This one is for local people. By that, I mean Tasmanians. You may have lived here all your life; or you may have moved here in the last three months. You may have lived here during a previous episode in your life. We’d even be interested in hearing from people who are thinking about living in Tasmania. And here’s why…
Marie wrote to commend our friendly, warm site: “so enjoyable to browse through”. She discovered the website while researching Tasmania because she’s thinking about relocating her family from Ireland.
She was wondering if it was possible to have a page where local people could answer questions from people looking to relocate. She felt the internet could provide so much information (often overwhelming) but nothing could equal the first hand knowledge of local people.
Local People Helping Others
Readers contact us all the time, looking for information or touching base about something they’ve read on the website. Some of them are thinking about moving to Tasmania to live. You might remember the story of arty pair Kym and Sarah, who received a great deal of feedback from readers sharing their thoughts about Tasmania.
Every family has a different set of circumstances, so we found out a little more about this one. Here’s a list of things that are relevant…
- The family consists of Mum, Dad and a four-year-old
- Dad is an industrial electrician
- Mum works part-time as a systems administrator for a local authority
- Quality of life and a secure future for the family is paramount
- Mum likes the idea of living on an island, which is why they are looking at Tasmania in preference to other Australian states
- They love the Irish climate, including winter (so the cold and rain don’t phase them) and really can’t tolerate very hot weather
- Living somewhere near the coast or a river would be ideal
- They need a location that is quiet, peaceful and safe but also has decent facilities for children
- In a perfect world, they would have a house with a granny flat and a yard for a dog
- Like most boys, the son likes to ride and run and kick a ball; climb trees, explore, feed ducks and discover animals and wildlife
- A choice of good quality food is an essential part of life
- Fast Internet coverage to Skype home would be a requirement
Move to Tasmania… Why Not?
That might seem like a pretty long list of priorities. But personally, we don’t see any of them providing too many hurdles to living a wonderful life in Tasmania. Do you? We know that local people love to show off their own state, and we like the idea of networking and offering a helping hand. So this is just a starting point, and we’ll see where it leads us. If you’d like to offer assistance, just let us know by leaving a comment at the end of this article.
Of course, we must point out that any opinions provided here are just that… personal thoughts and ideas. You are at liberty to make up your own minds, of course.
If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram. If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below. We’d love that!
Comments relevant to this article are always most welcome, just leave a reply below. But first… please confirm the date of this article. Have you found something current, or is this ancient information? Either way, thanks for your company and come back again soon.
Hi. I moved here 5 years ago and happy to offer advice if that’s helpful. My ‘short answer’ would be that I think their wish list is possible in Tasmania.
One question you might be wise to consider is what type of community do you want to live in? Regional Australian towns can feel a lot more isolated that their European counterparts; they tend to revolve around one or two industries (e.g farming or mining) and are places where everyone knows everyone else’s business. You might also need to consider access to schools, medical facilities, entertainment and – of course -employment opportunities.
One option might be to look at areas within easy driving distance of the major settlement. That way you should be able to access most things your new local community is lacking.
Good luck.
Thank you Honoria. You made a good point about regional towns. And you’re right, the choice of school will play a huge part in determining the right location. Thanks for your response.
Looking at your wish list, I agree with Honoria, achievable in Tas.
I know other Irish new settlers 🙂
Internet right across Tas can be lousy at times. Too many ipads and smart phones. But I skype to my Tasmanian rural living sons.
The water is never far away, and that is why we have so many fishing industries.
I live rural, fantastic water frontage, wild wild southerly winds, which I love actually.
Small local schools, and yes we do suffer from small town syndromes – you just need to be wary of that. We didnt originate from this particular small town, but we are part of it.
Thirty five minutes to the capital. Less than that to the airport to fly to whatever the state cant provide. We have 29 councils – local authorities, in Tasmania, surely you could work for one of these!!!
Thank you Jen. Great information there. 29 Local Authorities! The mind boggles! That will be interesting to follow up on. Everytime I research more I am overwhelmed by the different coastal areas. One day I want to move to the East coast, another the South, the next time the North and so on. And it is great to know that internet coverage allows for a Skype call in rural areas. Thanks for your reply Jen.
