Some things that are different include the space – the population is relatively small for such a huge island – and the amount of time people spend outdoors, courtesy of the warm climate. Different areas can have a very different flavour and there’s something for everyone, from busy, bustling metropolises to tiny rural towns with matching populations. A little research is advised to help you decide which is the best area for you.
Hamilton – “wool capital of the world”
The rural city of Hamilton is in Victoria, in south-east Australia, and has a population of around ten thousand people. The climate is almost Mediterranean, with warm, dry, sunny summers and chilly, wet winters.
There is a long tradition of sheep rearing, with the resulting wool industry leading to the city’s self-proclaimed boast to be the “wool capital of the world” and indeed, the industry has been an essential element of the growth and prosperity of the city.
The region is fertile, and the surrounding area is one of outstanding natural beauty. The spectacular Nigretta Falls and the Wannon Falls both lie to the west of the city in the Southern Grampians Shire. Lake Hamilton itself was formed when the Grange Burn was dammed, and it has become a centre for sporting and leisure pursuits, as well as being rich in wildlife.
Housing in Hamilton
The median house price in Hamilton in late 2015 was $194,000 – which equates to around £97,000 – and for buyers this compares favourably to the Australian national average of $485,000 (around £242,000). House rental prices in Hamilton are similarly reasonably, running at around $250 (around £125) per week compared to the national average of £395 (around £200).
Life in Hamilton
Hamilton is located in western Victoria, and is known for its attractive tree-lined streets, imposing buildings and homesteads, and impressive gardens. With Hamilton being such a rural area, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the main industries include agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Those are primarily concentrated in the outlying areas, with opportunities in retail and the health sector predominating in the city’s centre.
Hamilton is not short of amenities, with a number of museums, a world-renowned art gallery, performing arts centre, cinema, indoor leisure and aquatic centre, and botanic gardens. The gardens incorporate a small zoo, mainly housing rabbits and birds. There is also a choice of bars, cafes, restaurants and takeaways, and a good selection of shops and markets, including – as you might expect – a farmers’ market.
An annual trade show and exhibition – Sheepvention – centres on the wool industry, and there is also an annual agricultural show. A variety of sports, including horse racing, form popular local entertainments.
Arranging your move
If you intend to move to Hamilton, you’ll find more information on the various things you’ll need to plan for in our main article on moving to Australia. To learn more about international removal costs, you can also use our online quote tool to compare instant quotes from reputable international removals companies, all of which are members of the British Association of Removers Overseas Group, providing additional peace of mind and protection for your move.
Last reviewed March 2016.