New Life in Australia

Karen Bleakley
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  • Places & Travel
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The New Life in Australia podcast is here to inspire you to follow your dreams of relocating across the world.     Host Karen Bleakley (Founder of SmartStepstoAustralia.com) moved to Australia with her family and, although it was life-changing, it wasn’t without its challenges.  This podcast is about making the relocation and resettlement process easier for you, so you can enjoy this exciting adventure.    Listen in as special guests share professional secrets and tips, learn from people who’ve made the move, and discover businesses that can help you realise your dreams. It’s all about ending the isolation, showing you what’s possible and sharing realistic expectations about starting a new life Down Under.  Tune in for inspiration, tips and actionable advice to kickstart your journey so you can create the life you've always wanted.

  1. 14h ago

    #53 How to make friends in Australia: Building your support network

    “You don't arrive with a network in Australia, but it's something that you actually build and cultivate yourself.” This week on the New Life in Australia podcast, Karen talks about one of the biggest challenges of starting over in a new country: making friends and building a support network. Leaving behind friends and family can be one of the hardest parts about making the move. Karen shares her own experience of arriving in Australia with three young kids and explains how saying yes to opportunities, getting involved locally and continuing to show up can help you build meaningful friendships. What you’ll learn in this episode Throughout the episode, Karen explores: Why building a support network is an essential part of settling into AustraliaHow to make friends as an adult when you’re starting from scratchHow school, kids’ activities, sports and playgrounds can create natural opportunities to meet peopleWhy volunteering and getting involved in your local community can helpHow libraries, clubs, hobby groups and networking events can lead to new friendshipsHow online communities can turn into real-life friendshipsWhy saying yes to small invitations can make a big differenceWhy consistency and repetition are key to developing friendshipsThree practical tips for starting to build your own social circle in AustraliaIf you’ve recently moved to Australia and are feeling lonely or unsure how to meet people, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you start building your own community. Additional resources Join the Move to Australia Facebook groupFind migration and relocation services in the Move to Australia DirectoryFound the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here! If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory. Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #53 How to make friends in Australia: Building your support network

  2. Aug 5

    #52 Finding a rental in Australia with relocation support from Homeward Australia

    “Relocation is like a puzzle, so there are many pieces, and they all need to come together. One missing piece and the puzzle is incomplete.”  Thanks to Homeward Australia for sponsoring this episode.   This week on the New Life in Australia podcast, Karen speaks with Suja from Homeward Australia, a relocation support service helping families navigate the complexities of moving to Australia and securing rentals. Suja brings a unique blend of experience to her work, combining a corporate background, property expertise and firsthand experience moving countries with children. That mix shapes how Homeward Australia supports families who are planning their move to Australia and trying to navigate all of the admin at once. Suja's big goal is to remove a layer of stress from your shoulders when you're making the move, because she remembers how it felt when she made the move with her family.  What you’ll learn in this episode Throughout the episode, Karen and Suja explore: Why securing rentals in Australia can feel so competitive (and why it varies so much by suburb and price point)How vacancy rates and local data can help families make smarter location decisionsWhat makes a strong rental application stand out to property managersThe added complexity of moving with children and petsHow relocation support works in practice, from suburb selection through to inspections and applicationsWhy timing, job planning and preparation are critical before arriving in AustraliaThe episode also covers the practical realities many new arrivals underestimate: limited rental supply, the importance of complete applications and how small details can make or break a property outcome when competition is high. If you’re planning a move to Australia, this episode is packed with real-world insight from a professional who has also lived through the experience herself.  Additional resources Find Homeward Australia in the Move to Australia DirectoryVisit the Homeward Australia websiteFind the show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-52/ Support the show

    #52 Finding a rental in Australia with relocation support from Homeward Australia

