Day Family Wanted Down Under

At some point we all wonder if a better life might be out there,

just waiting for us to discover it.

But the reality of moving half way around the world to find it

takes a huge leap of faith,

and for one UK family,

that could mean giving up everything and everyone they love.

For almost ten years, Jane Day has dreamt of moving to Australia.

I just fell in love with it.

It was just a lovely, relaxed environment.

But convincing her family to share that dream is no easy matter.

I guess I'm just a bit hesitant about changing from, you know,

what we have here to something that's a bit more unknown over there.

And after a week to remember...

Doesn't matter how much it was, I wouldn't buy the house.

Simon, that's a really big difference.

How will the Days make the decision of a lifetime?

It's like when you do a skydive or something.

Why does anyone jump out of a plane?

Because you can, and you just want to try it.

It's one of those things, really.

More than a quarter of Australia's population was born overseas.

For thousands of families arriving every year, it's a chance to make

a lifelong dream come true,

surrounded by sun, sand and wide-open spaces.

But many end up becoming ping-pong Poms, bouncing down to Australia,

and rebounding all the way back home again.

For the Day family,

the week ahead could be the most important of their lives.

After experiencing the reality of living in Australia,

they'll face a huge decision.

Whether to stay in the UK,

or to make the move down under a permanent one.

After 12,000 miles and 24 hours in the air,

the Days arrive in Melbourne.

After such a marathon journey,

they're excited to be back in a country they've visited before.

It'll be interesting to see how things have changed,

and provide us with information to help make a decision.

Also, a little bit apprehensive that at the end of it

I might not have convinced the family.

But we will see.

I don't really want to move,

but I think it'll be kind of good see to what it's like,

then I can see how it really is,

rather than what I think it might be.

I have no idea what we're doing.

It looks like jet lag may have already claimed one family member.

Fortunately dad's doing the navigating to their home for a week,

just a short drive from the airport.

Back in the UK, the Days live in Harpenden, in Hertfordshire.

They are - Simon, a commercial manager.

Jane, a business studies teacher,

and their three children.

Felicity, a 22-year-old student,

14-year-old Harry,

and nine-year-old Eleanor.

Moving down under has been on Jane's mind ever since

she first set foot in Australia, almost a decade ago.

-Originally we went to Australia eight years ago.

-2003.

That was because Simon's sister was out there.

I just fell in love with it.

It was just a lovely, relaxed environment.

It's kind of progressed from there.

Jane may be smitten with life down under,

but for Simon, emigrating is a far less romantic prospect.

We're very well established here, we have a good circle of friends,

the kids are in good schools, it's very convenient.

We're in a nice location, so there's lots of things in that mix.

With family also living close by, leaving would be even harder.

I guess I'm just a bit hesitant about changing from,

you know, what we've got here,

to something that's a bit more of an unknown over there.

Felicity's also keen on a move when she finishes university,

although her studies mean she'll have to sit out this current trip.

Without an ally onboard, it's up to Jane to convince Simon

that emigrating is worth giving up everything they have at home.

I just think life's for the taking, life's for the living.

Don't sit back and wait for it to happen,

you have to go out and make things happen.

Keeping Simon happy is important to Jane,

but she feels now's the time to decide

once and for all where the family's future lies.

This year could be a good year to do it.

Felicity is about to finish her degree.

Harry's not yet started GCSE,

Eleanor is still in primary school,

so there is this opportunity,

and I don't want to wait another five years

of other break points to do it.

But with time running out,

Simon is not the only member of the family who needs persuading to leave.

-Going to Melbourne, so - there.

-There.

I don't really want to move,

because I don't think it's worth giving my friends up,

just to move to Australia,

and have potentially, maybe, the same lifestyle as we do here,

and also, I think I'd miss my family over here, too.

Like my grandma and grandad. I'm really close with them.

When my mum first started talking about it with me,

I really wanted to go there.

But now I'm feeling like I don't want to,

but I don't know if I want to or not.

Because I wouldn't mind if we go, and I wouldn't mind if we stayed.

It's a lot to give up.

A lovely family home,

and a close community that the Days are really involved with.

Particularly for Simon, who's leader of the local Scout pack.

It's great fun from a personal point of view,

and it's great for the kids too.

We go outside whenever we can.

It helps you become part of the community,

and it's a good way of meeting people, who, I think,

have a similar point of view and a similar outlook.

But Jane believes Australia can offer the family even more.

We do do a lot with the children now, and we go out,

but to be able to go out and plan it

and do more activities outdoors

and to do it more as a whole family, I think would be great.

That's my dream, coming home from work,

beautiful sunshine, pick the kids up,

go for a barbecue, glass of wine, kids playing on the beach.

After years of wondering "what if?",

Simon has agreed to give Australia a try,

but convincing him it's the right move won't be easy.

It's a bit like when you do a skydive or something.

Why does anybody jump out of a plane?

Because you can, and you just want to try it.

The Days face the choice of a lifetime.

Jane knows the risk of giving up the happy successful lives

they've worked so hard to build,

but for years she's believed Australia could offer the family something even better,

and with Simon willing to listen, it's now or never for her dream.

The Days will be spending their week in Melbourne,

Australia's second largest city.

It should offer them a good mix of modern living,

and the chance to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.

With plenty of European influences,

it's a popular destination with new arrivals,

looking to start over, far from home.

They're staying in a five bedroom house in the suburb of Toorak,

south-east of the city centre on the Yarra river.

Its wide leafy streets and smart homes

make this Melbourne's most desirable district.

But will the Days agree?

It's a bit old fashioned.

It's very different to our home, isn't it?

It's just very...more traditional.

The decor may not be to die for,

but there's plenty of room for everyone in this house.

And with the beach close by,

it's a perfect fit for Harry's image of Aussie living.

My idea of Australia would be about beaches and everything,

because we've only been here for holidays,

so I haven't seen it on a living point of view.

So I only really see it as a holiday place.

I was four, I think, when I last came here,

so I can't really remember it at all.

I thought it would be a lot warmer than this.

Changing Melbourne's weather might be a bit of a challenge,

but so is persuading Simon to emigrate.

I think in order to make a change like this, of this proportion,

you have to have a fairly compelling reason for doing it,

rather than it just being a nice idea, so, you know,

hopefully this week we may end up with that compelling reason.

Back in the UK,

the Days bought their family home at the bottom of the market,

and have watched their investment grow and grow over the years.

It's in a highly desirable area, close to London and Simon and Jane have worked hard

to turn it into their dream home.

Ideally in the move to Australia, I'd like to achieve something equivalent.

It doesn't have to be phenomenally better, but I'd like to, at least, not be stepping back.

The dream is the swimming pool, I'm not convinced we'd get a swimming pool to start with

but, you know, that's the dream.

I think it's a community thing. So long as there is community bits there, I think, you know,

you do want to try and meet people. You want the opportunity to bump into people.

They have a budget between 800,000 and £1 million,

depending on whether they're able to go mortgage free.

Even so, finding something to replace a home and community they love won't be easy.

Today we'll give the Days a taste of Melbourne's property market.

We'll show them three options based on what

they want from their ideal home and what they can afford.

After seeing for themselves what's on offer,

they'll find out how much each house costs.

The first stop of the day is in Wonga Park, a leafy suburb,

25 miles south of the city.

It's a large open area, but with a traditional village feel

and shops, churches and sports facilities are all within easy reach.

Which is just as well, as getting to the house itself requires a bit of a walk.

I think this drive is half the length of our road.

But, what a walk, through an acre and a half of gardens

and at the end of it, there's quite a sight.

Can we live here, can we live here?

THEY LAUGH

We haven't been in the house yet. I have to say it's stunning.

That's a great start, but will indoors be quite as impressive?

Remove your shoes.

Look at that. It is lovely.

