longtimer75

Hi, I don't want to put you off, but in addition to the rules about bringing wooden furniture, you might like to consider the longer term effects of the Adelaide climate on those lovely British timbers. I don't know how much air-conditioning would ameliorate the situation, but the air here is so dry in summer that it can shrink and dry even very seasoned and mature timber. This can lead to splits developing in the furniture, especially if glue has been used, and even the best-made joints can become loose. Similarly, you'll probably have to be prepared to keep an eye on finishes and be prepared to do more maintenance than in the UK. As I said, I don't want to be alarmist but it's better you know about the possibilities before making the big decisions.

Hi, Regardless of which route you take, Brisbane to Hay is a long drive. Be prepared for white-line fever! The advice in the other replies about water, petrol, not sleeping in lay-bys & truck stops etc is all very sound as is the caution about driving at night. From experience, I'd add that native beasties like to mess about at the roadside at dawn and dusk. At least you know that they're not on stay-awake pills which is more than you can assume about drivers. If $$$$$ is an issue, believe me, flying is much cheaper, more efficient and less stressful. However, if you need or want to drive,I'd recommend that you take your time and enjoy frequent stops in the towns along the way. It helps with survival and you can learn so much about this huge country. Remember that a lot of country towns do not have 24-hour or even late hours of opening so plan to get your provisions in daytime hours. Keep your lights on, be alert, and keep a special eye on your speed within 50kms either side of Hay. The traffic police there net a fortune from drivers and are absolutely ruthless in their interpretation of the law!

Hi Dave & Orla, Dave, you might want to keep an eye on the web pages for the three universities in Adelaide as they often seem to have HR vacancies. They are University of South Australia, Flinders University and Adelaide University. Good luck!

All good advice in the replies so far. The first thing is to remember that the school year is from January to December unlike the British September to July. The South Australian school year is divided into four terms. As others have mentioned, there are no half-term breaks as such but there are lots of other smaller breaks. In the primary years, your children have a priority place in the state school which serves the area in which you live. If you choose to enrol the children in a state school other than the one that serves the local zone, then they will be a lower priority than children who live in that school's zone. Independent and Catholic schools can choose who they take as students regardless of the place of residence. State primary schools act as feeder schools for state high schools on much the same priority system, but the process is not absolutely inflexible. It is not uncommon for parents who 'know' Adelaide to take schools into account when choosing where to live.

Unley HS has long had an excellent reputation, especially for academic achievement. It has been in the top 3 state high schools for decades and certainly out-performs many private schools and colleges. My daughter attended the school and credits it with being instrumental in her university education and working life. I believe that Penny Wong is also a former scholar, but she and Julia Gillard are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to former students doing well in their careers. Having said that, there is no one school that is 'right' for every student. It all boils down to the special relationship that exists in the classroom between the teacher and the students - and on the parents' commitment to being involved and supportive.

Hi Sally, Looking at the date and the 3-week limit, I'm assuming your friends have found a place. If not, perhaps they could contact me about a place that might just suit them.

Hi Ross and Teri, I know of a house in the Clapham area that is probably coming up for rent. Suggest you email David.Williams@unisa.edu.au Cheers, Gillian