This blog post is all about why I moved to Australia from the UK.
I’ve always been the type of person who just goes for it. No matter how big the leap.
When I was deciding where to go to university, I picked Liverpool without ever visiting.
The same thing happened after I graduated and moved to New York. No prior trip, no detailed research, just sheer excitement and a willingness to embrace change.
It’s a pattern I’ve repeated a few times in my life, and the latest iteration might be the biggest one yet: quitting my job in London—which, by the way, I really loved—and I moved to Australia without ever having set foot there.
Moving to Places I’ve Never Been Before
You might be thinking, “That’s insane!” but hear me out.
This is my story about why London never felt like home, why I moved to Australia over other possible destinations, and what finally drove me to pack up and jet off to the other side of the world.
If you’re reading this and have a similar itch for change—especially if you’re living in the UK, Ireland, or anywhere else—perhaps my story will spark something in you, too.
And if you’d like to keep up with how the move is going, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch the weekly Australia vlogs as I take you through what it’s like to move here on a Working Holiday Visa.
My London Years: Placement to Full-Time
Placement Year Flashback
A few years ago, I lived in London for a placement year. Back then, I was a wide-eyed student thrilled to be working in a city I’d always heard so much about.
London, the buzzing heart of the UK, where everything supposedly happened. I was placed at a beauty company that handled luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry, which felt like an absolute dream to someone who loved fashion and wanted to break into the communications industry.
The city initially dazzled me: the bright lights, the busy tubes, the after-work drinks.
There’s a sense of anything is possible floating around central London that can be intoxicating, especially when you’re young.
But as time wore on, I noticed something creeping under my skin. The city felt cold (not just literally, though the weather didn’t help). People on the tube didn’t smile or make eye contact. Nights out could be fun, but there was always this tinge of isolation, a feeling that I wasn’t really home.
RELATED blog post to read: The Highs and Lows of My Placement Year
Returning to the Same Company
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself back in London, working for the same company I’d been with on my placement year.
On paper, it was an ideal scenario. I’d earned my degree, gained some experience elsewhere, and returned to a team and industry I genuinely adored—PR for luxury brands.
I loved my job, my team, and the prestige of working on campaigns for iconic names like Gucci and Burberry. Each day presented new challenges in brand strategy, influencer relations, and event planning. It ticked all the career boxes I’d ever wanted to check.
But while I was career-happy, the city still didn’t click for me on a personal level. It felt like trying to fit a puzzle piece into the wrong spot. No matter how hard I pushed or adjusted, it wouldn’t settle into place.
There’s no denying London’s energy and opportunities, but for me, it just never felt like a place I could call home.
RELATED blog post to read: Reflecting on the Year I Was 26
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.
📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Australia with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
👩🏻💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
Why London Never Felt Like Home
The Loneliness Factor
I think a lot of people idolise London as this exciting hub where you’re constantly surrounded by new friends, lively pubs, and endless events.
And that can be true—for some people. But for me, it often felt like I was alone in a crowd.
I’d travel on the tube each morning with hundreds of other commuters, yet barely exchange a word.
After work, I’d pass bustling bars and cafés, but it always felt transient, like people were just passing through rather than forming real connections.
RELATED blog post to read: Why London Still Isn’t Home
The Pace and the Pressure
There’s also the unrelenting pace of London life—fast, demanding, and expensive. While I loved the adrenaline in short bursts, it wore me down over the long haul.
I’d spend ages commuting across the city, and by the time I got home, I was often too drained to go out and enjoy the nightlife or see friends who lived in entirely different zones.
Weekends were crammed full of trying to do laundry, grocery shopping, and maybe one fun activity—if I had the energy.
Never Quite “Warming” to It
London just never made me feel settled. I couldn’t see myself putting down roots there, buying a place, or even raising a family one day.
I know plenty of people who feel the absolute opposite, swearing London is the only place they’ll ever live.
But I always knew, deep down, that I was destined to move on.
RELATED blog post to read: Five Things I Don’t Miss About Living in London
Making Another Big Leap: Leaving London
My History of Big Moves
As I mentioned, I went to university in Liverpool without a single open day or campus visit. Then I moved to New York for a year, again sight unseen.
It’s just how I operate: I make these major life decisions on instinct and am not afraid to go in blind.
I’m aware this approach isn’t for everyone, but it’s worked out well for me so far. There’s a certain thrill in the unknown, in discovering a place from scratch.
So, when the idea of leaving London started swirling around my mind, I wasn’t about to spend months deliberating.
