4 Years Of Advice About Living In Australia in 40 minutes

[@Ergo-ji8dn]

Sam, I sympathise with you about the humidity in summer. Having lived in Queensland all my life, these are my tips - if you are not going to be in air con most of the day such as working in an air conditioned building, always wear 100% cotton or linen clothing and when possible choose the lighter types of this fabric such as woven ( not knitted) cotton voile or light lawns and linens. Also, choose less fitted clothes as these will be cooler. As much as possible, do the essential outside chores first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. Whenever it is feasible, have a quick swim in the pool to cool yourself down. This lowers your entire body temperature for quite a while if you don’t immediately do strenuous tasks. On days off, go to the sea front or beach or even a hilltop location because often you will have a breeze, especially in the afternoons, when it is still and humid even a little inland. Find a shady spot under a tree or similar and let the kids play in the shade on a rug or have a casual picnic. Resign yourself and especially convince Ross that using air conditioning on and off throughout the summer will be necessary and there will be some spells of humidity when it will be on a lot. Sometimes we use the dry feature on the air conditioning rather than the cool feature together with ceiling fans or those vornado style fans if the air temperature is not that high but the humidity is. Between solar panels and these hacks the electricity cost is not that high. I find we tend to go through periods of high humidity with intermissions in between so it is usually not terrible all summer and I remind myself of this when it is very humid. I guess it is like when one has really cold spells in winter in the cooler climates of the world. In one recent year we had good summer weather right up to Christmas and the high humidity didn’t start until January. I know it has been different this year as it has been very humid the last 3-4 weeks with storms and rain but we usually do have some breaks from this level of heat and humidity during summer. You might be doing all these things already but this is what I have found works for me.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks for the tips! It's definitely a learning curve adapting to the Queensland heat.

[@LesGray-i9p]

It’s important to understand that it’s not hot all of the time in summer in southern Australia and once more it’s dry heat that’s far more tolerable than humidity. Melbourne just hopes for some hot days. Adelaide is pleasantly warm most of the time with a few weeks of extreme heat and Perth is hotter but not all of the time. It was 25C yesterday with minimal humidity. The whole east coast is humid but not unbearably so in summer for most of the time In Sydney which is lower on the coast. The subtropics all sound very nice until this time of the year. It’s a trade off. Mild winters and early spring for 4 months of hot humid weather from December to March. That’s where the research comes in. Why many choose Perth over Brisbane even more so lately with cheaper property prices.

[@michaelmayo9048]

Rather 40 in Melbourne than 28 and very humid...it is 40 in Melbourne now not 1 drop of sweat just a fan on ..

[@paulinetonkin357]

It's always great to see you, Sam . It's the start of the school holidays now. Would love to see your camping trip. Merry Christmas to you all!!!

[@cruisincrab2000]

I'ts funny hearing of the negatives, but i am an aussie, so have grown up with everything Aussie. I have lived in Thailand for 10 yrs so do understand living in a nother country . I hope you enjoy yr time here , and get yr permanent residency xxx

[@JohnHollands]

Homesickness: When my wife and I split up, I was sad. I found myself mourning, but - I realised - not for what WAS but for what MIGHT HAVE BEEN. In the same way, if feeling homesick, make sure you're homesick for something that actually exists and not some fantasy aspect of it.

[@jessicab-mp8hd]

Thankyou so much for sharing your experience with us! We head out next year and your videos and podcasts have really kept me sane during the process. Really nice to hear from Sam and her experiences!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

You are so welcome!

[@gtpumps]

Two story houses are not rare in Australia, every house in our street except one is two story. Your need aircon, split system aircon is not too expensive if you are on a budget just put a couple upstairs in the bedrooms.

[@JadeGrigg-v4c]

Me, my partner and children moved to North Brisbane in August. We have loved watching your videos throughout our journey prior to moving out here. Not going to lie, were struggling to get in the Christmas spirit never thought I would miss the cold run up to Christmas in the UK just hits differently here 😅

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

You know you've settled when you don't miss the cold Jade. The first Christmas is the hardest. They get easier

[@nanci_sousa]

Wow! Has it been 4 years already? I haven’t followed you but I remember watching your first video moving here! I’m watching from Melbourne! I agree with everything you mentioned. Moving is not for everyone, especially to a place so far away as Australia. I loved to watch the interaction between you two, you’re a wonderful couple, keep going, you’re a wonderful family! I need to follow more.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Nanci. Don't bother following if you haven't done it so far. It's probably not worth it

[@Ozvideo1959]

I think good advice would be to look at how the average Aussie lives. I think many people from overseas watch YT videos of people getting their exercise at places like the Bondi to Coogee walk and think that looks like the place for them. Unfortunately, for most people, living in a beachside suburb is financially out of reach. It's more likely you will be living further inland, where it's more affordable. As a matter of fact, the regional cities are a viable option for many people, places like Geelong, Newcastle, Woolongong and their surrounding suburbs may be worth considering. I think a lot of people never consider living outside the capital cities.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Good point about the regional areas - they're often overlooked!

