0:00:02 > 0:00:07Hello and welcome to Wanted Down Under, the show that catapults a British family
0:00:07 > 0:00:10right across to the other side of the world to help them make
0:00:10 > 0:00:13the biggest decision of their life.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19Dave and Jenny Hughes and their children Rhiannon and Rhys
0:00:19 > 0:00:22are considering a life-changing move down under.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26It feels like they work too hard for little reward.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28You seem to be working harder and harder
0:00:28 > 0:00:31and yet there's less disposable income
0:00:31 > 0:00:34for yourselves and money to enjoy.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41Fate has dealt Dave and Jenny some harsh blows in the past.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46We got married and, at the wedding breakfast, I actually came down with a brain illness.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48I was touch and go.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53So I could have been married and widowed within a number of hours, really.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Diesel mechanic Dave has skills that are in demand in Australia.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59You're my man. When are you moving over?
0:01:00 > 0:01:04And will the pain of leaving family behind prove unbearable?
0:01:04 > 0:01:09I'll miss everybody a lot, because we really are a close family.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11It's harder for me,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15because I take everyone's emotions on board.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18The Hughes face some hard choices.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22After the trial week, they'll have to vote.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Will it be for a fresh start where they're wanted down under?
0:01:57 > 0:02:00The gloomy economic forecast in the UK makes
0:02:00 > 0:02:04the sunnier climes of Australia pretty enticing for many.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07And those under 45 and with a skill that's in demand
0:02:07 > 0:02:11could be packing their bags for a new life down under.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Last year, over 60 Brits a day did just that.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18But what goes into making such a huge decision?
0:02:18 > 0:02:22We've given 20 British families the chance of a lifetime -
0:02:22 > 0:02:25a week down under to see if it's all they've ever dreamt it would be.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28They'll then have to vote one way or the other.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Will they stay in the UK or will they move to Australia?
0:02:32 > 0:02:38The Hughes family from Liverpool think moving to Australia could make life a whole lot better.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Dave, who's a diesel mechanic, finds his working week hugely demanding.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47The orientation towards family life, it's gone dead in the UK.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49It's all work and no play.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54Me average day, generally, is between five and half five most mornings.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Leave the house just after six o'clock.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02I'm not likely to be in until after seven, half seven of a night some nights.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Just generally chasing my tail, most of the days.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07D-E-L-A...
0:03:07 > 0:03:13His wife Jenny combines being a housewife and mother with two part-time jobs.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16You seem to be working harder and harder and yet
0:03:16 > 0:03:21there's less disposable income for yourselves and money to enjoy.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Here, it's speeding up faster and faster.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And there's no way you can see it slowing down.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32# This is the modern way... #
0:03:32 > 0:03:38They're both looking for more quality time to spend with their children,
0:03:38 > 0:03:4011-year-old Rhiannon and Rhys, who's five.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45Australia could benefit for us in that way, to being family orientated.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48This is the chance they get to just be children.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51And I think their childhood's a really important part,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53the most important part of their life.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Jenny and Dave have had more than their fair share of ups and downs.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Their life together didn't get off to a good start.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03We got married
0:04:03 > 0:04:07and at the wedding breakfast, I actually come down with a brain illness.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I was touch and go.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Probably only a 20% chance of surviving.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15The question I asked Dave was, "How did you get through it?"
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Because he was seriously ill and nearly died on our wedding day.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22I could have been married and widowed within hours, really.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27But, for Dave, the answer he gave me was he knew his life was facing him
0:04:27 > 0:04:31and he had a life to look forward to.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Dave's brush with death has taught them to seize the day.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39It's better to have done something with your life than to have regrets that you never did.
0:04:39 > 0:04:46We're looking at it that way, we've got the chance to do it and we want to do it.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51If things aren't right and it doesn't suit us, we can come back.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Dave and Jenny are determined to make the most of their lives,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57but family has an enormous pull.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02They have large extended families living close by
0:05:02 > 0:05:07and both sets of grandparents play a huge part in the children's lives.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11The hardest thing I would be giving up would be my family.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I would come back if Jenny didn't like it.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Because, at the end of the day, I married Jenny.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I would have to stick by her.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25No marriage is worth that. If she didn't like it, I would have to come back.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30When they come to making a decision, it's vital that Dave can persuade Jenny that a move down under
0:05:30 > 0:05:34would be worth the pain of leaving family behind.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39To help the Hughes make the right choice, we offered them the challenge of a lifetime -
0:05:39 > 0:05:42a week in Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46to find out whether they could make a new life there.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51We have three different lifestyles for the family to sample.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55One in the country, one in the city and one on the coast.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01Each with an offer of a job and a brand-new way of life for them to enjoy on their budget.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03First, let's take a look at the country lifestyle.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Darwin's tropical climate means the countryside
0:06:07 > 0:06:10is full of exotic vegetation and beautiful scenery.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13This really is the great outdoors.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Houses in the country are pretty affordable.
0:06:17 > 0:06:23A three-bedroom home will cost upwards of £170,000.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27You could earn up to £28,000 with this multinational company.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Craig Fitzgibbon is a service manager.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35A large focus of our work is predominantly military, whether it's Army or Navy.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41We also do a fair amount of work on mining, engine rebuilds and transmission overhauls.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45We're always on the lookout for talented staff to join us at MTU Detroit.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49We employ a staff of approximately 18, with ten technicians on the floor.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53We're looking for someone easygoing who can adapt to a team environment.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55So if you enjoy the outdoors lifestyle,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59laid-back attitude, Darwin may be the place for you, Dave.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02So, feel free to give us a call if you make it to town.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06So that's the kind of lifestyle they can enjoy in the country.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Let's see what's possible in the city on their budget.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Darwin is steeped in history,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15yet constantly evolving, with development projects
0:07:15 > 0:07:19keeping the city at the cutting edge of contemporary living.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21But all that comes at a price.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23A three-bedroom house in the city
0:07:23 > 0:07:27can fetch well over £200,000.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33This family business has been trucking for around 70 years
0:07:33 > 0:07:37and has grown into one of the largest road train operators in Australia.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41They're always on the lookout for engineers to join their team.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43You could earn up to £30,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Ken Scott is the maintenance manager.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49This is our Darwin-based workshop.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53We employ 25 mechanics, working on a wide variety of vehicles.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55This is our rebuild room.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00We rebuild these engines and expect at least a 10,000-hour life span from the engines.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04We go the extra miles to make sure the rebuilds are a good quality.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Darwin has a great lifestyle choice, a great place for your kids, great outdoors.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10When you come to Darwin, Dave, come and see me.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14It looks like their life could shape up pretty well in the city.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17But what about a new life on the coast?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20A huge natural harbour provides Darwin
0:08:20 > 0:08:24with attractive waterside living, while you can relax and take in
0:08:24 > 0:08:27the gorgeous views of the Timor Sea.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30But property on the coast will eat into your income.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36A three-bedroom home near the sea will cost nearly £300,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40This job, with a potential salary of up to £33,000,
0:08:40 > 0:08:45is on offer with a local company, specialising in truck maintenance and repair.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Service manager Mark King is looking for diesel fitters like you.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Most of our trucks is just freight in and out of Darwin.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56We have anywhere up to 200-300 trucks a week in and out of Darwin,
0:08:56 > 0:09:00and most of them are triple road trains up to 50 metres long, with high horsepower.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02There's a lot of maintenance involved.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06The main thing we're after is someone interested in working,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09keen to give it a go and who will listen so we can train on the job.
0:09:09 > 0:09:1480% of the time the weather's absolutely beautiful for any outdoor lifestyle.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20Mate, I believe the Territory's God's country and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23So, the three different lifestyles look equally exciting.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25But the Hughes could only try one.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Will it be life in the great outdoors,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31where property is cheaper but the commute longer?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Or the city of Darwin, with its hustle and bustle,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36where house prices are higher?
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Or what about the coast, lapped by tropical seas
0:09:40 > 0:09:43but with property prices at the top end of their budget?
0:09:46 > 0:09:50So, three very different possibilities for our family to try.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Which one did we decide would suit them best?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57The Hughes are trying a coastal lifestyle
0:09:57 > 0:10:028,500 miles from home in Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09After a journey lasting over 22 hours, they arrive at 4am local time
0:10:09 > 0:10:13and the reality of the distance is beginning to bite.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17It's the first time any of them have set foot in Australia.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- It's a long way isn't it? - A very long way to come, but it's been enjoyable.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Are you looking forward to being in Australia?
0:10:27 > 0:10:28Whoo!
0:10:31 > 0:10:35His mum and dad may be exhausted but Rhys is full of energy
0:10:35 > 0:10:38and raring to go and meet some of the locals.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Crocodiles and worms and spiders.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44After one or two mishaps...
