Perth - short term work assignment
Discussion
Thanks for the clarifications on the 'Rolla... I was wondering whether there was some Oz only V8 version or something..!! Had a walk upto Northbridge yesterday and there seems a bit more going on with a few bars close by plus an open air cinema..!! Might have to head that way next weekend.
Yes, drinks prices are summik else dont think I'll be drinking myself into oblivion anytime soon although I have found my local BWS..!!
Yes, drinks prices are summik else dont think I'll be drinking myself into oblivion anytime soon although I have found my local BWS..!!
ShyTallKnight said:
Yes, drinks prices are summik else dont think I'll be drinking myself into oblivion anytime soon although I have found my local BWS..!!
Drinking at home is much cheaper if you really want to get shlammered. As you may have noticed, supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol directly as they are in the UK. Liquor stores have to be licensed separately so if you want beer you pretty much have to go to an off license.
Beer choices leave a little to be desired though.
captain_cynic said:
ShyTallKnight said:
Yes, drinks prices are summik else dont think I'll be drinking myself into oblivion anytime soon although I have found my local BWS..!!
Drinking at home is much cheaper if you really want to get shlammered. As you may have noticed, supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol directly as they are in the UK. Liquor stores have to be licensed separately so if you want beer you pretty much have to go to an off license.
Beer choices leave a little to be desired though.
Pommy said:
You left 7 years ago - beer choices have exploded in the last few years
I moved to the UK at the start of 2016. Beer choices in WA haven't changed much since around 2011 when the govt allowed smaller companies to import directly rather than having to go through the larger importers (Rudd/Gillard made it easier for importers to pay tax/WET directly). Before then we were more or less stuck with whaterver CUB or Lion produced (and Coopers but I refuse to lump Coopers in with CUB and Lion). I can remember back when your only beers were Emu Export, Emu Bitter, Vic Bitter and Tooheys... EB doesn't even exist any more.
But the selections are still terrible compared to here in the UK. For the most part it's the usual suspects, Stella/Heineken/et al. You might find a Brewdog or two, but you'll rarely find anything unusual. The Beer selection in your average Liquorland or BWS might fit in half the space a Tesco has for beer here.
The biggest difference is that it's easy to buy beer in cartons in Australia.
Edited by captain_cynic on Monday 2nd July 14:04
captain_cynic said:
Pommy said:
You left 7 years ago - beer choices have exploded in the last few years
I moved to the UK at the start of 2016. Beer choices in WA haven't changed much since around 2011 when the govt allowed smaller companies to import directly rather than having to go through the larger importers (Rudd/Gillard made it easier for importers to pay tax/WET directly). Before then we were more or less stuck with whaterver CUB or Lion produced (and Coopers but I refuse to lump Coopers in with CUB and Lion). I can remember back when your only beers were Emu Export, Emu Bitter, Vic Bitter and Tooheys... EB doesn't even exist any more.
But the selections are still terrible compared to here in the UK. For the most part it's the usual suspects, Stella/Heineken/et al. You might find a Brewdog or two, but you'll rarely find anything unusual. The Beer selection in your average Liquorland or BWS might fit in half the space a Tesco has for beer here.
The biggest difference is that it's easy to buy beer in cartons in Australia.
Edited by captain_cynic on Monday 2nd July 14:04
Pommy said:
My experience must just be different to yours.
Yep, I've actually lived in Perth.https://www.liquorland.com.au/Beer?facets=beersubc...
I got to page 2 before encountering anything not made by a mass produced brewer (Lion Nathan, Carton United or Coopers) and that was a Goose Island IPA, so not exactly rare as you can get them 4 for £6 at an ASDA.
When I moved to the UK, I was blown away at the different types of beer available here. There is no such thing as a cask drawn ale in Perth.
Alcohol is not high on my consumption list, but when I do procure the stuff, there is plenty of choice at the nearest Dan Murphy's which is owned by Woolworths, way more than other places. https://www.danmurphys.com.au/dm/home
motomk said:
Alcohol is not high on my consumption list, but when I do procure the stuff, there is plenty of choice at the nearest Dan Murphy's which is owned by Woolworths, way more than other places. https://www.danmurphys.com.au/dm/home
Apart from independent bottle shops that specialise in craft beer, Dan Murphy's is pretty good and decent prices for over here. I always get carried away when I go there though and so end up spending a few hundred bucks. Good selection for everyone, from mass produced fizzy piss for people with no taste buds, to craft beer both local and imported and some good Belgium/Dutch beers, La Trappe Quadrupel is really good stuff and $26 for four isn't too badly priced for what it is.I would also disagree that the beer choice here is limited, the craft scene has exploded the last few years and plenty of good local beers.
Edited by NSNO on Friday 6th July 04:00
Pommy said:
My experience must just be different to yours.
I agree. The chain bottle shops sell the mass produced stuff. As motomk NSNO said, DM has a bit more variation.
Go to an independent and you'll get the craft choices. Mane Liquor is prob one of the best near the CBD, on Great Eastern.
Craft beers in pubs have been "a thing" for the past 7 years that ive been here.
Edited by Bibbs on Tuesday 3rd July 08:08
captain_cynic said:
Pommy said:
My experience must just be different to yours.
Yep, I've actually lived in Perth.https://www.liquorland.com.au/Beer?facets=beersubc...
I got to page 2 before encountering anything not made by a mass produced brewer (Lion Nathan, Carton United or Coopers) and that was a Goose Island IPA, so not exactly rare as you can get them 4 for £6 at an ASDA.
When I moved to the UK, I was blown away at the different types of beer available here. There is no such thing as a cask drawn ale in Perth.
Firstly im not sure what you mean by 'ive actually lived in Perth' but i can only see you are insinuating i havent - to confirm ive been here 11 years and worked on the Terrace for 11 years and travelled state and Australia wide for work . Hope that settles that.
Next - if your determination of Perths alchohol scene is determined by a)cask drawn ale and b) the sum choice of what you can buy at BWS and Liqourland its like wondering why Asda doesnt offer degustation...
As others have said Dan Murphys is absolutely sufficient for the wider choice, certainly bigger than any Tescos offy area ive been in and to clarify i was born and lived in the UK till 32 and have gone back 8 times in last 11 years so also know whats there.
What really makes me laugh is that within 40 mins of Perth (50% of WA's population) is the Swan Valley offering numerous breweries, Wineries and boutique gin, vodka and whiskey distilleries - there are 5 breweries selling a total of 100 different beers and ales - hell you can even get a bloody bottle of surprisingly good pavlova vodka that is sold nationwide direct at the distillery door where its made - Old Youngs if youre wondering. Go further south 3 hours and youre in margaret river where there are 187 wineries and 11 breweries serving EVERYTHING.
Where in the UK can 50% of the population experience this within a 3 hour drive.
So i can only summise its not that youre cynical, just uneducated.
For TSK i absolutely recommend Wine for Dudes tour in margaret river - my wife and were there last week and we ended up getting a private day tour in the owners Landcruiser Sahara which was mint - bought $1000 of wine mind.
Captain Cynic is a numpty - ignore everything he says it is usually complete b
ks. In another thread he claimed it was impossible to buy anything but beef sausages in Australia 
He seems to have a massive chip on his shoulder - I suspect he was deported rather than choosing to leave.
Anyway, while the alcohol in my local Coles is in a separate section you can walk in to it from the main shop, buy it, then go back in to the main shop and finish your shopping. Aldi actually sell alcohol in the main shop and you pay for it at the same checkout (but you have to pack your own bags...shock...horror!).
The selection of beer in Coles is fine, Cellarbrations have more variety, and our local Foodworks has a great selection of both beer and wine.
Yes a lot of the European stuff is brewed here under licence, but I just avoid it and go with one of the smaller local breweries.
ks. In another thread he claimed it was impossible to buy anything but beef sausages in Australia He seems to have a massive chip on his shoulder - I suspect he was deported rather than choosing to leave.
Anyway, while the alcohol in my local Coles is in a separate section you can walk in to it from the main shop, buy it, then go back in to the main shop and finish your shopping. Aldi actually sell alcohol in the main shop and you pay for it at the same checkout (but you have to pack your own bags...shock...horror!).
The selection of beer in Coles is fine, Cellarbrations have more variety, and our local Foodworks has a great selection of both beer and wine.
Yes a lot of the European stuff is brewed here under licence, but I just avoid it and go with one of the smaller local breweries.
Chaps, I thought I’d ask on here as there maybe some experience which will help me make a decision.
I was sent over to WA on a subclass 400 3 month visa. As a result I need to be out of the country on the 23 Sept.
Now, one of the selling points to the family back in the UK for me bailing on them was that I would return in early Aug for a week and then fly back out with them for a 2 week holiday. Current plan was to bring them out on the 09 Aug.
The spanner in the works is we have a very busy period coming up late Aug through Sept and I’ve been asked to stay on until the end of Oct.
Not being knowledgeable enough about the whole Visa process I thought as I’m company sponsored I could apply for an extension or similar. Wrong. I have to leave Oz and apply for a new Visa 3 month working visa at which point my current visa becomes null and void.
So, at present I am thinking I fly back to the UK on the 26/27 July. Apply for a new visa. Hope to god it gets granted and then fly out on the 09 Aug…. It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just myself travelling but I’m having to sort flights and visas out for the family and at present don’t know what to do for the best… My current visa was turned around in a week but I’m hearing a second application can, will, most likely take longer..
Apols for the long winded post but any words of wisdom or recent similar experiences would be interested to hear..
In other news, I’m enjoying my time in Perth.. Watched the Eng v Sweden game at the Sports bar at the Casino last weekend which was ram packed with Eng fans and a good night. Didn’t lose anything at the roulette tables either
Probably going to hire a car this weekend and have a bit of a mooch about as going a little bit stir crazy without my own transport. Overall though enjoying the experience apart from the issues outlined above..!!
I was sent over to WA on a subclass 400 3 month visa. As a result I need to be out of the country on the 23 Sept.
Now, one of the selling points to the family back in the UK for me bailing on them was that I would return in early Aug for a week and then fly back out with them for a 2 week holiday. Current plan was to bring them out on the 09 Aug.
The spanner in the works is we have a very busy period coming up late Aug through Sept and I’ve been asked to stay on until the end of Oct.
Not being knowledgeable enough about the whole Visa process I thought as I’m company sponsored I could apply for an extension or similar. Wrong. I have to leave Oz and apply for a new Visa 3 month working visa at which point my current visa becomes null and void.
So, at present I am thinking I fly back to the UK on the 26/27 July. Apply for a new visa. Hope to god it gets granted and then fly out on the 09 Aug…. It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just myself travelling but I’m having to sort flights and visas out for the family and at present don’t know what to do for the best… My current visa was turned around in a week but I’m hearing a second application can, will, most likely take longer..
Apols for the long winded post but any words of wisdom or recent similar experiences would be interested to hear..
In other news, I’m enjoying my time in Perth.. Watched the Eng v Sweden game at the Sports bar at the Casino last weekend which was ram packed with Eng fans and a good night. Didn’t lose anything at the roulette tables either
Probably going to hire a car this weekend and have a bit of a mooch about as going a little bit stir crazy without my own transport. Overall though enjoying the experience apart from the issues outlined above..!!
ShyTallKnight said:
Not being knowledgeable enough about the whole Visa process I thought as I’m company sponsored I could apply for an extension or similar. Wrong. I have to leave Oz and apply for a new Visa 3 month working visa at which point my current visa becomes null and void.
So, at present I am thinking I fly back to the UK on the 26/27 July. Apply for a new visa. Hope to god it gets granted and then fly out on the 09 Aug…. It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just myself travelling but I’m having to sort flights and visas out for the family and at present don’t know what to do for the best… My current visa was turned around in a week but I’m hearing a second application can, will, most likely take longer..
You can enter Australia on a visitors visa and then transition to a working one (subclass 4xx IIRC) without leaving. You only need to be outside the of Australia to apply. Only condition is that you cant work until your visa is approved. I'd let immigration know what you're doing, I doubt there'll be an issue though.So, at present I am thinking I fly back to the UK on the 26/27 July. Apply for a new visa. Hope to god it gets granted and then fly out on the 09 Aug…. It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just myself travelling but I’m having to sort flights and visas out for the family and at present don’t know what to do for the best… My current visa was turned around in a week but I’m hearing a second application can, will, most likely take longer..
My advice is to get your ducks in a row as best you can before you go and apply as soon as you land. Do you have a mate in the UK who can open your mail for you if the response does not come in time? Not sure about your visa as I'm an Aussie citizen by birth but when applying for my UK ancestry visa, approvals were sent by post.
I reckon you'll be OK though. 2 weeks is usually enough time.
captain_cynic said:
ShyTallKnight said:
Not being knowledgeable enough about the whole Visa process I thought as I’m company sponsored I could apply for an extension or similar. Wrong. I have to leave Oz and apply for a new Visa 3 month working visa at which point my current visa becomes null and void.
So, at present I am thinking I fly back to the UK on the 26/27 July. Apply for a new visa. Hope to god it gets granted and then fly out on the 09 Aug…. It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just myself travelling but I’m having to sort flights and visas out for the family and at present don’t know what to do for the best… My current visa was turned around in a week but I’m hearing a second application can, will, most likely take longer..
You can enter Australia on a visitors visa and then transition to a working one (subclass 4xx IIRC) without leaving. You only need to be outside the of Australia to apply. Only condition is that you cant work until your visa is approved. I'd let immigration know what you're doing, I doubt there'll be an issue though.So, at present I am thinking I fly back to the UK on the 26/27 July. Apply for a new visa. Hope to god it gets granted and then fly out on the 09 Aug…. It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just myself travelling but I’m having to sort flights and visas out for the family and at present don’t know what to do for the best… My current visa was turned around in a week but I’m hearing a second application can, will, most likely take longer..
My advice is to get your ducks in a row as best you can before you go and apply as soon as you land. Do you have a mate in the UK who can open your mail for you if the response does not come in time? Not sure about your visa as I'm an Aussie citizen by birth but when applying for my UK ancestry visa, approvals were sent by post.
I reckon you'll be OK though. 2 weeks is usually enough time.
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/400-
Its pretty clear:
Location
You and anyone included in your visa application must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when it is decided.
At least most are done in 19 days or under.
Thanks guys. The more advice I get and having read the guidance notes on the link posted it's just all a bit of a lottery. Our global mobility dept are a bit bloody useless it has to be said.... Anyhow, I'm half tempted to apply for a new visa when I return and then sort outbound travel subject to approval (for me and the family). Therefore, should there be any delays at least I'll be at home and not stressing that flights are booked...!!
Forgot to sy above I see Chelsea are playing at the Optus stadium against Perth Glory on the 23 July so quite fancy popping down for that
Forgot to sy above I see Chelsea are playing at the Optus stadium against Perth Glory on the 23 July so quite fancy popping down for that
ShyTallKnight said:
Thanks guys. The more advice I get and having read the guidance notes on the link posted it's just all a bit of a lottery. Our global mobility dept are a bit bloody useless it has to be said.... Anyhow, I'm half tempted to apply for a new visa when I return and then sort outbound travel subject to approval (for me and the family). Therefore, should there be any delays at least I'll be at home and not stressing that flights are booked...!!
The only people who can give you a concrete answer are the Dept of home affairs. If you're worried you can give them a quick email and hope you don't get a canned answer back (sadly, all too common when dealing with Aust govt departments). 
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