Maybe moving to Tassie?

[broken_suave]

My partner and I were looking for rental houses in Brisbane recently, as our lease is up in December, and we cant afford another rent increase. Its a bit depressing when you know that even though you're getting screwed, you're also getting a better deal than a lot of other places.

Just out of interest we started looking for rentals in Tassie, and to our surprise, the rent there is awesomely cheap. Not for crappy houses, but nice houses, a lot nicer than the place we're in now for literally half the weekly rent.

So after a little bit a of discussion, we're considering making the move down to the apple isle, not necessarily forever, maybe a few years until we can save enough for a deposit on a house.

So at the moment, we're in the research phase. We've got a list of things we need to investigate. So to any Tasmanians out there, whats it like living in Tassie? Whats the cost of living? Are there any siginificant inconveniences living away from the mainland? Whats the community like? To anyone else who has made the move, how does Tassie compare to the rest of the country?

Also out of interest, whats the automotive scene like in Tassie? I know there are some really nice cars down there, but what are the workshops like down there? What sort of resources are available? I know you're only a boat ride from Melbourne if need be, but how good is Tassie for the automotive enthusiast?

Building the LTD will mean I'll need an engine builder, transmission builder, diff builder, body shop, exhaust shop, etc etc.

And with the AU I'd like to be able to take it somewhere to be dyno tuned.

Basically any information is welcome, automotive and otherwise. It'll be a big move from QLD, but it'd be nice to have a fresh start somewhere.

[GasoLane]

Geez it'd cost a mint to move, especially with two cars, from Brisneyland to there. You could probably cover a few years rent increase with the moving costs!

Oh and the rent is cheap 'cause it costs a mint to keep it warm

[4Vman]

Brissie to tassie??? Take LOTS of warm cloths to wear in summer... (and watch Deliverance before moving)...

[Polyal]

I moved from VIC to TAS about 12 months ago, its been great.

Im 25 and brought my first house, its a great way to get into the property scene. It was hard to find a job at the start (still at uni) but Ive been lucky, landed a great job and things are ok.

There is plenty opportunity for someone who wants to give it a crack.

The only inconvenience is shop opening times, and the fact that I seem to be busy when motorsport events are on..LOL

Some things annoy me, but on the whole im glad I made the move. Also recently had child and it would/will be an great place to raise children.

In saying that I will move back to VIC one day, just dont know when. All in all I am very happy as it would have taken for ever to save for a house in VIC. Although that just changed within the last 24 hours..LOL

The house I have now would have been somewhere between 320-350 in VIC, I paid nothing near that and its 5 mins drive from the centre of Launceston.

Im not one for 35+ degree days anyway, but Lonnie can get hot. I had the option of Hobart or up here, and to me the North seems to be growing faster and thats why I made my choice.

Hobart is prettier though. Good luck with the choice. At the end of the day its only 40mins back to Melbourne anyway, and if you book early enough it only costs $50...LOL

[Polyal]

Oh and the lack of police presence on the road is great. I mean that in a responsible way, your not forever checking the speedo.

Whats funny is that yeah Ill give it a squirt now and then, but now that you dont need to worry about fixed speed camera's I seem to not speed as much as before anyway.

Or maybe Im just getting old, not sure..LOL

[Professor Farnsworth]

tassie is a great place, i'm also considering a move down there at some stage. I've been a few times, and i have to agree, shops close and open at strange times (if you're used to a big city like melb etc) and the weather really moves in quickly! The clouds come in very low and you can literally see the weather coming. Other than that the people are friendly, the towns are picturesque and the local produce is fantastic, very fresh vegies etc available at supermarkets, heaps better than what i've experienced in melb/vic.

You're right, housing is very cheap there, and that is a reason why we're also considering the move. Good luck with it all.

[falconboy]

We've considered the move as well - the only thing stopping us, other than the cold, is not having our friends or extended family unit nearby which will probably be important when/if children happen to 'arrive'.

It is an awesome place. We love it. If you are very easily bored, you may not like it, it is a much quieter place, so definately stick to the larger towns. We've made a few trips down there and the 2 choices for us would be within 30min of Hobart or Launceston & surrounds. I prefer the Launceston area as it seems a bit easier and cheaper to find land with wildlife on it (my dream), but on the other hand I don't think you can go wrong being near the capital for convenience and access to business/facilities. We had trouble finding a takeaway open for dinner at 7pm in Launceston!! However, we've kept a close eye on air temps and we've found around the Launceston area it tends to be that tiny bit warmer (not sure if 'warmer' is the right word - maybe 'less cold' is better).

Having said that, our last trip was in mid december thinking it would be lovely days. And yes, the days were perfect, however even mid december they seem to have 'spring' type days where come 4-5pm the temps drop all of a sudden and you find yourself having to rug up a bit more if you go outside (say add a jacket or whatever). I'm not a big fan of that type of 'season'.

Oh, and keep away from Queenstown. Limited job prospects unless you are into mining, but most of all the place is a complete and utter dump. Sorry to any Queenstownians on the forum.

All my opinions only of course.

[Polyal]

^^The North West has gone bannana's in terms of mining, absolutely truck loads of it.

Theres a good mix of prospects, lots of labouring jobs but enough business in Lonnie and Hobart to find something if your not to picky to start with.

It can get very cold at nights in Lonnie, but mind you I used to love in Geelong and ts only really a couple of degree's in it.

Hobart does get some mighty cold/strong winds; another thing Launceston doesn't get.

[GTP owner]

moved to tassie 12 years ago and never looked back.

as for being bored - i have never been busier - but i generate my own fun!

[75van]

Simply no better place to live!! Great driving roads (plenty of twists and turns), great laid-back way of life and plenty of space. You're right - rent is cheap compared to the mainland (you can rent a 3 bed, 1.5 bath, single garage house on 1000sq mtrs for $220 - I used to!).

[Elks]

I go there 4 to 6 times a year and love the place. Yes it is colder but who cares. I like Lonny but as mentioned Hobart is prettier. The roads are great.

I know a few people with tough cars (1200hp 600inch big block XC, FC with 350 and a 671) so that must be possible.

Work, like everywhere, is available if you are willing to have a crack. Mining, logging and tourism are all booming.

There are enough places to go eat out etc. Most chain store, Bunnings McDonalds, Autobarn, Harvey Norman Movie theatres are there and they are all the same, internet still works.

Only downside (from a Melbourians perspective) is everthing shuts early.

Take a week off, grab a Tiger airline cheap flight (you can survive 2 hours without coffee, it's OK) and have a look. If you can't stand it you had a cheap holiday. win win.

Cheers T

[GTP owner]

Originally Posted by myts

at.

I know a few people with tough cars (1200hp 600inch big block XC, FC with 350 and a 671) so that must be possible.

Cheers T

The xc motor was largely built on the mainland. There are a few tough cars, but a lot of us get car bits from the mainland, making it more expensive and time consuming. The benefit is that you have to learn heaps if you want to go fast.

The best bits of Tassie are the roads. Head over to the west coast for some truly special twisty bits.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by GTP owner

The xc motor was largely built on the mainland. There are a few tough cars, but a lot of us get car bits from the mainland, making it more expensive and time consuming. The benefit is that you have to learn heaps if you want to go fast.

The best bits of Tassie are the roads. Head over to the west coast for some truly special twisty bits.

Mind you there are some shockers. Coming from a Victorian perspective the A1 is a complete joke, no wonder why people die on that stretch.

Also the section (think its called the B52 or B51) that goes from the A1 to Richmond is appalling; which is a shame because thats a special bit of road through the mudwalls (I think thats what people call them).

[GTP owner]

You've just gotta know how to drive them! One of the biggest problems are with stiffer lower suspension set-ups designed for smoother roads and race tracks. The car will bounce off the road. My last xr6t was significantly slower with a set of bilsteins and lowered springs than the standard suspension.

[broken_suave]

Yeah we're going down there for a holiday in mid-late January. The cold doesnt bother me, I quite like it infact. Its never cold enough in Brisbane.

The shops closing early is a bit annoying, as I'm a bit of a night owl, but thats not going to bother us that much.

I'm considering starting an automotive apprenticeship of some kind, spray painter perhaps. Whats the market like for apprentices, anyone know?

[tex]

Originally Posted by GTP owner

You've just gotta know how to drive them! One of the biggest problems are with stiffer lower suspension set-ups designed for smoother roads and race tracks. The car will bounce off the road. My last xr6t was significantly slower with a set of bilsteins and lowered springs than the standard suspension.

PFFFFT,

Jas, you need to come for a spin with me mate, my Billies in the GT loooooooov our local 'secret' spots. What about Melton Mowbray through to the Great Lakes and down through Poatina............ Yeh!


Back to the original posters topic - Tassie is not for everyone that is for sure. It is quiet, it is cold, most of it feels remote, and on the whole things just seem a little more laid back, less rushed, less got to happen NOW type thing.

If you're into outdoor activities (bushwalking, hunting, fishing, camping, etc etc etc, the you're in for a treat. BUT, you will need to spend a lot on warm clothing. Polar fleece will become your freind, and if you do like the outdoors, you'll also love thermal underware for about 3 months of the year......

But hey, I have called this place my home for 36years, and would only make a move North if I HAD to. Ive seen a fair bit of Aus, from Vic to Gove, and most inbetween, and I still love coming home. Except for the temperature. But you can manage that ok.

like any part of Aus, there is definitely the bogan occupied areas, and there is the other end of the spectrum, so money will dictate where you end up laying your head down at night.

If you're after a fundimental change from brisvegas, I highly recommend it, as it will definitely be a BIG change.

Oh, did I mention the temperature? It was 8 degreegs on the thermometer this morning on the way to work, and is about 15 now............ and drizzle. And wind.

[DayTE]

It is colder down here, but I can almost promise you that you will get sunburnt. The UV gets a bit high here at times.

It's a great place to live and some of the friendliest people you will meet. You can walk down the street and nod G'day to someone and they'll return it. Unlike some of the bigger cities on the Mainland.

There isn't the oppurtunity or choice for performance workshops. We have only just got a guy in Hobart to do Flash tuning for the BA's onwards. But here are a couple of Dyno's around that people have used to variopus success. I'm not sure about engine builders and the like, but GTP owner mentioned more about this.

Tex has a couple of good points in his about the bushwalks etc..

The shopping isn't that bad really, there just isn't too many places opened late.

Have I mentioned the roads. Fantastic. Especially some of the less trafficed ones. Just ask Jim Richards.

I was born here and then moved to the mainland for 8 years, most of it in Newcastle, and the things I miss the most are choice. Choice of places, dealers, restraunts, pubs/clubs/bars etc.... Depending on where, if, you end up here some of these wont be too bad, but you just wont have the choice that you do in Brissy. Does this make sense?

[broken_suave]

Just out of interest, are there any other 'Ferries' appart from the 'Spirit?

[GTP owner]

Originally Posted by tex

PFFFFT,

Jas, you need to come for a spin with me mate, my Billies in the GT loooooooov our local 'secret' spots. What about Melton Mowbray through to the Great Lakes and down through Poatina............ Yeh!

I'd be happy to embarrass your gt again! But if you want to go for a cruise i will bring the old gt-p - it is more enjoyable on a long trip.

t6ute is right about the lack of choice. The only thing open after 8pm here is the servos. We have 1 decent restaurant here in my home town. Tilford are the only Ford dealer in southern Tas. You have to get used to phoning the mainland.

[220XR8]

Originally Posted by broken_suave

Just out of interest, are there any other 'Ferries' appart from the 'Spirit?

2 Spirits, are all there is.

[mr smith]

This thread must be an omen, my wife has applied for a job in Hobart and if it comes good we will be making the move down.
Some real beaut places, we love it every time we go there.
Job prospects are my main worry compared to Melbourne but Hobart is a much nicer city. Less hustle, clean air, water ( Melb will run dry soon ), and top roads are a real appeal.

[GTENVY]

Shops in the general Hobart area (woolies/coles) are mostly open till 10pm, some are 9pm (depends if its in a shopping centre) and if your in the sandy bay area woolies is open till midnight. Lots of cafe's and restaurants in hobart, north hobart and salamanca which are open quite late (generally tuesday to saturday). Not sure what the northern end is like as I have only visited and never lived there.

I'm up in Karratha at the moment and I'm missing it heaps, but big dollars are harder to earn in tassie.

I'll be heading back in acouple of years as my wife and I are wanting to bring our kids up there but we've just got to earn some big dollars up here first.

Everything that has been said re: roads, cost of living, lifestyle, rent cost etc is spot on. All you need to do now is work out whether your a southerner (hobart) or a northern (launy, devonport etc).

Good luck with the decision and if it doesn't work out it'll be a great experience!

Dare to be different I say :-)

[GTP owner]

Originally Posted by GTENVY

Shops in the general Hobart area (woolies/coles) are mostly open till 10pm, some are 9pm (depends if its in a shopping centre) and if your in the sandy bay area woolies is open till midnight. Lots of cafe's and restaurants in hobart, north hobart and salamanca which are open quite late (generally tuesday to saturday). Not sure what the northern end is like as I have only visited and never lived there.

I'm in Huonville - its all closed at 7pm, including the pub!

[suicidalchimes]

Hi everyone!
I'm broken_suaves girlfriend.
Just wanted to say thanks for all the great info so far.
One thing I wanted to ask about from anyone who might know is quarantine issues, we have animals that it would be a no-go to leave behind. Cats and rodents to be specific. Broken_suave found quarantine info today on dogs, but nothing on our little fuzzies. Anyone know off-hand?