0:10:48 > 0:10:53..the Hughes make their way to the house they're staying in for the week.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01It's a large family home in Larrakeyah,
0:11:01 > 0:11:07named after the Aboriginal people, the original inhabitants of Darwin. It's just minutes from the coast.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12So far, Rhiannon's impressed.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Because we've got more space.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17It looks great. My God.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- You're not normally speechless! - Yeah!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22The kitchen's bigger than our living room.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29The sheer size, it's amazing, that...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31It makes our house look really poky.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35You could fit our house in the garage!
0:11:36 > 0:11:39And the pool's big enough.
0:11:39 > 0:11:46- Fantastic.- If things go by what it's like in the dark, it'll be a wow factor again in the morning.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50But, for now, it's time for bed.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Back in the UK, the Hughes family live
0:11:58 > 0:12:02in a small terraced house, worth about £100,000,
0:12:02 > 0:12:03in the heart of Liverpool.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07They're very pressed for space, especially outdoors
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and are hoping to find something better in Australia.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16They've set themselves a budget of £200,000, including a mortgage, if they were to move.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Property prices in Darwin have been climbing steadily recently.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32But Dave's profession as a diesel mechanic
0:12:32 > 0:12:34gives him great earning potential.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38So we've found three properties for them to view.
0:12:38 > 0:12:45The first is in Palmerston, a short commute from central Darwin and within easy reach of the coast.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48It's got three bedrooms,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51plenty of living space
0:12:51 > 0:12:54and a large garden.
0:12:54 > 0:13:00It will cost the Hughes 400,000, that's about £180,000.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03That's comfortably within their £200,000 budget.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Look at the cat, having a sleep.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14There's certainly a lot of space and Dave's especially taken with the kitchen.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18The one thing I like about it, I can actually reach in the cupboards.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20They're not too high for me.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25Over here they do actually have like a kitchenette, which is both of them together.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29And they have a living area and entertainment areas.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Which you just couldn't do with any of them houses in the UK.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35But that's not the only difference from UK houses.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38The fan, as well. It's getting a bit hot.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Said we've been on top of a cupboard.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46I'm glad I'm not 6 ft, or I'd have nothing at all on the top by then!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50The decor's certainly different.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Wow, the face!
0:13:52 > 0:13:55It's a bit like The Mummy! That's what happens in The Mummy.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58But Jenny won't be scared off that easily.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01She's already making plans.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04This is a lot more roomy and airy.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09You could have more people around a lot more often.
0:14:09 > 0:14:15It's just a shame sometimes it's not people that we've got back in the UK that you can offer it to as much.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Fingers crossed they come over and visit us a lot more.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21If friends were to visit, bedrooms would have to be up to scratch.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Nice wardrobes.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Right to the ceiling.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31While Rhys explores the toy box,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Jenny can't help but compare this house to theirs back home.
0:14:36 > 0:14:42I think Britain is noted for people living on top of each other a little bit more.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44In a lot of ways, it's nice.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But I think once children get to a certain age,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50especially as they get into adulthood,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53at different ages you need a different level of space.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57And talking of space, let's see what the garden has to offer.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59This is nice, isn't it?
0:14:59 > 0:15:02This is really nice.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05You've found a bike?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07It's on a large plot
0:15:07 > 0:15:11set back from the road and has the swimming pool they dream of owning.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15That's an asset in Darwin's steamy tropical climate,
0:15:15 > 0:15:20where the year-round average temperature is 32 Celsius.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Jenny's very taken with the garden layout.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29You've got your own privacy, obviously. You're not living too close to everybody else.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- And you're shaded as well.- The way it is with the actual trees, it's like a paradise for us.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Definitely. - Yeah, it's like a paradise.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Dave's seeing the benefits of a large garden.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44The way I look at it is, the kids can actually be kids.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47They can come out in the garden, do what they want in the garden,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51with us not really worrying what they're up to.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Jenny thinks the house has potential.
0:15:54 > 0:16:00It's not necessarily my taste initially, but over a period of time you adjust it to yourself.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06After that, property two has quite a lot to live up to.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16It's another three-bedroom house in a quiet residential area of Darwin called Parap,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18a couple of minutes from the sea.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22To call this home, the Hughes would have to shell out 630,000
0:16:22 > 0:16:28or £285,000, which would really stretch their budget.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32First stop is the master bedroom, with an en suite bathroom.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Look at that!
