement: £20,000
- 12 months living: £52,000
- Total Year 1: £88,000
Comfortable Budget (Melbourne):
- Pre-move costs: £25,000
- Initial settlement: £35,000
- 12 months living: £70,000
- Total Year 1: £130,000
Recommended Savings Before Moving:
Minimum: £30,000-£40,000 (tight but doable) Comfortable: £50,000-£70,000 (allows for unexpected costs) Ideal: £80,000+ (stress-free transition)
Important: Don’t arrive with just enough! Budget overruns are common, and having a buffer prevents panic.
For a complete checklist, see our moving abroad checklist.
Best Cities in Australia for Families
Where should you settle when moving to Australia with family? Each city has distinct advantages! Check our comprehensive best places to live in Australia guide, or read our city-specific summaries below.
1. Brisbane – Best Overall for Families
Why Families Love It: Subtropical climate, most affordable major city, Gold Coast beaches 1 hour away, excellent schools, spacious homes with gardens, growing job market.
Top Suburbs: Paddington (£2,500/month), Kenmore (£2,000/month), Carindale (£1,900/month), Bulimba (£2,400/month)
Monthly Costs: 3-bed house £1,800-£2,500, public school free (£500/year voluntary), childcare £1,000-£1,400
Best For: Families prioritising affordability, weather, and relaxed lifestyle.
2. Melbourne – Best for Culture & Education
Why Families Love It: World-class culture, top-ranked schools, café culture, excellent public transport, beautiful parks.
Top Suburbs: Glen Waverley (£2,200/month), Brighton (£3,500/month), Doncaster (£2,400/month), Frankston (£1,800/month)
Monthly Costs: 3-bed £2,000-£2,800, public school free (£500-£1,000/year), childcare £1,100-£1,500
Learn more: Reasons to move to Melbourne
Best For: Families prioritising education quality and culture.
3. Perth – Best for Beach Lifestyle
Why Families Love It: 19 beaches within 30 minutes, 300+ days sunshine, most affordable housing, outdoor water sports culture.
Top Suburbs: Fremantle (£2,000/month), Joondalup (£1,600/month), Subiaco (£2,300/month)
Monthly Costs: 3-bed £1,600-£2,300, public school free (£400-£800/year), childcare £900-£1,300
Explore: Reasons to move to Perth
Best For: Beach lifestyle, affordability, and space.
4. Sydney – Best for Career Opportunities
Why Families Love It: Best job market, highest salaries, iconic beaches, world-class attractions, international gateway.
Top Suburbs: Kellyville (£2,400/month), Lane Cove (£3,200/month), Cronulla (£2,800/month)
Monthly Costs: 3-bed £2,400-£3,500, public school free (£500-£1,500/year), childcare £1,200-£1,800
Details: Reasons to move to Sydney
Best For: Career advancement (but expensive).
5. Adelaide – Best for Affordability
Why Families Love It: Cheapest cost of living, wine regions nearby, easy to navigate, good schools, safe.
Top Suburbs: Glenelg (£1,800/month), Norwood (£1,900/month), Burnside (£2,100/month)
Monthly Costs: 3-bed £1,400-£2,000, public school free (£300-£700/year), childcare £850-£1,200
More: Moving to Adelaide
Best For: Budget-conscious families.
Our City Ranking for Families:
Brisbane is best overall for its mix of weather, affordability, and lifestyle; Melbourne leads for education and culture; Perth wins for beaches and space; Sydney offers the strongest career opportunities but is expensive; Adelaide is the best for budget.
Schools in Australia: Enrolment & Options
Education is crucial when moving to Australia with family! Here’s everything you need to know.
School System Overview
Structure:
- Primary School: Years Prep/Kindergarten – Year 6 (ages 5-12)
- Secondary School: Years 7-12 (ages 13-18)
- School Year: Late January – mid-December (4 terms)
Types of Schools:
- Public/State Schools: Government-funded, free tuition
- Catholic Schools: Religious affiliation, moderate fees
- Independent Private Schools: Non-government, highest fees
- International Schools: IB/UK curriculum, very expensive
Public Schools
Cost Per Child (Annual):
- Tuition: FREE!
