Moving to Australia from the UK: Your Practical 2026 Relocation Guide

If you’re seriously considering moving to Australia from the UK, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, curiosity, and slight overwhelm, and that’s completely normal.

Australia is a hugely popular destination for UK expats, but it’s also far away, bureaucratic at times, and very different in ways you might not expect.

This guide is designed to feel like your starting playbook: whether you’re just exploring or actively planning your move.

We’ll walk through visas, everyday life differences, schooling, shipping, storage, pets, and how to structure your relocation so it feels doable, not daunting.

TL;DR: The smartest way to approach moving to Australia from the UK

• Start planning at least 3–6 months in advance ⏳
• Sort your visa first: everything else depends on it
• Use storage to keep your move flexible while you finalise housing and paperwork 📦
• Consider shared container (groupage) if you’re not shipping your whole home at once 🚢
• Research schools and housing early if you’re moving with children 🎒
• Plan your pet move well in advance (this can take months) 🐾
• Work with an experienced relocation partner to manage timelines, paperwork, and shipping 🤝

If you remember nothing else: early planning = more options, less stress.

Step 1: Visas: the foundation of your move 🧑‍💼

Before you do anything else, you need to understand your visa options. Australia has a structured, points-based immigration system that can be strict, slow, and paperwork-heavy.

Common visa routes for UK citizens

Here are the most relevant options for many people moving to Australia from the UK:

1. Skilled visas (points-based)
   These are for professionals in occupations that Australia needs. You’ll usually need:

• A relevant qualification
• Work experience in your field
• A certain number of points based on age, skills, and English ability

🔗 More on skilled visas:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect

2. Employer-sponsored visas
   If an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you, this can be a strong route, especially for in-demand professions.

🔗 Employer-sponsored visa info:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/work

3. Family or partner visas
   If you’re moving to join a spouse or close family member, this could be your best option.

🔗 Family visa information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/join-family

4. Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
   A popular option for younger adults (typically 18–35), allowing you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with possible extensions.

🔗 Working Holiday Visa (and other relevant visa) details:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder

💡 Key takeaway: Do NOT book flights, resign from your job, or ship belongings until your visa is approved. Processing times can be unpredictable.

Step 2: Understanding life in Australia (what’s actually different?) 🇦🇺

A lot of people assume Australia will feel like “the UK but warmer.” In some ways, yes, in others, very much no.

Healthcare (Medicare vs NHS)

Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare, which is broadly similar in principle to the NHS but structured differently.

UK citizens may be eligible for some healthcare under a reciprocal agreement, depending on your visa and circumstances. However, many expats still take out private health insurance to avoid waiting times or cover extras like dental and optical care

🔗 Here’s more information you will need to know about healthcare in Australia!

👉 What this means for you: Don’t assume everything will be free. Budget for possible private healthcare costs.

Cost of living (spoiler: it varies a lot)

Living costs in Australia can be high, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, but they’re different rather than universally “more expensive.”

• Groceries and imported goods can be pricier
• Rent in major cities is often higher than in many UK areas
• Utilities can be cheaper in some regions
• Petrol is generally cheaper than in the UK

🔗 Use this free cost of living comparison tool to compare your home city to the one you’re thinking about moving to!

👉 What this means for you: Your budget should be city-specific, not “Australia-wide.”

Step 4: Storage: your secret weapon for a smoother move 🔐

Storage is often overlooked: but it’s one of the smartest tools when moving to Australia from the UK.

You might need storage if:

• Your visa is approved but housing isn’t
• You want to ship essentials first and decide later about the rest
• You’re downsizing before your move
• You want to avoid rushing decisions

Short-term storage is great for transitions, while long-term storage works well if you’re unsure about your future plans.

👉 Why this matters: Storage = flexibility, less stress, and better decision-making.

Step 5: Schools: what UK families need to know 📚

If you’re moving with children, understanding Australian schools is crucial, and this is where things can look quite different from the UK.

Public (state) schools in Australia

• Funded by the government
• Generally free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, but temporary visa holders may need to pay fees
• Places are often based on catchment areas, meaning where you live matters
• Most are co-educational

🔗 More about public schools

Private schools in Australia

• Charge tuition fees (sometimes significant)
• May offer:
  • Smaller class sizes
  • Better facilities
  • Religious education
  • International curricula (e.g. IB)

Unlike in the UK, many Australian private schools receive some government funding, but they are still largely fee-based.

🔗 More about private schools

School calendar differences

Unlike the UK, the Australian school year runs roughly January to December, not September to July.

👉 What this means for your move:
If you move mid-year, your child might join in the middle of a term, or you might time your relocation for January to align with the new academic year.

🔗 Australian school year explained

Step 6: Housing in Australia 🏡

Housing markets vary dramatically by city:

• Sydney & Melbourne are competitive and expensive
• Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth tend to be more affordable
• Many expats initially opt for short-term rental while they get to know areas

Key factors to consider:

• Commute times
• School catchment areas
• Public transport access
• Lifestyle (beach vs city vs suburbs)

👉 Why storage helps here: If your housing search takes longer than expected, your belongings can be safely stored while you decide.

A smart, phased way to move to Australia from the UK 🧭

Instead of doing everything at once, many people take this approach:

1. Store non-essential items in the UK
2. Ship essentials via groupage
3. Secure housing and schools in Australia
4. Arrange final delivery once settled

This spreads costs, reduces stress, and gives you more control.

Why working with a relocation expert makes life easier 🤝

An experienced provider like Crown Relocations can help with:

• Visa coordination
• Shipping and storage planning
• Packing and transit protection
• Pet relocation
• Customs documentation
• Delivery and unpacking in Australia

You’re not just moving belongings: you’re building a new life.

Ready to start planning your move to Australia from the UK?

If moving to Australia from the UK is on your radar, the best thing you can do is start planning early, even if your move is still months away.

Crown Relocations can help you map out a flexible, practical relocation plan that fits your timeline, budget, and lifestyle.