0:16:37 > 0:16:39And Jenny likes the sitting room.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42It's got a warm feeling with the decor in here.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47And a kitchen-diner twice as big as the one back home is a winner.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52You've got plenty of preparation and plenty of storage space for things to be put away.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Fair sized bedrooms.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56They've all got double beds.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59We couldn't fit double beds in ours.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04Our small rooms, there's only the one room you can fit a bed in and that's ours.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09You're automatically pushed into bunk beds because you're trying to utilise the space upwards.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13This house presents a great opportunity for a bit of order.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17It's tidy because everything's got its place.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Especially with children, they bring that much stuff with them as well.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22The main bathroom's a hit.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Can you imagine yourself in that bath with those windows?
0:17:26 > 0:17:30I could. How about I sit in there, my Guinness on one side, another one on the other.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- That's me finished. - That's really nice.- It is.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Time to check outside.
0:17:40 > 0:17:47There are fewer trees than the last house, so a different solution is needed to protect from the sun.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51To be fair, that is quite a suntrap that pool, without that.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Are you coming in, Rhys?
0:17:54 > 0:17:58The kids are very taken with that all-important pool.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It is nice, the way they've designed it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03They're reasonably positive about this house.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- A lovely table.- A big one.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10But let's see what property three has to offer.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18It's a traditional elevated house with three bedrooms and loads of outdoor living space.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Located in the desirable suburb of Jingili,
0:18:22 > 0:18:29it's 660,000, or just under £300,000, and considerably above their budget.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31A house to aspire to in the future.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Dave's lost for words.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Jenny loves the contemporary touches.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- It's a lot more modern, a lot more us, really.- Yes.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49More up to date.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- I like the colours more.- Yes, I do.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56I really like the stainless steel. It just looks really clean.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01She's beginning to appreciate how to live comfortably in Darwin's climate.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04This is the beauty of this, it's cool and shaded.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08Just the feeling and the surroundings of it is really nice.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12Wow! Look at that.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Look, Rhys.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- Look at that pool.- We've got the best of both worlds in this house.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- If you want to catch a bit of sun down there, you've got that facility.- Yes.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26You've got the pool to dip into and then if you're really feeling
0:19:26 > 0:19:31overwhelmed with the heat, you've got the chance to come up here and cool off.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Jenny's getting a very good vibe about this house.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41It's a home, it's not just a house.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43There's a difference between a house and a home.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's the feeling it gives you, especially when you walk in.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52But what will they make of the door-less bathroom?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56You could have, like, sliding doors with locks on.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00You could. You could have sliding doors. There's one option.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Dave's keen to look on the bright side.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07You probably shower more and more, so it's a quick in and out.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I agree. You can feel the breeze right the way through.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Rhiannon's mind is made up.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- I do prefer this house.- Yeah, I do.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18But what about Rhys?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20What do you think of this, Rhys?
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Do you think you would like this as a bedroom?
0:20:23 > 0:20:24No?
0:20:25 > 0:20:30Oh, well, you can't please everyone. But this might change his mind.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37While the kids are making themselves at home, Jenny and Dave can hardly believe
0:20:37 > 0:20:39what this house has to offer.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43You'll be gobsmacked in a minute. Look what I've just found here.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49Something that's always on the minds of families thinking of emigrating is where will close family stay.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52This house has it all, a self-contained guest room.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Somebody could stay over, quite easily, if they wanted to.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00That goes for friends and family. This has really impressed me.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04This house has well impressed the pair of us, hasn't it?
0:21:04 > 0:21:08It's just unbelievable. The views, the facilities.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10But it's not over yet.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17It's just unbelievable.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22It's like the TARDIS, you keep getting that little bit extra all the time,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24just when you think you've finished.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- What happens if you turn that corner, what else will we find down there?- I love the trampoline.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- You love the trampoline?- Woo!
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Jenny and Dave need no persuading.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- There's not much more, you'd want out of a house.- No.- And this is just giving everything.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It's lovely for the children.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45You've got the pool, you've got space where they can play.
0:21:45 > 0:21:50All you have to do is sit outside and be with the family and just enjoy yourselves.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55And Jenny's already noticing the difference that being in Australia is making to the family.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59They haven't wanted to switch the television on.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03They've found something else to do and as soon they've been up of a morning
0:22:03 > 0:22:07they've wanted to get out and enjoy what's available to them.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11So, how would the Hughes vote?