- Voluntary contributions: £300-£1,500/year
- Uniforms: £200-£400
- Books/supplies/laptop: £150-£300
- Total: £650-£2,200/year
Quality:
- Generally excellent standard (check MySchool.edu.au for individual school data)
- Varies by suburb (affluent areas = better-resourced schools)
- Catchment area determines enrolment (live in zone = guaranteed spot)
- No entrance exams for most schools
Pros: Free tuition, strong local community integration, a diverse student body, and generally good academic standards.
Cons: Quality varies significantly by suburb, catchment restrictions apply (you must live in-zone), class sizes are larger (around 25–30 students), and facilities are more limited than in private schools.
Best Public Schools (Examples):
- Sydney: James Ruse Agricultural High, Baulkham Hills High
- Melbourne: Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson Girls’ High
- Brisbane: Brisbane State High, Indooroopilly State High
Catholic Schools
Cost Per Child (Annual):
- Tuition: £1,500-£4,000/year
- Uniforms: £250-£450
- Books/supplies: £200-£350
- Total: £1,950-£4,800/year
Quality:
- Generally high academic standards
- Values-based education
- Good facilities
- Smaller class sizes than public
Best For: Families wanting affordable faith-based education with good academic results.
Independent Private Schools
Cost Per Child (Annual):
- Tuition: £10,000-£30,000/year
- Uniforms: £400-£800
- Books/supplies: £300-£600
- Extracurricular: £500-£2,000
- Total: £11,200-£33,400/year
Quality:
- Excellent facilities (pools, theatres, sports fields)
- Small class sizes (15-20 students)
- Extensive extracurricular programs
- Strong university preparation
- Elite alumni networks
Pros: The best facilities and resources, excellent academic outcomes, and comprehensive programmes.
Cons: Extremely expensive, competitive entrance through exams or interviews, and waiting lists that often require enrolment years in advance.
Top Private Schools:
- Sydney: Sydney Grammar, SCEGGS, Knox Grammar
- Melbourne: Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College, MLC
International Schools
Cost Per Child (Annual):
- Tuition: £15,000-£35,000/year
- Enrolment fees: £2,000-£5,000
- Total: £17,000-£40,000/year
Curriculum: IB, British (IGCSE/A-Levels), or American
Best For: Short-term expat assignments (2-3 years) where you’ll return to UK and want curriculum continuity. Otherwise, Australian schools provide better cultural integration!
School Enrolment Process
Timeline:
- 12-18 months before: Research schools, register interest for private schools
- 6-12 months before: Apply to preferred schools
- 3-6 months before: Interviews/entrance exams (private schools)
- 1-3 months before: Confirm enrolment, pay fees
- Before arrival: Provide immunisation records, previous school reports
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Passport/visa
- Immunisation records (mandatory!)
- Previous school reports
- Proof of address
- English proficiency test results (if applicable)
Immunisation Requirements: Mandatory for all school enrolments. Children must meet Australian immunisation schedule or have approved exemptions. Catch-up vaccinations available free through Medicare!
English Language Support: Public schools offer free ESL (English as Second Language) support. Most children achieve mainstream integration within 6-12 months.
Our School Recommendation for UK Families:
Start with public schools for primary-aged children (5-12 years) – they’re excellent quality, free, and provide great community integration.
Consider Catholic or private for secondary school (13-18 years) if budget allows and academic intensity is important.
Avoid international schools unless planning short-term stay – they’re very expensive and limit cultural integration.
For complete enrolment guidance, check our starting school in Australia guide.
Healthcare for Families in Australia
Medicare (Public Healthcare System)
What’s covered: GP visits are free when bulk billed, public hospital treatment is free, specialist care has partial rebates, prescription medicines are subsidised under the PBS, maternity care is free in public hospitals, and emergency care is free.
What’s not covered: Dental care (except for children under 18 in the public system, often with long waits), optical needs such as glasses and contacts, physiotherapy and chiropractic care, ambulance services (state dependent — free in Queensland, costly elsewhere), private hospital treatment, and most elective surgery, which typically faces long public wait times.
Eligibility:
- Permanent residents: Immediate Medicare access
- Temporary visa holders: Usually NOT eligible (check your specific visa)
Private Health Insurance (Highly Recommended!)
Why Families Need It:
- Tax Penalty Avoidance: If household income exceeds £70,000 and you don’t have hospital cover, you pay an extra 1-1.5% Medicare Levy Surcharge – that’s £700-£1,500/year wasted!
- Shorter Wait Times: Elective surgery and specialist appointments are much faster
- Choice: Choose your doctor and hospital
- Extras Cover: Dental, optical, physio (essential for kids!)
- Private Hospital Rooms: More comfortable for maternity and procedures
Cost for Family of 4:
- Basic hospital cover: £150-£200/month
- Hospital + extras: £250-£400/month (recommended)
- Premium cover: £400-£600/month
Top Family Health Insurers:
- Bupa (largest, comprehensive)
- Medibank (government-owned)
- HCF (NSW focus)
- NIB (good value)
Include hospital cover (pregnancy, paediatrics, emergency), extras such as dental, optical and physiotherapy, ambulance cover, and paediatric specialist cover.
Children’s Healthcare
Well-Child Checks:
- Regular developmental checks: FREE (Medicare)
- Immunisations: FREE (essential for school enrolment!)
- School health screenings: FREE
Dental Care:
- Public dental for children: FREE (but 1-2 year wait lists!)
- Private dental check-up: £80-£150
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule: Up to £1,000 over 2 years for eligible children
- Budget: £500-£1,200/year for family dental
Mental Health:
- GP mental health plan: 10 FREE psychology sessions per year (Medicare)
- School counsellors: FREE
- Private psychologists: £120-£200/session (partial Medicare rebate)
Healthcare Cost Comparison (Annual)
UK (NHS):
- GP, hospital, emergency: FREE
- Prescriptions: £120-£500/year
- Dental (private): £200-£800/year
- Total: £320-£1,300/year
Australia (Medicare + Private Insurance):
- GP visits: FREE
- Private insurance: £3,000-£4,800/year
- Dental: £500-£1,200/year
- Prescriptions: £100-£540/year (PBS subsidised)
- Total: £3,600-£6,540/year
Winner: UK NHS is significantly cheaper. Australian healthcare is excellent quality, but you’ll pay £2,000-£5,000 more annually.
Healthcare Recommendation:
Get private health insurance within 12 months of arrival to avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading (2% premium increase per year over age 30). Choose hospital + extras cover for families. Budget £250-£400/month.
Finding Family Housing in Australia
Rental Market Overview
Lease Terms:
- Standard lease: 6-12 months
- Bond/deposit: 4-6 weeks rent (held by government authority)
- Advance rent: 2-4 weeks
- Total upfront: 6-10 weeks rent = £3,000-£6,000 for family home
Rental Process:
- Search online (realestate.com.au, Domain.com.au)
- Attend open inspections (Saturdays usually)
- Submit application with:
- References (previous landlords, employer)
- Payslips (proof of income)
- ID (passport, driver’s licence)
- Rental history
- Sign lease and pay bond + advance rent
- Complete condition report (document property condition)
- Move in!
Competition Alert: Major city rental markets are competitive! Properties receive 10-20+ applications. You need strong application (stable employment, good references, clean rental history). Consider temporary accommodation first (1-2 months) to house-hunt in person and build Australian rental history!
What to Expect in Family Homes
Typical 3-Bedroom House:
- Size: 120-180m² (1,300-1,900 sq ft)
- Garden: Front and back yard standard
- Garage: Single or double garage
- Air conditioning: Essential (but not always included – check!)
- Heating: Gas or electric (not always included)
- Laundry: Separate laundry room (not in kitchen!)
