Moving from London to Melbourne

Moving from London to Melbourne requires careful planning across multiple time zones and hemispheres.

Visa Requirements

Australian immigration requires a valid visa before relocating – common options include skilled worker visas (subclass 189, 190, or 482) or partner visas.

  • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
  • Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
  • Partner visa (subclass 820/801)

Timeline Planning

Start preparations at least 6 months before your planned move date.

Months Before Tasks
6 months Visa application, research housing
4 months Book flights, arrange shipping
2 months Cancel UK services, arrange temporary accommodation
1 month Pack, notify banks, forward mail

Housing Options

Popular Melbourne suburbs for UK expats include:

  • St Kilda – beach lifestyle, similar to Brighton
  • Richmond – sports hub, excellent transport
  • South Yarra – upscale shopping, cafes
  • Brunswick – artistic community, multicultural food scene

Banking & Finance

Set up an Australian bank account before arrival through major banks like Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, or Westpac.

Healthcare

Register for Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) once you arrive and consider private health insurance from providers like Bupa or Medibank.

Moving Services

Recommended international movers with London-Melbourne routes:

Cost Comparisons

Monthly living costs in Melbourne compared to London:

  • Rent: 30-40% lower than London
  • Public Transport: 25% lower
  • Groceries: Similar prices
  • Dining Out: 10-15% lower

Weather Adjustment

Melbourne experiences opposite seasons to London – Christmas falls in summer with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F).

Essential Services

Set up these services upon arrival:

  • Tax File Number (TFN) – apply through the Australian Taxation Office
  • Mobile phone service (Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone)
  • Internet connection (NBN providers like TPG or Aussie Broadband)
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water)

Keep copies of important documents in both digital and physical formats for your move.

Employment

Major employment hubs in Melbourne include:

  • CBD – Financial and professional services
  • Docklands – Technology and media companies
  • South Melbourne – Creative industries
  • Richmond – Healthcare and education

Transportation

Public Transport

Melbourne’s public transport system includes:

  • Myki card for trams, trains, and buses
  • Free tram zone in CBD
  • Night Network for 24-hour weekend service

Education

For families with children, consider:

  • Public schools – zoned by residence
  • Private schools – early application required
  • International schools offering UK curriculum

Social Integration

Connect with other expats through:

  • British Expats in Melbourne Facebook groups
  • Meetup.com social groups
  • Sports clubs and fitness centers
  • Professional networking events

Conclusion

Success in relocating from London to Melbourne depends on thorough preparation and understanding of local systems. Focus on:

  • Securing appropriate visas well in advance
  • Following the suggested timeline for organized transition
  • Setting up essential services promptly upon arrival
  • Building social and professional networks
  • Understanding cultural differences and local customs

Consider engaging professional relocation services for smoother transition and maintain flexibility during the adjustment period.

FAQs

  1. What visa do I need to move from London to Melbourne?
    The most common visas are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Employer Sponsored visa (subclass 186). You’ll need to meet specific criteria and points requirements for each visa type.
  2. How much money should I save before moving to Melbourne?
    It’s recommended to have at least AUD $10,000-15,000 for initial setup costs, including bond for rental property (usually 4 weeks rent), first month’s rent, furniture, utilities connections, and emergency funds.
  3. What’s the cost of living difference between London and Melbourne?
    Melbourne is generally less expensive than London, with lower rental costs and public transport fees. However, groceries and dining out can be similarly priced or slightly higher in Melbourne.
  4. How do I transfer my UK qualifications and certifications to Australia?
    Contact the relevant professional body in Australia for your industry to have your qualifications assessed. For many professions, you’ll need to apply through the Australian Skills Authority (ASA) or specific industry bodies.
  5. What’s the process for opening an Australian bank account?
    You can open an Australian bank account up to 12 months before arriving. Major banks like Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB offer online applications for new migrants. You’ll need to verify your identity in person within 6 weeks of arrival.
  6. How do I arrange healthcare coverage in Melbourne?
    Register for Medicare upon arrival to access public healthcare. Consider private health insurance as well, as there’s a reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Australia.
  7. What’s the best way to ship belongings from London to Melbourne?
    Use a reputable international shipping company. Sea freight takes 6-8 weeks but is more cost-effective than air freight. Shipping a 20ft container costs approximately £3,000-4,000.
  8. How do I transfer my UK driver’s license to a Victorian license?
    You can drive on your UK license for six months after arrival. Within this period, you’ll need to pass a computerized test to convert to a Victorian license. No practical driving test is required for UK license holders.
  9. What areas in Melbourne are popular with British expats?
    Brighton, St Kilda, South Yarra, and Elwood are popular among British expats, offering beach proximity and good transport links. Richmond and Hawthorn are also popular for their village-like atmosphere.
  10. How do I set up utilities and internet in Melbourne?
    Major providers include AGL, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia for electricity/gas. For internet, NBN providers include Telstra, Optus, and TPG. You’ll need proof of address and ID to set up accounts.

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