  3. Jul 22

    #51 Raising resilient kids in a new country, with Sam from Courageous Girls Club

    "Nobody has set out to move to Australia for a worse life. We've all done it because we believe this is a really good move for the benefit of everybody in our family." Moving to Australia with children brings a whole layer of complexity on top of the usual relocation admin, from visas and schooling to helping your kids find their feet socially and emotionally in a completely new environment. In this episode of the New Life in Australia podcast, Karen sits down with Sam, founder of Courageous Girls Club, who moved from the UK to Bribie Island in Queensland with her husband and two boys in 2019, just months before COVID hit. Sam shas plenty to share as she has lived through the highs and lows of relocating with young kids, and through Courageous Girls Club she now spends her days helping children build confidence and resilience. It's a warm, honest conversation covering the mistakes to avoid, what resilience really looks like in kids, how to help children settle socially and what it takes to build a business from scratch when you land. What you'll learn in this episode Why Sam and her family chose Bribie Island over the bigger citiesThe costly visa mistake Sam made early on, and why getting the right migration advice from the start can save you thousandsWhy checking for Wi-Fi at a rental property matters more than you'd think when you're moving with kidsHow Sam's two sons experienced the move completely differently, and what that reveals about children's need for routine after a big transitionSimple, practical ways to help settle children quickly, from local clubs and activities to getting them into kindy or school as soon as possibleWhat resilience actually looks like in children and how to support kids through friendship struggles, new school systems and unfamiliar Aussie slangHow to let go of parental guilt about the decision to moveSam's experience setting up a business in Australia as a migrant, including the support and networking opportunities she found when she looked beyond her local areaSam's one big piece of advice for families preparing to moveWhy this episode matters for your move to Australia Relocating with kids means managing your own settling-in process while also supporting theirs, and the two don't always look the same. Sam's story is a reminder that children can surprise you (her nine-year-old was desperate to get back into a school routine within days of landing) and that resilience in kids is built through discomfort and repetition, not by hiding from the challenges. Whether you're still planning your move or already navigating the early months in Australia, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for the whole family. Additional resources Find out more about Courageous Girls Club, with clubs popping up across Australia to help girls build confidence and resilience.Find Courageous Girls Club in the Move to Australia Directory. Visit the Move to Australia Directory to explore services and connect with businesses that support your relocation journey.If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!  Find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-51 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find out more about TorFX and find the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #51 Raising resilient kids in a new country, with Sam from Courageous Girls Club

  4. Jul 8

    #50 Moving Your Belongings to Australia: Smart Shipping Tips for a Smoother Move

    “I think the service can just relieve you of an additional weight physically and mentally whenever you first arrive in a country.” Moving to Australia is an exciting new adventure, but the practical side of relocating your life across the world can feel really overwhelming. What should you bring? What should you leave behind? Is it worth shipping your belongings, or would it be easier to replace things when you arrive? And how do you avoid arriving exhausted after a long-haul flight with more luggage than you can realistically manage? Especially if you are travelling with little kids! In this episode of the New Life in Australia podcast, Karen chats with Darren from Send My Bag about the practical and emotional side of moving your belongings to Australia. Darren shares his expert advice on shipping luggage and boxes internationally, including how to decide what is worth bringing, how to make the arrival process easier and how luggage shipping can help reduce some of the stress that comes with starting a new life overseas. Whether you’re still planning your move, preparing for your flight or already living in Australia and looking for ways to send items internationally, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make smarter decisions about your belongings. What you’ll learn in this episode How luggage shipping services can help when moving to AustraliaWhether it’s better to ship your belongings, travel with extra luggage or do a combination approachWhat types of items you can send to Australia, including suitcases, boxes, bikes, golf clubs and sporting equipmentHow to decide what belongings are worth bringing with you and what may be easier to replace after you arriveThe key questions to ask yourself before shipping your belongings internationallyWhether you should send clothes, toys, books and personal items ahead of your moveHow familiar items can help children settle into life in AustraliaHow sending luggage ahead can make your airport arrival much easier, especially when travelling with childrenHow to prepare your luggage or boxes for international shippingHow to travel with sentimental and irreplaceable itemsHow shipping extra luggage can save money compared with airline excess baggage feesHow luggage shipping can still be useful after you’ve moved, including sending care packages or bringing items back from overseas visitsWhy speaking to the customer service team early can make the whole process smootherWhy this episode matters for your move to AustraliaWhen you’re preparing to move countries, your focus is often on the big decisions: visas, jobs, schools, finding somewhere to live and saying goodbye to your old life. But the smaller practical decisions can have a huge impact on how your first few weeks in Australia feel. Arriving after a long international journey is exhausting enough, especially when you’re travelling with children. Managing multiple suitcases, oversized items and everything you need to start your new life can add unnecessary stress at exactly the point where you’re already dealing with a huge amount of change. In this episode, Darren shares how planning ahead and thinking strategically about your belongings can help you arrive feeling more organised and settled. The goal isn’t necessarily to bring everything or get rid of everything. It’s about making intentional choices about what will help you feel at home, what is worth the cost of shipping and what you can replace once you arrive. About Send My Bag Send My Bag provides door-to-door luggage and box shipping services for people moving internationally, travelling, studying overseas or sending personal belongings between countries. They can help with everything from extra suitcases and boxes to larger items such as bikes, golf clubs and sporting equipment. Karen has partnered with Send My Bag for ten years and they have helped many readers and members of the Move to Australia community with their international moves. Get 5% off your first Send My Bag booking when you use this referral link > https://www.sendmybag.com/smartstepstoaustralia Additional resources Listen to Darren’s previous interview on the podcast: Episode 18: Sending your luggage to Australia Read more about Send My Bag hereVisit the Move to Australia Directory to explore services and connect with businesses that support your relocation journey.If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!  Find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-50 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find out more about TorFX and find the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #50 Moving Your Belongings to Australia: Smart Shipping Tips for a Smoother Move

  5. Jun 24

    #49 The power of your anti-vision: What you don't want your life in Australia to look like

    “You don’t accidentally build your dream life. You build it by noticing when you’re drifting and choosing a different direction.” Moving to Australia is often framed around big goals, new beginnings and exciting possibilities. But what happens after the move? When the dust settles, routines take over and life starts to feel like it’s running on autopilot again? In this episode of the New Life in Australia podcast, Karen follows up one of the most popular episodes of the last series - Episode 48: Create Your Vision, Plan Your Life and Future in Australia, and takes it one powerful step further. Instead of focusing only on what you want out of life, this episode introduces the concept of your anti-vision: the life you consciously choose not to drift into. It’s a practical, reflective episode designed to help you gain clarity, reset direction and make more intentional decisions about your life in Australia, whether you’re still planning your move or already here settling in. What you’ll learn in this episode What an anti-vision is and why it’s just as important as having a life visionHow to identify the feelings you don’t want to define your everyday lifeThe hidden patterns and routines that may be shaping your future without you realising itHow to recognise what you don’t want your daily life in Australia to look likeThe sacrifices you may be making (and whether they are still serving you)How to identify who you don’t want to become How your anti-vision becomes a powerful decision-making filterHow to use it when choosing jobs, locations and commitmentsA journaling exercise to bring clarity and direction to your next chapterWhy this episode matters for your move to Australia When you first arrive in Australia, life is often driven by logistics - managing the admin, getting the kids settled, finding a job and home and so much more. But over time, it’s easy to slip into survival mode and lose sight of the bigger picture of why you moved in the first place. This episode helps you step back and ask a different kind of question: Am I building the life I actually want, or am I just living a life where I respond to routines? Do I even know where I want to go?  Your anti-vision acts as a compass. It helps you notice when something doesn’t feel right, so you can adjust course before you end up somewhere you didn’t intend to be. Additional resources If you haven’t already listened, this episode pairs perfectly with: Episode 48: Create Your Vision, Plan Your Life and Future in Australia. That episode focuses on building the life you do want, whereas this one helps you define what you don’t want, so the two together create amazing clarity.Visit the Move to Australia Directory to explore services and connect with businesses that support your relocation journey.Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #49 The power of your anti-vision: What you don't want your life in Australia to look like

  6. 12/10/2025

    #48 Create your vision: Plan your life and future in Australia

    "Creating a vision for your new life begins the moment you start imagining what's possible for you."  In this final episode for 2025, Karen talks about how to intentionally design your life in Australia, whether you’re still planning your move, deep in the admin, or already settled. Moving to Australia is a huge achievement — but building your dream life here goes beyond just making the move. This episode covers: Pausing to evaluate where you are, where you want to go and what matters most to you.Using journaling prompts to understand your vision for the life you want to create in Australia.Identifying your core values and understanding how they shape your decisions, priorities and actions.Identifying the steps to move you towards your vision — whether it’s career, lifestyle, education or family goals.Celebrating milestones and recognising the achievements you’ve already accomplished.Tools and resources to help map out your next steps. Additional resources (contains affiliate links) Leonie Dawson Planners – Life & Business WorkbooksKristina Karlsson – Your Dream Life Starts Here Book and companion JournalListen to the what is your 'why' podcast episodeJournaling prompts  Vision: What does a perfect day look like?How do I want to feel?What matters most to my family’s happiness?If anything was possible, what would I want my life look like one year from now? Five years?If nothing changes, where might I end up in five years?What am I moving toward?What is the biggest emotion I want more of next year?Identity: Who do I want to become in this next chapter?What parts of myself do I want to leave behind?What parts do I want to bring with me — or evolve into?If I met the me who is thriving in Australia, what would they tell me about how they got there?Values:  What are your top 5 values? What are your non-negotiables?What do you want to prioritise?Found the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here!  If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Find the transcript and full show notes at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-48 Find out more about TorFX and get the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Find all of the migration & relocation services you need in one place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #48 Create your vision: Plan your life and future in Australia

  7. 12/03/2025

    #47 How to move your money to Australia and get the most from your transfer with TorFX

    “We helped to move just over £300,000 to Australia and were able to achieve an additional $18,000 Australian dollars into her bank over the UK bank she was using. That's huge!” Moving to Australia is exciting, but it comes with challenges - especially when it comes to transferring your money internationally. In this episode, Karen chats with Brett from TorFX, an international money transfer specialist, about how to move your money to Australia safely, efficiently and strategically. Whether you’re transferring a large lump sum or smaller regular payments, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of your money.  What you’ll learn in this episode: How TorFX helps you move money to Australia or anywhere in the world.The differences between using a bank and a specialist FX provider, and why it could save you thousands.Common mistakes to avoid when transferring money internationally.How to maximise your transfer with tools like forward contracts and rate alerts.What documentation and compliance you’ll need to set up your account quickly and safely.How to handle regular or smaller transfers once you’re settled in Australia.Tips for planning your transfer in advance to make the most of the current exchange rates.Brett’s personal advice on making smart, informed decisions when moving your money.And so much more.Get the $100 one-time introductory offer SmartStepstoAustralia receives a commission if you use the link below and transfer funds, at no extra cost to you. This is not financial advice - always do your own due diligence before using any financial service. To take advantage of TorFX's offer for New Life in Australia podcast listeners: Set up your account using this referral link, and log into the TorFX app or online platform. Complete your international transfer for at least $2,000 (in one or more trades) You get $100 credited to your TorFX account! >> Get started here Additional resources Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find TorFx's listing Found the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here!  If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find the AI-generated transcript and full show notes at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-47 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find out more about TorFX and find the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #47 How to move your money to Australia and get the most from your transfer with TorFX

  8. 11/27/2025

    #46 The real cost of living in Brisbane in 2025

    “Is Australia affordable? I think it is definitely more expensive than the UK in many ways but there are areas where life is cheaper, so it's swings and roundabouts as to which one is actually cheaper.” Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast In this episode about the real costs of living in Brisbane in 2025, Karen breaks down everything you need to know to budget confidently for your new life in Brisbane, including. Housing costs: Rent, utilities, insurance and moreTransport & registration: Car registration, fuel, insuranceLifestyle expenses:  Food shopping, take aways, eating out, clubs, subscriptions and attraction passesOther bills & subscriptions: Internet, phone, streaming services, and miscellaneous regular costsand so much more.  Additional resources Get the Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle Related podcasts about costs: Episode 10: Australia is expensive: True or false, Episode 30: How much do you really need for your move to Australia...and is it worth it?Podcasts about buying a home: 37 How the Olympics is going to shape Brisbane's property market, 35 Strategies for buying and negotiating property,  33 Rent, buy, invest in Queensland, 27 Buying your home in Queensland the smart way, 22 Buying a home in Melbourne Blog post: The cost of living in BrisbaneBlog posts: Guide to schools in Australia, Choosing a high school in Australia Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find buyer's agents, mortgage brokers and more.Comparison sites: iSelect, Compare the Market, Finder, Energy Made EasyFound the episode helpful? Buy me a coffee to say thank you here!  If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated! Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find the AI-generated transcript and show notes over at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-46 Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.  Find out more about TorFX and find the details of their $100 credit offer for New Life in Australia listeners at https://directory.smartstepstoaustralia.com/places/torfx/ Get your Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle at MovetoAustraliaToolkit.com.  Support the show

    #46 The real cost of living in Brisbane in 2025
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About

The New Life in Australia podcast is here to inspire you to follow your dreams of relocating across the world.     Host Karen Bleakley (Founder of SmartStepstoAustralia.com) moved to Australia with her family and, although it was life-changing, it wasn’t without its challenges.  This podcast is about making the relocation and resettlement process easier for you, so you can enjoy this exciting adventure.    Listen in as special guests share professional secrets and tips, learn from people who’ve made the move, and discover businesses that can help you realise your dreams. It’s all about ending the isolation, showing you what’s possible and sharing realistic expectations about starting a new life Down Under.  Tune in for inspiration, tips and actionable advice to kickstart your journey so you can create the life you've always wanted.

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Bleakley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 New Life in Australia
  • Show Website
    New Life in Australia

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