- Outdoor area: Patio/deck for BBQs
Furnished vs Unfurnished:
- Most rentals: Unfurnished (no furniture, no appliances except stove/oven)
- Furnished: Rare and expensive (£200-£400/month premium)
- Budget £3,000-£6,000 for basic furniture setup
Best Family Suburbs by City
Sydney (Affordable-ish Options):
- Kellyville (Northwest): £2,400/month, new developments, good schools
- Cronulla (South): £2,800/month, beachside, family community
- Castle Hill (Northwest): £2,600/month, excellent schools
Melbourne:
- Glen Waverley (East): £2,200/month, top schools
- Doncaster (East): £2,400/month, family-oriented
- Frankston (South): £1,800/month, beachside, affordable
Brisbane:
- Kenmore (West): £2,000/month, leafy, excellent state schools
- Carindale (East): £1,900/month, shopping, parks
- Bulimba (Inner-East): £2,400/month, riverside, cafés
Perth:
- Joondalup (North): £1,600/month, affordable, growing
- Fremantle (South): £2,000/month, beachside, historic
- Subiaco (Inner-West): £2,300/month, walkable
Buying Property
When to Buy:
- Wait 6-12 months after arrival
- Understand local market first
- Secure permanent residency (easier financing)
- Build Australian credit history
Foreign Buyer Restrictions:
- Temporary residents: Can buy new properties only (with FIRB approval)
- Permanent residents: No restrictions!
- Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval fee: £3,000-£10,000
Average Family Home Prices (2025):
- Sydney: £650,000-£1,200,000
- Melbourne: £550,000-£950,000
- Brisbane: £500,000-£850,000
- Perth: £450,000-£750,000
- Adelaide: £400,000-£650,000
See what properties you can afford in Australia for detailed analysis.
Mortgage Requirements:
- Permanent residents: 10-20% deposit
- Temporary residents: 20-30% deposit
- Interest rates: 5.5-7.5% (2025)
Housing Recommendation:
Rent for first 6-12 months while you understand the local market, secure stable employment, and find the right suburb for your family’s needs (schools, commute, community). Budget 6-10 weeks rent upfront plus furniture costs (£3,000-£6,000).
Tips for Settling Your Family Successfully
Before Leaving UK
Use our tips to prepare children for moving abroad, research and (if possible) enrol in schools before arrival, join expat Facebook groups for advice, book temporary accommodation for 2–4 weeks, notify UK schools, doctors, and banks, order an international driving permit, and build excitement with Australian videos and books.
First Month in Australia
Get SIM cards and open a bank account, register for Medicare and apply for a Tax File Number, convert your UK driving licence to an Australian licence, secure housing, sign the lease, and set up utilities, enrol children in schools, arrange a car if needed and take out health insurance, and explore the neighbourhood while joining local community groups.
Most families report that whilst the first 3-6 months are challenging with homesickness and adjustment, by month 6-12 they’re thriving and can’t imagine returning!
Ready to Make Your Family’s Australian Dream Real?
Moving to Australia with family is undoubtedly one of life’s biggest adventures – but with proper planning, the right budget, and expert support, it can be the best decision you ever make!
At PSS International Removals, we’ve been helping UK families relocate to Australia for over 40 years. We understand the unique challenges of family moves – from packing kids’ toys safely to ensuring everything arrives intact for your new life Down Under!
Our Family Moving Services:
Our family moving services include full household removals with professional packing, shipping tailored to family needs, a free home survey to assess your exact requirements, customs clearance with all paperwork handled, a dedicated move coordinator as your single point of contact, vehicle shipping if you are bringing a car, and pet relocation advice and coordination.
Families choose PSS for over 40 years’ experience helping families relocate, a family-run approach, FIDI and BAR accreditation, true door-to-door service, transparent pricing with no hidden surprises, comprehensive insurance options for peace of mind, and flexible storage solutions when timings do not align.
Get Started Today:
Ready to take the next step? Here’s how:
Request a Free Quote – Get accurate pricing for your family’s move
Use Our Moving Checklist – Stay organised throughout your relocation
Read More Guides:
The end result? Yes, moving to Australia with your family does take a lot of planning, money, and guts. But for thousands of families in the UK every year, the benefits—sunlight, living outside, good schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a better work-life balance—make it well worth it!
Your kids will grow up with sand between their toes, vitamin D in abundance, and memories of a childhood spent outdoors. The challenges of relocation fade, but the gift of an Australian childhood lasts forever!
When you’re ready to make it happen, we’re here to handle the logistics so you can focus on the exciting stuff – like teaching the kids to body-surf and choosing which beach will be your local!