I began researching places that might suit me better—cities with job opportunities, a solid culture, and (ideally) some sunshine and a more relaxed pace of life.
RELATED blog post to read: Start Spreading the News… I’m Moving to New York City!
Potential Destinations: Dubai, Canada, and Australia
I considered Dubai for its bustling business scene and guaranteed warm weather, and I also looked into Canada, drawn by its natural beauty and reputation for friendly locals.
Australia, though, kept appearing on my radar. I’d met heaps of Aussies in my travels, and their stories of laid-back coastal living, incredible beaches, and friendly communities had always piqued my curiosity.
I also wanted to find somewhere with a visa that accommodated my age group and background—some place I could move before it was “too late,” and do so without endless paperwork or impossible eligibility criteria.
RELATED blog post to read: How to Visit Dubai On A Budget: 15 Top Tips
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book tours, museums, activities and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like sunrise kayaks, entry tickets and more
- Sunrise Kayak at Sydney Harbor: an early start but one of the best things to do in Sydney
- Blue Mountains: book your day trip to the Blue Mountains with ease
- Viator: use Viator to book tours and transport to other destinations across Australia
🏨 Hostelworld
Book your hostel accommodation in Australia with Hostelworld, the most reliable hostel site.
🏍️ International Driving License
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🚘 GetRentaCar.com
We’ve used GetRentaCar to rent cars for day trips and road trips before and highly recommend it for ease and great rates to keep your road trip budget-friendly.
Narrowing Down the Options: Canada vs. Australia
Visa Considerations
Both Canada and Australia offer relatively favourable working holiday visas (or similar programmes) for people under a certain age threshold.
In Canada, it’s the International Experience Canada (IEC) programme; in Australia, the Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are options, depending on your nationality.
- Canada: Generally requires you to be between 18 and 30 (sometimes 35, depending on your home country). You also need proof of funds, a police certificate, and a relatively straightforward application process.
- Australia: Requires you to be between 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries), along with proof of funds (usually around $5,000 AUD). You can also extend your stay if you complete specified regional work.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada
Pros:
- Stunning natural scenery, from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast.
- Highly regarded quality of life, healthcare, and social systems.
- Friendly, polite culture. Canadians are famously hospitable.
- Great for winter sports: skiing, ice skating, snowboarding.
Cons:
- Harsh winters, especially if you’re used to milder climates.
- Job markets can vary regionally. Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are pricey, and competition can be tough.
- Could be quite similar in pace to a London or big city environment (particularly in Toronto or Vancouver).
Pros and Cons of Moving to Australia
Pros:
- Warmer climate (for the most part) and plenty of sunny days.
- Outdoor-oriented lifestyle, with beaches, barbecues, and coastal walks.
- High minimum wage, which helps offset the higher cost of living.
- Easy to travel around the country and explore different landscapes (rainforests, Outback, reef, cities, beaches).
Cons:
- Distance from home—Australia is literally on the other side of the world, which can be daunting and expensive for flights.
- Higher cost of living in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
- Need to be mindful of the visa’s requirements (like regional work, if you plan to extend your Working Holiday Visa).
When weighing these up, Australia won for me and so, I moved to Australia. I craved the sunshine, the beach lifestyle, and a completely new environment.
Canada is absolutely stunning, but I felt it might not offer the same kind of change I was looking for—especially if I ended up in a big city that mirrored the hustle of London.
And yes, the weather was a big factor: trading the cold, damp winters of the UK for Aussie summers sounded far too good to pass up.
Why I Moved to Australia
The Climate and Lifestyle Pull
I’d be lying if I said the warm climate didn’t play a huge role in my decision. I mean, who wouldn’t want to swap grey skies for sunshine, beaches, and the possibility of surfing in the mornings before work?
Australians are known for their work-life balance, often finishing up earlier in the afternoon or enjoying flexible hours that allow them to make the most of the daylight.
After years of late commutes in London, that sounded like paradise.
RELATED blog post to read: We’ve Moved to Sydney, Australia: New Location Unlocked
Easier Path for Working Holiday Makers
Australia has some of the most famous Working Holiday Visa programmes in the world.
If you meet the age requirements, it’s relatively straightforward to get a year-long (or even two- or three-year, if you complete certain regional work) visa that allows you to work casually or even full-time across multiple industries.
This freedom appealed to me as I wasn’t 100% sure what I’d do upon arrival—maybe continue in PR, or try my hand at hospitality or retail for a while. The point was, I’d have options.
RELATED blog post to read: Australia Working Holiday Visa: Everything You Need to Know
The Call of Adventure
When I told my friends and family I was quitting my job—yes, the one with Gucci and Burberry campaigns—and moved to Australia, they thought I’d lost my mind.
But I can’t emphasise enough how strong the call of adventure was.
I genuinely believe life’s too short to stay somewhere you don’t feel fulfilled. And for me, London just wasn’t it.
If You’re Feeling the Same Way…
Maybe you’re reading this from a damp flat in the UK, or you’re in Ireland feeling like your hometown has become too small, or perhaps you’re elsewhere in Europe or even the States, wanting a massive change of scenery.
Trust me when I say: you can do it.
It might be scary to leave a stable job or move thousands of miles away from friends and family, but it can also be the most liberating thing you ever do.
Introducing Welcome to Travel
If you’re leaning towards Australia, let me introduce a resource that can really help: Welcome to Travel.
They offer packages designed specifically for travellers and newcomers, helping you settle in, see the sights, and get a quick feel for what Aussie life is all about.
You’ll meet other people in the same boat as you—recent arrivals who are just as excited (and possibly anxious) about making this new country their home.
They sort out essential details like orientation, helping you set up a bank account, getting your Tax File Number, and generally ensuring you don’t feel lost.
You’ll visit iconic spots, have group activities, and form friendships with people you might otherwise never meet.
RELATED blog post to read: Welcome To Travel: Reasons To Tour Australia When You Land
Snag a Welcome to Travel Discount
I’m happy to share that I’ve partnered with Welcome to Travel, which means I can offer you some discount codes on their travel and tour packages.
Just use the below codes at checkout to redeem the discount:
- $50 AUD discount for any Welcome tours: ORLAGHCLAIRE
- $100 AUD discount for the 30-day Welcome to Travel East Coast tour: ECORLAGHCLAIRE
- $150 AUD discount for any of the Welcome to Travel Travel Packages: PKGORLAGHCLAIRE
You’ll save a good chunk of money, which you can then spend on Aussie coffee, beach trips, or maybe your first surf lesson. It’s a win-win.
Was Australia the Right Choice?
I’m still getting used to the idea that I actually did it. I left my London PR job, packed my bags, hopped on a plane and moved to Australia without ever visiting first.
The journey so far has been thrilling, challenging, and yes, sometimes a little overwhelming.
But every time I catch sight of the beach at sunrise or join a spontaneous weekend road trip with new friends, I’m reminded why I took the leap.
- Work-Life Balance: I’ve swapped the frantic London commute for earlier finishes and a chance to enjoy the sunshine.
- Friendlier Atmosphere: It might just be the sun or the coastal breeze, but people here seem more open and relaxed.
- New Opportunities: I’m still open to PR work in Australia (and it’s definitely possible), but I also love the idea of trying something different—maybe a beachfront café job or a stint in the tourism sector.
Leaving London was not about running away from a bad career—I genuinely loved my job. It was about recognising that location matters.
Sometimes you can’t truly thrive in your work or personal life if the environment around you doesn’t fit your personality.
If you’re feeling that restlessness, that sense that your city—or your current situation—just isn’t clicking, maybe this is your sign.
Whether it’s Australia, Canada, or somewhere else entirely, taking the plunge can be life-changing in all the best ways.
And if you do head to or have moved to Australia, don’t forget to check out Welcome to Travel for a ready-made support network and a discount that will help you settle in style.
Take Own Leap of Faith
Moving across the world isn’t for everyone, and it certainly has its risks. But if you’re someone who can’t shake off that desire for a different life—maybe a place with more sunshine, a friendlier vibe, or just a more relaxed pace—then listen to that pull.
Look at your visa options. Make a realistic plan for finances. Consider your career path, or be open to new job opportunities. And most importantly, trust your instincts.
If you don’t like the city you’re in, it’s okay to move. If you adore your job but don’t love the lifestyle around it, it’s okay to find a new environment.
Life is too short to stay somewhere that doesn’t make you feel alive.
For me, leaving London was equal parts exciting and terrifying. But I have zero regrets. I’ve traded the gloom of the Jubilee line for morning beach walks and a laid-back Aussie culture.
I might not stay here forever, but for now, it’s exactly where I need to be.
Who knows? Maybe you could be next—quitting your job in the UK (or wherever else) and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime in Australia. If you do, let me know how it goes. I’ll be cheering you on from the sunny shores Down Under.
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