Moving to Australia is very popular with the British. One in three UK nationals have expressed interest in spending time living and working in Australia. However, expressing interest and actually moving to Australia are very different things.

Moving to any country can be a daunting task and only a small number realize their Australian dream. If you have decided you would like to live in an Australian city, deciding which city is bound to eat up a big chunk of your time. Here Global Visas investigates the Australian immigration rates for UK born immigrants now living in Australia to help you decide where to move to.

Population statistics were gathered in 2006 and the cities are listed with the most desirable city for Brits to live in at the top.

1. Perth, Western Australia: 168,000 UK born residents


Perth at night is an impressive sight: Photo by rob

Moving to Australia: Perth

Perth is the fourth largest city in Australia. It is the capital of the Australian State of Western Australia and boasts a population growth rate consistently above the national average. In the Economist’s 2009 list of most liveable cities, Perth is tiered for an impressive fifth place. Perth became known as “the city of lights” when residents switched on all their lights as American astronaut John Glenn passed over the city in 1962.

Perth’s population contains the highest proportion of UK born residents than any other major Australian city. That fact, coupled with the above benefits, means Perth takes the top spot for Brits planning on moving to Australia.

2. Adelaide, South Australia: 93,000 UK born residents


The botanical garden building at Adelaide is known as “The Crystal Pasty” by locals, due to the architecture: Photo by amanda

Moving to Australia: Adelaide

Adelaide is the fifth largest city in Australia. It is the capital of the Australian State of South Australia. Adelaide is well known for its many festivals and culture of sport, wine and food and ranks within the top 10 most liveable cities. It is the commercial and government centre for South Australia and so many financial and government institutions can be found there. Adelaide is a coastal city, and it has long inviting beach fronts.

3. Sydney, New South Wales: 175,000 UK born residents


The Sydney Opera house during “Lighting the Sails”. Photo by domasan

Moving to Australia: Sydney

Sydney is the largest city in Australia and due to its location is often called “the harbour city.” Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and its well known land marks include the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. According to the Mercer Survey, Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city to live in but it also ranks as one of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world.

4. Melbourne, Victoria: 156,000 UK born residents


No clouds in sight in sunny Melbourne: Photo by mapu

Moving to Australia: Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and is recognized as the cultural and sporting centre of Australia. It is the capital of the State of Victoria and is well known for its distinctive blend of Victorian and contemporary architecture. Melbourne ranks as one of the most liveable cities in the world. In addition to culture and sport, Melbourne is also known as a centre for the arts, education, industry and tourism. Melbourne also contains the worlds largest tram network.

5. Brisbane, Queensland: 95,000 UK born residents


Brisbane enjoying it’s sub-troplical climate: Photo by: kev

Moving to Australia: Brisbane

Brisbane (pronounced Brisben) is the third largest city in Australia. It is the capital of the Australian State of Queensland. The city is situated on a low lying flood plane, which the River Brisbane twists its way across. A well known landmark is the Story Bridge, which crosses the river Brisbane. Brisbane has a humid sub-tropical climate. Unlike other Australian capital cities, Brisbane is controlled by the local government, the Brisbane City Council.

Conclusion:

Amazingly, four of these thriving Australian cities (all apart from Sydney) are less than 200 years old. Australia truly is a nation of immigrants.

Brits are also the largest immigrant group in Australia, so I’m sure you will feel right at home!