New Life in Australia

"Creating a vision for your new life begins the moment you start imagining what's possible for you." In this final episode for 2025, Karen talks about how to intentionally design your life in Australia, whether you’re still planning your move, deep in the admin, or already settled. Moving to Australia is a huge achievement — but building your dream life here goes beyond just making the move. This episode covers: Additional resources (contains affiliate links) Life & Business WorkbooksYour Dream Life Starts Here BookJournal what is your 'why' podcast episodeJournaling prompts Vision: Identity: Values: Found the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here! If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Find the transcript and full show notes at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-48 Find out more about TorFX and get the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at Find out more about TorFX and find the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com. Support the show

“We helped to move just over £300,000 to Australia and were able to achieve an additional $18,000 Australian dollars into her bank over the UK bank she was using. That's huge!” Moving to Australia is exciting, but it comes with challenges - especially when it comes to transferring your money internationally. In this episode, Karen chats with Brett from TorFX, an international money transfer specialist, about how to move your money to Australia safely, efficiently and strategically. Whether you’re transferring a large lump sum or smaller regular payments, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of your money. What you’ll learn in this episode: Get the $100 one-time introductory offer SmartStepstoAustralia receives a commission if you use the link below and transfer funds, at no extra cost to you. This is not financial advice - always do your own due diligence before using any financial service. To take advantage of TorFX's offer for New Life in Australia podcast listeners: Set up your account using this referral link, and log into the TorFX app or online platform. Complete your international transfer for at least $2,000 (in one or more trades) You get $100 credited to your TorFX account! >> Get started here Additional resources Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find TorFx's listing Found the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here! If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the AI-generated transcript and full show notes at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-47 Find out more about TorFX and find the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“Is Australia affordable? I think it is definitely more expensive than the UK in many ways but there are areas where life is cheaper, so it's swings and roundabouts as to which one is actually cheaper.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode about the real costs of living in Brisbane in 2025, Karen breaks down everything you need to know to budget confidently for your new life in Brisbane, including. Housing costs:Transport & registration:Lifestyle expenses:Other bills & subscriptions: Additional resources Ultimate Emigration Checklist BundleEpisode 10: Australia is expensive: True or falseEpisode 30: How much do you really need for your move to Australia...and is it worth it?37 How the Olympics is going to shape Brisbane's property market35 Strategies for buying and negotiating property33 Rent, buy, invest in Queensland27 Buying your home in Queensland the smart way22 Buying a home in Melbourne The cost of living in BrisbaneGuide to schools in AustraliaChoosing a high school in AustraliaMove to Australia DirectoryiSelectCompare the MarketFinderEnergy Made EasyFound the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here! If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the AI-generated transcript and show notes over at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-46 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

With thanks to Rental Search Australia for sponsoring this episode. “More people in this industry is great but you really need to do your research. Do some background checks by looking at reviews and social media.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen chats with Jade from Rental Search Australia about everything you need to know to secure a rental in Australia. If you’re moving to Australia or planning to relocate within the country, this episode is packed with practical tips and insider advice, including: Additional resources Rental Search Australia in the Move to Australia DirectoryFill out Rental Search Australia's questionnaire to get startedRelocation Dream Team download to help you do your due diligence when choosing relocation and migration services Found the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here! If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the transcript and show notes at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-45 Support the show

“My husband thinks I'm bonkers but it really does cool me down!” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen talks about how to survive and thrive in summer in Australia, including: Additional resources Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your moveMove to Australia Facebook communitySix tips for living with Australia's extreme weatherEnjoy Christmas in AustraliaIf you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-44 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“The wildlife here is more incredible than dangerous - you just need to be aware of it.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen talks about her experience with Australia's scary and dangerous wildlife. Including: Additional resources Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.Move to Australia Facebook communityBucket list experiences: The unforgettable experience of whale watchingShould I be scared of dangerous spiders?Find a natural mosquito repellentSnakes, Spiders and bugs in Australia + first aid tipsFound the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here! If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the AI-generated show notes at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-43. Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“When we decided to move to Australia, one of my biggest fears wasn’t about visas or jobs or even the flight… it was about whether I’d ever feel at home again. I worried that I’d always be in this in-between place — missing my old home more than I loved my new one.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this week's episode, Karen chats about her feelings around what home means to her, and how her perspective has shifted over the years. The episode covers: Additional resources Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.Move to Australia Facebook communityWill I regret moving to Australia?Find the show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-42 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“Most of these are all connected with the same theme!” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this week's episode, Karen gives a different perspective about living in Australia by exploring some of the worst things about living in Australia. Of course, there are lots of amazing things about living in Australia, but there are also some things that aren't so good. Listen to this episode where Karen talks about her five worst things about living in Australia. Additional resources Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.Move to Australia Facebook communityIf you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-41 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“I don't think you regret giving something a try!” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this week's episode, Karen answers this important question: Will I regret moving to Australia? Karen shares an eye opening experience that really got her thinking about the concept of regret. If you've been wondering if making the move is the right decision for you, this short episode is just for you! Additional resources Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find the full show notes and transcript over at, https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-40 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“We assumed because we were eligible now, we'd always be eligible!” Don't make these common mistakes with your move to Australia! Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this solo episode, Karen explores 10 common mistakes that people make when moving to Australia so you can avoid making them! From listening to incorrect visa advice, skipping a leaving party and getting rid of all of your belongings, this episode explores some of the mistakes you should try to avoid when making the move. Additional resources Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.For the full show notes and transcript, visit https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-39 If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

“Do it with your kids, not to them. Include them!” Moving to Australia with kids? In this episode, Karen chats with Tracy Collins about how to help children adjust to their new life Down Under. From choosing the right school and managing goodbyes to handling long-haul flights and building new routines, this conversation is packed with practical tips and personal insights to support your family through the transition. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast Tracy Collins is host of the UK Travel Planning and the Global Travel Planning podcasts. She has a background of moving internationally herself, and also has experience of moving to Australia with her daughter - plus she has a background in education and working with special needs children, so she has a wealth of experience to share. This episode covers: Additional resources Moving to Australia and moving againHousesitting in AustraliaPlanning a big holiday back to the UK.blog post Tracy and Karen wrote together to accompany this episode traditions in Australiahobbies in AustraliaUK Travel PlanningGlobal Travel PlanningYou can find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-38 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"I like to reference Sydney when they announced the Olympics 1990 to when they held the games in 2000, the government spent a similar amount on infrastructure projects...these things make the city a more desirable location. Sydney saw a growth across the metro locations of around 94% over that ten year period. If history is anything to base it off, Brisbane has a similar opportunity here. The Olympics will put Brisbane on the global stage." With thanks to Buyers Collective for sponsoring this episode. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen talks to Jack from Buyers Collective, a buyer's advocate agency helping clients buy a home or invest in property from Brisbane down the coast to Byron Bay. We talk about: …And many more insights for anyone interested in property and investment in the Brisbane area. Additional resources episode 27 of the New Life in Australia podcast about buying your home in Queensland the smart wayBuyers Collective in the Move to Australia Directory Buyers Collective websitebuying a home on the Gold CoastYou can find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-37 If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts! All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"Be flexible. Don't overplan. Work around the things you absolutely have to do. 28 days isn't a long time!" Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen chats to Tracy Collins from the UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning podcasts and websites all about planning a big holiday back to the UK after you've settled in Australia. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights as Tracy and Karen share all of their knowledge about taking big long haul trips back to visit family, including: Additional resources UK Travel PlanningGlobal Travel Planningsave money with house sittingmoving and moving againUK Train Travel Tips Facebook groupplanning your big trip back You can find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-36/ If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"I had these clients…they’d seen a property in Hawthorn. That area wasn’t in our brief…this is why we do a brief, so we aren’t tempted by shiny things. They told me they wanted capital growth, and that property wouldn’t provide that. Stick to the plan!" Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen talks to Tonya Davidson from Davidson Property Advocates all about creating a solid property buying strategy. We cover: Additional resources Tonya's previous episode on the New Life in Australia podcastMove to Move to Australia DirectoryDavidson Property Advocates websiteYou can find the full show notes and the transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-35 If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts! All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"It always surprises me when I go to do viewings. People walk in and view and don’t have a conversation with the agent. You are there to present…always try and have a conversation with the agent and introduce yourself. If you love the property, tell them how much you love it. We always do that on behalf of our clients." With thanks to E-Sterling Services for sponsoring this podcast episode. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen chats with Charles from E-Sterling Services, a Perth-based relocation agency, about everything you need to know to crack the Perth rental market as a new arrival. We cover: ...and so much more! Additional resources episode 19 all about moving to PerthMove to Australia Directoryblog posts about moving to PerthFor the full show notes and transcript, visit https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-34 Support the show

