Ever thought of moving to Western Australia? You're not the only one. We know it can be daunting to move interstate, which is why we've linked up with the Western Australian Government to speak to a handful of hospitality and tourism workers who've headed west to live a life filled with sun, surf and stellar career opportunities.
Read on to find out why these four now Western Australian locals made the move to the west coast—then pack your bags to do the same.
Robbie, Assistant Food & Beverage Director, State Buildings
Q. How long have you lived in Western Australia and why did you decide to move there?
I have lived in Western Australia for two years and decided to move here due to a number of reasons. The pandemic allowed me to reset and think about the future, about what I really wanted to get out of my life and career. There are obviously risks and rewards to moving states and changing jobs however the unknown really excited me.
Q. What's the best thing about working in your industry in Western Australia?
The isolation of the state can often be seen as a negative, however, I look at it in a more positive way that we have incredible produce in this state that often is hard to get anywhere else which provides opportunities to showcase elements many other states cannot.
Having access to fresh produce such as local seafood and native ingredients is a huge bonus for Western Australia. I feel working in the industry in Western Australia people can be more open-minded and open to change. The industry is tight-knit over here so the impact you can have can be quite substantial and the connections you can make can be fantastic. Depending on where you work the cross-over from producer or winemaker to hospitality service staff is a lot closer and often the relationships you create can allow doors to open throughout the industry.
Q. What the most surprising thing about living in Western Australia is and why?
Western Australia is Australia's biggest secret in terms of the work-life balance people experience and the success you can achieve.
Q. How would you describe the lifestyle of living in Western Australia?
The lifestyle in Western Australia is definitely a more relaxed pace to the east coast, but the work-life balance is a massive plus due to the great weather and ability to transition from city to coastline to wine region in the space of a few hours.
Q. What would say to someone who is considering moving to Western Australia—should they do it and why?
It will not be the same as where you are coming from so don't look for what you left behind. Embrace it for what it is and as a developing state, see what you can add to it. I moved here during an interesting time in my life where I had progressed my career in Sydney and could have gone on further, however after moving here I have had the most progressive two years in my life, both professionally and personally.
Q. Do you have any advice for people once they do move to Western Australia?
Expose yourself to as many experiences as you can when you arrive, and see the whole state before you choose where to expend your work expertise. Seek out work environments where people have similar aspirations to you and invest some time getting to know the industry before you commit to a particular spot.
Q. Any final comments about why life in the west is best?
Life in Western Australia is not all beach sunsets and wine tasting—it is actually hard work at times, like any other state—however, it has so many opportunities depending on how much time and effort you want to invest in it. The people are genuinely very approachable and appreciate anyone with good intentions and bring something different to the table. After having started a family here late last year I definitely feel at home here and couldn't think of a better place to live at the present.
Mohd Yunus, Kitchen Manager at Varsity, Innaloo.
Q. How long have you lived in Western Australia and why did you decide to move there?
I have been in Western Australia since 2017 until now. I started by studying and now I'm working here as a full-time chef.
Q. Tell us what was the most surprising thing about living in Western Australia and why?
Western Australia is known for its relaxed lifestyle, long coastline with many beaches, and abundant green spaces, Perth is a cool and multicultural city. From seaside fun, sports and music to historic sites and cultural venues, Perth offers many great experiences for me to enjoy.
Q. How would you describe the lifestyle of living in Western Australia?
Western Australians are very friendly. They often get together either at home or in Hyde Park by having a BBQ together, enjoying each other's company and going to the beach, all without spending a lot of money. A relaxed and laidback lifestyle is the best word to describe the situation here.
Q. Do you have any advice for people when they move to Western Australia?
If they love a vibrant city atmosphere filled with exciting nightlife, then they need to live in a neighbourhood near the city centre. People who prefer a laidback lifestyle will love Perth and can enjoy living a relaxed-paced life in this city.
Julien, Venue Manager at Varsity, Innaloo.
Q. How long have you lived in Western Australia and why did you decide to move there?
I have been living in Western Australia for 6 and a half years now. I decided to take a break from my banking job in Paris and take some time off to travel and surf, which I grew up doing. Australia had always been a dream destination of mine, and after a few months in Margaret River, I accepted a sponsorship in a resort management position and decided to make Western Australia my new home.
Q. What's the best thing about working in your industry in Western Australia?
With world-class vineyards, craft beer breweries, amazing pubs and hotels, the [tourism and] hospitality sector in Western Australia is very dynamic and offers lots of positions and different career paths. There is always a new venue opening up that I want to visit!
Q. Tell us what the most surprising thing about living in Western Australia is and why?
I now live in Perth and moving from Europe, I did not expect the architecture to be that rich. There are plenty of beautiful heritage buildings and old British-style streets and neighbourhoods. Mixed with the shiny tall buildings around the city and the plenitude of parks, it’s very nice to see.
Q. How would you describe the lifestyle of living in Western Australia?
Life in Western Australia is very laidback and comfortable! People are friendly and open-minded, the climate is great and we have some of the most stunning beaches in the world. There are also so many weekend trips and getaway destinations. From the south coast to small towns, Margaret River region, Rottnest island, a road trip up the west coast, Exmouth, and Broome, there is always a place to explore.
Q. What would say to someone who is considering moving to Western Australia—should they do it and why?
There are plenty of job opportunities here, especially if you have an in-demand skill and life is very affordable compared to other parts of the country. I also have had the chance the travel a lot, and Western Australia is definitely the most beautiful part of the world I have had the chance to visit.
Q. Do you have any advice for people once they do move to Western Australia?
Get into community groups, whether it is sports, arts or just social, it is very easy to meet people and everyone will make you feel welcome.
Q. Any final comments about why life in the west is best?
The complete remoteness and freedom feeling living in the west gives you.
Ready to work on the west coast? For more information and to start planning your seachange to Western Australia, head over here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with the Western Australian Government. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Supplied.