Hi Marie, I am a Tasmanian who has lived in many countries and know how scary it is to move. For the best career prospects for you both that has ease of driving would be within a 45 minute drive of Launceston. The West Tamar (on the Tamar River) comes to mind it has beach access only 50 min from Launceston, most properties have wonderful views and very good schools. It is central for travelling around Tasmania which by the way is about the same size as Ireland. You will love it here and I will be very pleased to talk to you my name is on Facebook if you want to be my friend and we can chat and I will help in anyway I can. Regards Roseann
Roseann thank you. And thank you for the Facebook offer (I will contact you for sure so don’t be surprised when you see a strange name – my name is in Irish on FB). Yes I love that Tasmania is very similar in size to Ireland. However, Tasmanians make much higher use of the fishing industry than we do. That’s great to see. It just seems to be a more natural healthier lifestyle.
Regarding you comment about Seán and his trade, yes he will have to have Australian recognition, but Ireland has an agreement with Australia so he can actually do it here and be prepared before we move. I’m really susprised though to read that there is high unemployment in Tasmania. Over here it is sold as crying out for workers…..
Thanks for the information Roseann. Talk to you on FB!
I live in South Eastern Tassie, 45 minutes from Hobart, the capitol city, right on the coast . Beautiful. Two schools close by, two long day care centres, a number of family cares available. An active art community. Like the whole of Tasmania it is a beautiful place, you don’t have to go far to find inspiration and beauty. Every twist in the road travelled will bring a new vista, always breathtaking. Come and live here, You will never regret it. Born and bred here in Tassie, its beauty and laid back life style are unique.
You make it sound so lovely Donna. I think it is incredible the way Tasmania has active art communities. What a wonderful concept. Thanks for the lovely reply.
Loving Tasmania as I do, even though I was born in Victoria, I am sure that our Irish adventurers would love living in Tasmania – we seem to tick all the boxes for them. I always had a dream of either living on a river or by the sea, but now I would think twice about this. We have had some severe flooding and invasion by the sea in recent years, and by all means come to Tasmania, but think again about where you live. Our countryside is superb, our fresh food is great and I know you would be happy here. So, come on down under and welcome.
Lorraine, thanks for your reply. And thanks for the very practical information regarding flooding and sea invasion. We are encountering similar problems with flooding here too. So that is definetly something I will bear in mind. Good sound advise and it never occured to me. Thanks Lorraine.
Just another thought – Sean – you may wish to contact the Australian Embassy and check whether you will have to do a short course to work here as an industrial electrician – I do know some trades have to do this because of differing standards and regulations in different countries. If you do. ask them if they can be obtained by correspondence before you leave Ireland. Unemployment is high in Tasmania, so it will be important where you choose to live, but you will love it here – many Irish have found Tassie to call home.
HI, I am in the N. E of Tasmania; an hour from Launceston CBD, and add 15 minutes to the Launceston Airport; direct to Sydney in one hour 40 mins, on Virgin. Climate here is cool, temperate maritime. The East side of the Tamar River, is where I grew up; but I now live a little more to the East, at a regional town called Scottsdale.
We are 20 kms from the sea, and some parts of the town you can have a sea view. Great swimming beaches at Bridport, also golf and fishing etc. The soil is red in parts, also loam. Farmers grow potatoes, onions, carrots, poppies,etc, as well as cattle, dairy, goats, sheep, hops, salmon hatchery, tourism, Defence/ Science freeze dried food, expansion is happening soon. Forestry and sawmills have been a traditional industry, in the N. E also, but there is ongoing polarising debate on the future of Forestry, and the destruction of native forests in south, East, and N. W parts of Tasmania. Personally, I like to see bush and coastal areas left for native birds and animals, and soil organisms and water catchment. Finding middle ground is an ongoing debate and balancing jobs and natural resource, with environmental issues is a big issue. I would like to see more tall gum trees and other native bushes and grasses planted near urban areas, so migrating birds and animals can have corridors, etc.
Internet coverage is great. I moved here 26 years ago; longest I have lived anywhere. There are primary schools and a high school here, college and University in Launceston. They have private and christian schools, also home schooling. It is a bit quiet here, but things are changing. New people bring new ideas and culturural experience.
I find the climate in the North East is mild, say winter temps are 6 to 15 celcius, with some frosts and minus 2 to 10 a few days. Summer is mid twenties, with about 3 days over 30. Night temps in summer are about 10 to 15 degrees celcius. I wish the summer temps were a bit hotter, for longer, LOL ..but…. if you want a dry heat you can go to Adelaide, in South Australia. My mother was from there and we had a few summers at Xmas when I was a child. I do miss it, I think…lol. In Tasmania if we want ” a busy, big city experience or tropical climate or dry heat etc, we just catch a plane or boat to “the mainland ” for a week or a short holiday. There is the added expense of course, which has repurcussions for business also. This is another area of debate at present.
