12 Things You'll Love About Living In Australia

[@elizabethbrooks6296]

Australia…the best country in the world, beautiful climate, amazing views and living conditions. Moved here form UK 42 yrs ago, never regretted my decision!!!

[@VS-yk3gu]

Which part of OZ?

[@barrysmith1651]

mee too

[@DR77618]

Australia, best place in the world! There is no doubt about it. Been here for 38 years and never regretted it. Still the best place in the world.

[@elenasalvatore832]

Our lovely, unique and beautiful Australia. The most amazing place on Earth. ❤🇦🇺❤

[@VS-yk3gu]

@@elenasalvatore832 which part of OZ do u live

[@JMichael2x2]

I’m a Canadian living in Australia - everyday feels like a holiday, even when you’re working, although I’m retired now, and what a great place to be retired in. My wife and I love gardening, so that’s a 12 month activity! What I find most impressive about Australia is the quality of life offered in every major city and oodles of country towns. You could easily build a wonderful life in any of the cites or numerous towns. The people are welcoming and competent. The quality of the food wherever you go is marvellous.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Love the fact that food everywhere is awesome

[@genevahines3341]

Love hearing this! I am Currently based in Toronto finishing my undergrad and am trying to save up to move to Australia !!! Wish me luck!

[@triarb5790]

@@genevahines3341 Good luck 👍 😊

[@Taz81660]

​@@genevahines3341good luck, you can do it just stay positive and patient 🖤🇭🇲

[@genevahines3341]

Thank you! Very much appreciate it @@Taz81660 💖

[@noelleggett5368]

Guys, I was born in Australia, and lived all my life here (although I have travelled to Europe and Asia). The appreciation of those colours and the breathtaking beauty never goes away. I lived in Sydney for 25 years, and every time I crossed the bridge was an event. Now I’m on the Sunshine Coast (and lived near here as a kid), and every time I pass the Glasshouse Mountains (or see them from a distance), I stop and appreciate where I am. It never goes away.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

The views here are awesome 👌

[@TripleJ85]

I must admit as an Australian, the first time I went to the UK - people asking me if I was alright freaked me out. I kept thinking there must be something obviously wrong!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Language is a weird thing

[@strayandrongo7461]

Look at your shoes, checking you have your pants on....

[@Rose61234]

Haha. As someone who moved to Wales from Ireland and started working, I found the same. Kept thinking ‘yes I’m ok, why does everyone keep asking me!!’

[@Ausecko1]

Haha, I've just been asked at work this week if I'm alright, but that's because I took 6 weeks of sick leave. I just say she's right and don't get asked again.

[@lone982]

Me too back in the 80s

[@tdb7992]

Starbucks actually failed in Australia and their shops all closed. They are (apparently) planning on reopening, but only in areas with a lot of international tourists. To us, their coffee was low quality, their prices were high, and there wasn't the social interaction element we like (usually your barista will know you and you'll chat about things). Additionally, it was seen as a huge American company moving in to try and destroy our local independent cafés which are a big part of our culture. If we lost them to a foreign multinational, it would have been a tragedy. I'm so thankful the nation made the collective decision to boycott them so that the local café run by a few young guys who probably poured all their savings into their business can continue to do what they love and profits will stay local.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Not sure about all of them closed. I pass one on my way to work

[@Taz81660]

​@@ThatJohnstonLifemost of them closed I'd say roughly 90%,, in the business world that's a fail

[@moirapettifr7127]

I happen to dislike Starbucks intensely, they just are ruthless and have done some pretty unethical things - so good for you Aussies!

[@owendelaney6148]

My mum moved over here to OZ when she was six 32 years ago with her mom. I love them both very much, and I’m so happy to be an Australian and to experience living my life in this place! If you ever wanted to move here, not just for yourself but, for your kids then you should asap. Your kids will grow up to be the kindest happiest kind of children and you will have the time of your life growing old here.

[@F1Tragic]