0:22:11 > 0:22:16Property one offered plentiful space and shade but they didn't like the decor.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21At £180,000, it was comfortably within their budget of £200,000.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Property two was beautifully done out with loads of storage space,
0:22:25 > 0:22:32but the garden was less inviting and it would stretch their funds at £285,000.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38And property three seemed to have it all, including space for visiting loved ones.
0:22:38 > 0:22:44At just under £300,000, it's something they could aspire to afford in years to come.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50So, as the Hughes consider a move down under, do they prefer property in the UK or Australia?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52It's time to vote.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56We've looked at three properties in Australia and each one has had
0:22:56 > 0:22:58different qualities that we've liked.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03But for us our vote, in comparison to the property we have in the UK, must go to...
0:23:06 > 0:23:08ALL: Australia!
0:23:14 > 0:23:18The Hughes family have been very taken with the houses in Australia.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21And it's already clear they're falling in love with Darwin.
0:23:21 > 0:23:27But, if they're going to make the move down under, it's vital Dave finds well-paid work.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29But can he impress a potential boss?
0:23:29 > 0:23:32He's all kitted out in safety boots,
0:23:32 > 0:23:37off to test drive a job as a diesel fitter at a local truck maintenance garage.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39How are you, mate? You must be Dave.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- Yes I am.- I'm Mark King, the service manager here at Western Diesel. - Pleased to meet you, mate.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45They get straight down to business.
0:23:45 > 0:23:51What sort of knowledge do you have on stuff like brakes and gearboxes?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I'm a time-served diesel fitter, from 16 years old.
0:23:54 > 0:24:00I got as much experience as I possibly could and then I wanted to specialise,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02so I specialised in the engine side of it.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- So it's the engine side mainly? - It's the engine side mainly.
0:24:06 > 0:24:13While Mark explains the nature of the job, Jenny's taking the kids out to a local playground in Darwin.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21Their possible move to Australia is all Dave's idea and he hopes this week
0:24:21 > 0:24:24will persuade Jenny that their future lies here.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29But Jenny has a lot to leave behind and the decision will be far from easy.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32For myself, more so, I think the emotional elements
0:24:32 > 0:24:37have been a little bit more apparent before we came out.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Because it was the realisation of not seeing family for a long time.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48And obviously that stirred quite a few emotions, maybe were unexpected.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52For myself, I think it's a lot more in the forefront,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55trying to imagine how life will be,
0:24:55 > 0:25:00being on my own a bit more with not as much family around.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04I think at home, not so much you take for granted, but you live with it all the time.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07So it's thinking of how it's going to be without.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Back at the garage, perhaps Dave's biggest challenge is fitting
0:25:13 > 0:25:17in with the rest of the team. They seem quite a scary bunch.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37How busy are you today, then?
0:25:38 > 0:25:39Steady?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Yeah, steady. - That's the way to be, isn't it?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Basically, I thought...I wanted to specialise.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Dave's not intimidated and gets right in there.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52I wanted to get away from diesel, to work on landfill gas.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Everyone tries to avoid working on a bus.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57And it looks like he's won them round.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Road haulage is an integral part of Darwin's economy
0:26:02 > 0:26:08and 50-metre trucks are a familiar sight on the region's roads.
0:26:09 > 0:26:16Pulling power of that sort requires ongoing maintenance, so it's time for Dave to show his mettle.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Meanwhile, Jenny's worrying about how Dave's getting on.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27It will be crucial in their decision whether or not to emigrate.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30For Dave, work's a major part of his life, obviously.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34He's very dedicated to his job, always has been.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37He's very professional in his view to work.
0:26:37 > 0:26:43He's got to be settled in a job in Australia, find his feet and be comfortable.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45And enjoy the work he's doing.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47At the end of the day, his work is
0:26:47 > 0:26:51going to have an effect on all of us as to how we all settle here.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56Back at the garage, Dave's been doing his best to impress his possible future boss
0:26:56 > 0:27:00and he takes the opportunity to grill Mark about the realities of working here.
0:27:02 > 0:27:08The main thing, I believe, in keeping a good crew is to have a good home life.
0:27:08 > 0:27:14If the kids never see your dad or your missus never sees her husband,
0:27:14 > 0:27:15they're not going to hang around long.
