Australia Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Australia
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the Commonwealth of Australia. Known for its high quality of life, strong economy, clean cities, world-class education and healthcare, and diverse landscapes, Australia attracts professionals in healthcare, engineering, construction, mining, logistics, IT, education, tourism and more. Visa, work and residency rules can change — always confirm details through official Australian Government sources.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Australia, including export packing, ocean & air freight, customs coordination and final delivery to major destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and regional centres across the country.
1. Before You Move to Australia
1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements
Australia offers many visa options depending on your purpose of stay — skilled work, employer sponsorship, family, study or temporary stays. Common pathways include:
- Skilled visas (points-tested or nominated) – e.g. skilled independent and state-nominated visas for in-demand occupations
- Employer-sponsored visas – where an approved Australian employer nominates you to fill a skilled role
- Temporary work visas – including skilled temporary visas for specific occupations and labour agreements
- Student visas – for full-time study at approved Australian education providers
- Partner, parent and other family visas – for eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens
- Visitor visas – for tourism, short-term visits and some business activities
All visa programs and requirements are managed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
1.2 Working in Australia
Australia’s labour market particularly values skills in:
- Healthcare & aged care (doctors, nurses, allied health)
- Engineering, construction & infrastructure
- Information technology & cybersecurity
- Mining, energy & resources
- Education, research & training
- Logistics, warehousing & supply chain
- Hospitality, tourism & aviation
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Most newcomers begin in short-term housing (serviced apartment or rental) before committing to a longer lease or purchase. Popular expatriate areas include:
- Sydney: CBD, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Parramatta
- Melbourne: CBD, Docklands, Southbank, South Yarra, Richmond, Camberwell
- Brisbane: CBD, South Bank, New Farm, West End
- Perth: CBD, Subiaco, Fremantle, Joondalup
- Adelaide: CBD, Glenelg, Norwood, Prospect
Typical rental requirements:
- Proof of identity (passport, visa, sometimes previous rental history)
- Evidence of income or employment
- Security bond (usually 4 weeks’ rent, lodged with a bond authority)
- Signed lease agreement (often 6 or 12 months)
1.4 Banking & Finances
The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Major banks allow you to open an account as a new arrival and, in some cases, even before you land in Australia. Common requirements include:
- Passport and visa details
- Australian residential address (temporary or permanent)
- Tax File Number (TFN) for tax purposes (you can apply after arrival)
1.5 Healthcare & Medicare
Australia has a universal public health system called Medicare, which provides subsidised or free access to many medical services for eligible residents. Newcomers may be able to enrol, depending on their visa and any reciprocal health care agreements.
1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport (with sufficient validity)
- Visa grant notice and any related reference numbers
- Employment contract or job offer (if applicable)
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Birth and marriage certificates for family members
- Vaccination and medical records
- References from previous landlords or employers (helpful for renting and job searching)
2. Your First Weeks in Australia
2.1 Arrival & Border Control
Australian Border Force officers will inspect your passport, visa and incoming passenger card on arrival. You must declare certain goods, including food and plant products, due to strict biosecurity laws.
2.2 Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN)
A Tax File Number (TFN) is required for working and for many dealings with the Australian Taxation Office. You can apply online after you arrive in Australia and have a valid visa and local address.
2.3 Enrolling in Medicare & Accessing Services
If you are eligible, you can enrol in Medicare through Services Australia, often via a myGov account. Newly arrived residents may also access settlement support, language services and employment assistance.
2.4 Everyday Setup
- Obtain a local SIM card and mobile plan
- Set up a bank account and link it to your salary
- Arrange rental accommodation and utilities
- Apply for a driver licence transfer (if eligible) in your state or territory
- Register children for school
3. Australia at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Major Cities
Australia is a large continent-country with six states and two mainland territories. Major cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. Landscapes range from beaches and coastal cities to deserts, rainforests and mountain ranges.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Australia is a stable parliamentary democracy and one of the world’s advanced economies. Key sectors include resources, agriculture, services, education, tourism, logistics, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
3.3 Climate & Weather
Climate varies significantly by region:
- Temperate climates in much of the south-east and south-west
- Tropical climates in the north (wet and dry seasons)
- Arid and semi-arid conditions in central regions
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Australia
- Similar standards of living and familiar institutions
- Strong job opportunities in multiple sectors
- English-speaking environment with multicultural communities
- High-quality public healthcare and education systems
- Outdoor lifestyle with beaches, parks and mild winters in many regions
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Living costs vary by city and region. Sydney and Melbourne are typically the most expensive, while some regional centres are more affordable. Typical expenses include:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet)
- Transport (public transport, fuel, toll roads where applicable)
- Groceries and dining out
- Childcare and school-related costs
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Public transport networks vary between cities but generally include:
- Trains, trams and buses (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide)
- Integrated ticketing systems using smartcards in most major cities
- Ferries in coastal and harbour cities such as Sydney and Brisbane
6.2 Driving in Australia
Australia drives on the left-hand side. Some newcomers can convert their overseas licence to an Australian state/territory licence within a defined period, depending on the jurisdiction and the country of issue.
6.3 Domestic & International Travel
Australia has an extensive network of domestic flights linking major and regional cities. International flights operate from major airports such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Australia is culturally diverse with significant communities from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas
- English is the main language, and workplace culture is generally informal but professional
- Sport, outdoor activities, and coastal lifestyles are central to many communities
- There is a strong emphasis on fairness, equal opportunity and respect
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Sydney: Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Bondi and Manly beaches
- Melbourne: Laneways, café culture, arts and sports events
- Brisbane & Gold Coast: Rivers, beaches and theme parks
- Cairns & Great Barrier Reef: Reef and rainforest experiences
- Adelaide & Barossa Valley: Wineries and coastal towns
- Perth & Western Australia: Beaches, national parks and outback landscapes
- Uluru (Ayers Rock): Iconic natural and cultural site in central Australia