I mean, this is just lovely. Come on, I can't wait to see the rest.

Let's have a look.

I think Jane likes this house.

Will the open plan living area be to everyone else's taste?

What do you think, kids?

-Go home, pack our bags, come here.

-Come back again.

We could just phone Felicity and ask her to pack everything up.

-I have to say, I think Felicity would just love this.

-Yeah.

She would, wouldn't she?

If Felicity was here, she might have a fight on her hands for the best bedroom.

I'm having this bedroom.

-This will be my room.

-Oh, is it your room?

Perhaps this should be Felicity's room.

-I disagree.

-You disagree? We'll wait and see.

Fortunately, with five of them, there's space for everyone

but I think Jane may have picked her favourite, too.

This is every woman's dream, a walk-in wardrobe.

-There's not enough space, Simon.

-I could have that one drawer there.

-That little drawer.

-Little drawer!

With so much room on offer, there's even space for relations to visit.

-Your mum and dad would feel really comfortable here.

-Yeah.

Which is nice, because it's important that Harry doesn't miss his grandparents.

-And me.

-And you, Eleanor. Sorry, sweetheart.

-Poor Eleanor.

Outside there's a swimming pool and deck area.

All those uninterrupted views have made Simon think.

I'd probably prefer to be somewhere that you could walk to the odd facility

and I think within reasonable commuting distance of the sea.

This house may have a lot of things going for it,

but a beach isn't one of them.

However, Jane is well and truly won over.

I wouldn't even imagine owning a house like this.

I'm still worried it might be way out of our price.

Has Jane hit the nail on the head?

This house was hugely impressive

but is it affordable on the Days' budget?

To buy it without a mortgage they have £800,000 to spend.

Let's see how much it is.

Ready...

-Oh!

-Is that a lot?

-Is that a lot?

-It is a lot.

-Quite a lot.

That's probably about the same as what we are, Eleanor

That means we could afford it, Eleanor.

We have to get it.

But it would meet no pocket money probably for a year or two.

-It's still got a swimming pool.

-That's fine. So sorted.

Lots of house for the money.

Obviously, not knowing the area and everything else, but certainly there

is a lot of land and a lot of space and a lot of swimming pool for that.

At nearly £1 million, this house is affordable

but only with a mortgage.

Even so, it's got the Days' day off to a great start.

In fact, everyone seems to be over the rainbow.

Their second house is in Wheeler's Hill,

and older suburb closer to Melbourne centre.

All the mod cons of city living are close by

but with 300 acres of parkland on the doorstep, there is also

plenty of space and greenery for outdoor lovers like the Days.

This grand looking house is typical of the area

but after such an impressive start, how will it compare?

What do you think about this? This is very, very different.

You could sing a song as you come down there.

That's a nice study.

-It's a bit like a head teacher's office.

-A head teacher's office.

I'm very disappointed to have you in my office again.

What is it about Australia where they go for such a traditional, old English look?

But, this is a very nice house and if you could see what

I could see Eleanor, you would say it is very nice house.

The pool's awesome.

Is it awesome?

Once again, there's plenty of space on offer.

In fact the house even comes with its own pub.

-Oh!

-Oh, my God.

-Oh, wow.

What do we want, then?

Can I have Coke, please. I think that's in the fridge.

What time do you finish, love?

LAUGHS

Up a very grand set of stairs, there are five bedrooms

but no-one's rushing to claim these.

I'm sorry but I can't go for those sofas.

Things are equally lavish in the lav.

This is too ornate. Too...

-I don't know... Too showy.

-It's a bit fussy.

I really couldn't see ourselves living here.

-You couldn't see yourselves living here?

-It's a bit, ugh...

Outside there are plenty of exotic plants

and a unique piece of garden furniture.

-As an electrical engineer, that would be quite a good talking point.

-Talking point!

They have a certain beauty about them but I wouldn't want one in the back garden.

This house has plenty of room

but it still hasn't won it any admirers and the idea of having

a pylon in the back of the garden, failed to spark any enthusiasm.