“If I wouldn’t live in it or invest in it myself, I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my clients either.” With thanks to Minihan Group Australia for sponsoring this episode. In this episode, Karen chats to Janice Minihan from Minihan Group Australia. Janice is a licensed real estate agent in both Queensland and the UK who supports clients across the full spectrum of the property journey - from finding your first rental when you arrive in Brisbane, to helping you buy your first home or build your property investment portfolio to set up your financial future. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, we cover: Whether you’re planning to rent, buy, or invest - or you’re still unsure - Janice brings a practical and reassuring perspective based on her personal and professional experience on both sides of the globe. Additional Resources Minihan Group Australia in the Move to Australia DirectoryMinihan Group Australia's websiteGM Tax in the Move to Australia DirectoryYou'll find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-33 Support the show

"We know pets are part of the family, and we want the journey to be as stress-free for them as it is for you." In this episode, I chat to Andy Simons, owner and director of Transfur Animals, a UK-based pet shipping company specialising in relocating cats and dogs to Australia. We cover everything you need to know about moving your pet to Australia, including timeframes, costs, crate requirements, quarantine, travel conditions and how to ensure your pet is physically and emotionally ready for the journey. Andy also shares some important advice about breed restrictions, vaccinations and common mistakes pet owners make when they don’t start the process early enough. If you're considering bringing your furry friend with you when you move, this episode is packed with practical tips and insider advice to help make it all go smoothly. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode, Karen and Andy discuss: Additional resources Transfur Animals in the Move to Australia Directory quote from Transfur AnimalsFind all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"No place is absolutely perfect, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work towards building your dream lifestyle." Trying to decide where to live in Australia? Whether you’re choosing between Brisbane and Perth, city or regional, beachside or bush, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you find the perfect place for your new life Down Under. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this solo episode, Karen shares her own story of choosing where to move in Australia and walks you through the questions you need to ask to figure out which location will best suit your dream lifestyle. In the episode, we cover: Additional Resources: Discover Your Perfect Place: Where to Move in Australia mini courseTracy's episode about moving to Mackay and then moving againMove to Australia Facebook Communitychoosing where to live in AustraliaUltimate Emigration Checklist BundleYou can find the full show notes and transcript over on SmartStepstoAustralia.com. Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"You can always make more money… but you can never replace the time." Wondering how much it really costs to move to Australia? This episode is a must-listen if you’re starting to plan your relocation and want to avoid hidden surprises. From visa fees and shipping to car seats and pantry staples, I walk you through the major expenses involved in relocating and setting up your new life Down Under. Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this solo episode, Karen shares the essential costs to consider when planning your move to Australia. Whether you're relocating solo or with your family, this episode shares the financial investment and what to expect, so you can create a realistic budget and plan ahead with confidence. In the episode, we cover: worth itAdditional Resources: Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundlecosts of moving to Australiashipping quotespet shippingrelocation agents in the Move to Australia DirectorySend My Bag – get 5% offGo Walkabout one-way insurance – get 5% offCarly Car Subscription offerepisode 26 about the benefits of a car subscriptionflights to Australia pros and cons of using a migration agentMove to Australia Facebook CommunityHome Affairs Visa PricingFind the full show notes and transcript at Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show

"Try to approach it from a position of opportunities and be creative — think about ways you can make yourself eligible if you aren’t currently eligible for a visa." Thinking about moving to Australia, but don’t know where to start? This episode is your practical roadmap to help you go from “can I move?” to “I’ve got my visa!” It’s a comprehensive overview of the key stages you’ll need to work through if you want to make your dream life in Australia a reality. In this solo episode, Karen shares the six essential steps involved in planning your move to Australia. From figuring out if you're eligible, to understanding the emotional and financial decisions involved, to finally receiving your visa, this episode walks you through what to expect and how to get started. In the episode, we cover: shouldcanAdditional Resources migration agents in the Move to Australia DirectoryUltimate Emigration Checklist Bundlecosts of moving to Australiasteps involved in moving to AustraliaThe decision-making processMove to Australia Facebook CommunityHome Affairs visa optionsYou can find the full show notes and AI transcript over at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-29 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Support the show