People have lemon trees and walnut trees growing in Scottsdale, plus apples, apricots, plums, blueberries, cherries, and produce of cheeses, rhubarb and relishes, jams. etc. There is also tourism.
People have moved from Sydney, Adelaide, Western Ausralia, Melbourne, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Phillipines, etc. The state is becoming more multicultural in recent years I feel.
New businesses are welcome here and I think Tasmania will prosper with more people, and innovation.
Not one area in the world, will be ” safe” necessarily, but Tasmania is perhaps, at present, a good place to live and raise a family.
That’s an amazing response Kathy! Are you sure you don’t work for Tasmanian Tourisim! I love all the information you gave me from the soil to the farming to the weather. The weather sounds ideal. It sounds very like here. But you get three hot days! I think the highest we’ve gone to so far this year is 25 celcius. 30 degrees is very rare. But I don’t mind cold weather so even 25 can be too much sometimes if it’s humid. But I understand all about four seasons in one day. Yes Ireland and Tasmania are very similiar on a lot of fronts.
Thanks so much Kathy for your information packed reply. I really appreciate it. 🙂
Thanks for this! We move on Sept. 7 for Launceston. Marie, are you there now? How is it?
Dear Kathy, It is very nice to read your blog. I have just bought a property there in Scottsdale. Actually, in the first instance, I wanted to buy this property there for investment purposes, but now I am looking to purchase a business there and move there from a regional city of Victoria along with my 11 years old child. I have been just in my double mind so far with regard to moving to Scottsdale. However, after reading your blog, I am really confident now about living in that town. I hope to catch up with you sometime when I move there. Thank you so much for giving your positive views about the town especially that of good speed internet and schooling facilities.
I forgot … There are vineyards also in the N. E.
Also the winds blow, more so in Spring. The weather can change rapidly; you can get four seasons in one day. You can get still days too, and lovely winter sunsets.
We are in the ” roaring forties ” wind belt.
Cheers, Kathy.
Tania thank you so much for posting the article. And many thanks to everyone who replied. There is some fantastic information there and lots to follow up on and think about. Thank you all SO much.
Marie, Seán and Daniel.
xxx
You’re welcome Marie. I’m sure there will be lots more to come, as we’ll include the article in our newsletter this week. Our readers are just so wonderful with lots of great knowledge to share. Good luck with your planning.
Thanks again Tania. I’m very excited about the replies and all the follow up I can do now. Thank you.
Hi Marie, we are in the same situation, researching where we wish to move to in Tasmania, we are leaving hot and humid Queensland!
Check out movingtotasmania.com.au it has been a terrific website for information. I thoroughly recommend it.
You wont have too much worry with humidity in Tassie I believe, so best of luck with your researching and I will keep an eye on here to see what others offer up in the way of advice, cheers Emma.
Thanks for your reply Emma, and thanks for that link. I hadn’t come across it but I will check it out. Best of luck with your own move. Keep us posted as to how you get on.
In the same position as you Emma. Hubby & I are researching on moving to Tassie..for a life change…because sometimes you just need one 🙂 and we want to start a family and also move closer to family (hubbys fam are based in Tasmania). We would be moving from the very hot humid & sticky tropical Far North Queensland. I will have to check out the website you provided. Sounds good!
North West Tasmania, in particular Devonport would also tick prettimuch all your boxes as well, with lovely beaches, restaurants, schools and a wonderful lifestyle.
If you enjoy going camping at any one of the multiple beaches that are not too far from home for weekends or longer stays in summer, in fact my friends move to the Bluff Caravan Park in Devonport during the summer school holidays, where the kids can go swimming and kyacking, fishing, playing at the newly refurbished playground, with multiple BBQs etc, which is also the site of the brand new multi-million dollar surf club and restaurant and they actually live 5 minutes up the road in a house in Devonport and the husband goes to work each day from their camping spot at the bluff, now that is lifestyle.
One of the other options from Devonport in terms of employment would be for your husband and access to mining jobs as another employment option that might also be worth considering.
An absolutely beautiful river municipality, which is a one hour drive from Launceston and half an hour from Burnie.
Good luck with your move.
Sharon
We live in the Huon Valley just south of Hobart. Indeed, Tania house-sat our farm five years ago when we went to the UK for a holiday (Hi Tania – the two sheep you nursed after the dog attack are still going strong, so whatever you did worked!).
Tasmania is a fabulous place to live and an especially great place to raise a family. The people are friendly, scenery is wonderful and so on, the folks who have already commented above have covered all that, so I won’t bang on and on about it. They are right!
The Huon is the best part of this wonderful island (ok, I’ll admit to a bit of bias). Close to Hobart, and a high proportion of people who have moved here from interstate or overseas, so a great mix of locals and blow-ins – and it works.
The job situation isn’t quite as good as other parts of Australia, but good people do get jobs. Wages are generally a bit lower than the mainland, but the cost of living is a lot less (some things a bit dearer, but big ticket things like housing a lot cheaper).
If you are looking at any particular district as a possible new home and good Internet access is essential to you, you should check that out. We are in an area with no prospect of ADSL or even the NBN fibre optic cable. We have got the latest 2 way satellite connection. It is proving reliable, but the maximum download speed seems to be around 4 megs which is okay for Skype – just. They say that should improve to 8 or 10 megs within a year or so – which is still well short of what’s been promised under the fibre optic NBN. So that may be an issue you need to check out. And note that the Internet issue might be quite different for a property just a few hundred yards up the road. Don’t assume the NBN coverage maps are accurate right down to the individual property.
The property market is fairly flat in the Huon, so you can get a place with views, acreage or whatever that you wouldn’t be able to afford elsewhere. Prices fall away once you’re more than 40 minutes drive from Hobart. And commuting to Hobart is a breeze. Peak hour lasts about 5 minutes on a bad day.
Tasmanian food is the best in the world. If you are a foodie, you don’t need to die to go to heaven.
And it’s an absolute paradise if you’re into bushwalking, kayaking and that sort of eco-activity. Plenty of great beaches or walks where you are pretty much on your own. It’s very uncrowded most of the time.
And the climate here in the Huon is the best. Winters are mild – well, it’s been a bit cold the last few weeks, but nothing like a UK winter. It can get a bit wet in the Huon but, hey, you’re from Ireland. Summers are mild which means you can do those bushwalks, mountain climbs in comfort.
If you come to Tassie to check the place out, I’m sure many of the folk who have posted comments here would be happy to show you around their part of this glorious place. Good luck !
Hi Barry, absolutely fantastic to hear from you. We have so much to thank you for. Coming to your farm changed our lives! Glad the sheep are doing okay, but what about Beam? We think of her often. Such a beautiful girl. Kind Regards, Tania
Hi Tania
Bad news about Beam I’m afraid. She had massive liver failure last year and we had to make the tough but right decision. She was 12 years old, so about normal for her breed, but the other dogs we have had over the years all seem to make it to about 16 or 17. We went without a dog for 6 months and that felt weird. And we ended up with an influx of possums in the garden and even a few rats in the house. So we got a dog from the dog’s home – a smithfield / jack russell cross. A bit of a handful and relentless energy, but a gorgeous nature. And the wildlife now stay away from the house area. Then last month we ended up adopting an oldish golden retriever as well – it’s a long story ! – but he’s lovely and very very laid back.
We still have Dolly the goat. She must be about 23 by now. Still has that aneurism pumping away in her neck, so when she goes it will be all over instantly. But she’s had that for the whole twelve years we’ve had her. And I can’t remember if we had inherited the ancient alpacas when you were here. Anyway, they made it to 29 years which is just about Guinness Book of Records old! Di and I are assuming the longevity of our animals is something to do with being on this farm and that we will get the same benefit in due course!
We borrowed one of those movement-sensor field cameras last year so we could get an idea of what wildlife we have on the farm at night. The good news is that we have a lot of Tassie devils and they all look healthy (ie no sign of facial tumour disease). And we also have a pair of wedge-tailed eagles that now call our place home – we think their nest must be up around the dam somewhere. Magnificent creatures.
Barry, thanks so much for your interesting post. Yes internet access would be important. We would have to be able to Skype with confidence. And I am a bit of a geek. I love my laptop and am online more often then I’m not!
I have to say, all the comments about Tassie food are making me hungry! Once there is ice cream though I’ll be happy!
You make everything sound so wonderful. It must be an incredible place the way everyone talks about it. I will research the Huon and I’m sure I’ll be adding it to my list of possible locations.
Thanks again.
Sharon thanks for your reply and the information on Devonport. I didn’t realise that mining was an option in Tasmania as I had only read about it in relation to Western Australia. So yes it would increase Seáns options. You make the area sound so nice. I am so impressed with the affection all the commentators have for their homeland. Tasmania sounds like a very special place.