Hope you continue to love living in Oz - it’s a bit of alright! Have ever read the ‘Dairy of a Pommie in WA”? DIARY OF A POMMIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA August 31 - Just got transferred with work from Leeds UK to our new home in Karratha, Western Australia . Now this is a town that knows how to live! Beautiful, sunny days and warm, balmy evenings. I watched the sunset from a deckchair by our pool yesterday. It was beautiful. I've finally found my new home. I love it here. September 13 - Really heating up now. It got to 31 today. No problem though. Living in air-conditioned home, driving air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun every day like this. I'm turning into a sun-worshipper - no blasted rain like back in Leeds!! September 30 - Had the back yard landscaped with tropical plants today. Lots of palms and rocks. No more mowing lawns for me! Another scorcher today, but I love it here. It’s Paradise! October 10 - The temperature hasn't been below 35 all week. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least today it's windy though. Keeps the flies off a bit. Acclimatizing is taking longer than we expected. October 15 - Fell asleep by the pool yesterday. Got third degree burns over 60% of my body. Missed three days off work. What a dumb thing to do. Got to respect the old sun in a climate like this! October 20 - Didn't notice Kitty (our cat) sneaking into the car before I left for work this morning. By the time I got back to the car after work, Kitty had died and swollen up to the size of a shopping bag and stuck to the upholstery. The car now smells like Whiskettes and cat shit. I've learned my lesson though: no more pets in this heat. October 25 - This wind is a bastard. It feels like a giant fucking blow dryer. And it's hot as hell! The home air conditioner is on the blink and the repair man charged $200 just to drive over and tell me he needs to order parts from fucking Perth ....The wife & the kids are complaining. October 30 - The temperature's up around 40 and the parts still haven't arrived for the fucking air conditioner. House is an oven so we’ve all been sleeping outside by the pool for 3 nights now. Bloody $600,000 house and we can't even go inside. Why the hell did I ever come here? November 4 - Finally got the fucking air-conditioner fixed. It cost $1,500 and gets the temperature down to around 25 degrees, but the humidity makes it feel about 35. Stupid repairman. Fucking thief. November 8 - If one more smart bastard says 'Hot enough for you today?' I'm going to fucking throttle him. Fucking heat! By the time I get to work, the car radiator is boiling over, my fucking clothes are soaking fucking wet and I smell like baked cat. Fucking place is the end of the Earth. November 9 - Tried to run some errands after work, wore shorts, and sat on the black leather upholstery in my car. I thought my fucking arse was on fire. I lost 2 layers of flesh, all the hair on the backs of my legs and off my fucking arse. Now the car smells like burnt hair, fried arse and baked cat. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. November 10 -- The Weather report might as well be a fucking recording. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny, Hot and fucking sunny. It never fucking changes! It's been too hot to do anything for 2 fucking months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Fuck! November 15 - Doesn't it ever rain in this damn fucking place? Water restrictions will be next, so my $5,000 worth of palms might just dry up and blow into the fucking pool. The only things that thrive in this fucking hell-hole are the fucking flies. You don't dare open your mouth for fear of swallowing half a dozen of the little bastards! November 20 - Welcome to HELL! It got to 45 fuckin' degrees today. Now the air conditioner's gone in my car. The repair man came to fix it and said, 'Hot enough for you today?' I wanted to shove the fucking car up his fucking arse. Anyway, had to spend the $2,500 mortgage payment to bail me out of jail for assaulting the stupid prick. Fucking Karratha! What kind of sick, demented fucking idiot would want to live here! December 1 - WHAT!!!! The FIRST day of Summer!!!! You are fucking kidding me!

[@anastasiamikkels9239]

I nearly pissed my pants laughing!!

[@timetherington1986]

👌😂🤣

[@jimbobstone]

So true, I didn't think Brisbane was humid til I went to Melbourne, then shortly after I went to Townsville and my Glasses fogged up in seconds, so now I don't feel Brisbane is Humid, Unlike the NT which has two Seaons Boily Hot and Insanely Hot.

[@joethi4981]

I just love your videos. I am actually Australian living in Canada for 12 years and thinking of returning. Thanks for being such a great people. Australia should be honored to have you both there.

[@tyler2205]

Do it !!

[@debuthunter5389]

Aussie 11 years abroad in Canada here. Where in Canada you at?

[@tyler2205]

@@debuthunter5389 not in Canada I’m afraid I’m in England trying to decide between the 2

[@tyler2205]

@@debuthunter5389 it would be nice to here from someone who has lived in both tho

[@osocool1too]

The laid back attitude is Australia wide...I live in Melbourne and the coffee culture here is amazing. Each state has its own public holidays.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Cheers Steven

[@HTE57]

@@Sonnabend00 I travelled from Melbourne to Newcastle and back just last month. We’re fine, man.

[@barnowl5774]

@@Sonnabend00 Not any more. And how are the CV numbers in NSW now!?

[@barnowl5774]

@@Sonnabend00 NO

[@barrymcdonald9868]

@@Sonnabend00 what a wanker, they live in QLD pay attention, oh yeah NSW is nailing it lol

[@RolandjHearn]

I have really enjoyed watching your journey and to see how constantly positive you have been across this last 12 months. You know you have ruined the whinging pomme stereotype. So much of what you are experiencing is very relatable because I live just across the other side of the Bruce. All in all I would say you are doing a great job at becoming fair dinkum and it has been fun to watch.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Roland, really appreciate it

[@zanezwangobani2067]

I agree, they really are a very nice couple, wish them all the best.

[@sophdog1678]

We do make our own luck. Your positive attitude and openness has served you well, and I am so pleased for you both.

[@scottjackson2164]

From my experience as a Aussie country boy if you can't hear the crickets or frogs at night and there's dead space in sound in the area you are standing there is normally a snake present.

[@peterclancy3653]

We had creek just down from our house , you are so right, you could hear the zone of silence moving along the creek as the snakes moved. A lot of tiger snakes lived in our bush!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Sounds like something out of a horror movie

[@Veracaide-st]

Yeah seriously- i’ve been watching too many scary videos or something because your description sent chills down my spine.

[@laserspewpew_7175]

I moved to Melbourne from London about 10 years ago now and really settled over here (family here too) and agree with the list!. I get paid weekly and I agree I feel you have more money in your pocket end of month. I think if you sell in the UK for the same money you will always get more for your money in Australia. Coffee snobs definitely a thing too!, especially here in Melb!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Great that your family is over too!

[@donnam5891]

Coffee Snobs is a company in Melbourne. Taking the mickey of the name, i think. It has an online shop and has awesome coffee beans which I get delivered to Central NSW. Great video. Glad you are enjoying the country. I'm originally from Gympie in SE Qld which has been under lots of water again recently. My heart goes out to all those affected by the floods. Love the pics of the Glasshouse Mountains . Enjoy living in the lucky country, mate.

[@alexaelliott2598]

Congratulations on creating your new life in Brisbane. We are really glad you chose to move here. Your attitude is very positive and I hope you enjoy raising your family here in the sunshine.

[@Paul77ozee]

I remember when l was a kid in the 80s and all l wanted was to live in America in one those houses/mansions that are in a John Hughes film. But the older l got the more l appreciated where l lived. I would never live anywhere else now at 43. I feel blessed being born in Australia. Plus my late dad who l miss very much and my mum, bought our house in 74 for $28,900 and paid it off around 1991. Now it’s valued at almost a million.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Investment goals right there

[@calimama1981]

I was the same but I actually moved to America. Kind of regret it. I met my husband had kids and now I just want to be home in Australia. Especially since my dad passed

[@Mike-br8zt]

Interesting to hear your comments. I have lived in Oz (Sydney) since 1994. In that time I have been back to the UK only once. You will find that over time, your connection with the UK will lessen but this will depend on family connections in the UK. Before you know it, you will become Australian but with a funny accent!

[@thatperfectsleep8320]

OMG you're so right about the scenery. This country is beautiful. Well done guys, glad to see you're settling in so well!!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@chriswatson1698]

Scenery? The coast is varied and beautiful, but the interior is hot, dry, brown and flat. My French in-law, misses the green of Europe

[@louisaklimentos7583]

Lovely video and thank you !

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cheryll8008]

Yes Australia is the best for quality living. KMart is my favourite to shop at 🤠

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

absolutely right

[@fionalorimer4127]

It tends to depend on your occupation whether you are paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. I have been paid monthly in all of the firms I have worked in over 25 years. Whereas hubby is paid fortnightly. I have had a different experience with house pricing as it’s dependant on where you live, exchange rates etc. You are spot on with the public holidays, barbecues and outside living. I haven’t noticed the difference in demeanour but friends that visit from the UK say we are a lot happier here. The coffee in the UK is dreadful. We are used to having our double shots every morning, I stopped drinking coffee while we were back visiting family. We are coffee snobs because we are used to good coffee. You chose well coming to Brisbane (I am bias 😉), we have just spent the weekend on a cruiser out on the bay, snorkeling at the wrecks, crystal clear water, awesome weather. A great portrayal of Brisbane ❤️, welcome to Australia.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Fiona 😊

[@kerrypapworth1526]

I really enjoyed watching this. Interesting how we Aussies take lots of things for granted. Your home looks fantastic.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Kerry

[@gregmccallum3124]

4:45 depends on your employer, I was paid monthly as a full timer, others weekly. Others companies let you choose, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly (rare) or half-yearly (Very-rare)

[@jdh992]

Great video, subscribed. Welcome and best of luck here in Australia

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@krystle2312]

Please, please, please, do not rely only on the employer contribution for super, it will not be enough to retire. You need AT LEAST 15% of your joint income in super every year.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I think it's a great idea to put into it whatever you can afford

[@nickmaguire4914]

Sparkling Shiraz = Australian Christmas in a bottle. I worked at a winery in Rutherglen for 6 years and the 2 wines that amazed overseas visitors were Sparkling Shiraz and Muscat. I'm glad you love it!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Why only have it at Christmas?

[@nickmaguire4914]

@@ThatJohnstonLife definitely not! But it is a thing for a lot of people to have at chrissie, sparkling breakfast even and it's great with lunch. One of my favourite drinks.

[@paulsz6194]

Campbell’s? 🍷

[@nickmaguire4914]

@@paulsz6194 Cofield Wines

[@stuarthoff7559]

Loving your videos and getting some good info from you - we are flying out in 6 weeks and you wouldn't believe how much more prepared I feel just from watching you guys! Thanks a lot!!!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Stuart, good luck to you and your journey

[@seangillespie9979]

What city are you moving to?

