Settling into Sydney: Our Australian Adventure Begins
In 2022, my wife Paula and I embarked on a new chapter, migrating to Sydney, Australia. Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, so I'm documenting our experiences to help others navigate the process. This is our journey of settling into the land down under.
The Big Move: Packing and Travel
The day arrived for our flight to Sydney. As a videographer, I had a lot of equipment to bring. In total, we had 12 bags, weighing up to 170 kg, with over 100 kg belonging to me. The airport scene was pretty standard; it had been two years since we last traveled.
Our flight encountered some unexpected turbulence. We were diverted to Melbourne due to bad weather, resulting in an 11-hour delay. Thankfully, we managed to purchase SIM cards before the airport closed at 11 pm.
First Days: Exploring and Errands
After a hectic travel day, our first official day in Sydney was a Saturday. We decided to take it easy and explore like tourists. Paula was craving sushi, so we found a Japanese place and brought it back to our Airbnb to eat.
Next, we went grocery shopping. It was refreshing to see people without masks, a sign of life returning to normal. The city is very dog-friendly, which made me miss our own dog back home. The Asian supermarket felt familiar, and while prices were slightly higher than in Singapore, they weren't too far off. We unpacked, did laundry, and then took a walk near Blackwattle Bay.
Tourist Time: Iconic Landmarks
Day two was dedicated to exploring Sydney's tourist attractions. It was Paula's first time in Australia, so we started at the famous Sydney Fish Market for breakfast. The variety of seafood was impressive.
After breakfast, we walked to Darling Harbour, which reminded us of Singapore's Marina Bay. We then ventured to Chinatown, which initially seemed westernized. However, once we entered the malls, we found familiar Chinese decorations and products.
We purchased Opal cards for public transport at a 7-Eleven. In the evening, we took a ferry to Manly from Circular Quay, passing by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Manly Beach was a short walk from the wharf, and we enjoyed a coastal walk to Shelly Beach.
Settling Business: School and Banking
Day three was focused on handling administrative tasks. We started at Paula's school for her to pick up her student card. Afterward, we went to the bank to open accounts, but the queue was three hours long, so we had to return the next day.
Despite the banking setback, we headed to Bondi Beach. Paula enjoyed swimming, while I stayed back to protect my camera gear. I then took the opportunity to fly my FPV drone, but the winds were strong.
Job Hunting and Bank Accounts
Day four began with me applying for video production jobs online. We then made our second attempt at opening bank accounts, arriving before the bank even opened. The process took about 30 minutes. We learned that the bank cards would arrive in one to two weeks and that Australia has an equivalent to Singapore's PayNow, called PayID.
We spent the afternoon apartment hunting. We are looking for a one-bedroom apartment with a toilet and parking space, which costs around $550 a week on average.
Apartment Hunting and Drone Flying
Apartment hunting continued to be a major focus. It's crucial to inspect properties in person to assess the neighborhood and avoid misleading online listings.
I also found time to fly my FPV drone. Sydney offers more opportunities for drone flying compared to Singapore. However, wind conditions continued to be a factor.
Networking and Culinary Adventures
In addition to online job applications, I started networking with local videographers through Facebook groups. We also cooked our own lunch to save money after eating out for several days. We realized that even in the same neighborhood, the condition of different apartment buildings can vary significantly.
Camera Stores and Solo Apartment Hunting
Paula had school commitments, so I took the opportunity to explore camera stores in Sydney. The tram system offered a comfortable ride, but it wasn't as efficient as buses. I visited DG Direct, George's Camera, and Ted's World of Imaging, ultimately buying new propellers for my drone.
I then embarked on solo apartment hunting, viewing four different properties in various areas. This process has proven to be exhausting but necessary to find the right place to call home for the next 1.5 years.