Thanks again, Marie
Hi Marie,
We came here from the UK over 40 years ago and have never regretted the move. The most important consideration is where your husband can get a job, so that you can obtain permanent residency before you move. His job will have to fulfill the ‘national need’ for you to be able to gain entry to Australia and the company he is able to get a job with, will need to sponsor you. We tried to sponsor our relatives, but were unsuccessful several years ago because they did not meet the criteria and still had family where they lived. The only other ways you can gain entry are either, lots of money to be able to buy a business, which is not selling to local people or if you are a refugee! Entry is not easy and you need to go through the correct channels, which is very time-consuming. Good Luck.
Regards Janette
Hi Janette, thanks for your reply. Yes we know about the state migration requirements and the points needed etc. Time is ticking by fast because Seán will turn 40 in October and drop 10 points! But we don’t know if we will have raised the money we would need by then. It would help if he had a sponsor but if he travels over now then we loose several grand and that knocks us back again timewise. Seán is up for an interview here soon and that may change things. Plus my Dad is not doing so good right now so being near him is a priority. Everything happens together right. The next few weeks will be telling that’s for sure.
Hi All, and especially to Marie, hope all is good with you. Just have read down through all the posts and Tassie sounds amazing. Myself and my wife are considering a move to Lauceston.We are both mid 30’s and I have a Sponser in place for work. Just wonderign what a good salary is in relation to cost of living. Obviously my wife owuldn’t be working to start but would hopfully pick something up over time. all suggestions would be truely appreciated.
Both of us are Irish also and would love to hear anymore from others that have taken the plunge and gone to live in Tassie..
Regard to all
Tomas
Hi Tomas
Lovely to hear from you and so glad you’ll be making the move to Tassie. I’ll post your comment to Facebook as well, to see what reaction our readers can offer.
Wishing you the very best of luck,
Tania
Kerry left this message on Facebook today…
Hi we moved to the Derwent valley from the uk 5 years ago, at the time we had a 4 year old boy only. I planned to get work once he started kindy, but as with most plans that are made that was not meant to be. I fell pregnant with TWINS! We are managing just about on one wage, but after being a stay at home mum for the last 6.5 years I am more than ready to go back to work! Life is great here for young families, although I wonder if Tassie would still be the right place when they become teenagers. Opportunities for the young are a little thin on the ground at the moment, but perhaps this will change in time. We miss all our family and friends like crazy, but wouldn’t go back to the uk if you paid us! Tassie is lovely, a truly beautiful place to live. We definitely do not regret our decision to make Tasmania our home.
Thanks Tania,
All information is very much appreciated.
Hi Kerry, thank your for your reply. Its nice to know about family issues aswell as we would be planning ahead for the near future also with regards this. I know its a very personal issue and possibly one that you may not want to disclose, but in your opinion what is the minimum wage a family can survive on? Certainly we would be only working off one wage for a period of time also.
Thank you some much for your information.
Hi Tomas,
I fully appreciate this question. I am looking to relocate from Tasmania to Europe within a few years so we are in research mode also. When I look for cost of living info, answers are very thin on the ground. Please excuse this if you have had an answer. I looked though the thread and didn’t find a response.
This is a post that I shared on a forum a few months back
HOUSING
3 bedroom older style house on large plot of land, 20 minutes walk to town centre with population of 70 thousand in the region, one hour fight to closest urban centre
to buy: 300k AU / 241k EURO with monthly payments of 1,128 EURO
to rent same house: 1, 200 AU / 967 EURO
average house cost in Tasmania is 350k AU / 282k EURO
annual home owner tax 1500 AU / 1209 EURO
annual home and car insurance 1200 AU / 967 EURO
CAR
annual insurance 600 AU / 483 EURO
monthly petrol 200 AU / 161 EURO
car registration 600 AU / 483 EURO
UTILITIES
annual electricity bill 4000 AU / 3225 EURO
annual water bill 1000 AU / 806 EURO
TELECOMMUNICATION
monthly telephone 150 AU / 120 EURO
monthly mobile phone 70 AU / 55 EURO
monthly internet 70 AU / 55 EURO
monthly telecommunication total 290 AU / 233 EURO
CHILDREN
Childcare (12 hours p/week part private part creche) and school fees (inexpensive catholic school)
monthly 1300 AU / 1048 EURO
FOOD
we watch our spending on food, locally produced food is excellent but very expensive, we eat well but we watch spending
monthly 1300 AU / 1050 EURO (which includes dining out at very low standard, and rarely, totalling 200 AU)
GENERAL CONTEXT
We spend next to nothing on leisure
We don’t drink
We rarely buy new clothes
We don’t go on annual holidays
MISC
A chicken costs (starting and getting higher) 11 AU / 9 EURO
A fresh juice costs (a cup) in a cafe 7 AU / 5.5 EURO
A 10-5 minute airport taxi ride costs 40 AU / 32 EURO
A very average quality coffee 4.50 AU / 3.60 EURO
A (1) chocolate croissant (small) at a market 6.00 AU / 4.80 EURO
We are a self employed family creative business with 2 children.
Between myself and my husband we are 1.5 full time wage.
In order to live a comfortable middle class family life with a mortgage and have no money left over at the end of the year and no debt we can do it on 50k per year … but that’s tight and it wouldnt leave you with much breathing room or savings A wage of 70k would be a minimum relaxed life style. 30k would lead to quite a lot of stress. 100k per year would be heaps of fun.
Hope this helps
Hi Everybody,
I have been reading all your posts and im very excited as we are planning to move to Tassie from Qld, The cold weather is what we are looking for as Qld is unbareable these days, Where would be the best place to live for jobs in the Mining Industry, My husband is a boilermaker and we would like to find work for him before we move down.
We also have 2 kids andwill be buying a property when we move.
Thanks Everybody 🙂
Hi Bec – thanks for joining the conversation. Welcome, and all the best with the planned move to Tasmania. We will post your comment to Facebook also, as we have done for quite a few others recently, who are also looking to move. Lots of great feedback there too. Cheers, Tania
Hi All,
Been a while since I’ve been on here, but just so busy trying to get stuff sorted out here in Ireland before we head over to live in Launceston to start our new life.
i have read dpon throught all the messages again and there is a world of information here that is invaluable.
Tania I am just wondering if you can get me or pass on my details to Marie if she wouldn’t mind chatting with me via email?
Hope to hear from ye soon
Thanks
Hi Tomas
We certainly have some great people in our network, always so willing to help others. I have sent your contact details on to Marie, and we wish you every success with the move.
Kind Regards, Tania
Thanks Tania,
Marie has replied to me via email
Regards
Tomas
Hello all, We are from sunny and rainy humid northern nsw. Its a beautiful part of aussie but the heat is getting to us now. We are looking to move to tassie in jan 2014. I have 2 boys one a teenager and doesnt really want to make the move, but we feel it will be great for our family. I am looking to find an area to move to, and was thinking of deloraine. What are the primary and high school like there? My eldest is in the army cadets and wishes to continue with that down there. I no theres 2 in launceston and 4 in hobart. We would really love to move to property but still be close enough to the bigger towns for the boys as they get older. I think I have spent the last 5 years researching tasmania, Im so excited and yet find it so scary in the same breath to make this move. I would really love to chat with anyone who has just moved down there or who is thinking of making the move down early next year and if have teen boys how they have fitted in to there new schools.
Regards Tania
Hello, from one Tania to another! I’ll ask our Facebook followers if they have any thoughts to share with you too. Good luck with the move… hope everything goes well. Sounds like you’ve really done your homework.
It turns out our Facebook followers have lots of great advice to share with you Tania. You can see that conversation here.
Thanks Tania, I just checked it out and got some great advice. Sheffield was another thought, but I will have to look closer to the bigger towns just until the boys are older. I would also love to start up a home based business selling upcycled shabby chic/ french/nordic style furniture and vintage goods, thats been a dream for awhile, hopping I can get approval to live my dream. Thanks again for placing my post on facebook.
Regards Tania
Hi Tania and all
I read your question and all the comments on here, I own a house just south of Hobart above Kingston and was raised in a little town called Snug in the Channel country, again south of Hobart. My fave place in Tassy is a town called Cygnet and as anyone will tell you it just about has anything you would ever need in a smaller country town plus incredible cafes, restaurants, schools, 2 x supermarkets and amazing views down the estuary and the surrounding mountains. A lot of creative and well known people live in the area, it is an amazing place all round and I wish I could convince my partner to buy down there haha. BUT they say that Deloraine is the northern version of Cygnet, and it is probably warmer. Del is a great town and well worth checking out. Oh hell, most of Tassy is amazing 🙂 But jobs are hard to come by…good luck
Hello again from Scottsdale, in the North/ North east, 60 kms/ an hour from Launceston.