Let's see how much this one is worth, then.

775.

775.

I think, 775,000 for a large five bedroomed house in what

-appears to be a good area...

-With a big garden.

-..is really good value.

But I'm just worried that means any other property that's similar,

without the pylon, is going to be considerably more.

It doesn't matter how much it was, I wouldn't buy the house.

This house would offer the Days the mortgage free option they were hoping for

but it looks like no amount of money could persuade them to live here.

The final stop is even closer to the city centre.

It's in Parkdale, a bustling modern suburb with excellent transport links.

It has a vibrant community and is only a short drive

from the coast, two things Simon was keen to find in an Aussie home.

The last house is architect designed with four bedrooms,

two bathrooms and heaps of living space.

Could the modern, open style be more to everyone's taste?

This is what I thought a modern Australian home would be like.

-Yeah, me too.

-Although...

-Although?

Although it may just be this big area which means it really is

open plan living.

Away from the central area, the four bedrooms are in a separate wing.

-It's a nice bedroom size.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, it's a good size. You could get a double bed in here.

-Yeah.

A clever wardrobe idea.

-I like that.

-It's deep.

-Very deep.

Look, that's nice.

I'm going to sound really picky,

but I'm a bit concerned it's not big enough now.

I think Jane may have forgotten she's supposed to be persuading everyone to move here.

Perhaps the main bathroom will get her back on message.

This is nice. Nice and modern.

I'm a bit disappointed by the lack of gilt, actually(!)

Other than that, it's very nice.

And the master bedroom is also a "gilt-free" pleasure.

-This is a nice bedroom. I like this, do you?

-Yeah, I do.

We have, Eleanor, another beautiful walk-in wardrobe.

With so many stylish features, this house is really impressing

but it is missing something important to the Days.

The only thing this house doesn't give us is a guest area.

It's only got four bedrooms.

No fifth bedroom could be a problem for visiting loved ones.

But Simon may have a solution.

Da-da, da-la,

da-da-da, la-la-la!

Da-da, da-la,

da-da, da-da, da-da!

Anything can happen in the next half hour.

Dad, you are very funny.

I suppose you can divide this off if you've got somebody here who is staying.

Despite his worries, property three has definitely made a positive impression on Simon.

It's a great house, I think. I mean, it's always a trade-off between things, really.

I guess if you want to be closer to the sea and transport,

you have somewhere that is a little smaller.

Depending always on how much it is.

It looks as if the Days have found a genuine dream home but along with

its style, and situation, does this house come with the right price tag?

Let's see how much this one is worth.

-Are you ready?

-Yeah.

Wow! 1.2 million.

That's a shame.

Work for a few more years!

-I'm not surprised.

-I'm not, no.

-In some respects, it is the location.

-Yes, we can afford it...

-Well.

-I'm assuming we can afford it.

-Are you, dear?

-Yes, I am.

But, would we spend £1.2 million to live in a house like this

next to the sea and a very good school?

-We could do, it has certain attractions, I think.

-But would we?

We'd have to discuss it, I think. We could, yes. We could...

-If we wished to.

-OK.

At £200,000 over budget,

buying this house would mean digging very deep for Jane and Simon.

Even so, it looks like the subject is at least up for discussion.

It's been very grand day out for the Days.

The first house had acres of space, indoors and out.

Although the price was right, the location

and lack of community, weren't.

The second was also spacious and could have come mortgage free

but the decor was too dated and the garden provided a shocking surprise.

The stylish final property definitely had the wow factor

but that also included its price.

Affording it would be a real stretch.

Have the Days seen enough in Melbourne to convince them to leave the home they love?

Based on the houses we've seen, we are voting for...

ALL: Australia!

-We are unanimous.

-Great, full house! That's good. I'm pleased about that.

-I'm sure Felicity would say Australia, too.

-Australia.

Yay, very good.

We have seen some really wonderful houses and I think even you...

Even I was more impressed than I thought I would be.