[Daymoe]

Tassie sounds like a nice place, I HATE hot weather but love the cold stuff. I heard about the labouring jobs, would they be paying well enough to move state and be able to afford to live?

[GTENVY]

Originally Posted by GTP owner

I'm in Huonville - its all closed at 7pm, including the pub!

Ah, the country life..... sigh. LOL

[tex]

Originally Posted by GTP owner

I'd be happy to embarrass your gt again! But if you want to go for a cruise i will bring the old gt-p - it is more enjoyable on a long trip.

.

ha ha, mate, that was 70rwkw ago. Embarrasment!!!!!!! With my GT parked next to that lolly pop coloured turdo car of yours, well, I know which one Id be happier to call mine. :

Next time we're at the drags, you can have a run in the Scud - see what it can really do............................. with a good racer at the wheel :thebirds:

Back on topic. Don't let all this it's closed by 8.00pm talk put you off, it isn't quite that bad. Well, maybe Hooterville is, but not the rest of Tassie. Plus the talk of the big bucks being earned in other capital cities maybe true, but this is offset by the higher cost of living in the same high income cities.

50 or 60 grand a year down here will take you further than the same amount earnt elsewhere. And I just pull those numbers out my ***, but you get the picture.

But, groceries are dearer, and petrol, but the rates are cheaper, general housing associated costs also. And by a fair old whack.

I agree with some others suggestions, jump on a plane and shoot down for a week, hire a car and get lost! Even if you decide it's not for you, you'll have a great holiday, and wish you could come back with a proper car to belt around in. The roads are truely fantastic when you get off the main highways.......... better still, enter Targa Tas.

car scene is a little on the quiet side, but there is a few mad keen Ford men - ie GTPowner (check out his build thread). I know another bloke with a 9 second Laser - same guy that services my GT. So they are about, but not as many.

Anyway, hope it all works out, and I wish you the best of luck in making the right decision, whatever that may be.

[suicidalchimes]

Great thing about our family is my parents love Tassie, and any excuse to visit will do. So theyre willing to foot most of the moving costs as well as pay for our holiday down there to check it out.

Another thing I was curious about is public transport? Broken_suave wont really be able to hire a car and I don't drive. Getting around while on holiday will be a bit of a hassle if public transport sucks.

[twr7cx]

Generally you find the only people bagging Tas are those whove never really spent much time here.

As someone whose only been here 5 years, I'm definately a fan.

Originally Posted by suicidalchimes

One thing I wanted to ask about from anyone who might know is quarantine issues, we have animals that it would be a no-go to leave behind. Cats and rodents to be specific. Broken_suave found quarantine info today on dogs, but nothing on our little fuzzies. Anyone know off-hand?

We brought our cat and dog here with us. No issues there. I know Tas does have strick quarantine regulations though (I believe the strictist in the country).

Originally Posted by GTP owner

Tilford are the only Ford dealer in southern Tas. You have to get used to phoning the mainland.

What about JMC? I realise there mainly upnorth, but they got branches down here.

Originally Posted by suicidalchimes

Another thing I was curious about is public transport? Broken_suave wont really be able to hire a car and I don't drive. Getting around while on holiday will be a bit of a hassle if public transport sucks.

There's bus', but they're not overly great. Then again the cities are so small, that you'd probable be staying very central - you'd be suprised.

[Jack91]

Theyre is HEAPS of car action down here, more than you'd think. And, if you move to Launceston like I did, Symonns plains is only half hours drive away (v8 supercars, GT championship, etc etc) Although, there are downsides. APPARENTLY we get paid less than our counterparts on the mainland, being on a ridiculousely low pay rate anyway, I cant really vouch for this. You'll find that getting things shipped to you will attract a bigger price (ebay for example), I too found it difficult to land a job when I first moved here, and its ok to say "Oh I love the cold" when its 40 degrees and you're whinging about the heat, but until the day when you have to drag yourself out of bed at 6am to go to work, and its close to -6 or -7, in your unheated house, you really dont know what you're in for. Also, expect ridiculousely bad service from most places, higher fuel prices ( its around 1.58 where I go(for regular)), very little cops and speed cameras, very little idiots/bogans/trash walking the streets, totally safe to walk through the "bad" neighbourhoods even at night. Big footy stadium for heaps of events, and the capital is only 2 hours drive away. Thats Launceston for you anyway. Ive been to hobart a few times for work, but not long enough to give you a proper review of it, it does look very nice though. And, it may just be me, but I think theres more Ford fans here than holden.