Why live, work, retire or buy property in Australia?
Australia is one of the world’s most popular expatriate destinations. One of its advantages for native English speakers is that most Australians speak English (or at least a form of English!) as a first language. This is a particular attraction for Britons and Americans who aren’t generally noted for their ability (or willingness) to learn foreign languages. Living in a country that speaks your language has many obvious practical and social advantages, and Australia scores over many other English-speaking alternatives such as Canada, California, Florida, New Zealand and South Africa. It lacks the severe winters of Canada; the high crime, racial tension, budget deficit and proximity to the San Andreas Fault of California; the crime and hurricanes of Florida; the wet and cold climate of New Zealand; and the violence and instability of South Africa.
Language apart, there are many excellent reasons for living or buying a home in Australia. It has long been one of the world’s most popular countries for migrants, particularly from Britain, who are lured by the country’s exceptional quality of life – not to mention it’s excellent climate. It has also survived the recession – which barely caused more than a few ripples – better than most other Western countries and in 2010 the economy was once again on an upward trend. It has a booming real estate sector (which recorded double-digit growth in 2009) and is one of the world’s most popular countries for investors.
Australia is a beautiful country, with varied landscapes offering something for everyone: magnificent beaches for sun-worshippers (although sunbathers need to be aware of the dangers of excessive sun exposure), swimmers and surfers; spectacular countryside for nature lovers; an abundance of mountains and seas for (adventure) sports fans; world-class cities for bon viveurs and culture lovers; superb cuisine and fine wines for gourmets and oenophiles; and peace and tranquillity for those seeking to escape the stresses of 21st century city living.
Australia’s unique natural wonders include the Barossa Valley (north of Adelaide), one of Australia’s best-known wine-producing regions and a beautiful, gently sloping valley with a flavour of Germany owing to the local population, many of whom are descended from mid-19th century German settlers; Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock), a vast sandstone monolith, 3.6km (2.2mi) long and rising 348m (1,141ft) from the desert in the centre of Australia; the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast, a beautiful region of beaches and coves; the Flinders Ranges in eastern South Australia, an 800km (500mi) long mountain range with gorges, salt lakes and sand ridges; the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, stretching along the Queensland coast; Kakadu National Park in the far north is a vast wild area of varying dramatic landscapes, rock art and exotic wildlife; the Kimberley, a frontier landscape of creeks and rivers with crocodiles, gum trees, red earth, craggy rocks and wallabies; and the Snowy Mountains, the centre of Australia’s skiing industry and an area of beautiful alpine scenery, caves, forests and lakes.
Australia offers spectacular landscapes, stunning beaches, a warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. It also offers vibrant, Mediterranean-style cities, great wines for connoisseurs and innovative Pacific Rim cuisine for gourmets ... and high culture (which will come as a surprise to some people, particularly the British), having transcended the ‘white-bread’ (i.e. stodgy and unsophisticated) image that afflicted it until the ’70s.
Australians have a zest for life and many love sport, the great outdoors and eating and drinking with friends al fresco. The pursuit of the good life is a serious business and many people put their family and social lives before their career and the pursuit of success and wealth. Australians are well known for their sporting prowess, and the country boasts a sophisticated sporting infrastructure (e.g. Melbourne hosts several international sporting events, including the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Open gran slam tennis tournament) and competitive sports leagues.
No longer is Australia regarded as an isolated, rural backwater, but as a sophisticated, stylish, vibrantly modern country, combining the best of the Anglo-Saxon tradition with Mediterranean flair and Asian and Pacific spice.
For more information see Living and Working in Australia by David Hampshire