We have the NBN here, skype etc.
A recent arrival and they bought a house, is a couple, formerly of QLD, with sons in the Army Defence Force serving overeas.
Kathy.
Hi my partner and I are moving to Tassie in the new year! I already have dual nationality as I’ve lived in Sydney and Perth years ago! I went back to ol blighty for family reasons but miss my Australia, my new partner just got her visa through today and is very pleased indeed! We have our hearts set in Tasmania as it has similar to the UK but without all the overcrowding etc etc! We have never been to the island but its always been my dream! I met a lady in Bristol who was from Tasmania and said she preferred Bristol???? I cannot understand that at all, I think Bristol is a dump ( putting it politely). Why would anyone want the opposite to most Brits trying to escape the UK
is beyond me, it hasn’t put us off and we are proud to move down under
Hi Everyone!
I live in Tallahassee, Florida, US. I plan to retire in about 3 years when I turn 60. Although I love to travel, it can be pretty expensive. It occurred to me that I would enjoy myself more by living in different places for about 6 months at a time. I get inspiration from reading about different places. I recently read a book called “Shadows of a Winter Sun”, by John Henry Ellen. The setting of the book was in Hobart and then in a forest. I was intrigued and started researching Tasmania as a potential place to live as I always felt the continent of Australia was just a little too overwhelming.
In my research, I found the town of Burnie which seems to tick all my boxes for a place that I could enjoy living for a while. Burnie seems to be just the right size that I wouldn’t disappear into the population and I could get involved with a church and do some volunteering so I could really feel a part of the community. I’ve heard that people are really friendly in Tasmania which, naturally, would be very important to me. The only thing that worries me a little is learning to drive on the left side of the road. Haha, maybe I would do well to look into putting a big sign on my car that says, “Warning – American Driving!!!”
If anyone has any thoughts, questions, suggestions or ideas, I would welcome hearing them.
Anita
My husband & I are considering a move in 2014 to Tassie.
We live in regional QLD and just want to experience some different living and job prospects. We are 44 & 49 years of age and hoping to maybe get into the tourism industry (frontline customer service for me) and my husband is up for anything. He’s an electrician by trade but worked in QC for the past 14 years. I have a background in phlebotomy but hoping to make a real change and experience some different job opportunities.
We would like to move to a quiet pretty area with people who embrace and appreciate life.
Any suggestions are very welcome.
Hi,
I am very curious as to how Marie and her Husband are going? They have a similar family setup and ideals for their new home/life that we do so I have been following this post and all comments with ardent interest 🙂
Cheers, Emma.
Hi there Could anyone tel me where most of the scots people live in Tasmania THank you
Hi there, My name is Siobhann, my husband Sean and I emigrated to Australia 11 years ago and we have been living in a wee town called Oakey just outside of Toowoomba. I work for a Federal government department and have been seeking a transfer to Tasmania. My husband is a welder/boiler maker and he has concerns that he may not find work there. Our only child is 21 and goes to Uni back in the UK so we don’t need to worry about schools. Could anyone provide any advice around welding job opportunities in the Hobart region? Tasmania looks awesome and I’m really eager to move…. thanks in advance for any advice 🙂
My husband and I and our 4 kids are looking at relocating to Tasmania from Brisbane. Does anyone have any sound advice on schools? We want a rural location but within easy access to schools and afterschool activities. Preferably where we can see water. Do most schools only go to Year 10 then on to 11 and 12 at a different school? What are the public schools like? Years they are going into this year are Yr 1, Yr 5 and Yr 6. Ideally I would like to send them all to the same school. Thank you!
Hi Melinda
As this article was published 2+ years ago, we’ll share your question via our Facebook forum timeslot (6pm) this week and call for reader opinion. Good luck with the proposed move… hope everything works out well for you.
Regards, Tania
PS this year, there will be trials introduced in some regional public schools, keeping years 11 & 12 students at high school, rather than sending all to separate colleges for the final two years.
TANIA Horne , I think it is a perfect Idea to keep 11and 12 at the same school changing schools is hard and meeting new friends and losing old can make it, extra pressure the kids can to with without. I think the perfect school would be from kindergarden to year 12 .Some private schools already do this even now I am 40 I recall starting year 7 and how life charging it was. The kids of today have so much more they have to cope with.Thanking for sharing the news Tania regards from Lisa.
Hello again Melinda. Here’s a link to the conversation on Facebook, with lots of great suggestions forthcoming. All the best, Tania
looking to move to tasmania queenstown area with my 5 kids just wanting to see what other people think about moving to tasmania
I’m just wondering if any of you who have contributed to this blog have made the move and how you find it? Tazzy is beginning to lure my mind away from my far north coast NSW home: I want to live where there’s history and atmosphere, endless beaches and (mostly) warm weather is becoming bland after 16 years. I like the look of Ross in the N.E. and wonder if anyone has any feedback that they may be willing to share? I’m a writer so can live wherever takes my fancy. Thank you, Jan
Hi Jan, I lived in Tassie for 54 years before coming up to Rocky where the winters are bliss but the summer is not so good. There are so many little towns that are so beautiful in Tas. Longford and Evandale in the north, close to Launceston, are so full of history but Richmond, just north of Hobart, is amazing. Almost anywhere in between would be wonderful too, Ross is such a pretty little town. It gets quite cold in Tassie in winter but there is nothing better than to curl up in front of a wood fire. I wish you luck with your move and I have to say that I am just a little bit jealous. I would love to move back home one day in the future. Cheers Janet
Janet Mears : Have you moved back to Tassie ? Were would be better to raise three children in primary school ? we are looking in NW Tassie Devonport or Launceston areas ? will it be a complete culture shock to us QLders ? Thanks
Hi I moved to Tassie (near Launceston) from QLD 18 months ago and absolutely love it. My daughter now 14 has settled well into school and life down here, we love the climate the people and the scenery. The one thing I’m finding difficult is the lack of work. Last year to enhance my chances I returned to full time study and achieved a Cert 3 in Business and a Cert 3 in Accounts Administration with TasTAFE (wonderful organisation – great teachers!). So far this year I’ve been applying for every job I see advertised in papers on websites and more but it’s now April and no luck apart from some casual short term grape picking. I have been told that 50% of jobs here are not advertised but are through networking and word of mouth, not easy when you don’t know many people. I’m also 51 which apparently makes it more difficult also. I’m finding this very frustrating as I really want to work and would probably say to people wanting to move here that it is something you do really need to think about.
Hi, I am planning to move to Kingston, near Hobart. I absolutely love Tasmania and I know I will be happy there, but I am bit worried about finding a job. I am a music teacher, special education teacher, teacher librarian and music therapist, currently working as special ed. teacher and music therapist. I am employed full time in Sydney with Dep of Education. I need to quit this job as there is no transfer between the 2 states. And here comes my scare part. Can someone let me know , would I find casual or relief work, is there a demand for teachers? I am very experienced and very good as a teacher. I even like it:) I would really appreciate any inputs? Bea
My nationality was French but I became Australian a few years ago. i have realised my dream of moving to australia ten years ago. Tasmania is the best place in the world with lovely people, fantastic sceneries, great foods and very good weather. All the best things that the world has to offer is in Tasmania.
I see that this forum was started many years ago, but I have also read a few recent posts so I’m going to take my chances. The people leaving comments here seem so very nice.
I live in Melbourne and would really like to move to Tasmania. I have holidayed there several times and travelled throughout. I just love everything about it and have always said that I will end up retiring there one day. That day is coming up.
As I don’t need a lot of the things families require, I have a wider area to select. I would like somewhere not too small, and not to large, and have been looking at the east coast. St Helens stands out to me as it is so beautiful. I would love to hear from anyone living in St Helen who has made the move there and hear how they are settling into the community. I realise that it is a rural community and all the pros and cons that come with that and would really love to hear other peoples experiences moving there.
Thank you.
Thanks for finding us Tina! Good luck with your quest to move to Tasmania… we have never looked back. St Helens is definitely a beautiful part of the world, and we love to holiday there. It would be good to hear the perspective of residents as well. All the best, Tania
Thanks, Tania.
I hope that people will find my post at the bottom of this long page. I notice that you have posted other peoples comments on your FB page. Do you think that this might help in my quest in finding people who have made the move to St Helens so I can hear their comments?
By the way, this forum is a fabulous idea. I really hope that it helps me.
Tina, we can certainly post your question to our Facebook page if you follow us there too. Will copy and paste for tonight at 6pm. Again, good luck. Cheers, Tania
Many thanks, Tania. I have just seen the FB post. Fingers crossed I will hear from someone who has moved to St Helens.
I will keep returning to this page as well.
Cheers!
~ Tina