Actually, I didn't think you wouldn't like the houses.

-I think the big test when it comes to jobs.

-Yeah, I suppose so.

Makes a difference. So, yeah.

After seeing some genuine and affordable dream Aussie houses,

it's an ideal start for Jane

and a very happy looking Simon is even better news.

If Australia can also offer him the right career opportunities,

Jane's hopes will be taking a huge step forward.

At home, Simon is a commercial manager in the technology industry.

It's a job he loves with more rewards than just a salary.

I've always had something where there's been travelling involved,

either going out to customers, or seeking out new markets.

I think if I had to do something that was a nine to five,

five days a week, 45 weeks a year going to the same place,

then I would probably find that somewhat tiresome.

For Simon work has got to be fulfilling first.

Money comes second.

His current job is highly specialist and changing roles is one

option that could make the most of his skills in Australia.

Today he is meeting Marian Schoen,

at the University of Melbourne's School of Technology.

While Simon gets a close-up view of the university's latest research,

Jane is job-hunting, too.

She had a long-term career in business

and now teaches business studies part-time.

She's meeting head teacher, Heather Schnagl to find out about her prospects.

Heather, I just teach GCSE and A-levels back in the UK

so I'm only teaching from Year 10 upwards.

I'd be really interested to see that area within the school.

We'll go into the Year 12 Centre.

I hate to think what sort of mess it is.

It's probably like every sixth form.

While Jane carries on the tour, Simon's keen to discover

if his skills and experience could help him fit in to university life.

I think with your industry background, and your business development skills,

-one of those areas would be in commercialisation.

-OK.

That means taking the technology that we've developed

-through our research, looking for investors and taking it to market.

-Mmm...

So if there was a role available, do you think somebody like me would be seriously considered for that?

Certainly. I think with your background in industry relations

and product development, I think it would make you very attractive candidate.

That's positive news.

Are Jane's prospects sounding as good?

Heather, based on my CV and my experience, would you consider

employing a teacher with my experience in the school?

We would be very interested in having you join us.

The reality is, if you're talking about business, to have people who have worked

outside teaching is a huge advantage because you have

so many practical examples that you can bring into the classroom.

What about the real business?

Salary level, how does that compare to the UK?

To give you an idea, the current top of our teaching scale is 89,600 Australian dollars.

Which having just converted it on today's exchange rate is

-about £57,700.

-That's considerably more than we get paid in the UK!

And across the city, Simon would like to know

if his salary could go up as much?

In a commercialisation role, what sort of salary might one expect?

It would be around 130 to 135,000 plus the superannuation component.

Overall, a package of around say 160 to 165,000.

Right, OK, that's interesting. That's well over £100,000 for the package.

The salary package is impressive, but would a career in Australia

offer Simon the quality of work he loves?

I always aimed to add international aspects to my role.

I'd be interested to know whether coming here

there'd be some prospect of that?

If it was a role, in a sense,

marketing and developing products for commercial services, I imagine

most of that would be within Australia, or within Victoria.

That's less positive.

Travel is important to Simon and working here could well mean

making changes if he were to emigrate.

Jane's had good news on all fronts.

How will they vote on working in Melbourne?

Based on our job experiences in Australia, we are voting for...

-Australia!

-UK!

-Why the UK?

-Um...

-Er, yes.

-Come on?

Well, I've got a good job and it's something I enjoy

and I think it's quite hard then to...

It takes a lot of work to find something to match it.

I really think that, you know, once you're involved...

Give it a second view.

I think, once you get involved in a job in Australia, I think

you'd probably enjoy it just as much but only you can decide that, I know.

Despite the benefits on offer, and Jane's best efforts,

Simon is reluctant to give up on the career he loves.

But with good salaries on offer, life in Melbourne

is beginning to look very promising.

Getting the right valuation from their UK home could make that

big decision a lot simpler.

Back in Harpenden, the Days own a four-bedroom house,

which has risen sharply in value since they bought it, 11 years ago.

They believe it's worth around £1 million,

but with Aussie homes looking every bit as expensive,

getting a good valuation will be vital

to whether the Days can afford this move or not.

This is nice. They've done a lovely job on this room.

Nice, light colours.

They've continued the wooden flooring throughout.

A really good job.

Why is he going back in the house.

-It's a different person.

-They all look very similar.

Wow! What a great space. Really superb.

Again, works tremendously well from a light and airy point of view.

I can imagine most families spending most of their time

in this part of the house.

That's a good little boy's room.

Looks like it belongs to a young lad called Harry.

THEY LAUGH

It's the smallest room in the house but I think compared to

modern day building standards, it's a good sized kid's room.

Yeah, this is a stunning room.

This is very rare within the area to have a master bedroom this size.

In the current market conditions, and it is very busy,

I'd recommend an asking price of 1.1 million. For a quick sale, a guide price of £1 million

should achieve a fast result.

Crikey!

So based on today's market, I value this house at £1 million.

Although, for a prompt sale,

we ought to go nearer 975.

-Yeah, pretty good.

-It's not bad, is it?

I think that extension's paid off. It's certainly brought the value of the house up.

Which is quite good because when you think of properties that we've seen here in Australia,

-then they would be within our reach.

-Yeah.

-That's quite promising.

-Yeah.

-From that side, that's a positive for Australia.

-Oh, yeah, yeah.

That's good.

That's one big stumbling block out of the way

but what about the Days' cost of living in Melbourne?

We've prepared a summary of their expenses

so they can compare their finances at home and in Australia.

First, it's the weekly shopping bill.

-So what's our total?

-It's about £130 in the UK.

-Right.

-And 160 here.

You're only talking about £30 more, it's not a massive difference, is it?

-No, it's about 25%.

-That's not frightening.

To keep things simple, Jane and Simon have decided to take

a cautious approach to their choice of property.

We are going to work this basis out on the fact that

if we move here, we are going to buy a house that would allow us to

-be mortgage free, are we?

-Yeah, definitely.

-OK, because that's something we would want to do.

-Yeah.

That might mean no that dream house but without a mortgage to pay,

the figures look encouraging.

The cost of living in UK is 2,985,

we reckon here will be about 3,020.

So, more or less the same.

-There's only £35 difference.

-35 quid.

-That's not very much.

-A month.

And with increased salaries a real possibility for Jane and Simon,

they could be in for a very pleasant surprise.

If we look at what you're earning in the UK,

14,000 on two days a week, whereas over here would be

-somewhere around 57,000, but full-time.

-Yeah.

-That's fine.

-It's very fine!

For me there's a big difference, in the UK, 60,000

and over here, over 100,000. Yeah, a difference of over 40,000.

I mean, that's a really big difference.

Even allowing for deductions, it's a real jump in their income.

What's that all-important bottom line?

On an annual basis...

-Times 12.

-It's about 67,000.

67,000? Better off!

SHE LAUGHS

You know, with that sort of difference, Simon,

we could look at private education for the children in Australia.

We would have such a comfortable lifestyle. To me...

Even more comfortable lifestyle.

-I grant you, but that is an amazing difference.

-Mmm.

-I can't see how we can not do that.

-No. It's surprising.

It looks as if the Days may be about to make their easiest decision of the week.

Has the door just swung wide open to a move down under?

Based on the cost of living, we are voting for...

-Australia!

-Australia.

-There was no other choice, was there?

-There wasn't, no.

-Not on those figures.

-No, no, it had to be.

I'm really pleased, and er, surprised

at the amount of difference.

Yeah, that's fantastic. Well done. Thanks.

That's quite a result for the Days on paper.

It looks like life in Melbourne could offer a big boost to their finances.

Even so, they know this move isn't about money,

it's about being able to enjoy the kind of family lifestyle that

Jane has long dreamt of and if Australia can offer that

it's another step in the right direction.