[@fraulinefishbits13]

The colours never get old. Doesn't matter how much you see a sunset, a clear blue sky or a proper storm. It is always spectacular

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Can't wait for the next thunderstorm

[@Taz81660]

Fraulinefishbits13,, I was born in Australia and in my 42 years of living here, I'd have to say that the colours in the sky are amazing, right before a storm during a storm and after, you get some of the best scenery in the world and nothing beats a beautiful sunny spring day no clouds and everything seems more vibrant the colours pop, have a great day 🖤🇭🇲🤪👍

[@brilliantbutblue]

Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary🥳🥳, my goodness lve been stalking you here for a whole year!! Agreed Starbucks in Oz is crap and yup they are few and far between. Love the coffee culture also. We are more laid back. So thrilled your enjoying the wine, weather, coffee and scenery. ❤ your style. We get a public holiday for not only the Melbourne Cup but also the football (AFL) Grand Final👍

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

We love stalkers

[@tomwareham7944]

You guys have found out our secret , be laid back , be flexible, be productive , be friendly and I have just described an Australian , my parents came to Australia in 1950 I was 6 at the time , we knew we were in the right place when we came down the gangplank of the ship it was absolutely raining cats and dogs , my mum remarked to the Aussie stevedore holding the door at the bottom of the plank that she was told that it never rained much in Australia , that ain't rain luv he stated that's liquid sunshine . Kind of sums the place up really . Welcome to your new home you definitely did the right thing , never doubt it .

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Shhhh, don't tell everyone the secret

[@chilled-out-on-lantau]

I lived in Oz for 4 years, loved it ~ but Sydney was soo expensive I ended up leaving. Agree with your points~ fabulous country and lifestyle. I ended up needing emergency spinal surgery was in and out of hospital for 3 months all on Medicare, was in hospital within 24 hours of diagnosis.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thank god for medicare

[@chilled-out-on-lantau]

@@ThatJohnstonLife absolutely!

[@dipayanchakraborty4751]

How are Sir now?? Everything alright. Best wishes from India .

[@wywk]

Starbucks tried...and failed. They came over, set up multiple shops in every city. Few years later they had to close down most of them due to lack of business. The independent coffee shops and crafters are so much better with better quality coffee and aussies are proud coffee snobs :) Make sure the possums don't set up their nest in your ceiling...they are cute but they can cause quite a lot of damage once they start to breed!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I reckon we've got snakes in our ceiling to keep the possums down

[@johnganderson]

Starbucks in Australia place their outlets where they can attract the attention of international tourists.

[@Veracaide-st]

@@johnganderson or teenage girls

[@tanyabrown9839]

Was in an Australian swimming club for years as a kid and we used to use methylated spirits to prevent ear infections from swimming. Just use an eye dropper to put it into the ears straight after swimming. It will feel warm in the ears and dries them out inside very fast and of cause being an alcohol will also kill any bacteria which got in with water. You will never get another ear infection from water if you do this. Maybe not for a toddler though with their more sensitive skin and dont do this if you have a burst ear drum.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Going to have to Google this!

[@VideosCPS]

Great video - really enjoyed hearing about your first year in Oz. 👍🏼

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Cheers 🍻

[@benj6244]

Exciting stuff. I've made enquiries with my company about moving! Need to get another visit planned

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Fantastic!

[@benj6244]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Work seem pretty keen and said Melbourne or Sydney would be the choices!

[@jaynemeulman8484]

Love your comments about the colours...lived here all my life and still feel my heart lift when I walk outside and see the beautiful blue sky...

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

It's wonderful isn't it!!

[@Deemac1236]

I love listening to you two, love your accents and love hearing the differences you are finding between the UK and Australia. All I want to see is the beautiful narrow country roads of England, the gorgeous English gardens and the ponies wondering around…. I hope you guys can come to Sydney and do some sightseeing here. 😁

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@DR77618]

Thanks guys, you have a very sweet family. Thank you very much to you sir. - (the lovely high school teacher). My son is just about to commence his Masters of teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne and this is the reason that I tuned into your channel. I enjoyed two of your videos that I watched today so I’ll definitely tune into more of your videos. Have a great new year (2022 coming up), cheers ! 🥂 🍷

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Dana, merry Christmas to you too and I wish your son all the best with his studies

[@DR77618]

@@ThatJohnstonLife Thank you very much. I will let him know 😌

[@infin8ee]

I have always thought of the light in Australia and the scenery as being like an oil painting whereas the UK is watercolour.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

On a good day, both countries are good paintings. We're all allowed to have our favourite artist

[@neilchisholm8376]

You guys are the positivity I needed to hear. I emigrated 30 yrs ago and haven’t looked back. I love it here. I’m so glad you do too.