0:27:15 > 0:27:22So we've got try and work hard, make money and balance our lifestyle as well.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26One of the reasons why I'm thinking of coming over here, is that reason.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29We can all work hard and we're all here to make money.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31But, at the end of the day, we live in Australia.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35We live, especially in Darwin, for the lifestyle, mate.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37We live here because it's God's country and we want to enjoy it.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It's been good to meet you, mate.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43The salary on offer could be as much as £33,000,
0:27:43 > 0:27:48compared to the £26,000 basic that Dave earns in the UK.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53My impression of Dave, for one, as a person, he's got the right attitude.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57He's a really, really nice guy. His knowledge is there and he's got the right attitude towards it.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01I wouldn't have a hassle of employing him and giving him a go.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04So, Dave could get a job.
0:28:04 > 0:28:10But is the money enough for him and his family to afford to live here? Time to vote on work.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15I think I could quite easily slot into this end of Australia.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18My choice is...
0:28:18 > 0:28:19Australia.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21That's good news for Dave.
0:28:21 > 0:28:28But there's still a long way to go before his dream of moving to Australia becomes a reality.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37The Hughes family from Liverpool are finding out whether
0:28:37 > 0:28:40a new life in the Australian sun would be right for them.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44Until now, they'd never even been down under.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- It is a long way, isn't it? - A very long way to come.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Life's been hard on Dave and Jenny.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51We got married
0:28:51 > 0:28:55and, at the wedding breakfast, I actually come down with a brain illness.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57I was touch and go.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59They're keen to make the most of their future.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05- You're best to have done something with your life than to have regrets. - And we look at it that way.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07They liked the houses they've seen.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- There's not much more, really, I think you'd want out of a house.- No.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13But they're expensive.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16We were surprised how much property is here.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19I would say it is slightly dearer than other parts of Australia.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Could Dave earn enough to provide his family with the lifestyle they're now dreaming of?
0:29:24 > 0:29:30And have they properly faced up to the reality of leaving everything they know behind?
0:29:30 > 0:29:35If we could move everybody out here, that would be the perfect solution.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47A few days into their trial week, Dave and the kids make the most
0:29:47 > 0:29:51of the sunshine while Jenny grabs a rare moment of quiet.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56She's reflecting on their experiences of life over the last few days.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59This week, we've had a jam-packed week.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04So I'm just writing the post cards and, at the moment,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08there's not been enough room on them to write what we've done this week.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12Her thoughts are never far from the people back home.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16It would be an emotional pull for us here in Australia, away from family and friends.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21Especially family for us, we are extremely close.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24But obviously, deep down, it's always there.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26It's the pull of family.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28But after all that she and Dave have been through,
0:30:28 > 0:30:33Jenny knows that you have to make the most of every opportunity.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Your life has to move on in a lot of ways for different people.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Sometimes you have no choice in the way life takes us.
0:30:39 > 0:30:45But, for us, it is a choice we could make and it's a choice we'll have to make.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46Our way of looking at it is
0:30:46 > 0:30:50it's better to have had no regrets in life and done something with your life
0:30:50 > 0:30:53than to have regrets that you've never done anything.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Looking at the children's future, opportunities on the work front for Dave,
0:30:58 > 0:31:05Australia would possibly be the place we would be able to settle and make a new life for ourselves.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10It may look good on paper, but the week's not over yet.
0:31:15 > 0:31:21An important part of starting a new life in a new place is making good friends.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26And, for Jenny especially, a social circle to make up for missing friends and loved ones back home
0:31:26 > 0:31:28would be crucial.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32To help them discover how easy it would be to settle in
0:31:32 > 0:31:37and make friends, we arrange for the Hughes family to meet some locals.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It will be a good way for them to find out more about life in Darwin
0:31:40 > 0:31:43before they make their massive decision.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Pleased to meet you.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49In true British fashion, the conversation turns to the weather.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52It's nice now. Just the worrying thing for us is the humidity.
0:31:54 > 0:31:55We've heard about it, really.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59Get an air conditioned car, an air conditioned office and away you go.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00What did you say, Josh?
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- I would like it if it was snowing at Christmas.- Would you?
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Do you know what? It doesn't always snow at Christmas.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09- Or at Easter.- Well, it does.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12We had snow at Easter. Are you from the UK originally?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Yeah.- Where are you from? - I was born and bred in London.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- So, how old were you when you came over?- 11.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20What made him come up this way, to Darwin?
0:32:20 > 0:32:23My dad was brought out here as managing director of a pharmaceutical company.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27- He was brought out to set it up here.- And never looked back?- No.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Somebody else said last night his father had come over from Portsmouth.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35And then they'd originally moved to Adelaide and he did exactly the same.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37He said, "Once you go to Darwin, you never go back."
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's just a more relaxed lifestyle than down there.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44So people sort of burn out and then come up here and get realistic.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49Pleasantries out of the way, the women get chatting and the kids take to the swings,
0:32:49 > 0:32:54while the men get down to the serious business of the barbecue.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06To get into the Aussie barbecue spirit, Dave's trying his hand at a spot of cooking.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08He's done it now. You're having that one.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10Dad!
0:33:10 > 0:33:13But Jenny can't resist taking over.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Little does she realise, barbecuing is man's work.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20We've just been talking about how we don't let women near the barbecue.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- And then I take over. - Now you've taken over!
0:33:28 > 0:33:30You're having the broken one, Dave.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Having got over their culture shock
0:33:34 > 0:33:36at the idea of men doing the cooking,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39the Hughes enjoy breakfast with their Aussie chums.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41It's amazing what happens when there's food.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- How's the Aussie tucker?- Nice.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54It seems their natural friendliness would help the Hughes family settle in.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56But what what do they think? It's time to vote.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00We spent the whole morning with a traditional Australian family today.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05We really got on well with them, made friends with them instantly.
0:34:05 > 0:34:12So our vote, today with getting to meet people, has to go with...
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Australia!
0:34:20 > 0:34:24The Hughes all feel they could settle in Australia.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27It certainly looks like they would have no problems making friends.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30But what about the people left behind?
0:34:30 > 0:34:34We showed them some messages from friends and family in the UK.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41- Hi, Jenny, Dave...- Rhys, Riannon. - Riannon, Rhys. We can't even get it right!
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- Hi, Dave.- Hi, Dave.- Hope you enjoyed yourself, mate.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50'I don't want you to run into anything hasty, mate.'
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I just want everything to be right for you.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Don't worry about me on a Monday and Friday. I'll be all right getting to work. Don't worry about that.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Just a few words to say how much we will miss you,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05'how much we love you and
0:35:05 > 0:35:12'how much we would hope you make your right decision.'
0:35:12 > 0:35:14You know, there's some lovely lives out there
0:35:14 > 0:35:17and the kids are just young. You know?
0:35:17 > 0:35:23'I think Jenny and Dave are doing it for them more than themselves.'
0:35:23 > 0:35:27To go over there and get a better life for themselves, you couldn't argue.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32They've been through a lot, from the day they got married, they've been through a lot.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34But they've just always come out the other side.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37'It makes them stronger, doesn't it?
0:35:37 > 0:35:39'They seem to get stronger and stronger,'
0:35:39 > 0:35:41whatever's thrown at them.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Dave's the life and soul of the party at times.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48I've seen him dancing like a kangaroo once, when he had kangaroo meat.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50But he wouldn't want us to say that, by the way.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52He's always there...
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Don't upset yourself.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01He's hard working.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04He's got a lovely family.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06He'd do anything for anyone.
0:36:06 > 0:36:07You know?
0:36:07 > 0:36:10And he works damned hard for what he gets.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12'They're both lovely kids.
0:36:12 > 0:36:18'Riannon, I think she'll find it harder because she's a little bit older.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23'She's becoming a teenager, so it'll be a bit tough for Riannon.'
0:36:23 > 0:36:24'You know,'
0:36:24 > 0:36:28I know Jenny and Dave are grown up but it's the little ones
0:36:28 > 0:36:33that really bothers me and fills me up.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35I'd miss them so much.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Sorry.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47We would both miss them.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50You know, Rhys is such a little character,
0:36:50 > 0:36:54and Riannon, she's such a lovely child.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- JENNY'S DAD: Don't get upset. - JENNY'S MUM: Easier said than done.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04'Hi Jenny and Dave, Riannon and Rhys.'
0:37:04 > 0:37:07I hope you decide the right thing.