Messing about on the river is a classic English pastime,

but being able to enjoy a taste of home down under might be another

big plus for the Days.

-It's small.

-It's small.

-That's what we should expect you to be.

-I'm medium.

Dad's a large. And Mum's a small.

-You're just pushing it, you are.

-Let's go.

Ready to cast off on the great adventure, then Els? See you later.

Look at that, look at that, Harry. You're a natural oarsperson.

-I'm doing it calmly, first.

-You're doing it very calmly.

Very calmly and very well, I think there.

Actually, Eleanor, we could take it up. What do you think?

-Let's join Oxford or Cambridge.

-I don't think so.

With the wind in the willows and the Aussie sun shining down,

it's a reminder to Jane of what inspired her dream of emigrating.

We get the best of both worlds, don't we?

The beach sometimes and here which is really lovely.

It isn't quite what I had in mind when I think of Australia.

It's really beautiful, actually.

I'd much rather spend my weekends with the children doing these things

than prising them away from the games console.

What better way than to just sit back and relax on the river

and be rowed around by your children.

-Are you rowing now?

-Thank you!

And Melbourne's outdoor lifestyle seems to be having a positive

effect on the whole family.

If we did move here, I would hope that we could go out on the river

and row and kind of spend a bit more family time together,

rather than just inside.

I also think Dad is liking it a lot more than he did at home

because I think he's seeing more of what we could do here

and the different places we could buy and things like that.

-It's like a new life, not life...

-Perception.

-Yeah, that word.

This is like a change to what I thought.

So far, I think Australia is exceeding my expectations.

I've been more impressed than I thought perhaps I would have been.

Seeing Simon and the children happy is exactly what Jane

hoped for on this trip.

And although leaving home may be tough,

it doesn't necessarily mean giving up everything the Days love.

In fact, scouting is just as popular in Australia with boys and girls

and this afternoon the Days are joining the 1st Baden Powell Scout pack.

Welcome to our group, the Baden Powell pack.

We're the biggest in Australia.

You joined us on a terrific afternoon because we've got

a construction activity going on and we've got some bush cooking as well.

-Let's go over here.

-That sounds great.

-Jane and Eleanor gets stuck in immediately.

-It's like making bread.

-Do you remember when we made bread at home?

-No.

-No!

THEY LAUGH

And Simon is in his element.

Can you smell that sweet smell of our Eucalyptus from our gum trees.

-That burns well, actually.

-It does.

Being in a familiar setting may have helped him turn a corner.

Look at that. A bit of charcoal smoke, cooked on an open fire,

in the Bush. Sunshine, Victoria, what more do you want?

He's definitely found his comfort zone.

Is terrific being with like-minded people

and seeing much the same sort of things going on and I think

we've all seen what a friendly welcome we've had when we turned up.

It's really lovely to see Simon finally enjoying himself.

This is the real Simon, really happy-go-lucky

and that is the most important thing.

I want to see him like this all the time

and hopefully get that pressure away.

It's been an ideal day out for the whole family,

but at the end of it how will they vote on the Aussie lifestyle?

We've had a fantastic day today on the river

and with the Scout group here.

Based on our lifestyle activity, we are voting for...

-HARRY:

-UK.

-OTHERS:

-Australia!

-Harry?

-Harry.

-What?

-I'm really surprised.

-Why did you vote UK?

-I don't know.

I prefer England with Scouts because I know everyone there

and friends and things.

-So it's about feeling comfortable with your friends?

-Yes.

-You'll make lots of friends here.

-You've enjoyed today, haven't you?

-Yeah, but still I prefer the UK.

-From the activity point of view.

-Evidently...

-Yeah.

I expect Australia to be good from an activity point of view.

I've had a nice morning and an even better afternoon, I think.

-This afternoon has been superb.

-It was lovely. You really looked like you were enjoying it.

I thought you all were, actually. It was great to see.

Sampling the Melbourne lifestyle was a big success,

a home from home for Simon.

Harry's vote was a reminder of one thing Australia can't offer,

the family and friends they love.

Will seeing messages from them make their final choice any clearer?

With messages for everyone,

Simon and Jane have decided to watch their DVD together, as a family.

Hi, guys, I hope you're all having an amazing time, missing you lots.

I'm jealous I can't be there.

ALL. Hi.

I hope you're having a great time over there in Australia.

My mum and dad are really different.

That's why they work so well together.

My dad's the practical,

um, keeps everyone's head on their shoulders person.

Whereas, Mum's maybe a little bit more......

A bit more fun, a bit more spontaneous.

She's a good girl, I've trained her well.

-Mum's more fun.

-Yeah.

Me and Jane, talk to each other a lot.

Yes, it does bother me that she would be as far as way as she is,

they're going to be, but it still has to be what's right for her.

You know, you're always sisters, that never changes.

I'm never going to forget you, Harry.

You've been a friend for a great time now and...

I'm really going to come and visit you a lot.

JANE: I hope so, Wills.

Guys, I hope you've had an amazing week.

I love you all so much and I'm missing you lots.

I just want you to make the right decision for you

and I'll support you whatever you do and I love you all lots.

Thanks, Felicity.

Just go for it and have a great time

and experience all that Australia has to offer you and your family.

-And, good luck.

-Bye!

-We're going to miss you.

-That was very nice.

-That was interesting, wasn't it?

Has seeing Felicity on the video made you think any differently about our potential move over here?

No, it doesn't. I'm still convinced.

I've got no reason to believe that she would not come out now.

If we were here, all that's going to do is cement that view of hers.

The other way around, I don't want her to be here in two

or three years time and us not, knowing that we could. Yeah, it's...

No, it hasn't changed my mind, sweetheart.

Hearing from friends and family touched everyone

and for the Days, their week has come down to one question.

Are they ready to give up everything

they have at home for the promise of a new life down under?

After years of hoping and soul-searching,

it's finally time to decide.

The Australian experience has been fantastic.

It has helped confirm all of my views that I had over the last five years.

It's not that my life is wanting in any great way, cos it's not.

This just gives you something else to try and enjoy.

That's what life's about.

I was apprehensive about coming here.

I thought the best thing to do was kind of wait

and see how the thing formed and then take it all in.

I've enjoyed it more than I thought I would, actually.

I think, from that aspect, it's been pleasantly surprising, I guess.

Yeah, I can imagine myself living here in Australia

but I would still really, really miss Felis if she didn't move

or my friends. Even though I know I'd stay in touch with them,

it would be nice if I could see them more often.

You can't really let friends go because they are like...

-Really important?

-They're important.

It may have been more than he hoped for,

but has the last week been enough to convince not just Simon

but the whole family to start a new life in Australia?

We have had a fantastic week in Australia.

Based on our experiences, the country we are going to live in is...

-ALL. Australia!

-Undecided.

Hang on, we've got three Australia's and an undecided.

What made you undecided, Eleanor?

I just don't want to leave my friends and family behind.

I understand.

If I didn't like the things in Australia, I would have gone UK.

That makes sense, sweetheart That's absolutely fine.

Harry, gosh, Australia too, I thought you might go undecided.

-Or the UK.

-Yeah.

Er, well...

Is just the housing was really good and I liked the lake

and the river and what we could do here,

but I think I still would miss my friends and family.

Yeah, you would, sweetheart. That's really good.

-Simon, big surprise, Australia.

-Yeah, there we go.

What made you think that we could live in Australia?

It's been a good week. I think the kids have enjoyed it.

I think we've found out lots and I think it's a place where we could be happy!

Move to!

I do appreciate it's still a big move

and it will take a lot of support and different things to do

but it's really good to see that you've looked at the positive side

and can see the possibilities. That's great.

After a week to remember, Simon's been won over by life in Melbourne.

And although Eleanor may need a little more time,

Jane's many years of hopes could be coming to an end.

We wish them a very happy future.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd