Moving to Australia

What to Expect When Moving to Australia

Australia is a land of contrasts — vast coastlines meet rugged mountains, vibrant cities sit alongside quiet country towns, and every region offers a distinct way of life. Whether you’re drawn to the golden beaches, the fresh mountain air, or the cultural buzz of urban hubs, Australia promises a lifestyle as diverse as its landscapes.

As you prepare for your move, imagine settling into a welcoming, multicultural community where people from all over the world have come to call home. Life here isn’t just about the sunshine and barbecues — though you’ll find plenty of both — it’s about discovering new adventures every day.

From weekend hikes through ancient bushland, to cheering crowds at cricket matches, to exploring galleries that celebrate Australia’s rich cultural heritage — there is truly something here for everyone.

Deciding where to begin your Australian journey might feel overwhelming — the country is roughly the size of Europe, with options ranging from bustling cities to peaceful outback towns. But wherever you choose, you’ll find a country ready to welcome you.

And as you take the first steps to call Australia home, Palmers Relocations will be with you every step of the way — making your move smooth, safe, and as exciting as the new life that awaits.

Best Places to Live in Australia:

Australia offers an incredible variety of cities — each with its own unique lifestyle, opportunities, and charms. Whether you prioritise career growth, family-friendly communities, cultural richness, or a relaxed pace of life, there’s a place here that will feel like home.

Here’s a snapshot of some of Australia’s top cities to live and work in 2025:

• Melbourne – Australia’s Cultural Hub
  Known for its dynamic arts scene, world-class festivals, and diverse culinary experiences, Melbourne continues to shine as the nation’s cultural capital. With a thriving creative community and residents from all over the globe, it’s a city that celebrates diversity. Don’t forget the weather—Melbourne’s famously changeable climate keeps life interesting!

• Sydney – The Economic Powerhouse
  Australia’s largest city remains a magnet for job seekers and students alike, offering a broad range of industries and world-renowned universities. Sydney’s iconic landmarks and vibrant lifestyle make it an exciting place to live, though it comes with a premium cost of living.

• Canberra – Ideal for Families
  As the nation’s capital, Canberra boasts excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and abundant green spaces. With its strong focus on culture and community, it’s a city where families can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life.

• Adelaide – Affordable Lifestyle and Great Food
  Offering a balance of city conveniences and a relaxed atmosphere, Adelaide is known for its accessible housing market, growing job opportunities, and vibrant food and wine scene.

• Brisbane – City Meets Nature
  Brisbane’s subtropical climate, combined with its proximity to beautiful beaches and national parks, offers residents an enviable balance of urban living and outdoor adventure.

• Hobart – Charm and Affordability
  Tasmania’s capital city attracts those seeking a slower pace and cooler climate, with growing arts and food scenes complementing its natural beauty.

• Perth – Sunshine and Space
  Perth continues to attract residents with its warm weather, expansive parks, and strong economy, particularly in mining and technology sectors.

Choosing the right city is a personal decision — one that depends on your priorities and dreams. Wherever you decide to settle, Palmers Relocations is here to help make your move smooth and successful.

Brisbane

There are multiple things to know before moving to Australia:

Moving to Australia is an exciting journey — but there are important things to keep in mind before you pack your bags and start your new life down under.

Visa Essentials
If you hold an Australian or New Zealand passport, you can enter Australia without a visa. For everyone else, having the right visa before you travel is crucial. Without a valid visa, you risk being denied entry at the airport — and your household goods won’t clear customs, which could lead to costly storage fees or even having your belongings sent back. To avoid surprises, make sure you understand the visa type and conditions that apply to you. The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs is the best place to find up-to-date information.

Understanding Your Visa Conditions
Once you arrive, it’s essential to know the specific conditions of your visa. Some visas limit working rights or have other requirements, and failing to meet these can lead to cancellation. Staying informed will help you settle smoothly and make the most of your time in Australia.

Healthcare in Australia — Peace of Mind for Your Wellbeing
Australia boasts one of the world’s leading healthcare systems. Citizens and permanent residents benefit from Medicare — a public health insurance program covering visits to doctors, specialists, hospital stays, and prescription medicines.

For most temporary visa holders, private health insurance is required. While it’s an additional expense, it offers peace of mind in case of emergencies or medical needs. Many visa types require proof of health coverage as part of their conditions to work, live, or study here.

Customs and Quarantine

Australia has some of the strictest customs and quarantine regulations in the world. Whether you’re moving with just a suitcase or shipping your entire household, it’s essential to understand what you can and can’t bring in. It’s essential to understand what you can and can’t bring in. You can find helpful guidance on importing personal belongings in this Australian Border Force resource on Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPEs).

At Palmers Relocations, we help you navigate these complex rules so you can avoid delays, fines, or even confiscation of your goods. 

Quarantine

Australia’s unique environment — home to rare flora, fauna, and massive agriculture industries — is protected by some of the world’s toughest biosecurity laws. Even everyday items like furniture, shoes, garden tools, or food can pose a risk if they carry pests, soil, seeds, or diseases.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) works to protect the country’s natural and economic assets. Bringing in prohibited or contaminated items can result in delays, additional treatment costs, disposal fees, or fines. To help, we’ve included a general list of what’s not allowed or what may require treatment.

Items that are not allowed to be imported:

• • Items with seeds (e.g. dried flowers, pine cones in Christmas decorations)

  • Raw or untreated timber

  • Certain animal products, including skins

  • Food such as:

    • Eggs and egg products

    • Dairy products

    • Uncanned meat

    • Seeds and nuts

    • Fresh fruit and vegetables

  • Plants

  • Vacuum cleaner bags left inside the machine

  • Items made from endangered species

  • Illegal weapons, drugs, and restricted substances

Items That Must Be Declared and Will Be Inspected:

• Outdoor tools or garden furniture

• Bicycles, scooters, rollerblades

• Golf clubs

• Rattan, bamboo, or antique furniture

• Lawn mowers

• Plant pots

Tip: Items must be free of dirt, soil, pests, and plant matter. For example, pet beds and scratching posts must be cleaned thoroughly — ideally using Virkon — to avoid quarantine holds. If not, treatment may be required upon arrival.

Firearms, Hunting Gear, and Ammunition 

Importing guns or hunting equipment requires special permits and documentation. This is a sensitive area, and non-compliance can lead to seizure and legal penalties. For details on regulations and how to apply for permits, visit the official Australian Border Force firearms import page.

Customs Clearance

Customs is responsible for managing Australia’s borders, preventing illegal imports, and ensuring biosecurity laws are upheld. It works closely with AQIS and other international agencies.

Some items must be declared even if they are allowed. Failing to declare can lead to penalties or refusal of entry for your goods.

Our team at Palmers Relocations can assist you through every step of the clearance process to ensure your goods are processed correctly and with minimal delays.

For official information, refer to the Australian Border Force website.

Moving to Australia with Pets

Australia is a fantastic place for pets, with plenty of open parks, dog-friendly beaches, and outdoor spaces where your furry friends can explore and play alongside you. But behind this pet-friendly lifestyle lies a strong commitment to protecting Australia’s unique environment. Strict biosecurity regulations are in place to keep the local plants and wildlife safe from pests and diseases.

Bringing your pet into Australia means meeting detailed import and quarantine requirements — it can feel complicated, but it’s essential to follow the rules to ensure your pet’s safe arrival and wellbeing.

To help you navigate this process, we provide step-by-step guidance tailored to different countries, so you know exactly what’s required for your pet’s journey.

At Palmers, we understand how important your pet is to your family. That’s why we offer full door-to-door pet relocation services both within Australia and internationally. Partnering with a trusted pet relocation specialist with over 30 years of experience, we guarantee premium care and attention for your beloved companion every step of the way.

Shipping Your Vehicle to Australia

Moving your vehicle from your home country to Australia can be a smooth part of your relocation journey with Palmers by your side. Our door-to-door moving service includes the option to ship your car or other vehicles alongside your household goods, making the transition even easier.

Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the vehicle import process — explaining the requirements, helping you complete the necessary forms, and ensuring you understand all conditions involved. For official details, the Australian Government’s import and approval request information is available here.

Preparing your vehicle for inspection is a crucial part of the journey. We’ll help you make sure it meets quarantine standards — including clearance from asbestos — so it can be released without delay. Once your vehicle arrives, passes inspection, and clears quarantine, we’ll walk you through the next steps to get it legally registered and on Australian roads.

Keep in mind that duties and GST apply to all vehicle imports, so our team will also help you understand these costs upfront, so there are no surprises.

With Palmers handling the details, your vehicle’s journey can be as hassle-free as possible, leaving you free to enjoy your new life in Australia.

Drivers Licence

If you’re moving to Australia as a temporary or permanent resident, you can usually drive using your overseas licence for up to three months—some states allow up to six months. During this time, it’s important to visit your local transport service centre to transfer your overseas licence to an Australian driver’s licence.

The requirements for transferring your licence vary depending on the country where it was issued. In some cases, you may need to pass a knowledge or driving test to complete the process.

For detailed information and state-specific requirements, you can find more guidance here.