The top 5 things NZ families love about moving to Australia
Thinking of making the move to Victoria with little ones? Here are the top five things Kiwi families with young children say they love most about settling into life across the ditch.
Moving From NZ to Victoria With Young Children
If you are a New Zealand teacher planning to work in Victoria, chances are your family is coming too. Moving with young children brings its own set of questions: How will childcare work? What about schools? Will the kids settle?
The good news is that many Kiwi families have done it, and there are lots of positives once you are on the ground. Here are the top five things families with young children consistently say they love about life in Victoria.
1. Childcare Options and Support
One of the first things you will notice is the wider range of childcare services available.
Types of care: Victoria has long day care, family day care, occasional care, and kindergarten (similar to NZ kindy, but linked closely with the school system).
Government subsidies: The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can make a big difference to fees. How much you get depends on household income and hours of work, but many Kiwi families find this brings the cost down considerably.
Kindergarten programmes: In Victoria, children usually start two years of kindergarten before school, often with an Early Childhood Teacher leading the programme. This feels familiar for many NZ families, though the age entry points and hours can differ.
The variety of services means you can usually find something that suits your child and your work schedule.
2. Schools and Early Years Transition
If you have young children approaching school age, the Victorian system may look a little different to what you are used to.
Prep year: Children start school in the year they turn five, beginning with “Prep” (short for preparatory year). This is the equivalent of Year 1 in New Zealand.
Zoning: Where you live determines which public school your child can attend. Always check zones before signing a lease if you have a preferred school.
Supportive transitions: Schools and kinders work closely together, and the transition to Prep is usually gradual and supportive, which helps young children settle in.
Many Kiwi parents appreciate the clear structure and the way early learning connects directly into the school system.
3. Family-Friendly Lifestyle
Victoria offers plenty for families with young children.
Playgrounds and parks: Melbourne is full of well-designed playgrounds, splash parks, and green spaces. Regional towns also invest in family-friendly facilities.
Activities: From library storytimes to community playgroups, there are lots of free or low-cost activities for little ones.
Outdoors: Weekends often involve trips to the beach, a bushwalk, or exploring local farms and markets. The warmer climate means children spend more time outside, which many Kiwi families value.
Life can feel busy, but there are lots of spaces designed for young children to play, learn, and connect.
4. Healthcare and Support Services
Young children mean regular check-ups, immunisations, and the occasional middle-of-the-night dash to the doctor.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services: In Victoria, families can access free maternal and child health services until children are school-aged. These include health checks, development assessments, and parenting support.
Medicare access: Most New Zealanders on a Special Category Visa can enrol in Medicare, which covers GP visits, hospital care, and immunisations. Some services may still have out-of-pocket fees, so it pays to ask before booking.
Specialist support: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and early intervention services are widely available, though wait times can vary depending on where you live.
Families often say the MCH programme gives them reassurance when settling into a new country with little ones.
5. Community and Connections
Moving countries with young children can feel daunting, but the family networks in Victoria are strong.
Playgroups: These are everywhere, and a great way to meet other parents while your children play.
Sport and activities: Even from a young age, children can join swimming lessons, dance classes, or little athletics. These activities often help families build new friendships quickly.
Kiwi community: There are lots of New Zealand families already in Victoria. It is not unusual to bump into other Kiwis at school gates, sports clubs, or even the supermarket.
The combination of structured services and informal connections makes it easier to find your place as a young family.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
It is important to be honest about what families with young children sometimes find tough:
Childcare waiting lists: In some suburbs, particularly inner Melbourne, waiting lists for childcare can be long. It pays to get on lists early.
Rental competition: Securing a family-sized home near good schools can be competitive, especially in popular areas.
Distance from whānau: Many families miss the support of grandparents and extended family back home. Having young children makes this more noticeable.
Being prepared for these challenges helps reduce stress when you arrive.
Common Questions Kiwi Families Ask
At what age do children start school in Victoria?
Children usually start Prep at age five. If your child’s birthday falls mid-year, you can discuss the best start time with the school.
Is childcare affordable?
Childcare fees can be higher than in NZ, but the Child Care Subsidy helps. How much you pay depends on your income and work hours.
Do young children adapt easily?
Most do. With plenty of outdoor spaces, activities, and supportive schools, children usually settle quickly and make new friends.
Will my child still get immunisations?
Yes, immunisations are covered under Medicare. You just need to enrol once you arrive.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Victoria with young children takes planning, but most Kiwi families find the lifestyle, support services, and community make it worthwhile. While housing, childcare availability, and distance from whānau can be challenges, the opportunities for children to grow, play, and thrive are often the reasons families say they love the move.
If you’re planning to teach in Victoria or simply want to understand what’s involved, we’d love to help you figure it out.