[@ianyoung9539]

A very refreshing look at living in AU and honest. After 70 years living in the country (Tasmania & NSW) but now living in SE Asia for 7 years, I had the opposite experiences moving here from a cooler city living to a rural tropical setting, but I was able to overcome most, although sometimes I do find it frustrating not being able to get many things, mainly food items, & the way "systems" work here can be most annoying, but I manage. A couple of weeks ago I had another problem crop up which is leaving me very frustrating and unable to do many things, as I had to have left lower leg amputated, leaving me in a wheelchair, but luckily my ex's family live in the area ag a couple just moved into house to look after me. Living elsewhere to what you are used to has its problems, but like yo appear to have done, I just accept circumstances & try an lead my new life in a new country. Well done to both of you.

[@GordonMarshall-mf7cw]

Tips for moving to Australia - be realistic regarding to your expectations, be flexible, compromise and educate relatives and friends who may not be so much on-board - maybe meet half-way with each other.

[@pavjohal8530]

I love how honest you both are…especially what your wife said about talking to back home less…I totally understand! We moved abroad back in 2008 and over time we have different relationships even with siblings! Thanks for this video. We are in Malaysia and had considered Aus last year…more age restrictions!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks mate. Appreciate it

[@victorwilks88]

Thats for the great tips Ross

[@troyhill1793]

You should absolutely try online shopping for your weekly shop 😉They still have offers and you still get that variety. Whilst it remembers stuff, you don’t have to click re-order. You save money on not succumbing to impulse buys. This is your best video to date ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The reason being you actually share strategies to avoid the home sick ping pong Pom connundrum 👏🏻 This is what terrifies me the most, as my wife is so family oriented and we don’t have a kid yet 🙈 It was her idea to go mind you 😅

[@edithwarria4794]

Hello The Johnston Family, how is everyone doing. For me when I moved to Cairns without knowing that I will be here for a long time I actually bring my music 🎧 with me, say for instance my traditional songs on a tape so I feel comfortable,don’t get lost . But anyway I know you guys are getting using everything and everyone. I do make friends so fast more than I make friends in when I was in primary school in those days . I have lots and lots of friends, the reason is my daughter said I talk to much. Well I will talk to you guys soon 👍⭐️🩷🧡💚💙💜🌈🌺🙏🏻God Bless you all and have a great night. Lots of hugs to you both and your beautiful children’s from Edith in Cairns To North. Cheers 🥂

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Edith

[@andreajenkins2545]

Hi Sam good seeing you again .

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Andrea

[@leed206]

Go to Canberra, can be hot, but usually a dry heat, humid at the moment, but we had bit or rain last week & while it has been a while it can snow in winter.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Is there anything to do though?

[@leed206]

@ThatJohnstonLife Canberra has changed, its more than 3 streets now, trips to mountains, zoo, coast, wineries (lots cool climate ones), museums, war memorial, mint, Cooma & stuff I've forgotten. Lol I dont live there these days, I live in a small village on the way to Yass, called Murrumbateman.

[@eclecticapoetica]

@@ThatJohnstonLife There’s heaps to do in Canberra. I lied there for 10 years and there was so much to do that I couldn’t get to most of it. It’s a small city but a great town. The wineries in the region are well worth a visit too.

[@geoff825]

@@ThatJohnstonLife That is a common misconception. We lived in Canberra for 10 years when our children were young and it was amazing. It is a pity that the city is so often connected simply with government. It is sophisticated, child-friendly and culturally developed.

[@libatalklieb5793]

@@leed206 BORING!

[@setters_oz_adventure]

Flies and cockroaches. you are SOOOOO right. Oh and ants… lots of them too (mainly in summer when it rains). Love your video. It very much reflects our experience.

[@angeliquemckee1206]

Loved watching you two,you are funny

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Cheers Angelique

[@andrewbristoe1833]

Having lived in us uk spain aussie i find the accesability of europe hard short hops to say nusa lebogen nr bali or thailand Japan help and often overlooked or interstate .My humid advice is aclimatise dont over do the ac get near a fan .Ac is the worst dont get used to it thats my take fan nr your face .Also get those industrial usually steel fans plastic ones usuallly weak

[@ampj1957]

Perth always has a nice breeze.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

One good thing then

[@ampj1957]

@@ThatJohnstonLife yeah,bye

[@princessH85]

It's not hot if you're close to the ocean. We've got a 2 story, but love the afternoon breezes off the ocean!

[@princessH85]

You bought bananas. That's where you went wrong! 😂 They're so bloody expensive here!

[@princessH85]

Get your kids in school and activities right away. Our 6 year-old is learning to surf!

[@princessH85]

Flies, cockroaches, and green ants!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Lucky you

[@YvetteODowd]

Seriously, you guys have to come to Melbourne! You cannot generalise Australian weather.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Might just do that Yvette

[@joannemurdock7899]

​@@ThatJohnstonLifehi , my husband and I drove to Canberra from Qld about 35 years ago to visit with friends for 1 week, it was absolutely Freezing😮 it was that cold we avoided going outside, they also had central heating in their brick house!

[@Goatcha_M]

Watch the contracts with energy companies, many do have 12 month initial contracts, but you don't have to take that deal specifically.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks for the tip!

[@GeorgeCastles-rv7fd]

Dont worry about being "that parent who sends in things from the shop"... Its too bloody hot to bake in Brisbane right now. Nearly EVERYONE sends a plate of food from the shops

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks George

[@mutsa573]

I’m finding it challenging to find a good selection of clothing here in Australia compared to England, where the variety and quality of clothing and shops are much better.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It's not easy

[@glennoc8585]

Two stories were rare but are quite common here in south oz now especially since land plots are smaller. My mom and dad built the first two story home in a street in Adelaide in 1980 and the neighbour's made few comments 😅. Getting citizenship isn't really a must just make sure your visa is renewed when you go overseas. A passport will cost $400 now for 10 years.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Yeah, citizenship is still the cheaper option

[@bingo000]

I love shopping at Costco, especially with the price gouging crisis.

[@annettewalter2273]

South Australia is by far the best state to live in. I have lived in 4 states and been to every state. Would never live in a 2:story house.

[@mickdundee2642]

Move to Melbourne the weather is a lot more temperate & teachers are paid better…no humidity…

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Too many hippies

[@ptd0123]

Bugs are much larger in Brisbane than down South

[@bethtaig]

Every time I hear you say how expensive Peppers are here do you actually fully realise that it’s per kilo not per pound . You do know how easy they are to grow here especially where you live you could have them growing year round. Plus tomatoes lettuce Strawberries I could go on & on

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

We had kilos in The UK too Beth

[@shanekopacka2945]

I have watch you journey. To Australia and many other things. I am Australia you talk to a lot off people from the uk who wants to move.here. When you talk to them be honest and tell them it’s not cheap it’s heaven. Weather beaches but not cheap tell them to research. You gotta have a lot money. To start off. It’s not easy it’s hard it takes time. You gotta tell them that. Plane and simple. People make a lot off mistakes.

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

My local butcher who is IN the shopping centre (across from Wollies) is NOT cheap at all, $9 for a meat pie!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Don't buy it

[@bingo000]

Going back home to the UK recently killed all home sickness I may have had.

[@gordo191]

What do your children think . Are they truly happy .do they miss friends . Their way of life back in England.

[@shanekopacka2945]

You guys need to go to the markets cheap vegables food and every. Thing else. We have a big one in Sydney it’s huge. You have them in Queensland some where farmers sell there fresh vegables.

[@glennoc8585]

Hmmm yes and no. Markets are often a drive away so you have to factor fuel costs and the produce not always cheaper

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

Hey! Thats was not a Perth slander was it mate! lol

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Don't know what you're talking about

[@andreajenkins2545]

Hey you forgot about the Toads 😂

[@Goatcha_M]

Hard to find gingerbread men in supermarkets these days anyways. Even if Coles has gingerbread advertising everywhere, they aren't selling what they're advertising.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I reckon you're right!

[@kimpalmer713]

What does, or go to Perth "God forbid" mean? Im sure I watched something where you said you hadn't been to WA. Quite frankly it is the best kept secret in Australia. Your generalistions of Australia probably should have dimished by now. When you refer to things and say "they call it" blah, its obviously location specific. I have never heard a single story house called what you said it was called. Online shopping which you state you also havent done, has all the specials that you get in store and extra online specials so your comments were again incorrect.

[@shanekopacka2945]

Finding. Friends is not hard. I. Will tell a. Secret. It’s. Not realy. A. Secret. Just. Be. More. Open.

[@louisea4778]

Hi Ross, I really think you should stop giving Perth a bad rap. You haven’t been to Perth so how can you comment or screw your face up when mentioning it. Perth has far better climate than Brisbane and there are so many nice things about Perth. You are just about to lose me as a subscriber. I really don’t know why you bag it so much. So annoying. 😮

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Bye Louise

[@Reevesy1992]

@@ThatJohnstonLifebit of a wanky comment this. Maybe she’s tired on you shitting on where she lives?

[@Reevesy1992]

@@ThatJohnstonLifeterrible way to treat a subscriber who gives you the platform to spout your rubbish. Maybe she’s tired of you hating on the place she lives with no grounds for it. Just a thought

[@Reevesy1992]

@@ThatJohnstonLifeand to mock her on instagram is low. Think someone has gotten too big for their boots

[@louisea4778]

@@Reevesy1992thank you

[@petertimp5416]

Emmmm….bacon bits😊

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Haha I like them too

[@markeaston7353]

I would rather be bloody hot for 3 months than bloody cold and miserable for 6 months.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

True that Mark

[@shanekopacka2945]

I like your video everybody argues. Common. Nobody. Is perfect. As. Long you love each other. Everything is fine. True facts off the hightest level. I am Australia. It’s part off life. Plane and simple.

[@libatalklieb5793]

Your wife hates it here, i don't blame her.

[@glennoc8585]

Haha she might

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

You should have heard her whinging when we were in the UK

[@isabeaudemarco8115]

Been here 6 yrs. My advice, don’t come. In my 6 yrs this country has declined in every area. Taxes, government greed & control cost of living etc have all exploded negatively. Most people I’ve spoken to, including my own Aussie husband, desperately wish they could leave but can’t due to financial lack.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Where would you rather go?

[@isabeaudemarco8115]

@ Montana USA. My Aussie husband loved living in America & desperately wants to go back after living in Australia again. Many of his mates feel the same, but like us find financial situation prevents it. Australia is not the country it used to be & the future does not look good except for immigrants.

[@roslynjonsson2383]

Good video guys. Ross, pull your socks up mate, and do better with the care factor. You sound just like my ex husband - I got hit by a drunk driver, car was on it's side in a storm water ditch, I got hit side on, steering snapped, then wet head on with the concrete culvert , through the windscreen with the bonnet crushed up onto my head. Ambo's pronounced me unalived. husband arrived on scene, stood in the middle of the road screaming "who hit my fu(king car". If you don't see the problem with that, well you're beyond help lol 😝 Don't be the one who others call "the arseh0le" mate . Just some friendly advice there cobber 😉

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I'll try to be better than your ex husband

[@roslynjonsson2383]

@ThatJohnstonLife Onya Ross 😉😆

[@QuentinMosses-vr3cv]

As a British person, I think anybody that gives up Britain for that convict colony is a traitor.

[@QuentinMosses-vr3cv]

@@hannesRSA We have a culture. Those people down there don't.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

As a British person too, people like you are the reason we left

[@shanekopacka2945]

Blame. Albo. Govement. Every thing is to much. Vote. Mr. Dutton. Nothing good is coming. From. The. Albo. Govement. True facts.

[@geoff825]

Have you considered night school?

[@Ozvideo1959]

You do realise the cost of living increases is not unique to Australia, don't you? The US, NZ, Canada, as well as many other countries have a similar problem. Politicians don't really have much impact on the prices of groceries. They are a convenient scapegoat, but I think is a globalised world, they don't really make any difference to prices. That is, of course, unless they start doing stupid things like get involved in tariff wars.

[@shanekopacka2945]

I. Don’t. No if no. Australian. Love. Summer. I Do. Too. You. Can’t. Beat. It. Beach. Surfing. Bushwalking. And. Many. Other. Things. Aussies. Love. Summer. Better. Than. Winter I hate. The. Cold.

[@shanekopacka2945]

Watch. Bluey. Australia. Cartoon. It’s the best cartoon. In America. It’s. Huge. Very. Huge. Kids and adults. Love it over there.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Never heard of it

[@shanekopacka2945]

I. Have. Notice. When people. Move here they. Always. Say. What. Something. Bad happens back home. Do. You. Realy what to live with stress. All the time. Thinking. About. It. I say to. People. Don’t move. Here in the first place. Makes. A. Lot off sense. You can’t be at too places. At. Once.

[@MarkStanding]

FFS. Stop telling people how good it is here in Australia..everyone will want to come.

[@libatalklieb5793]

You mean, stop lying about this country.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I'm sure there are better reasons than me telling them