[@elayne2237]

Financially it seems like it is a lot better living over there in Oz as you get a tax rebate yearly , this is unheard of here in the Uk 🇬🇧 and if you do you can bet your bottom dollar later on down the line the HMRC will say you owe them tax. We only get paid monthly here, weekly/fortnightly has not happened in 🇬🇧 for over 20 years, would be a companies nightmare. Weather always looks gray,grey gray! looks bleak from morning to night. Don’t get me started on Public holidays! NHS although good in some aspects I waited over 12 months for a hernia operation, which was cancelled twice, appointments like X-rays etc can take a few months to get done unless you go private etc. Narrow roads ( I call them 🐀 runs) especially now in London, roads are narrow as it is now, have to contend with these orange/white or black/white poles, oh not forgetting the boxes in the road to stop traffic going through, which is causing a lot of problems for emergency vehicles, that now have to go around the scenic route (imagine a fire engine 🚒 or ambulance going through that to carry out their job not to mention the police also, everyone now has to stay on the main road etc parking is more or less impossible as if you don’t have a permit for the area it will cost you I.e in Lambeth borough £382 yearly and that’s one zone considering I worked in 2 different areas within Lambeth (2 different sites of a college)do the 🧮. House prices you definitely get more for your money in comparison to the boxes that they call bedrooms. End of gripe now I need a 🍷, considering I don’t drink.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Bubbly shiraz?

[@elayne2237]

@Aussie Pom That’s good being able to park for a few hours free, that would NEVER happen here in the UK the least little thing they charge, I mean parking on the roads is £3.42 (minimum depends on the area) an hour and then you are limited to a maximum of 4 hours. I suppose they are making up for the lost revenue with the first lockdown and they were unable to collect the congestion charge of £15 a day which used to be Monday-Friday from 7am -6pm but this has now changed to 7 days a week from 7 am - 10pm and not to mention the ULEZ (Ultra low emission zone) which comes into effect in October and which again you will also be charged for.

[@luciebatt]

It’s mostly up to your employer how frequently you get paid, we’ve had monthly for ages and then when my husband switched jobs the new company was weekly. I also wanted to mention, so it was clear, the amount an employer pays in superannuation is on top of your salary. It doesn’t come out of your take home pay. Regarding healthcare, I was watching a documentary on people on minimum wage in the US. An older couple (65+) were both still working as otherwise they’d lose their house. The wife had had a stroke the previous year and they had an $8000 bill for just the gap/copay! Here in Aus you’d be rushed in at a public hospital and it would cost you nothing.

[@Hairbyben]

Love watching your vids guys. Have to meet for a celebratory beer when we move. Won my appeal for my visa after waiting 3 1/2 years. Now for the embassy to grant 🤞🏻🙏🏻

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Best of luck! Glad to hear your journey is on the move!

[@kayelle8005]

Good luck Ben.

[@hez_am_i2448]

agree with Jess - I was so excited about the squirrel

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Red or grey?

[@hez_am_i2448]

@@ThatJohnstonLife both - grey in the UK but red at the zoo island in Sweden

[@barnowl5774]

I don't know about in other states, but in Victoria we call "surgeries," medical centres.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

We're starting to change our lingo

[@nellytea7114]

Glad you guys are enjoying it, the first year flies by!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Nelly

[@janieoak9920]

The colours are different because of the eucalyptus trees which emit an oil in the air, which gives it a greyish blue green. In UK it's surrounded by sea which gives it a duller misty haze.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Never knew about a Eucalyptus haze. Thanks Janie

[@RJS4287]

Thanks - interesting. Having lived here for two decades, there is very little I miss about the UK. In fact I almost did not renew my UK passport because since Brexit it now offers little extra to my Australian one. Pre-Brexit certain countries required a visa with an Aussie Passport, but not an EU one. That has now all gone. In the end I did renew as the UK one was about GBP70 compared to over $AUD300 for my Oz one. It is true Europe is a long way - but visiting my mother twice a year you get used to it. Be interesting what CV19 does long term to airfares. When I first came here in the 1990s a return to UK was $1,800 by 2019 it was cheaper! There are interesting places nearby if you are desperate for an "overseas" holiday - Francophone Noumea, Vanuatu, NZ and Fiji. Even Bali is not jet lag distance. Australia is a small, geographically distant market so we have less choice - now even too small to have cars assembled locally. But online shopping has reduced even that. You are right about house prices - in Sydney and Melbourne you would only get a small flat for the price of a SE England home. Regional prices are cheaper - but though pleasant, family-friendly towns places like Tamworth and Rockhampton are hours from their State capitals. Medicare is good - but I think like the UK adults will be extremely lucky to find a dentist who is not private and expensive. Defence wise since the fall of Singapore in WW2 we are dependent on the USA. This might seem academic but it has consequences like our expected involvement in the Vietnam War which cost several hundred Aussie lives. We are lucky to be in such a pleasant, affluent country - though one, I believe, where economic and cultural ties will grow stronger with our Asian neighbours and economic partners rather than anywhere else.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

OMG, Aussie passports are so expensive, but still less than a visa

[@rafakao9577]

Really cool video, I've been watching you guy's around 1 year. Congrats, soon I will be moving with my family as well. Thanks for the great content 👍

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks for watching Rafa

[@petercharles8306]

Dear lovely Johnston family...you must meet up with the wonderful Bam family ex UK now Sunshine Coast too...

