DirectEmigreren
Chapter 1 of 15

Why Australia?

Lifestyle, climate, economy, pros and cons, distance from the Netherlands

Summary

Australia has attracted ambitious Dutch emigrants for decades with its unmatched combination of lifestyle, space, and economic opportunity. The country offers a stable economy (over 30 years without recession until 2020), a high average income, spectacular nature, and an outdoor lifestyle that stands in stark contrast to Dutch life. But emigrating to Australia is not extending a holiday: the distance is enormous (24+ hours flying), the visa process is strict and points-based, and the cost of living — especially housing — ranks among the highest in the world. This chapter helps you determine whether Australia is truly the right fit.

What you need to know

Climate

Australia spans an entire continent with enormous climate variations. The north (Queensland, Northern Territory) is tropical with wet and dry seasons. The east coast (Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast) has subtropical to temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Melbourne and the south have four distinct seasons, comparable to southern France but with unpredictable weather changes. Perth on the west coast has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Adelaide is similar to Perth but slightly cooler. For Dutch people, the difference is dramatic: Sydney averages 2,600 sunshine hours per year compared to 1,650 in the Netherlands. Winters are mild (10-18°C in most cities), making an outdoor lifestyle possible year-round. Note: the seasons are reversed — December is summer, July is winter.

🔒

Read the full chapter

This is a preview. Buy the complete guide to receive all 15 chapters as PDF.

Buy — €29.95
Next chapter

2. Regions and Cities

Buy the full guide

Complete Emigration Guide Australia

Buy — €29.95

Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • TFN (Tax File Number)

    The Australian tax number. Essential for working (otherwise 47% tax is withheld), opening a bank account and superannuation. Apply at the ATO after arrival.

  • Medicare (Australia)

    The Australian public healthcare system. Covers GP visits, hospital care and medicines (via PBS). The Netherlands has an agreement with Australia — you can access Medicare with your EHIC.

  • Superannuation (Super)

    The Australian mandatory pension savings. Your employer deposits 11.5% of your salary into a super fund. You can choose your super fund. When leaving Australia you can (partially) claim your super back.

  • ABN (Australian Business Number)

    The Australian business number for self-employed and businesses. Free to apply for. Without an ABN, 47% no-ABN withholding tax is withheld on payments.

  • Centrelink (Government Services)

    The Australian government service for social benefits: unemployment, child benefit, care allowances. Access via myGov. Wait times are notoriously long.

  • ATO (Australian Taxation Office)

    The Australian tax office. Tax year runs from July 1 to June 30. Returns due by October 31 (or later via a tax agent). Many Australians use a tax agent.

  • Skilled Visa (subclass 189/190/491)

    The main visa categories for skilled migrants. 189 = independent, 190 = state-nominated, 491 = regional. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List.

  • PAYG (Pay As You Go)

    The Australian payroll tax system: your employer withholds tax directly. As a self-employed person you pay PAYG instalments (quarterly prepayments).

  • PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)

    The Australian medicine subsidy program. Subsidizes medicine costs. With Medicare you pay maximum ~$31 per prescription (or ~$7.70 with concession card).

  • myGov (Government Portal)

    The central online portal for Australian government services: ATO, Medicare, Centrelink. Comparable to MijnOverheid.nl. Create an account as soon as you have a TFN.

Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsLogin