Comments for The Good Oil: Living in Australia as an Expat http://tgo.elated.com Expat adventures Down Under Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:46:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 Comment on Sydney public transport is great! by Scoot http://tgo.elated.com/2007/07/02/sydney-public-transport-is-great/#comment-1398 Scoot Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:40:00 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/07/02/sydney-public-transport-is-great/#comment-1398 I agree with you, having lived in London (and surrounds including Reading) and travelled to around 35 countries over the years, the Sydney system while not the best, is certainly not the worst. It's best feature is the cost, it's worse is the timetabling during off-peak times. I did a little research in 2007 on ticket prices, track length, frequency and age of rollingstock. Some of this was from my own observations, others were gleamed from websites. However this shouldn't stop any new investment in a Metro style line, or other new "heavy rail" lines as population growth fills in the gaps of land in the Western and South Western and North Western suburbs. System: Sydney System type: interurban and suburban Lines/Stations/Distance: 8/302/2060km Frequency: 3 (inner peak) - 30mins (outer off-peak) Rollingstock age: 1986 - 2007 Pricing: AUD 2.80 (4.78mi/7.67km) System: London System type: metro Lines/Stations/Distance: 12/274/408km Frequency: 2mins (inner peak) - 20mins (outer off-peak) Rollingstock age: 1960 - 1996 Pricing: GBP1.50/GBP4.00 (offpeak/peak) (AUD 3.90/9.00) System: Hamburg S-Bahn System type: suburban Lines/Stations/Distance: 6/59/115km Frequency: 10 - 20mins (5mins during peak hour some lines) Rollingstock age: 1984 - 2005 Pricing: short trip EUR1.50 (AUD 2.30) System: Moscow System type: metro Lines/Stations/Distance: 12/172/278km Frequency: 1.5 - 3mins Rollingstock age: 1950 - 2005 Pricing: 15.00 rouble (AUD 0.73) System: Paris System type: metro Lines/Stations/Distance: 16/380/221km Frequency: 2 - 6mins (on RER around 5 - 15mins) Rollingstock age: 1960 - 1990 Pricing: EUR1.40 (AUD 2.16) System: Tokyo System type: metro, suburban Lines/Stations/Distance: 4/106/109km Frequency: 3 - 4mins Rollingstock age: 1990 - 2006 Pricing: JPY160 (AUD 1.51) System: New York System type: suburban, interurban Lines/Stations/Distance: 26/468/1056km Frequency: 5 - 20mins Rollingstock age: 1961 - 2001 Pricing: USD2.00 (AUD 2.45) System: Berlin U-Bahn System type: metro Lines/Stations/Distance: 9/170/146km Frequency: every 3-5 min (peak), 5-10 min (off-peak) Rollingstock age: 1986 - 2005 Pricing: EUR2.10 (AUD 3.47) System: Washington System type: metro Lines/Stations/Distance: 5/89/169 km Frequency: 3-6 min (peak hour), 6-12 (daytime) and 10-15 (off-peak) Rollingstock age: 1973 (rehabilitated: 1993) - 2005 Pricing: USD1.75 (AUD 2.02) I agree with you, having lived in London (and surrounds including Reading) and travelled to around 35 countries over the years, the Sydney system while not the best, is certainly not the worst. It’s best feature is the cost, it’s worse is the timetabling during off-peak times. I did a little research in 2007 on ticket prices, track length, frequency and age of rollingstock. Some of this was from my own observations, others were gleamed from websites. However this shouldn’t stop any new investment in a Metro style line, or other new “heavy rail” lines as population growth fills in the gaps of land in the Western and South Western and North Western suburbs.

System: Sydney
System type: interurban and suburban
Lines/Stations/Distance: 8/302/2060km
Frequency: 3 (inner peak) - 30mins (outer off-peak)
Rollingstock age: 1986 - 2007
Pricing: AUD 2.80 (4.78mi/7.67km)

System: London
System type: metro
Lines/Stations/Distance: 12/274/408km
Frequency: 2mins (inner peak) - 20mins (outer off-peak)
Rollingstock age: 1960 - 1996
Pricing: GBP1.50/GBP4.00 (offpeak/peak)
(AUD 3.90/9.00)

System: Hamburg S-Bahn
System type: suburban
Lines/Stations/Distance: 6/59/115km
Frequency: 10 - 20mins
(5mins during peak hour some lines)
Rollingstock age: 1984 - 2005
Pricing: short trip EUR1.50 (AUD 2.30)

System: Moscow
System type: metro
Lines/Stations/Distance: 12/172/278km
Frequency: 1.5 - 3mins
Rollingstock age: 1950 - 2005
Pricing: 15.00 rouble (AUD 0.73)

System: Paris
System type: metro
Lines/Stations/Distance: 16/380/221km
Frequency: 2 - 6mins
(on RER around 5 - 15mins)
Rollingstock age: 1960 - 1990
Pricing: EUR1.40 (AUD 2.16)

System: Tokyo
System type: metro, suburban
Lines/Stations/Distance: 4/106/109km
Frequency: 3 - 4mins
Rollingstock age: 1990 - 2006
Pricing: JPY160 (AUD 1.51)

System: New York
System type: suburban, interurban
Lines/Stations/Distance: 26/468/1056km
Frequency: 5 - 20mins
Rollingstock age: 1961 - 2001
Pricing: USD2.00 (AUD 2.45)

System: Berlin U-Bahn
System type: metro
Lines/Stations/Distance: 9/170/146km
Frequency: every 3-5 min (peak), 5-10 min (off-peak)
Rollingstock age: 1986 - 2005
Pricing: EUR2.10 (AUD 3.47)

System: Washington
System type: metro
Lines/Stations/Distance: 5/89/169 km
Frequency: 3-6 min (peak hour), 6-12 (daytime) and 10-15 (off-peak)
Rollingstock age: 1973 (rehabilitated: 1993) - 2005
Pricing: USD1.75 (AUD 2.02)

]]> Comment on The Aussie petrol price lottery by Matt http://tgo.elated.com/2008/03/15/the-aussie-petrol-price-lottery/#comment-1387 Matt Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:07:04 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2008/03/15/the-aussie-petrol-price-lottery/#comment-1387 I think it's all to do with competition amongst petrol stations, or something. Anyway this new FuelWatch idea that the Government's proposing should help to even prices out a bit. Though why they can't just keep prices more stable anyway - like in the UK - is beyond me! I think it’s all to do with competition amongst petrol stations, or something. Anyway this new FuelWatch idea that the Government’s proposing should help to even prices out a bit. Though why they can’t just keep prices more stable anyway - like in the UK - is beyond me!

]]> Comment on Where to live: Bellingen? by Matt http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/24/where-to-live-bellingen/#comment-1386 Matt Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:03:04 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/24/where-to-live-bellingen/#comment-1386 @Mel: Good on you for the Bellingen move - sounds like it's working out great for you! The Eurobodalla area is lovely, though I think it would be too far away from a big city for us. @Carla: It is hard to pick an area when you're new to the country isn't it. And the rest of Australia is so different to Sydney - almost like the two are in separate countries! The Blue Mountains are beautiful, but I'm not sure they're the right place for us (too far from the beach for one thing). I'd imagine Glenbrook to Crows Nest could be a bit of a slog - test it out in peak traffic time! Also I think the lower mountains are of a very different character to the upper mountains (eg Leura) - much hotter in summer for example. Anyway, the big news for us is that we're finally moving - to Robertson in the Southern Highlands! More info here: http://tgo.elated.com/2008/07/16/were-moving-to-robertson/ Only 6 weeks to go - can't wait!! @Mel: Good on you for the Bellingen move - sounds like it’s working out great for you! The Eurobodalla area is lovely, though I think it would be too far away from a big city for us.

@Carla: It is hard to pick an area when you’re new to the country isn’t it. And the rest of Australia is so different to Sydney - almost like the two are in separate countries! The Blue Mountains are beautiful, but I’m not sure they’re the right place for us (too far from the beach for one thing). I’d imagine Glenbrook to Crows Nest could be a bit of a slog - test it out in peak traffic time! Also I think the lower mountains are of a very different character to the upper mountains (eg Leura) - much hotter in summer for example.

Anyway, the big news for us is that we’re finally moving - to Robertson in the Southern Highlands! More info here:

http://tgo.elated.com/2008/07/16/were-moving-to-robertson/

Only 6 weeks to go - can’t wait!!

]]> Comment on The Aussie petrol price lottery by Carla http://tgo.elated.com/2008/03/15/the-aussie-petrol-price-lottery/#comment-1369 Carla Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:03:22 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2008/03/15/the-aussie-petrol-price-lottery/#comment-1369 Yeah bizarre! I'm from NZ and also totally blown away by the changes in gas prices. Maybe someone local could explain why this is. But thanks for the advice about buying on Tuesdays. I'll try that. Yeah bizarre! I’m from NZ and also totally blown away by the changes in gas prices. Maybe someone local could explain why this is. But thanks for the advice about buying on Tuesdays. I’ll try that.

]]> Comment on Where to live: Bellingen? by Carla http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/24/where-to-live-bellingen/#comment-1368 Carla Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:56:51 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/24/where-to-live-bellingen/#comment-1368 My husband and I moved to Sydney from NZ nearly a year ago and we too are investigating a move away from the city and burbs. Trouble is hubby still works in Crows Nest, at least a few days a week, so need to consider doable commutes. We've got 3 little tots, so bringing up kids is an issue. Trying to pick a spot is overwhelming when you don't know the country. We loved the Blue mountains and thought we might look into Glenbrook. Anyone else with more thougts on the mountains? Its been so interesting reading everyone's comments so far! My husband and I moved to Sydney from NZ nearly a year ago and we too are investigating a move away from the city and burbs. Trouble is hubby still works in Crows Nest, at least a few days a week, so need to consider doable commutes. We’ve got 3 little tots, so bringing up kids is an issue. Trying to pick a spot is overwhelming when you don’t know the country.
We loved the Blue mountains and thought we might look into Glenbrook. Anyone else with more thougts on the mountains? Its been so interesting reading everyone’s comments so far!

]]> Comment on Where to live: Bellingen? by Mel http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/24/where-to-live-bellingen/#comment-1366 Mel Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:26 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/24/where-to-live-bellingen/#comment-1366 Matt, We left Sydney 18 months ago and came to Bellingen. It had been a 5 year project to get up here. My partner and i have two young kids and we shuddered to even consider bringing them up in Sydney. Sydney's great when your in your 20s and focused on going out, but it would hellish at any other stage of life, in my opinion - hence we hit our 30s and left. Bellingen has been fantastic. As long as you can find a place to live that isn't damp, (or flood affected) its heaven on earth. We have made lots of friends, the kids love it here and every morning i look out my window and thank the universe for being so blessed. Sure, when the kids get older, we'll have to encourage them to spread their wings and try living in a new place, becuase as someone said earlier, employment is an issue, but it's the sort of place that a kid could always call home no matter how far their wings took them. A safe haven to come home to. As for the floods, i think they're exciting. The BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) website is my home page now days. Since moving here, it's the first time i've ever really cared about the weather. The floods bring a sense of excitement to town and remind you of how cool nature is. I'd love to know what other places are on the top ten. I lived for a couple of years in the Eurobodalla Shire on the south coast, and if i wasn't here, that's where i'd be. Heaven on the south coast. And by the way, Merv has just retired. Matt,

We left Sydney 18 months ago and came to Bellingen. It had been a 5 year project to get up here. My partner and i have two young kids and we shuddered to even consider bringing them up in Sydney. Sydney’s great when your in your 20s and focused on going out, but it would hellish at any other stage of life, in my opinion - hence we hit our 30s and left.

Bellingen has been fantastic. As long as you can find a place to live that isn’t damp, (or flood affected) its heaven on earth. We have made lots of friends, the kids love it here and every morning i look out my window and thank the universe for being so blessed.

Sure, when the kids get older, we’ll have to encourage them to spread their wings and try living in a new place, becuase as someone said earlier, employment is an issue, but it’s the sort of place that a kid could always call home no matter how far their wings took them. A safe haven to come home to.

As for the floods, i think they’re exciting. The BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) website is my home page now days. Since moving here, it’s the first time i’ve ever really cared about the weather. The floods bring a sense of excitement to town and remind you of how cool nature is.

I’d love to know what other places are on the top ten. I lived for a couple of years in the Eurobodalla Shire on the south coast, and if i wasn’t here, that’s where i’d be. Heaven on the south coast.

And by the way, Merv has just retired.

]]> Comment on The high cost of living in Australia by Steve D http://tgo.elated.com/2007/05/12/the-high-cost-of-living-in-australia/#comment-1365 Steve D Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:01:37 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/05/12/the-high-cost-of-living-in-australia/#comment-1365 Having been back to the UK twice this year I must say that the cost of living there now appears to be cheaper than here (Adelaide). The ability to buy Cheap from Aldi, Netto etc does not exist, cars are extortionate and property rental is also expensive. I am making a comparison between here and Leicestershire. We are now considering a move to the tropical north Queensland, near Cairns. Yeah books are ridiculous!! Having been back to the UK twice this year I must say that the cost of living there now appears to be cheaper than here (Adelaide). The ability to buy Cheap from Aldi, Netto etc does not exist, cars are extortionate and property rental is also expensive. I am making a comparison between here and Leicestershire. We are now considering a move to the tropical north Queensland, near Cairns. Yeah books are ridiculous!!

]]> Comment on Weird Aussie pronunciation by Andrea http://tgo.elated.com/2007/11/01/weird-aussie-pronunciation/#comment-1324 Andrea Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:08:02 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/11/01/weird-aussie-pronunciation/#comment-1324 Before the internet became widespread it was 'darta' here in the UK too. 'Dayta' is something we adopted from the Americans. Blame the Microsoft generation. I do occasionally hear people here who use 'dayta' in relation to computers and 'darta' when referring to anything else. I suppose that's as correct as it's going to get. Before the internet became widespread it was ‘darta’ here in the UK too. ‘Dayta’ is something we adopted from the Americans. Blame the Microsoft generation.

I do occasionally hear people here who use ‘dayta’ in relation to computers and ‘darta’ when referring to anything else. I suppose that’s as correct as it’s going to get.

]]> Comment on Sydney public transport is great! by Visas Australia http://tgo.elated.com/2007/07/02/sydney-public-transport-is-great/#comment-1312 Visas Australia Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:52:21 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/07/02/sydney-public-transport-is-great/#comment-1312 The London Tube is a wonderful example, however it really needs alot of money spending on it to thoroughly modernise it. The London Tube is a wonderful example, however it really needs alot of money spending on it to thoroughly modernise it.

]]> Comment on Moving from Sydney: What we’re after by Matt http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/18/moving-from-sydney-what-were-after/#comment-1310 Matt Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:41:35 +0000 http://tgo.elated.com/2007/09/18/moving-from-sydney-what-were-after/#comment-1310 @Kay: I know what you mean - the Blue Mountains don't seem to have many things going on do they? Or maybe you have to live there a while to discover them! And yes, where are all the pubs?! Actually I feel that even Sydney is bereft of pubs (once you get outside the CBD that is), but that's because I'm comparing it to London. I have a blog post in the offing about this topic actually. @June: It sounds like you've made a good decision with Bellingen. It really is a nice area, and I've heard good things about the Steiner school too. Also, I expect that now you've committed to it and got the ball rolling, everything will fall into place - it usually does. :) @Kay: I know what you mean - the Blue Mountains don’t seem to have many things going on do they? Or maybe you have to live there a while to discover them! And yes, where are all the pubs?! Actually I feel that even Sydney is bereft of pubs (once you get outside the CBD that is), but that’s because I’m comparing it to London. I have a blog post in the offing about this topic actually.

@June: It sounds like you’ve made a good decision with Bellingen. It really is a nice area, and I’ve heard good things about the Steiner school too. Also, I expect that now you’ve committed to it and got the ball rolling, everything will fall into place - it usually does. :)

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