Australia has always been a natural destination for British migrants. The shared language, left-hand driving, familiar legal system, cricket and a genuine cultural affinity make it the overseas move that feels least like a move. And yet it is genuinely overseas — 22 hours by plane, a different hemisphere, seasons in reverse, and wildlife unlike anything in the British Isles.

More than 1.1 million UK-born people have made it work. This guide covers everything you need to know to join them in 2026.

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The British community in Australia

At the end of June 2024, over 1.1 million people born in the United Kingdom were living in Australia — the largest migrant community in the country by country of birth, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

British pubs, football clubs, social groups and community organisations exist in every major city. The Premier League is widely watched. You will not struggle to find people who understand a reference to Greggs or complain about the weather back home.

Perth has the highest concentration of UK-born residents of any Australian city and is often described as the easiest cultural transition — warm, dry climate, familiar pace, established British community.

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Advantages British migrants have over other nationalities

No English test required. UK passport holders are exempt from English language testing for all Australian visa types — the 417, 482, 189, 190 and all others. This saves time, money and a common source of delays.

Medicare from day one. The UK-Australia Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) means UK migrants can enrol in Medicare immediately on arrival, regardless of visa type.

Three Working Holiday visas. UK passport holders can apply for up to three separate 417 visas without needing regional work requirements between each one — three years of open work rights.

Dual citizenship permitted. You can hold both a British and Australian passport simultaneously.

UK qualifications well-recognised. British qualifications in healthcare, engineering, law, accounting and teaching are generally well-recognised by Australian professional bodies.

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Visa options for British migrants

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

The most popular starting point. Live, work and travel anywhere in Australia for up to 12 months, with extensions to two or three years.

• Age 18-35 at time of application
• No English test, skills assessment or employer sponsorship required
• UK holders can apply for up to three separate 417 visas without regional work requirements
• Visa fee: AUD $840 (from 1 July 2026)

Many British migrants use the 417 to try Australia before committing to a permanent visa — time spent on a 417 can count toward Australian work experience points for skilled migration.

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Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — employer-sponsored

The most common route for British professionals moving with an employer in place. Work for a nominated employer for up to four years, with a pathway to permanent residency. No English test for British passport holders.

Three streams: Specialist Skills (earnings above AUD $135,000), Core Skills (TSMIT AUD $79,423 from 1 July 2026), Labour Agreement.

Most common for British 482 holders: healthcare, construction, engineering, finance, IT, legal services.

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Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — permanent residency

Points-based permanent residence — no employer or state nomination required. Submit an EOI in SkillSelect and receive an Invitation to Apply when your score is competitive. Competitive cutoff in 2026: 85-90+ points.

British advantage: UK passport holders receive maximum English language points automatically — no test required.

Skills assessment required before submitting your EOI. Relevant bodies include Engineers Australia, ANMAC (nurses), ACS (IT) and CPA Australia (accountants).

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Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

Requires state or territory nomination — adds five points to your score. You agree to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years. Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have been popular with British applicants.

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Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

Adds 15 points; requires living and working in a regional area. After three years, apply for permanent residence via subclass 191. Regional includes Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong and Townsville — not necessarily remote.

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Moving to Australia as a family

Including your family on a skilled visa

Partners and dependent children can generally be included as secondary applicants on 189, 190, 482 and 491 visas — they receive the same work rights, study rights and Medicare access as the primary applicant.

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Partner visa — if your partner is Australian

The most common and most expensive family visa. A two-stage process paid with one upfront fee — AUD $11,710 from 1 July 2026.

Pathway	Temporary stage	Permanent stage
Onshore (820/801)	Apply while in Australia; 17-24 months	Two years after lodgement, then 6-12 months
Offshore (309/100)	Apply from outside Australia; 14-25 months	Two years after lodgement, then 6-12 months

Evidence required across four areas: financial (joint accounts, bills), household (shared lease or mortgage), social (photos, joint attendance at events), commitment (relationship statements).

April 2026: Applications must now be decision-ready at lodgement — you may get only one opportunity to provide missing documents. Submit everything upfront.

If you are engaged, the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) allows you to enter Australia and marry within nine months, then apply for the partner visa onshore.

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Education and childcare

The Australian school year runs January to December in four terms. State schools are free for permanent residents; temporary visa holders typically pay AUD $3,000-$7,000 per year. The Australian school year group structure closely mirrors the UK — Year 1 through Year 12 (Year 12 is the equivalent of A-Level year, known as HSC in NSW or VCE in Victoria).

Childcare costs AUD $100-$200 per day for long day care. The government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reduces out-of-pocket costs — check eligibility at servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Budget for the family move: Beyond visa fees, factor in health examinations (AUD $300-$500 per person), police checks (AUD $40-$100), document translation, and potentially a migration agent (AUD $3,000-$8,000).

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Where to live

Perth, Western Australia

The most British city in Australia — highest concentration of UK-born residents, mining and healthcare economy, warm dry climate. More affordable than the east coast. Average one-bedroom rent: AUD $1,900-$2,400/month.

Sydney, New South Wales

Australia’s largest city and most competitive job market — finance, tech, law, media. Strong British expat presence in the eastern suburbs and inner west. Costs rival London. Average one-bedroom rent: AUD $2,800-$3,200/month.

Melbourne, Victoria

Consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable cities. Strong for healthcare, education and professional services. Average one-bedroom rent: AUD $2,200-$2,600/month.

Brisbane, Queensland

Subtropical climate, lower costs than Sydney or Melbourne, growing construction and healthcare sector. Popular with British families. Average one-bedroom rent: AUD $1,900-$2,300/month.

Adelaide, South Australia

Most affordable capital city. South Australia’s state nomination programme has been accessible across many occupations. Excellent food, wine regions, calmer pace. Average one-bedroom rent: AUD $1,600-$2,000/month.

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Cost of living

Australian salaries are meaningfully higher than the UK — ABS median full-time salary AUD $90,532 (August 2025) versus approximately AUD $70,600 in the UK. The National Minimum Wage is AUD $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.

The trade-off: housing in Sydney rivals London, groceries are 10-15% more expensive nationally, and private health insurance adds AUD $100-$150 per month for a single person. For most British professional migrants, net disposable income is broadly similar to the UK — or modestly better once superannuation (12% employer contribution on top of wages) is factored in.

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Healthcare

The UK-Australia RHCA means UK citizens can enrol in Medicare from the day they arrive — regardless of visa type. This covers GP visits, public hospital treatment and PBS prescriptions (up to AUD $25.00 per prescription from 1 January 2026).

Key differences from the NHS: Bulk billing (free at point of care) covers roughly 78% of GP visits nationally but rates vary by area. Where it is not available, expect a gap fee of AUD $30-$80 per visit. Ambulance is not covered by Medicare in most states — add ambulance cover to your health insurance. The Medicare Levy is 2% of income; high earners without private hospital cover pay an additional 1-1.5% surcharge.

Medicare in Australia for migrants: full guide →

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Banking

CommBank and Westpac both allow pre-arrival account opening (CommBank up to 14 days; Westpac up to 12 months). Your UK passport alone satisfies the 100-point ID check if you visit a branch within 42 days of arrival. Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) at ato.gov.au immediately on arrival — without it, employers withhold tax at 47%.

How to open a bank account in Australia as a new migrant →

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Superannuation

Employers pay 12% of your ordinary time earnings on top of your wages into a superannuation fund — not deducted from your pay. For British migrants used to UK pension contributions of 3%, this is a significant benefit. When you leave Australia permanently, claim it back via the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) at ato.gov.au — a 35% withholding tax applies but it is still worth claiming.

Australian tax return guide for migrants →

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Driving

You drive on the left in Australia — immediately familiar. The UK is on Australia’s recognised country list, meaning you can convert your UK licence to an Australian one without any knowledge or practical test. Take your licence, passport, proof of address and visa to a state licensing centre.

Victoria: convert within six months of first living there — this applies to all drivers including temporary visa holders.

How to get a driver’s licence in Australia as a new migrant →

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Sport in Australia

Sport is as central to Australian culture as it is in the UK — but the games are different.

AFL — Australian Rules Football

Dominant in Victoria, WA, SA and Tasmania. 18 players per side on an oval, ball kicked or hand-passed, scored through goal posts. The game rewards reading of space and physicality — give it a few matches before deciding.

The AFL Grand Final at the MCG in late September is a cultural event on the scale of the FA Cup Final, except the MCG holds 100,000 people and Melbourne gets a public holiday for it. The 2026 season runs 5 March to 26 September; Brisbane Lions are the defending premiers after back-to-back flags in 2024 and 2025. A new wildcard finals round in 2026 expanded the finals from 8 to 10 teams. Free on Channel 7 / 7Plus.

NRL — National Rugby League

Dominant in NSW and Queensland — and the sport British migrants feel most instantly at home with, because it is rugby league. The pace is faster than Super League and the defence more structured, but the rules are identical.

State of Origin — three matches per year, NSW Blues vs Queensland Maroons — divides workplaces and families more sharply than any other event on the Australian calendar. Pick a side before your first Origin match. Brisbane Broncos are the 2025 defending premiers, ending Penrith Panthers’ four consecutive titles (2021-2024). NRL Grand Final 2026: Sunday 4 October, Accor Stadium, Sydney. Three games per week free on Channel 9 / 9Now.

Cricket

You already know cricket. What changes: you are now on the other side of The Ashes, which is a genuinely different experience. The Boxing Day Test at the MCG (26 December every year) draws nearly 90,000 on the first day and is essential if you are in Melbourne in December. The Big Bash League (BBL) runs December to February — fast, family-friendly T20, good for introducing cricket sceptics in your household. All international cricket free on Channel 7 / 7Plus.

Getting tickets

Event	Where	Typical price
AFL regular season	afl.com.au or club websites	AUD $30-$60
AFL Grand Final	Ballot — afl.com.au	AUD $150-$300+
NRL regular season	nrl.com or club websites	AUD $25-$55
NRL State of Origin	nrl.com — book early	AUD $60-$150
BBL cricket	cricket.com.au/big-bash	AUD $25-$50
Boxing Day Test (MCG)	cricket.com.au	AUD $35-$80/day

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Sunday roasts in Australia

One of the things British migrants miss most. The good news: Australia’s pub scene has embraced the Sunday roast seriously, especially in the cities with the largest British communities.

Perth

Perth has the deepest British pub culture of any Australian city.

Fallow, CBD — Traditional roast from local WA produce, AUD $35, Sunday lunchtimes. Chef Stuart Laws is one of Perth’s most respected advocates for WA produce.

The Guildford Hotel, Guildford — Heritage pub, AUD $35 Wagyu topside beef with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings.

Edward and Ida’s, Northbridge — Stacked Sunday feast from 12:30pm, rotating meats, full trimmings.

Molly’s, Highgate and Vic Park — Irish pub with a warmly British roast. Second location opened in 2026.

The Hillarys Beach Club, Hillarys / The Heart, Applecross — North and south of the river options from the same team.

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Sydney and NSW

The Lord Dudley Hotel, Woollahra — Sydney’s most authentically British pub. Ivy-covered, woodfire, pork loin and chicken with Yorkshire pudding every Sunday.

The Duke of Clarence, CBD — 18th-century English tavern with original UK furnishings. The “BIG Roast” at AUD $69 includes both beef and pork with pigs in blankets.

The Taphouse, Darlinghurst — Beef brisket, pork with crackling or vegan lentil loaf, Yorkshire puddings widely considered Sydney’s best. 60+ craft beers.

Endeavour Tap Rooms, The Rocks — Dark woods, snug fireplaces, weekly-changing roast menu. Popular with British expats.

The Cut Bar and Grill, The Rocks — Slow-cooked Cape Grim prime rib, winter weekends only, 12pm-3pm.

The London Hotel, Balmain — 140 years old, Harbour Bridge views from the balcony. AUD $28-$35.

The Royal, Paddington — Classic roast with a wrap-around balcony worth arriving early for.

Bistro Moncur, Woollahra — Premium end at AUD $45: duck fat potatoes, Borrowdale pork belly, Lachlan Valley lamb. For a special occasion.

The Woolwich Pier Hotel, Woolwich — Award-winning, AUD $34 pork roast, family-friendly lawn, good North Shore option.

The Village Inn, Paddington — Weekly-changing proteins from AUD $36, AUD $12 pints from midday.

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Melbourne

Naughtons Parkville Hotel — 150-year-old pub, midday until sold out, live acoustic music from 4pm.

Hophaus, Southbank — AUD $30 Roast of the Day, Yorkshire pudding, terrace overlooking the Yarra.

Temperance Hotel, Chapel Street — AUD $28 fireside roast from midday.

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Brisbane

Pig ‘N’ Whistle, CBD — Three city locations, AUD $29, reliable year-round British pub staple.

The Boundary Hotel — Rotating roast of the week from midday Sundays.

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Fun facts

• Perth is the most British city in Australia — many describe it as the most familiar cultural transition of any major city
• Australians have returned the favour in London — Australians in London are one of the largest expatriate groups in the UK, concentrated in Shepherd’s Bush, Clapham and Earls Court
• The Ashes is the oldest rivalry in international sport — dating from 1882; you are now on the other side
• Dual citizenship is fully permitted — hold both passports simultaneously once you become an Australian citizen
• The Premier League time difference works in your favour — Sunday kick-offs in the UK land as Saturday night or Sunday morning in Australia; most British pubs show live Premier League throughout the season

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Practical steps when you arrive

1. Apply for your TFN at ato.gov.au — immediately on arrival
2. Enrol in Medicare at a Services Australia centre — 7-10 days after arrival, bring your UK passport
3. Open a bank account — CommBank or Westpac if not opened pre-arrival → Full guide
4. Get an Australian SIM card — Telstra for coverage; Lebara for cheap UK calls
5. Convert your UK driving licence — visit a state licensing centre, especially if in Victoria → Full guide
6. Set up rate alerts — to be notified when AUD/GBP hits your target → How rate alerts work
7. Register with the British Consulate for consular updates — gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-sydney

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Emergency numbers

Save these before you arrive.

Service	Number	Notes
Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)	000	Australia’s 999 equivalent
Non-emergency police	131 444	No immediate danger
Poisons Information Centre	13 11 26	Snakebite, spider bite — 24/7
Healthdirect	1800 022 222	Nurse advice line — all states
Lifeline	13 11 14	Crisis support — 24/7
Beyond Blue	1300 22 4636	Mental health — 24/7
SES	132 500	Floods, storms, fallen trees

Note for British migrants: Ambulance is not free in most Australian states — add ambulance cover to your health insurance on arrival.

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Sending money from Australia to the UK

AUD to GBP transfers are always fee-free with OrbitRemit.

• AUD to GBP: $0 fee — always fee-free from Australia
• NZD to GBP: $0 fee — always fee-free from New Zealand
• Fee-free above AUD/NZD $10,000 on all transfers
• Direct to all major UK banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, RBS
• Rate fixed at confirmation — no hidden charges
• Regulated by ASIC in Australia (AFSL: 470646)
• Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 34,000 reviews

Fees and rates subject to change. Check orbitremit.com for current rates.

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Resources for British migrants in Australia

Money and banking

How to open a bank account in Australia → — which bank, pre-arrival opening, PayID, Financial Claims Scheme

How international money transfers work → — exchange rates, fees, hidden costs

OrbitRemit rate alerts → — get notified when AUD/GBP hits your target rate

Healthcare and tax

Medicare for migrants → — enrolment, coverage, Medicare Levy, private health options

Australian tax return guide for migrants → — TFN, myTax, DASP, deadlines

Settling in

How to get a driver’s licence in Australia → — UK recognised country, no tests, state-by-state

Australian wildlife guide → — what to watch out for and what to look forward to

Government links

Resource	Link
Department of Home Affairs (visas)	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Services Australia (Medicare, CCS)	servicesaustralia.gov.au
Australian Taxation Office	ato.gov.au
Fair Work Ombudsman	fairwork.gov.au
British Consulate-General Sydney	gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-sydney
Find a MARA migration agent	mara.gov.au

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FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)

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This guide is for general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa requirements and fees are subject to change — always verify at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a registered migration agent before applying. Last updated July 2026.

Sources: Department of Home Affairs — United Kingdom Country Profile | australiaunwrapped.com (May 2026) | britishexpatguide.co.uk | anglopacific.co.uk (2026) | shipit.co.uk (2026) | ABS — Australia’s Population by Country of Birth | ONS — UK Emigration Explained (May 2026) | racc.net.au — Partner Visa Guide 2026 | Urban List Perth/Sydney/Melbourne (2026) | Broadsheet Sydney (July 2026) | sportstralia.com.au — AFL 2026 | zerohanger.com | whenstart.com — NRL Grand Final 2026