0:37:07 > 0:37:15I will miss you but I just hope you decide to do the right thing.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19Won't stand in your way, me or your dad.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22And I love you lots and I will miss you.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Your dad and I love you and the rest of the family love you.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32I won't stand in your way, but I hope,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36I surely hope that you will give it an awful lot of thought.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38And we all love you.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41And a mum's love is very strong.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49Make your own decision, but remember we're always there for you.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Never, ever forget that.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56All right, Riannon?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03You're torn, I think, because,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07especially for me, I think,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09it's harder for me
0:38:09 > 0:38:12because I take everyone's emotions on board.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17I know I'll miss everybody a lot, because we really are a close family.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21And I am the most torn
0:38:21 > 0:38:24out of all this, because I think,
0:38:24 > 0:38:29although I want to give the children a better life, and Dave and myself, and I know
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Dave will probably have a better life out here as well as work.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38He would have more enjoyment time and freedom and
0:38:38 > 0:38:42be able to enjoy what he's working for a lot more here.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Our families do mean a lot to us.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50But...
0:38:54 > 0:38:56It's OK.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06If we could move everybody out here, that would be the perfect solution.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Because I know for a fact that everybody would love it out here.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12I'm not just saying that.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16I think anybody who's experienced the week we've had over here,
0:39:16 > 0:39:21I defy anybody to say they couldn't love this lifestyle.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23The way everybody's been.
0:39:23 > 0:39:31I feel like here, this week, we've just embraced the whole new Australian family and become one.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34It's made it even harder, I think, now.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46The Hughes have come to the end of their stay and Jenny's reflecting on the experience.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51We've been on a bit of a magical mystery tour. We didn't know what to expect at all.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55But do the sums add up?
0:39:55 > 0:40:00A huge issue has been the financial aspect of moving to Australia.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04We were surprised how much the property is here, and the difference in price.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06I would say it is slightly dearer.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Dave is philosophical.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Buying outright isn't always the answer sometimes.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14But having a mortgage isn't a problem.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18It's one of them things that naturally goes with having a house, you have a mortgage.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Dave's discovered he could walk into a well-paid job in Darwin.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- It's been good to meet you.- Nice meeting you, mate.- Awesome, mate.
0:40:25 > 0:40:31But Jenny's under no illusions that they'd face the same ups and down in life if they moved.
0:40:31 > 0:40:37Whatever you do and wherever you go, life will stay the same in a lot of ways. The children will be educated,
0:40:37 > 0:40:42you'll still have to work, mums have got do everything they normally do, but in different ways.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Their week in Darwin has taught them a lot and Jenny has
0:40:45 > 0:40:49advice for others contemplating a similar life-changing move.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52You've still got to work to afford the property in Australia.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Anybody who thinks they're going to come over here
0:40:55 > 0:40:58and have a holiday mode permanently, right throughout the year,
0:40:58 > 0:41:04you're kidding yourself because you still have to work, wherever you are in the world.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07For Jenny, even if they could make the finances work,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10it's the thought of leaving family that's pulling her apart.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16It is a huge emotional strain on all of us to not see close family.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Especially family. We can make friends wherever.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25But for us, deep down, it's always there. It's the pull of family.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28And Dave is completely torn.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33When you're here, you don't want to go. When you're back over there, it's hard to come back.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37I just can't put into words at the moment
0:41:37 > 0:41:39which way it will go.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43I'm hoping we do come back to the Darwin area.
0:41:43 > 0:41:49But that's only going to take time and a lot of thinking about which way we want to go.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51But Dave must choose.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56In fact, the whole Hughes family have to make up their minds about their future.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57It's crunch time.
0:41:57 > 0:42:05After a week putting the life they could have down under to the test, it's time for their final vote.
0:42:05 > 0:42:12For us, family and friends, but particularly family, are a massive part of our life back in the UK.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17But will remain to be so wherever we are, UK or Australia.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21But here we feel that we've got so much potential
0:42:21 > 0:42:24and so much to offer our own family by coming to Australia.
0:42:24 > 0:42:29And, as we all know, technology is always improving and
0:42:29 > 0:42:33we'll never be off the webcam, e-mail, computer and phone.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36So, there's always opportunities to be in touch.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39And deep in our hearts, we'll always be in contact, no matter what.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44I can speak for all of us, 100% that the vote has to go with...
0:42:48 > 0:42:49Australia!
0:42:54 > 0:43:00From the outset, the Hughes family felt certain that a move to Australia was right for them.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Though it will be hard for Jenny to leave her family behind,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07she and Dave know that life for them and the children would be better
0:43:07 > 0:43:10if they were to move where they're wanted down under.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Join us again next time
0:43:12 > 0:43:16and find out what happens when another British family tries out a new life
0:43:16 > 0:43:18where they're wanted down under.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:40 > 0:43:42E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk