I just bought plane tickets yesterday, and now I am flying to Australia to live for 5 months with my girlfriend who is currently studying there. We will live in the Newcastle area, and possibly Sydney eventually. Has anybody been there, any advice on finding a house, getting food, or just everyday life?

I am flying out on June 4th.

Sounds like fun, Tony!

Whisper should be out of jail soon to offer advice.

Good for you mate you'll have a great time. Ive been twice to Australia.

The first time i stopped in Brisbane for 5 weeks where i stayed with my brother and i went to Sydney for 1 week.

And the 2nd time i went for 8 months travelling all around the landmarks and cities and also met my g/f out there and we now live together and are very happy.

Lets us know how you get on.

A guy with whom my sister works (who I know) is emigrating there with his wife; she got a doctor's promotion to work over there - apparently there's a staff shortage or something.

I had a girlfriend last year from Brisbane!

Everyone, of course, knows the real Newcastle is this one.

Good luck! An exciting prospect indeed.

Sounds very exciting, Tony.

I have never been there, and have no advice to offer. However, I would definitely recommend a book that our good friend Plawrence once loaned me. It's In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson. It's all about his travels through Australia, and it is obvious that he loves the country. It is also wonderfully funny.

I lived in Manely thats just outside of sydney for about 4 months it's a great place.If you are going to the beach i strongly suggest manley beach rather than Bondhi also the race track at sydney is a great day out.

And if you are going out at night then in my opinion Kings Cross is the place to be

Sounds like a great adventure

I'm very envious!

I thank everybody for the advice they have given me!

And I've looked up this book, SB, it looks like they have it at our public library, so I plan on checking it out.

Definitely do, Tony. It was a great read, and very informative. You can actually read the first few pages on Amazon.com if you want.

Spoken like the true head of a gangster message board.

I have read a few of Bryson's books SB and he is a funny guy

I like his books and he can be pretty funny. Of all his books, though, In a Sunburned Country is my favorite.

So you're going to live in Newcastle huh? haha funny I got a few mates up that way. Al of of them have moved down to Melbourne though. Newcastle is a pretty decent place. There are some rough areas, but because your not in that "scene" you'll love it there. It's mostly just Aussies. What I mean is that about 80% of the people there are Australians. Not much diversity in race.

Sydney is a great City. A lot of shit goes on there. I would choose Sydney over Newcastle any day.

You should check out my city, Melbourne. A bit more rough and rugged, but it's a smaller New York. More people, more culture, more things to do and see.

Have fun.

My wife and I would like to visit Australia. I've joked about moving there because everyone speaks English and nobody hates Australia....

Somebody,somewhere must hate them......

What about New Zealanders?

They are the welsh equivelent


sheep shaggers

SB: Have a good start on that book. So far it's a good read, and the author has a way of keeping the pages turning. I love the way he writes, and his sense of humor. Plus, he's a fellow Iowan, so his point of view and references give me something to relate to. Thanks for the recommendation!

Whisper: I really hope my girlfriend has her finals not long after I get there, because after she does, and has no reason to be in Newcastle, I could see us moving to Sydney for the rest of our stay, not only because of the size and what not, but also because of the supply of places to live. And although we may stay in one city doesn't mean we wouldn't travel to see more. I appreciate your insight, and the best of regards to you on the inside.

Hey T.B.

Sydney is a great place. A beautiful city and a lot of stuff to keep you busy.

Newcastle is nice, don't get me wrong, but Sydney is the place to be if your in that part of Australia.

Glad you're enjoying it. It's a fun book, and has lots of details about the country.