0:00:02 > 0:00:08Welcome to Wanted Down Under, the show that catapults a British family right across the world
0:00:08 > 0:00:13to help them make the biggest decision of their life.
0:00:14 > 0:00:21Richard and Louise Bond from Cheshire have always dreamed of moving Down Under.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Both, for different reasons, find British weather a pain.
0:00:25 > 0:00:34I've got the best job in the world when it's sunny. When the weather's terrible, it really gets you down.
0:00:34 > 0:00:41Mum Louise's arthritis means that the cold and damp leave her in constant agony.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45I'm looking for a better quality of life. If I can do a bit more,
0:00:45 > 0:00:50then that has a positive impact on my family.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Mr Sunshine needs to come out more.
0:00:53 > 0:01:00The Bonds think Australia offers 17-year-old Jenna and 11-year-old Dana a better lifestyle
0:01:00 > 0:01:06- and a brighter future. - I love the lifestyle. I was in a waterfall. It was amazing.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10But Jenna won't even entertain the idea of leaving the UK.
0:01:10 > 0:01:17- Most people want to come here, but I'm not most people. - No, you're BLEEP awkward!
0:01:17 > 0:01:24Neither Richard nor Louise can imagine leaving Jenna behind. She's determined not to make the move.
0:01:24 > 0:01:32So will that leave the Bond family's plans in tatters? Or will they press ahead with a move Down Under?
0:01:54 > 0:02:00For many, the European credit crunch means that Australia's sunshine looks even more inviting.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Anyone who is under 45 and on a skills shortage list
0:02:03 > 0:02:07could head Down Under ahead of the queue.
0:02:07 > 0:02:13Last year, around 60 Brits a day leapt at the chance, but how tough was that decision?
0:02:13 > 0:02:17How carefully did they think it through?
0:02:17 > 0:02:21We've given another 20 families the chance of a lifetime -
0:02:21 > 0:02:25a week to test a lifestyle Down Under. Then they get to vote.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30Will they stay in the UK or will they move to Australia?
0:02:30 > 0:02:37Richard, a garden centre manager, and Louise, who's been medically retired following spinal surgery,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41have been thinking about moving from Cheshire to Australia.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47It's a country that is developing. It's a young country, a relaxed country.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Everyone knows that this country is busy.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54The roads are packed.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00Louise lives with a serious degenerative condition. She's had arthritis since childhood,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03but things recently got a lot worse.
0:03:03 > 0:03:10I had an exploratory operation and I didn't get out of a wheelchair after that, so I was housebound
0:03:10 > 0:03:15and in a lot of pain. That not only affected me, but the family.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19I had surgery, which was rebuilding my spine with titanium,
0:03:19 > 0:03:24and it took me two years or so to learn to walk again.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29The weather in the UK has a profound effect on their day-to-day lives.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34I get very affected by the damp and cold. I'm in my thirties now.
0:03:34 > 0:03:40How bad am I going to get? What am I going to be like here in my 60s and 70s?
0:03:40 > 0:03:45I'm a very determined person and try to make the most out of every day.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49It's very difficult in this environment.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55They crave a warmer climate, which they feel might improve Louise's quality of life.
0:03:55 > 0:04:02- When you go on holiday to the Med, after a week of warm weather...- And swimming.- ..we're playing water polo.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07Not walking without crutches, but walking distances and feeling better.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Louise's condition affects her whole family.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16I'd like to be able to do more with them. You don't get that time back.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20I want that to start happening now.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26For Dana, life in Australia offers a better future, but Jenna's future is mapped out -
0:04:26 > 0:04:32- and it doesn't involve moving to the other side of the world. - I want them to go. I really do.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37If they don't go, it'll be my fault. I'd be the one stopping them.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42But England's my home and where I belong.
0:04:42 > 0:04:49Leaving my family and my friends and just your whole life behind is something I don't want to do.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53We would never do anything that's not right for all of us.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59There's got to be more to life than this and, yes, that could take us to the other side of the world.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05To help the Bonds make a decision, we offered them the challenge of a lifetime -
0:05:05 > 0:05:11a week in Darwin with the climate to suit Louise to find out if it would be right for them.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16We've found three different lifestyle for them to sample -
0:05:16 > 0:05:21one in the country, one in the city and one on the coast -
0:05:21 > 0:05:27each one with the offer of a job and a brand-new way of life for them to enjoy on their budget.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30First, the country lifestyle.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34The countryside around Darwin is bursting with lush bush
0:05:34 > 0:05:36and a rich variety of plant life.
0:05:36 > 0:05:42You could get the size of house you're looking for - a four-bedroom, detached house with a pool -
0:05:42 > 0:05:47on your budget of £200,000. Work prospects are good
0:05:47 > 0:05:49and you could earn about £28,000.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54Darryl South has his own nursery and is keen to show you around.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00We grow a very broad range of trees, shrubs, ground covers, palms,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04and we export to all places in Australia and overseas.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10This is a great part of the world. Where the plant world is concerned, it's quite challenging.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13A huge variety grows here.
0:06:13 > 0:06:20It's a great relaxed lifestyle. It beats the hum and drum of big cities. Please come and see us.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24That's the kind of lifestyle they could enjoy in the country.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Let's look at what's possible in the city on their budget.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33Darwin offers a metropolitan lifestyle, with art and culture,
0:06:33 > 0:06:37but property in the Northern Territory's capital isn't cheap.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42High-rise living is common and apartments suit most budgets.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48Otherwise, you might be looking at spending £500,000 for a four-bedroom detached house.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53We found you a job in this nursery, which would pay around £21,000.
0:06:53 > 0:06:59- Here's owner Helmut Schmill. - Hello, Richard. We're going to show you round.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04Helmut's place might suit you as it's retail AND wholesale,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07growing 95% of their own plants.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11People in Darwin are extremely friendly.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17That's the reason I stay here. I came for a Boy Scout jamboree in 1967
0:07:17 > 0:07:22and see how long I've stayed here? I started a business here.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25The same could happen to you.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Their lifestyle could shape up pretty well in the city,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34but what about a new life on the coast?
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Darwin's coastline includes a range of relaxed havens
0:07:38 > 0:07:45and offers a laidback waterfront lifestyle. Homes within walking distance of the beach are expensive.
0:07:45 > 0:07:51A three-bedroom townhouse will cost from £250,000.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57Living on the seaboard would be a stretch on a salary of around £23,000,
0:07:57 > 0:08:03but you'd be rewarded with stunning views of Darwin harbour and the tropical Timor Sea.
0:08:03 > 0:08:10- The owner of this nursery is Simon Smith.- Hello, Richard. Welcome to my premises.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14We grow a range of plants, ornamentals and palms.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18We supply the local retailers and send some plants interstate.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Your expertise would be handy.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25So, Richard, Oscar my dog and I would love to meet you.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29We have a great outdoor lifestyle, plenty of cold beer in the fridge,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31and a great team here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36So there are three potential lifestyles to try -
0:08:36 > 0:08:38in the more affordable country,
0:08:38 > 0:08:43in Darwin itself, where you could have a spacious apartment,
0:08:43 > 0:08:49or at the coast's beach culture and stunning sea views, but with a squeeze on your finances.
0:08:49 > 0:08:57Three very different possibilities for our family to try. Which one suited them best?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01The Bonds flew off to try the country lifestyle near Darwin
0:09:01 > 0:09:03with a lot on their minds.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Richard's determined they will all go or none of them will.
0:09:07 > 0:09:14Jenna's equally determined to stay put, but doesn't want to hold the others back.
0:09:14 > 0:09:21The week ahead promises to be something of a rollercoaster. And the fun has already started.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25After a 22-hour flight, the Bonds touch down at 4am.
0:09:25 > 0:09:31- Two hours later, they're only just putting in an appearance and something's missing.- No luggage!
0:09:31 > 0:09:39All the cases have gone, my wheelchair, none of them arrived. All we've got is our hand luggage.
0:09:39 > 0:09:46We were so delayed from Heathrow, we missed our connection and got put on the wrong flight.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- Our bags have gone during that changeover.- But they're undeterred.
0:09:51 > 0:09:58- Get my bags and I'll be happy! - They're anxious to see what Australia might hold for them
0:09:58 > 0:10:02and are determined to find out if they can afford a better life here.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11They're staying in a traditional house in a leafy part of Darwin.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17- Oh, we've got hammocks! - This is lovely, this. It's beautiful.
0:10:19 > 0:10:25It has everything they'll need, including the all-important pool,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29but to get to it, they'll have to brave the local wildlife.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32What is that? There!
0:10:32 > 0:10:37As the sun rises, so do tensions about the week ahead.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45Excited, trepidatious, don't know what to expect,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49but this is a part of Australia that we've not heard much about.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53So it's an adventure for us. We'll see what happens.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57If the bags turn up, everything will be perfect.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02If they don't, I'll never hear the last of it from Louise.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08But Louise's worries are weighing heavily on changing Jenna's mind and keeping the family together.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11It's actually quite nice.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I'm doing this, then going home.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16And that's home as in England.
0:11:16 > 0:11:22'Jenna's actually very laidback at the moment, a lot more relaxed than I expected her to.'
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I really want it to go well
0:11:25 > 0:11:31so that the rest of the family have an experience of what I hope Australia is like.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36I really got a good vibe when I arrived. Everybody is so friendly.
0:11:36 > 0:11:42We've only met Customs and Immigration people, but they were really nice and this is lovely.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47I can't believe how light it has got. It was dark about 20 minutes ago.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51It was nice to arrive at that time of the morning.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55There's a little time now to enjoy the simple pleasures,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00but things are about to get a lot more complicated.
0:12:03 > 0:12:09In the UK, the Bonds live in a four-bedroom detached house in rural Cheshire
0:12:09 > 0:12:11worth £185,000.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16They all feel very much at home there and would happily stay there
0:12:16 > 0:12:23if they had reliable weather. If they move to Australia, they'd look to spend around £200,000,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25including a mortgage.
0:12:25 > 0:12:32But prices in Australia are on the rise and in Darwin, particularly, property is booming.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38It won't buy them the five bedrooms and swimming pool they were dreaming of.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46Taking all that into account, we've lined up three houses for the Bonds to view.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Property one is in Palmerston, a town a short commute from Darwin.
0:12:51 > 0:12:57It's got three bedrooms and two bathrooms and will cost the Bonds 390,000 -
0:12:57 > 0:13:02that's just over £180,000 and within their price range.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07It's quite big, isn't it?
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Nice big kitchen.- Yeah.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- That's not bad, is it? There's plenty of room to move. - Yeah.- Which is nice.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Let's have a look at the bedroom.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Unusually, the master bedroom is right next door to the living room.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29Down the corridor are two more bedrooms for Dana and Jenna, if they can persuade her to move.
0:13:29 > 0:13:36It's a nice house. Maybe it's not OUR house, something we'd be looking for.
0:13:36 > 0:13:42- I don't like it! - You've got to have an open mind. It's the other side of the world.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46No, I'm not expecting our house here.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51You just get a feel of a house when you walk in.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55It's a lovely family home, but it's not ours.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00It's got all we need in it. It's got, like, the right bedrooms.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05So it's not the...ideal home, but it's got the stuff we need.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09You're right. Very diplomatic again.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Jenna?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Em, well, I'd only be visiting, so...
0:14:15 > 0:14:21Well, at least she'd visit. Maybe the garden can bring her round.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26It's a good size and would give them a connection with the outside.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- I just love this living outside. - That's what I wanted.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35Just to be able to bring out your cornflakes or breakfast
0:14:35 > 0:14:39and listen to the world wake up. Fantastic.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42You don't want to spend time inside.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- What do we do? We put the telly on. - I know.- Just to do something.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49To sit out would be great.
0:14:49 > 0:14:55Doing physiotherapy on the balcony every morning, I'd soon see a difference in moving around.
0:14:55 > 0:15:03The outdoor lifestyle is just what the doctor ordered, but could they see themselves living here?
0:15:03 > 0:15:09It's a bit out of the way. I think, obviously, for our budget, we couldn't live in Darwin.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15It's too expensive. So we'd have to work on that. Cos that's where I want to be.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- You'd have to work really hard! - Thanks so much!
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Doesn't he anyway?
0:15:21 > 0:15:26Oh, dear. If they can't find somewhere suitable and at the right price,
0:15:26 > 0:15:31their thoughts of moving could evaporate before they even start.
0:15:31 > 0:15:38Maybe Louise will be more comfortable this far from Darwin if she felt more at home.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Wow!
0:15:39 > 0:15:44Also in Palmerston, property two is certainly unusual.
0:15:44 > 0:15:51Architect-designed and with some unique features, this would set the Bonds back 450,000,
0:15:51 > 0:15:59or around £210,000. It has a distinctly tropical feel which draws them straight to the pool.
0:15:59 > 0:16:06Imagine sitting in there after a day at the nursery or the garden centre or whatever. Great.
0:16:06 > 0:16:12- You couldn't dive in it, though! - You can walk into it after a hard day's work like you'll never know.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17I would jump into it! It's got to be bigger than that.
0:16:17 > 0:16:23Maybe we should take a look inside. I've got a feeling this is more up their street.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Oh, wow. That's wicked.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28It's really unusual, isn't it?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Really different.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- It's so cool, and no fans are going. - It's lovely. I love it.
0:16:36 > 0:16:42- The breakfast bar, I really like. It's really big.- We'll have this.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- That's fine.- This is good. - Don't need to see the rest!
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- Yeah, this is lovely. - We'd quite like to look around, actually, Richard!
0:16:57 > 0:17:03To get to the rest of the house, you have to pass through a hallway which opens up completely,
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- bringing you closer to the garden. - Wow.- Very Japanese.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10This is just really nice.
0:17:10 > 0:17:16You can imagine whatever type of day it is sitting at the breakfast bar
0:17:16 > 0:17:19or coming here to look out.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22You're happy now? I am, yeah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- I was a bit worried.- Were you?- Yes.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Mum's sold so far, but what about Jenna?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- It's nice.- It's nice? - Better than the last one?
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- Yeah.- Would you move in with us?- Don't know.- Don't know?
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- It's not a no.- I'm still visiting. - OK, we're working.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45No, you're not. I'm still visiting.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49But that's not anything to do with the house.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54I think everybody needs some space and that's what Aussie houses have.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59Two separate areas - one for adults, one for kids.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04It's almost like two houses. The parents' side and the kids' side.
0:18:04 > 0:18:11And out there, there's a little lounge where you can chill and stuff with your friends.
0:18:11 > 0:18:18I like that. You're away from your parents and you've got your own living space and bathroom,
0:18:18 > 0:18:24your own lounge and TV, and you've got your own bedroom. The whole place is kind of cool.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30I didn't see any big bedroom, so you're away from the parents and could play your music loud.
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- You do anyway!- But it's a nice thought. She can play her music.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44Out of earshot of Jenna's stereo, the master bedroom has one mod con that Richard takes a shine to.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51I like that. Wine in the fridge in the bedroom. Dangerous.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54I like this. This is brilliant.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Yeah, this is cool. I like this.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03Richard already feels at home, although the £210,000 asking price
0:19:03 > 0:19:07puts the house at the top end of their budget.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11We love it. It's good. We really like it.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16We like the two sides to the house to separate ourselves a little bit.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20The kitchen's more like the living room.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- You could have another TV in there. - Yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28And leave the other side for the kids to live in.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32I can't believe how big it is. It's really quite a big house.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37It doesn't look it from the outside, but it really is.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43I'd say that was pretty successful overall. A beautiful house they could just about afford,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48but although it offers the country lifestyle, is it too remote?
0:19:50 > 0:19:57So for a taste of city property, house number three is in Nightcliff, an extremely desirable area.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03Old by local standards, this four-bedroom house is from the 1960s
0:20:03 > 0:20:10and has been completely renovated. The Bonds would need a cool 650,000
0:20:10 > 0:20:15or roughly £300,000 to make this their home.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Really nice. Wow.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24- Wow.- This is... This is it. God, this is amazing.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- This can't possibly be in our budget. - Absolutely gorgeous house. Absolutely fantastic.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35I don't think this is your typical Australian house. Unbelievable.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40It's lovely. Beautifully decorated. Just up my street.
0:20:40 > 0:20:47Although out of their price range on one salary, if Louise finds the climate lets her to go back to work,
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- this is a property they could aspire to.- There's an office here.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- I could see myself working in here. - Yes, I like this room.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01It's great. Perfect for you.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06Plenty of light here. All the windows, natural light.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10This would be perfect. Absolutely perfect, yeah.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15I could definitely set up here. it's brilliant.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18This is good.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21You could make this into a den for your friends.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25We would need a spare room anyway to have family over.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31We haven't found that as yet in the houses we've seen. There's been nowhere.
0:21:31 > 0:21:37- This wouldn't persuade you?- No. - Oh, this is going to go on...- It is.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- I just can't wait to go home. - Oh, my Lord!- What? - I can't wait to go home.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47What is it with this age group? They've got to open their minds.
0:21:47 > 0:21:53- Most people probably want to come here, but I'm not most people.- No. - No, you're BLEEP awkward!
0:21:53 > 0:21:58If Jenna's not careful, they won't let her come and visit.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Dana, on the other hand, is more excited than ever.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Oh, my God!
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Oh, my word!
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Wow.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- Has this bathroom been made for me or what?- This is outdoors... - An outdoor bathroom!
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- That's brilliant.- Very clever.
0:22:22 > 0:22:30Well, with its £300,000 price tag, this house was always going to offer something a bit special.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35And, finally, the icing on the cake. A huge garden with a beautiful pool.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- That is gorgeous.- Beautiful.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- That is really gorgeous. A lovely garden, isn't it?- Yes.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46This is an entertaining garden.
0:22:46 > 0:22:53But with such luxuries in their sights, some hard questions need answering.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Can they make the sums add up to buy a dream life in the sun?
0:22:57 > 0:23:02This is what we'd love to have, but we couldn't afford it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Maybe Darwin isn't the place for us, but we do need this climate.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10The way I see it is I wouldn't improve at home.
0:23:10 > 0:23:17My consultant has told me if I'm not off the sticks now, I'll never get off them.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21But if I went somewhere where the climate is better
0:23:21 > 0:23:27and I could exercise outside, I could actually prove him wrong. But everybody's got to be happy.
0:23:27 > 0:23:34I'm not going to be totally selfish where I force anybody to go where they don't want to go.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39The Bond family's future Down Under hangs in the balance.
0:23:39 > 0:23:46With so much to offer, Australia seems to be slipping through their fingers. If Richard can't find work
0:23:46 > 0:23:52and Jenna can't be persuaded to move, Louise's dream could be shattered. Something's got to give.
0:23:52 > 0:23:58They didn't like the layout of property one or its distance from the city.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Property two was more to their taste, but again too remote.
0:24:04 > 0:24:11And the third was a dream house, way beyond their means as a one-income family.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16So how will they vote - for a property in the UK or in Australia?
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Our vote goes to...
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- UK.- UK.
0:24:23 > 0:24:29- Australia.- The tables have turned, with Richard and Louise voting with Jenna for the UK
0:24:29 > 0:24:31and Dana, she's on her own.
0:24:34 > 0:24:41Back in the UK, Richard's busy job as manager of a garden centre leaves very little time for family life.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45He hopes that in Australia he'll find a better balance.
0:24:45 > 0:24:52Day Two and it's time for Richard to experience working Down Under first hand.
0:24:52 > 0:25:00With property prices so high, can Richard find a job that allows more family time and pays the mortgage?
0:25:00 > 0:25:06When we're back in the UK, don't get me wrong, I do love my job. I really do.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12But the work is dictated by the weather. That's one of the advantages of coming to Oz.
0:25:12 > 0:25:18This morning I didn't have to check the weather. Just put my shorts on and off we go to work.
0:25:18 > 0:25:26And getting to my time of life, with family life and what have you, I want more time with the family.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31And I don't want to be as depressed as I have been back home, but...
0:25:31 > 0:25:34I'm here to change that. Hopefully!
0:25:35 > 0:25:43While Richard explores his job prospects, an exhausted Louise is in need of a gentler day.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- Good morning. Hello. - Morning. How are you today?
0:25:47 > 0:25:54- Fine, thank you. We'll feel more wonderful when you finish with us! - Certainly!
0:25:54 > 0:26:00Richard is spending time working with Darryl South at his plant wholesale company.
0:26:00 > 0:26:08It's a huge nursery covering 40 acres, selling mainly to the trade all over Australia and beyond.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14- Good morning, sir! - Ah, good morning, Richard. Nice to meet you.- And you, sir.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- I'm all yours for the day.- Right-o.
0:26:16 > 0:26:23Darryl's been in the business man and boy, so Richard could hardly be in better hands.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28So at the moment you've been in a retail nursery.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- What was your day to day job? - It's very customer-based.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38It's something I do enjoy. You get good customers, as you know, and bad customers.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Sometimes the bad customers come all in one day.
0:26:42 > 0:26:48With being a grower as well, I love looking after the plants.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52By watering them by hand, you see what else needs done.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56There's actually two areas I would be interested in.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00One is an actual sales person involved in sales,
0:27:00 > 0:27:04and we'll show you shortly a brand-new sales office over here.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09And the other one is management and production, if you come that way.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14That's a pretty good start. They seem to have hit it off.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20While Richard's getting his hands dirty, the girls are wondering how Dad's doing.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25Because my mum can't work, he's the only one bringing money in.
0:27:25 > 0:27:31So it's definitely vital that he works, but I think it's more vital that he likes his job.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35I wouldn't want to move and him not like it.
0:27:35 > 0:27:42He always comes home really stressed and stuff, so it would be nice for him to also relax
0:27:42 > 0:27:48and to enjoy where he is and what he's doing and for everything to be perfect for him.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53That would be really nice. That would be good.
0:27:54 > 0:28:01Darryl's business is blossoming and Richard can picture himself as part of that future.
0:28:01 > 0:28:07You can make a living here, for sure. I think there's a lot you can learn as well from this guy.
0:28:07 > 0:28:15If I need to know about plants up here, and is passionate about plants, it's nice to meet somebody.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20I think he could be a pretty good teacher. I really do.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I get goose pimples just thinking about it.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30Even Jenna would concede that life in Darwin looks pretty good,
0:28:30 > 0:28:37but if Richard and Darryl can't come to a deal about salary, any chance of moving would be impossible.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- There's opportunities for you. - What kind of salary?
0:28:41 > 0:28:45I don't know. We'd have to discuss that.
0:28:45 > 0:28:51I'm sort of... I've got a house there that you could use and live in.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56That would be part of the package as far as I'm concerned.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00That's promising, especially with house prices being so high,
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- but let's cut to the chase. - All those things, I'm saying yes. - Very good.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- You know, you've got a bit to think about.- Just a bit!
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- Right, OK.- That sounds good to me. We'll see how you go, Richard.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22- Thank you very much, sir. - We'll talk to you again.- See you.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27It all sounds encouraging, but Richard still has to vote.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29So...work.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31UK or Australia?
0:29:31 > 0:29:38UK - I love my job, I really do. Best job in the world at times, but also the worst job in the world.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43And look around. It's just stunning. The plants, the foliage,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47the people, the lifestyle...
0:29:47 > 0:29:52After all consideration, I've got to give it...
0:29:52 > 0:29:55..to Australia.
0:29:55 > 0:30:02Things are looking pretty positive for the Bonds. All that remains is for their luggage to turn up.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Thank you very much indeed. Bye-bye. ..Hallelujah!
0:30:06 > 0:30:11Our bags have been found. They're not in Japan.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15I'm just overwhelmed that we've got clothes, all our clothes back.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18We've got the hair straighteners!
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- And my flip-flops! - Oh, I've got my flip-flops!
0:30:27 > 0:30:32Hundreds of firefighters have been tackling bush fires in Australia...
0:30:32 > 0:30:38In recent years, parts of Australia have been stricken by large bush fires,
0:30:38 > 0:30:45which have threatened life and property. In the north, fires are an accepted part of the landscape.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53Dick Williams, a government environmental scientist, tells us more.
0:30:53 > 0:30:59Bush fires have been part of the Australian landscape for millions of years,
0:30:59 > 0:31:05tens of thousands of years for people. Fire is used as a land management tool.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11People go out deliberately to use fire in the landscape to achieve particular ends.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15One of those ends is to break up the country, remove fuel,
0:31:15 > 0:31:21so that on days of high fire danger, if there is an ignition, there is some control
0:31:21 > 0:31:24that can be gained over fires.
0:31:24 > 0:31:30Lorraine Williams works for a green organisation and is one of the local people.
0:31:30 > 0:31:38We have been burning this country for a long time so we can produce new growth for our animals.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43Sometimes it can be for ceremonial purposes, for cleaning up spirits.
0:31:43 > 0:31:50Fires are an important part of our habitat. Plants need it, animals also need it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54It's important for us to live together with fire.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00The bush has got a remarkable capacity to regenerate.
0:32:00 > 0:32:08There are plants that need fire to germinate. They are hard-seeded and the fire cracks the seed.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13What does this mean for somebody coming here? Well, you'll see fires.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17If you're here in the dry season, it'll be part of the deal.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25Richard and Louise Bond from Cheshire and younger daughter Dana
0:32:25 > 0:32:31are becoming convinced that moving to Australia is the key to a better life for the whole family,
0:32:31 > 0:32:36but 17-year-old Jenna has plans of her own.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40I'm so against it. Australia's probably a great place,
0:32:40 > 0:32:45but here I've got family, friends. I wouldn't change that ever.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47You're BLEEP awkward!
0:32:47 > 0:32:52Richard's confident that he could find work easily enough.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- Right, OK. - We'll see how you go, Richard.
0:32:57 > 0:33:03But Darwin's sky-high property prices mean their dreams of a large house with a pool look unrealistic.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08This is what we'd love to have, but I don't think we could afford it.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Maybe Darwin isn't the place for us.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14We do need this climate, though.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19It's been a tough week so far and it can only get tougher.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25Life Down Under for the Bonds could go either way,
0:33:25 > 0:33:31but an important part of living happily anywhere is a strong social network.
0:33:31 > 0:33:37When you're thousands of miles away from your family, friends take on a new significance.
0:33:37 > 0:33:4217-year-old Jenna's adamant she won't leave her friends behind,
0:33:42 > 0:33:49even if it means breaking up the family, something Richard and Louise realise they may have to accept.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54She's at that age where she needs to be selfish for herself
0:33:54 > 0:33:58and get her life in the direction she wants to go,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02which, from her point of view, it's selfish of us to move out here.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07Three of us want to go, one doesn't. We can't stay in the UK
0:34:07 > 0:34:14- and not progress with our lives. - No, we can't put our life on hold just for Jenna now.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18The opportunity for reflection away from the others
0:34:18 > 0:34:23has brought Jenna's underlying reason for staying to the surface.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28Since I was 11, I've looked after my mum. That's why I'm against it.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32I'm trying to do what I want to do now.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35I want to finally get the chance to do what I want.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38I've put my life on hold.
0:34:38 > 0:34:45I'm the oldest, so I was always looking after my mum. Now I've been here and relaxed,
0:34:45 > 0:34:51it's a great place, and Mum's been independent. She doesn't need me any more.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55So I can just go back home and do my degree
0:34:55 > 0:34:58and stay close with the family.
0:34:59 > 0:35:06Maybe Jenna really is unshakable, but it seems that Richard and Louise have shifted their position
0:35:06 > 0:35:11and could be resigned to moving without her, but how will they feel
0:35:11 > 0:35:15when they hear from people they'll be leaving behind?
0:35:20 > 0:35:27On their last day in Oz, it's time for the Bonds to hear the thoughts of their friends and family.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30'G'day, folks!
0:35:30 > 0:35:33'Missing you already.'
0:35:33 > 0:35:38'And I mean that, but we really want you to experience
0:35:38 > 0:35:42'the whole caboodle and give it a good go.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44'He's got a fabulous sense of humour
0:35:44 > 0:35:49'and sometimes you don't really realise how deep he is
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- 'because he puts on a jovial front. - We'd describe him like a swan.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59'On the surface, very calm, but underneath paddling like mad
0:35:59 > 0:36:06'just to keep going. He's working a lot of hours just to keep ends meeting.
0:36:06 > 0:36:15- 'I know Louise would be much better in a warm climate.- But we're part of her support network.
0:36:15 > 0:36:21'From the very beginning, you protect your children and sometimes you can't
0:36:21 > 0:36:26'and you feel really quite... frustrated at times in private.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- 'I've had many a weep. - Jenna, she's like family.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34'I could not ask for a better person.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38'She's been there for me since day one and always has been.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42'Once Jenna told me and I actually took it in,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46'I'm going to admit this now, I actually did cry.
0:36:46 > 0:36:53'I burst into tears. I would not talk to anyone. They're a big part of my life.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55'Hope you've had a wonderful time.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00'We love all four of you so very, very much.
0:37:01 > 0:37:07'I'm finding this quite difficult, really, but if you did decide to go,
0:37:07 > 0:37:12'I couldn't really describe
0:37:12 > 0:37:19'how much we would miss you, but we wish you all the very best and...
0:37:19 > 0:37:26'you know, I hope you in the end make a decision that's right for you.'
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Don't know what to say now.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38You all right?
0:37:39 > 0:37:43It's, like, hard to see people and family just...
0:37:45 > 0:37:47I mean, seeing my nana crying.
0:37:49 > 0:37:56When people are around and you can see them whenever you like, you sometimes take them for granted.
0:37:56 > 0:38:02When there's distance, and they come out for long periods and know they're going home,
0:38:02 > 0:38:07they'll probably have, you know, quality time.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10They want the best for us.
0:38:10 > 0:38:17They know how good this would be for us. As they do, we just want the best for all our kids.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21As long as Richard has his parents coming and my parents come...
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Just for a day or two would be fine.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- I'm joking, Mum and Dad! I'm joking.- I'm going home.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30You're going home?
0:38:30 > 0:38:37Although family back home is hugely important for Jenna, her reasons for staying are more complicated.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Are you OK?
0:38:39 > 0:38:45I just can't wait to go home now. I want to be there, not the other side of the world.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49I reckon it's the right time. I've looked after you
0:38:49 > 0:38:52and not really been going out.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56I've been like the carer and things like that.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01I can concentrate on my uni and being near my friends
0:39:01 > 0:39:04and spend time with family.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- So I won't be a burden to you any more.- That sounds mean, but yeah.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Not that you are, but...- OK!
0:39:11 > 0:39:17Jenna's feelings seem to have come as a bit of a blow to Louise and add a new dimension
0:39:17 > 0:39:25- to her reasons for wanting to stay in the UK.- I'm not naive to think she doesn't do an awful lot for me.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27All three of them do.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Em...
0:39:29 > 0:39:35I didn't realise she felt that way and that makes me feel really bad.
0:39:35 > 0:39:41I almost felt like a burden to her then. She's looking for freedom. That's really not good.
0:39:44 > 0:39:50Everyone's been pretty shaken, first by the video, then by Jenna's startling revelation.
0:39:50 > 0:39:56Having believed they could persuade Jenna to move to Australia, they can see her mind is made up.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Their plans for the future might not include her.
0:40:03 > 0:40:10The Bonds have come to the end of their week in Australia. For Richard, it's been a huge challenge.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12I thought it'd be a holiday.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15This has been hard work this week.
0:40:15 > 0:40:21But it's been the kind of work I needed to do to find the place and understand the place.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25For Louise, there were a few surprises.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28House prices are quite expensive.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33What we've got at home is better than we could see for our money here.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Work was amazing.
0:40:37 > 0:40:43The job has got to be right. Without a job, we're not coming. It's as simple as that.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Dana's noticed a change in her mum.
0:40:46 > 0:40:52She's a lot better out here. It's nice to see her enjoy herself cos she's not in pain.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57So it's just a nice feeling of her being happy.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03Richard said I've not stopped smiling since we got here. I don't always do that at home.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05I don't always feel great.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10But hanging over everything is the prospect of leaving Jenna behind.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15I'd really miss her if she didn't come. It's hard to think she wouldn't be here,
0:41:15 > 0:41:23but you've got win some and lose some. You win by my mum and my dad being more happy,
0:41:23 > 0:41:30- but you lose my sister. - It's crunch time. After a week of hard work and strong emotions,
0:41:30 > 0:41:36the Bonds are faced with a terrible dilemma. If they choose Australia for a better quality of life,
0:41:36 > 0:41:44they run the risk of losing a daughter. So will they vote to move to Oz or stay in the UK?
0:41:44 > 0:41:51After spending a week in Darwin, we are going to vote for either staying in Australia
0:41:51 > 0:41:56or staying in the UK. So whatever our vote is...
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- Australia!- UK! - Oh, dear. They're still split.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09Their week in Australia has done nothing to alter Jenna's mind.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12How do they find a way forward?
0:42:12 > 0:42:18I trust Jenna. She's not a stupid kid. She knows what she wants.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22You've got to go for what you want. We're not going to stop her.
0:42:22 > 0:42:29What I will definitely do is put money in a pot so if she needs me, for whatever reason,
0:42:29 > 0:42:35on the next flight I'll be there. Or if she wants to come here, the money will be in a pot.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38But we'll do what we have to do.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43I still wish she would give it a go, but she seems adamant that she's not.
0:42:43 > 0:42:49I'd be far happier if we were the four. We're not just three, we're four.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53I'd be happier if we were all together.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59So the Bonds have decided their future lies in different places.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04Jenna was unconvinced Australia can make up for what she'd leave behind,
0:43:04 > 0:43:09but for the others their destiny lies where they're wanted Down Under.
0:43:09 > 0:43:16Join us next time as another British family must decide whether to go where they're Wanted Down Under.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2009
0:43:30 > 0:43:32Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk