Montreal-Sydney

Hello !

My husband & just moved to Sydney & we were looking to meet a few other Canadians.
Any suggestions where we could find some cannucks?

Montreal

I'm a canuck and just moved to Sydney myself! I don't know where to find other Canadians either! So if I find some more I'll let you know!! There should be a canadian hostel here!! I was actually just going to go down to the consulate soon, for info and to find out where I can meet some other canadians!

Did you guys find anyone in the Sydney area yet?
I am in Brisbane but know someone in the Sydney area that may be able to show you around some.
Let me know through this board if you might be interested.
Later, Luke

Would any of you mind sharing your relocation experience from Canada to Australia?

Any advice would be appreciated, particularily on things like:
1. shipping furniture to Aust. (is it worth it)
2. finding an apartment (is it true refrigerators are not included)
3. where to find a refrigerator and what can I expect to pay
4. other things that surprised you once you reached Australia.

Many thanks!
RVC

Ok folks. not to sound like a wanker or anything but you just moved FROM Canada to a NEW country and you want to find Canadians? Seriously. why? I understand the move can be lonely but you'll get jobs and settle in and all will be well. My advice (not that you asked for it): Avoid fellow Canucks as best as you can and just get involved in the new culture. Go out and buy a burger with the lot and reflect on how awesome it is that you are here in Australia.

I've done a fair bit of traveling around the world and it always surprises how many people actually travel to only try and find the things they left behind at home.

I've never understood that.

Good luck with your transitions!

if you're on FaceBook...

search for Canadians in Sydney/Oz groups. There's a few. They meet for hockey games on TV at certain pubs and other get togethers

Too funny how any event involving Canadians meeting in Australia seems to revolve around hockey. I am from Toronto and do like hockey but I find it hilarious that we travel across the country and the main way we relate socially to other Canadians is watching ice hockey.

Hi RVC,

I am a Canadian living in Newcastle, it is a smallish city about 2 hours north of Sydney. It has AMAZING beaches and lack of tourists and reasonable cost of living, but is kind of small and has NO down town area. I have been here for 1.5 years and moved for my Australia Hubby, who I can hopefully convince to move to Canada once I have also convinced him that winter and snow isn't so bad. Anyways here is my advice.

1. shipping furniture to Aust. (is it worth it)
-- Didn't ship ANYTHING, don't think it is worth it. If you are going to be here forever then sell all non sentimentals items and store the rest. Every time I go home I bring back a suitcase of stuff.

2. finding an apartment (is it true refrigerators are not included)
It is TRUE refrigerators are not included, neither are washers and dryers (don't really need one of these).

3. where to find a refrigerator and what can I expect to pay
You can find them at big box stores like at home or second hand in the classifieds exactly like you would in Canada. The price is anywhere from 100 up depending on condition etc...

4. other things that surprised you once you reached Australia.
- How laid back people are...no one is in a hurry to plan anything.
- Cost of living is a bit higher than in Canada....
-$18 AUD for 12 doughnuts
-$3.50 AUD on average for a coffee
- Tax and tip are included in everything everywhere so although when you eat out prices might seem high remember you are not multiplying the bill by 30%. Which I LOVE.
- Hard to find chain restaurants it is all about the entrepreneur. Which can be good and bad...service is sometimes HORRIBLE and you rarely get your bill comp'ed if your food is bad.

In general our countries are pretty alike...once you spend al long time here though you will notice that little things are different. Sometimes they will drive you insane and sometimes not bother you at all.

Good luck