[@craigroyle860]

Ive lived here all my life .... i just love you two and your videos

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Craig

[@dans1454]

Loved the video guys, very informative and you both are very personable!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks so much!

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Well you couldn't have picked a better country! I moved from the UK as a kid to NZ, and then 20 years ago from NZ to Australia, now I live on the Sunshine coast and I'll never leave.

[@chweehar]

You can't claim mileage from home to work; please refer to this article: "The ATO defines work-related driving that you can be reimbursed for. Some examples include: Attending meetings or conferences away from your usual workplace Collecting supplies or delivering items Travel directly between two separate places of employment (for example, if you have a second job) Travelling from your usual workplace or home to an alternative workplace (for example, a client’s office or worksite) If your work can be classed as “itinerant work” - for example, if your job regularly requires you to work at more than one location each day before going home Commuting from home to work is generally not claimable, but there are some limited exceptions.

[@alexwegner4221]

I watch your videos because it makes me happier to live in Australia and less sad that I can't travel atm 😄

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Happy to help Alex

[@debbiewbd2359]

It amazes me how there's things in the UK and Australia that are the same in Canada. The healthcare system sounds the same as the UK but turning on the right is the same as Australia. There's more for sure !

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Colonialism at its finest

[@TheTruthIsFiction]

You all must be in the struggling middle class worried about taxes, pay checks and stuff, probably don't like the unemployed or the homeless because of the free unemployment benefits which last forever and cheap social housing they receive and you strive to be rich but you know you'll never make it. Yes it's the same as in UK and Canada. Perfect for the very rich and very poor. Lots of homeless around in Australia, more per capita than in Canada but the same as in the UK. The weather is extremely hot and dry or hot and humid, NOT like the UK or Canada. Only Tasmania would have that kind of weather and that's not where the jobs are. Also the cost of living is ridiculous, especially the rent. High salaries for high rents and high taxes. Good luck to the middle classes.

[@JohnLordVillajin]

I love your videos! We just lodged our visa yesterday and being someone who are not new to moving countries, your videos are very helpful! hopefully we will get our visa very soon! btw, Your accent changed significantly in a short span of time! 😅

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks John, really happy to help

[@laynek7644]

I remember being fascinated by the squirrels when I visited the UK forever ago 😂 Congrats on making the 1 year mark - glad you're enjoying your new home. Love your channel ❤️ And the other public holiday we get in Melbourne is for the AFL grand final...even when it's not even being played in our state 😂🤣

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Ben-yt2rv]

You guys are both amazing and we are lucky to have people like you here, I'm from Brissy too :-)

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Ben, appreciate it

[@Ben-yt2rv]

@@ThatJohnstonLife btw, I'm a fellow Narangbarian 😉

[@DerrickWindsor]

Our 13 and 16 year old grandsons are Barista level coffee makers - that says a lot about how much we Love our coffee here in Sydney!!

[@andrewcoulter323]

not as green down here in SA, but we don't mind.... we find most things are covered by medicare, but medicare normally cover 2/3s of the cost and we have to pay a gap fee, the gap between the cost and the medicare payment, altho any follow up appointments are normally bulk billed but this changes by the surgery, and we're finding it difficult to get an appointment on the day which upsets getting my paid sick leave....

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

In the UK it was unheard of to get an appointment same day. Nowadays I doubt it would even be that week

[@jacobandrews9260]

You guys are awesome, My family and I are in the process of moving and despite having experienced wanted down under watching your videos definitely helps. Keep up the good work!

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

That is awesome! Glad to help

[@annawilkinson9287]

yes ! and wanted down under is always so dramatic and depressing 🤣 this is great and realistic !

[@denisbryce8746]

Sydney had pay to use Toilets at most train stations & other Public Toilets (Excluding State Government Buildings) for many years after the War (WW2) etc but the State Government in 1976, banned them from all Public Toilets in the State. There are now no paid Public Toilets in New South Wales.

[@SalisburyKarateClub]

Long service leave builds up the longer you work for the same company, leave before 7 years is up and it goes. You will get pro rata if you leave at 7, but 3 months off fully paid after 10 years at the same company is awesome. Try explaining it to people who aren't familiar with it is interesting and fun

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

The concept first blew my mind

[@SalisburyKarateClub]

@@ThatJohnstonLife And Australia is the only country in the world that does it. Now you know why it's called the "lucky country"

[@paulhopkins5051]

Great video, really honest. Enjoyed your video a lot.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Paul

[@solreaver83]

Most people get paid weekly in aus but govt positions usually 2 weeks and the random company like mine does 2 weeks.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Every 2 weeks, we live the struggle

[@solreaver83]

@@ThatJohnstonLife I hate it. First job in my life not paid weekly....

[@jamie-leemcleary2508]

As an Australian born citizen I would like to say the whole of Australia is laid back. But for sure Queensland more so than some other states

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

So laid back in QLD

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

Northern Territory is more laid back than Queensland, and Tasmania is even more laid back than that.

[@timothy6283]

Not western Sydney

[@krystle2312]

The appointments online and escripts are pretty new, most doctors have only started using it since the pandemic started (they just seemed reluctant or hesitant to make the change before, and the pandemic forced their hand), but I am pretty sure it is here to stay now, the doctors and pharmacies seem to really like it now.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I think it's a great idea

[@kayelle8005]

Yep Telehealth has been around for at least ten years, particularly for regional and remote areas. Electronic prescriptions have also been available for ages - built into the MyHealth Record system. Glad there’s more widespread acceptance now.

[@krystle2312]

@@kayelle8005 I know, I work for a Government department and we have workers all over the state. Until 2020 they refused to accept medical certificates that were not done in person even for regional workers with no access to a GP. My point is that not only have practices changed their tune, but so have workplaces.

[@kayelle8005]

@@krystle2312 agree. It’s a welcome change. One of the many things I hope survive the pandemic.

[@krystle2312]

@@kayelle8005 the precedent is there now. Precedent is everything where I work!

[@kellymaher3355]

Cut little apple bits and put them in the fence just before dusk. Then u can watch the possums eat. It’s very cute

[@teestees1115]

they did try the free bbq's in UK , cant remember where but they got destroyed I remember when you had to pay for them here 20c a minute or so but they kept getting vandalized to steal the change making it free is much cheaper to maintain no repair costs

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Proof that if there's ever a problem, making it free, will make it go away

[@teestees1115]

@@ThatJohnstonLife didnt seem to work in the UK though lol

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

@@teestees1115 too many criminals

[@teestees1115]

@@ThatJohnstonLife you are much better off in Australia only bogans here

[@OpEditorial]

Australians value public indifference over patriotism most of the time, and you're right this country does have almost too many federal and state public holidays. That said things like R U OK? Day does put a lot of undue pressure on the person asking, like you're automatically deputised into being the person's free roaming psychiatric counciling help. Don't worry, much like with most specifically allocated "days" or "weeks" there's very little sentimentality involved and you learn to ignore them like most Aussies.

[@nunya2171]

Is un-Australian to leave a BBQ dirty, just not done! possibly the thing that would be most likely to have your visa revoked.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

I'll remember that when I try to apply for citizenship

[@PatriciaAnneSmith-x2e]

When we were Germany in 2010, the cost of using a toilet was 3 euro. I was gobsmacked, we don’t pay anything here. I don’t know about other states but in NSW we have rest stops with facilities for travellers. Just about every town in Australia you will find a toilet in the local parks, also kept clean and equipped with necessities. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 I love Australia, I enjoy the beauty of my surroundings every day. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Wow. Make sure you go to the toilet before you go out in Germany!

[@Skippyzero]

Long service is 3 mts off paid leave for 10 yrs service in the same job, it’s 1/4 a yr paid leave :-)

[@kashkab1336]

Guys that is awesome. Thank you for another informative movie. Can you talk about gyms and leisure centers ideally with creshe for kids. How much it costs cos you know that David Lloyds in the UK is terribly expensive! For 4 people they wanted £390 monthly!! And diseases ...are you catching kids bugs like diarrhoea, vomiting often, ect...as here in the UK through the winter we r sick all the time! :(

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

We rarely catch something bad off the kids. I'd get it more as a teacher in school. My gym is $15 a week as an extra $10 to put a child in while I train if I wanted to

[@TheLyds01]

Yep. We love a good holiday... or day off lol

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Any day not at work is a good day 😄

[@yvonnemariathurtell4468]

Can you talk about what you guys do for work and and just things regarding work in general

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Loads more info on our channel

[@mikehurn3229]

Nice video! Glad ur settling in well :D can’t wait for summer

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks, love some warmth

[@Thatrandomkid81]

I’m moving to Australia in this year!

[@soniahassan6830]

Just found your channel today, you guys are so down to earth! Love the videos. Also enjoyed watching your visa189 videos.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@willemvandervegt4087]

In Oz Shiraz is also known as leg opener to beer drinkers.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Wondered why my legs felt more open than usual

[@johnforster5312]

Re #12, the job opportunities: if there are Brits who are interested in trying out Australia without going the whole hog with skilled visas etc, there are HEAPS of jobs available in the agriculture sector all over the country. It's now mid-September and farmers everywhere are gearing up for harvest; fruit pickers are always sought after; the mining sector is always looking for workers; the transport industry here is HUGE because of the distance everything has to travel, the list goes on! Maybe get a visa for a working holiday, come over for 6 months and then never leave 😊

[@Dan-kb9vr]

Where is nice to move to in Queensland which is close to Brisbane but also not far from the Gold Coast and beaches. Has nice nightlife and restaurants but also relaxing and not too busy, that would suit a 21 year old wanting to move here👍sorry for the many demands 🤣

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Try Brisbane city bud. Or better yet, come for a visit and try out some places yourself

[@jillhillier6472]

Welcome to Australia. I hope you are able to visit Tasmania sometime.

[@Paul77ozee]

In my suburb in Clayton, Victoria. You can see the possums run along the power lines aswell as the fruit bats flying over at night.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Just started seeing the fruit bats again

[@laxota72]

Long service is seven years. Most Aussies save it for a calculated date from retirement. Or take the coin when retiring. I’ll have maybe a year pay of long service when I retire.

[@MurrayAttwood]

We went in 2003 from NZ, (I was returning as born in Oz and Grew up in New Zealand) Wife first time. We were there for 8 years and then came back in 2011 due to personal finance and no support etc. Now looking at moving back. (we have 2 boys now, 1 was born in Australia and 1 born in New Zealand)

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Good luck to you on your journey back

[@ln3660]

Hi guys, love your videos and it's great that you are enjoying your new life in Australia 😁 I'm also enjoying your fantastic insights on your life in Oz. Quick comments - for your private doctor visits, you can still claim direct from Medicare the schedule fee. You get just over 8.5weeks of paid long service leave long every 10 years, which you could accumulate and cash out when you retire. I found it interesting the way you classified K-Mart, Big W and Target 😁 I live in north Gold Coast and we're 45min away from Brisbane. We go to Brissie often to go to QPAC. All the best! ❤

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Great tips, thanks!

[@Taz81660]

In3660, I think that's a hangover from England, I heard them say in another video that England is very class oriented, I suppose that makes sense considering you have the royal family, honestly I think they're "people in England" just a bunch of snobs , I'm not saying that the Johnston's are snobs I meant people in England just to clarify

[@brettevill9055]

Sparkling red wine is an Australian thing that seems to confuse and puzzle wine drinkers from other countries. We used to call them “sparkling burgundy” until the EU made us stop. The slang is “bubbling blood”, but I don’t hear it much any more. I’d be interested in seeing what you make of surf life saving clubs, when you get to a beach during summer.

[@juliabillman4693]

Once you get past Gympie going north the highway north is much less impressive and there is a lot of highway north of Gympie.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Awww, don't ruin it for me Julia lol

[@juliabillman4693]

We live in Hervey Bay and have lived in Brisbane Gladstone and Mackay. Hubby and daughter are Victorians and I lived in Sydney but believe me as a Devon girl once past Gympie single lane with overtaking sections and oh the caravans. Deja vu for me. At least you don't get the high walls covered in brambles, and you don't have to give way to oncoming traffic except for a few single lane bridges when you get up around Cairns. It is all an adventure. when we lived in country Victoria we were about 300 KMs from a Kmart or Big W and our address was our name RSD ( road side delivery) the street and the area name. You couldn't call it a town there were no shops just a few buildings, cows, horses and of course flies so many flies. I never understood how the old woman swallowed a fly until I lived there! Enjoy your lives here, It isn't always easy it isn't perfect, it is a long way from almost everywhere, but for anyone who embraces it and works for it an extraordinary ordinary life awaits. After coming her in my 20s 48 years ago it has been an adventure.

[@elayne2237]

I can see why over there would be more favourable in a lot of areas, especially with a growing family, what’s not to love in Oz, enjoy the best you can stay safe and stay blessed.🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Elayne

[@davidjohnpaul333]

Our coffee is right on par with what you get in Italy & that is saying something!! Really glad you are enjoying living here. I'd say QLDer's are probably more laid back than Melbournians & Sydneysiders....

[@laxota72]

Been a police officer for 30 years, my super is now at 750k in the account, projected at 1 mil to 1.2 when I retire in ten years. AUS super is very well organised. But it’s not a pension. It’s your money. If you spend it you can still get a pension depending on your assets.

[@jvvoid]

I'm a native. The colours never go away.

[@MarkGaudie]

Have you been to any local vineyards in Brisbane? Would love to hear your experiences. We really enjoy a good bottle wine here in the UK with our evening meal.

[@justinsullivan6410]

Melbourne gets a day off for the AFL Grand final as well.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

You need all the days off you can get

[@rachellea7923]

I have never been to Australia. I need to pay a visit.

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Do it

[@elise.mcculloch]

Loving these videos guys, really helpful! The male (sorry I don’t know your name 🙈) but you are so getting the Aussie twang! I miss living in oz

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

My new pronouns are he/him/male

[@krystle2312]

Long Service is at 10 years in NSW

[@somefatbugger]

Excellent video

[@ThatJohnstonLife]

Thanks Shaun

[@BrianKitching-wv5nh]

Wonderful to hear you have a better standard of living in Australia,what i would like to know is what is the health system like in Australia, is it better than the UK?

[@loftyradish6972]

In some ways yes, and in some way no. You have more out of pocket expenses, but you can always get into a doctor without insane wait times.