Lloyd Family Wanted Down Under

Life's often far from plain sailing

but if you had had more than your fair share of tough times,

what lengths would you go to to give your family a fresh start?

Could you uproot them from everything

they know to begin a new life on the other side of the world?

Having survived challenging times, Gareth and Zoe Lloyd

were hoping to make a fresh start in Australia.

We have been through quite a lot at such a young age.

But when their second son was born, it looked like an impossible move.

Riley was born with the condition called albinism.

Five years on, the dream's back but when a trial week shows

the country's good and bad points...

-Look at that!

-I'm speechless.

It's like it's all been snatched away, hasn't it?

..will they decide the grass is greener at home?

It's a bigger decision than what I thought.

Famed for its pristine beaches and fabulous lifestyle,

Australia welcomes a new immigrant around every two minutes.

Add a thriving economy, with plentiful work opportunities,

then it's easy to see why.

For over 25 years, the country's been the top

choice for British families seeking a happy and prosperous future.

After challenging times together, the Lloyd family are hoping

Australia can give them the fresh start they're longing for.

They'll have just one week to sample everything the country

can offer before making the biggest decision of their lives -

whether to stay in the UK,

or move to the other side of the world for good.

The family's journey kicks off with a 26-and-a-half hour trek,

flying from Manchester to Adelaide.

Oldest son Connor's relieved when they eventually touch down.

I'm really tired after flying.

I must have only had about four hours' sleep. It was all right.

Gareth and Zoe enjoyed the journey.

It was a lot easier than we anticipated.

Yeah, we were excited, we were nervous.

Though it was his first time flying, Riley's taken it in his stride.

The flight was good.

After years dreaming about Oz, how do Gareth and Zoe feel to have made it down under?

It feels brilliant, to be honest. The sun is shining.

I'm really looking forward to see what's to come.

Now I'm here, I'm really excited to see what Australia's got to offer.

As the family set off into Adelaide, they know their

entire future's riding on what happens over the next week.

Meet the Lloyds from Ashton-in-Makerfield.

They're Gareth, Zoe, 14-year-old Conner,

five-year-old Riley and baby Mason.

Teenage sweethearts Gareth and Zoe met when they were 15

and 16 years old at a holiday camp in Gareth's hometown in north Wales.

If I recall, it was Zoe who came over to me

-and asked for the time.

-Gareth asked me for the time.

We'll agree to disagree on that.

It was love at first sight and Zoe fell pregnant a few months later.

Zoe was 16.

Erm, I mean it wasn't planned, we were still kids ourselves.

Going into labour ten weeks prematurely,

Zoe dramatically gave birth in the back of Gareth's mum's car.

Connor decided it was time he was going to join us

in the back of the car.

Much to a shock to myself, out he popped and luckily I managed to catch him.

People'll argue I delivered him, I would say more of a catch.

It was an experience Zoe will never forget.

Connor was the size of Gareth's hand.

I didn't think he was alive because he didn't cry.

Because he was so tiny,

and I was really scared and panicky.

Connor spent two months in intensive care

but just after getting him home, the young couple were dealt another

blow when they were in a fatal car crash with one of Gareth's friends.

Tragically the driver lost his life

and my other friend was seriously injured,

as well as Zoe who sustained serious injuries to her neck and her back.

X-rays revealed an unstable fracture in her spine and Zoe was rushed to

a specialist hospital, robbing her of bonding time with baby, Connor.

I was in hospital knowing that

I wouldn't be out of there for a couple of months.

I was on my own.

I'll start crying now.

Gareth's parents helped care for Connor, while he split his time

between studies to be a heating engineer and the hospital.

Finally, after learning to walk again, Zoe was allowed home.

I had to wear a full body brace and an Aspen collar,

for six months after I come out.

The couple had experienced more trauma in a year than most go

through in a lifetime but after returning to Zoe's hometown in England,

life settled down.

Until Gareth introduced his dream of moving down under.

It's something that's been on my mind ever since I qualified.

From what I've researched and understood, it's a better life,

better weather.

You know, potentially better opportunities out there.

After everything they've been through, moving to the other side

of the world was a step too far for Zoe.

About ten years ago he mentioned it and I just dismissed it straightaway.

We've never been out there, I've never been there

so I wasn't really interested.

Gareth finally persuaded Zoe to make the move and the couple were

preparing to apply for a Visa in 2007 when Zoe fell pregnant again.

When their second son was born, though, their hopes were dashed.

Riley was born with a condition called albinism

which basically means no pigment in the skin, the eyes and the hair

and very, very sensitive to sunlight.

Good boy, keep going.

The plans to emigrate to Australia were definitely over then,

so we thought.

Advised Riley should avoid the sun and wouldn't enjoy being

outdoors, moving to one of the hottest countries on earth

seemed a no-go but online research about his condition

and the Australian attitude to staying safe in the sun,

has now led the couple to believe it might not be as crazy as it sounds.

He seems to enjoy the outdoors, that's all he ever seems to want to do.

We understand a lot about his condition now and what

precautions are necessary to protect him from the warm weather.

Keep going straight. Keep going.

Having discussed the move with him,

Riley's more interested in the wildlife than weather.

I'd like to see the lovely spiders.

While Connor sees the move as a way to fulfil his dreams, too.

I've always wanted to go to Australia to work in

the zoo over there.

Australia could be the fresh start the family need but Zoe fears

leaving those who have supported them through so much.

I'm quite close to my mum

and I know that the children are really close to her.

Taking them away from her would be hard.

Having dreamt of the move for over ten years,

Gareth's determined to give his family a happier future.

You know, there's been that many events that's happened in our life

since we met, it's just a fresh start.

After a decade of discussion, the family are about to discover

if moving to a country they've never visited can give them

a new beginning and let them put the past behind them for good.

I want to settle down now.

I want to be wherever we are

and hopefully spend the rest of our lives there together,

whether that's in Australia, or the UK, we need to come to that decision now.

To find out if Australia can give the Lloyds their dream life,

the family are visiting Adelaide, ranked as one of the world's

top 10 cities to live.

Their temporary base for the week is in Clovelly Park,

the southern suburb, 25 minutes' drive from the city centre.

Tired from the long journey,

first impressions of the house leave Gareth confused.

-Two garages, eh?

-No, that's a different house. It's just that.

-Oh, is it two separate houses?

-Yeah.

Hopefully one house is big enough.

-It looks small.

-It does look small, doesn't it?

-It's quite nice.

Connor's happy but Mum and Dad need to see inside.

-Oh...

-That's nice.

-Do you like it?

-Oh, it is, isn't it?

Fortunately, the house is bigger than expected.

It's deceiving from the outside, isn't it? It is deceiving.

It's a lot bigger than it looks, isn't it?

-These high ceilings are all right.

-Wow!

-I do not know where you're going to put your stuff!

-That's mine!

Don't know where you're going to put yours!

Moving on, the open plan interiors win approval.

Look at this. Open plan.

Wow! I wasn't expecting that.

And the enthusiasm continues outside.

Imagine yourself sat out here watching the kids play.

Barbecue on there. Do you reckon you can fit a small pool in that corner?

I don't think so!

It's an encouraging start and after the long trip,

Connor and Riley are happy to make themselves at home.

We've got a bedroom each, which is good,

so I don't have to share with Riley.

It's just so massive.

Mum and Dad are quick to settle in, too.

From what I've seen so far, I'm really impressed.

It doesn't feel like we're over the other side of the world.

It sort of feels like home in a kind of strange way.

But Zoe's already spotted something that feels very unfamiliar.

It's really hot and with Riley that is a big concern.

Even though we expected it to be hot,

maybe we didn't expect it to be this hot.

The week ahead will let the family see how Riley copes with

the Australian climate and Gareth knows his dream's at stake

if the country doesn't meet expectations.

Australia needs to show me a good quality of work life

and also how the children fit in with the life and the weather.

This week needs to be the decider.

It's either, yes, we're going to go,

or we go home and that's it.

We can't sort of carry on the way we've been with ifs and buts,

this has got to be it now.

Back in the UK, Gareth and Zoe have moved frequently

since they met and currently rent a three-bedroomed detached

house in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

This is our 12th house since we've been together.

Erm, I like to move.

That is a lot of homes. So what's on their wish list for an Australian house?

My dream property would be a four-bedroomed detached with a pool,

a cinema room and all open plan within walking distance to a beach.

-Don't forget a garage, as well.

-A garage for the car.

Quite a list, but after everything they've been through, the most

important thing is to find somewhere the family can finally put down roots.

We're getting to the point where I want to be settled wherever we're going to go now.

-I think the next move is going to have to be the...

-The final.

Gareth and Zoe have £1,200 a month to rent a home down under.

To find out what their money could get them,

we'll show them three properties, two on budget

and a third which could be their dream home.

Only after they've seen each one, will they find out the monthly rent.

House-hunting starts in Flinders Park,

a well-established suburb, west of the city centre.

Five minutes from the beach and with school, shops and facilities,

the area could suit the family but will the house be what

they're looking for?

-Wow! Look.

-Oh, my gosh.

They're not out of the car yet but the signs are good.

Will inside go down as well?

-That's nice and bright, isn't it? RILEY:

-This is nice.

Riley's impressed and although it's unfurnished, Gareth spots potential.

It's like a blank canvas, isn't it? You can pretty much do what you want with it, really.

The spacious kitchen and living area score more points.

What a great room.

-I'm really impressed with the style so far.

-I am, as well, actually.

I do really like it.

But, unfortunately, the garden doesn't blow them away.

It is a little small out here, but it's cosy.

I would like a little bit bigger garden.

The house does have the four bedrooms Zoe wants, though.

This is a good-sized room, isn't it?

I like the window being high, not too bright in here, is it?

Plenty of shade could be perfect for Riley

and a room for everyone keeps Connor happy, too.

I need a plasma on the wall, though. 50-inch, at least.

The family bathroom's a big hit with everyone.

-I like this.

-Wow, yeah.

-Look at that.

-Very modern.

-Yeah.

-I like modern.

The up-to-date interiors also win approval but there is

so much space inside, they're unsure what to do with it all.

Is this your second living area bit?

It's not a bedroom, is it?

Maybe a playroom or like a second dining room.

Zoe's keen to explore the view.

-Wow, look at this, Gaz.

-Look at that.

-What more could you ask for?

-Mum, there's a playground behind there.

We've never had a balcony before, have we?

-No, not with a view like that, anyway.

-No.

Despite a small garden, the house offers what the family want

but with £1,200 to spend every month, will it be within budget?

I'm not too sure. Maybe about £1,100 a month.

I think about £1,000 a month.

I think it's worth about £950 a month.

-What do you think, Riley?

-I think £20,050 a month.

-OK.

-Oh...

-It's bang on budget, isn't it?

But if this is our budget, what are the other houses going to be like?

I thought it was going to be less than that, to be honest, but...

Then you've got the view and you've got the size.

I could cope with the not-so-big garden.

Achievable but not perfect, the family aren't sold yet.

Will the next house offer everything and be affordable?

The search continues in the suburb affectionately referred

to as Little Britain.

Close to schools and the beach,

Hallett Cove is popular with British expats.

The area should be a perfect fit for Zoe and Gareth

but will the house have the outside space Zoe dreams of?

Wow!

-That looks absolutely massive.

-It does, doesn't it?

It's huge, isn't it?

It's roomy inside, too.

-Wow! This is lovely.

-It's brilliant.

-This is amazing, isn't it?

-It's really nice.

This is my dream house.

A look in the master bedroom pleases Gareth.

-I'm really taken aback by this, are you?

-I love it.

-I've only seen two rooms.

-I know.

And like the previous house, the balcony comes with a view.

Look at that.

This would make me move.

-This would clinch it for you, would it?

-I wanted a house by the beach

and you can't get much closer to the beach, can you?

Back downstairs, the kitchen and modern living area

chalk up more points.

-Wow!

-That's nice.

I like this. In fact, I love this. I love this house.

Outside impresses too.

Look at this.

-This is lovely. Wow!

-Yeah. Absolutely stunning.

-Wow.

-It's massive!

-Isn't it?

But Gareth has concerns.

I'm being realistic because I think this is going to be

-way beyond our budget.

-Yeah.

What a gorgeous, gorgeous house.

And the best is still to come.

Look at this pool.

Just imagine jumping in that and having a nice morning swim.

Sounds perfect, Zoe, and Connor can imagine living here, too.

Yeah, definitely. I think we should move over here now.

The garden also has a shaded area, perfect for Riley.

This is like a millionaire's house.

It could be the perfect home for the family

but with £1,200 to spend on rent every month, could they afford it?

I think this is quite a bit above our budget

and if I was to guess, I would say around £1,500 a month.

-Would you?

-Yeah.

-See, I think it's more.

2,000.

I think it's probably about 2,500 a month, maybe more.

Go on, then, Connor, let's have a look.

That is a shock, isn't it?

Right, we're moving.

Wow!

-I'm really, really, really shocked.

-I'm quite surprised.

House-hunting for the Lloyds is proving successful

and it's not over yet.

Staying in Hallett Cove,

we found what should be the family's ultimate home, a two-storey property

promising luxury living within walking distance of the beach.

-Oh, look at this.

-Wow!

No way! That is like a palace.

It certainly has kerb appeal and inside's not bad, either.

Look at that.

The master bedroom comes with a luxury en suite.

I wouldn't mind waking up in a morning to that, would you?

-I think this is Mummy and Daddy's room, Riley.

-Not a chance!

With five bedrooms, there's a room for everyone and one for guests

and the spacious interiors are cause for more delight.

I can certainly see myself relaxing here.

I can't get over how big they are. They're massive.

-It's a huge, huge property, isn't it?

-Yeah.

This house certainly has the "wow" factor.

I mean the first one was nice, the second one moved it up a level

but this has gone that notch more, hasn't it?

Just like the last one, this house has plenty of outside space,

not to mention a pool with a Jacuzzi.

-Gaz, look.

-Wow!

-Do you like this one, then, Riley?

-Oh, yeah, it is well better.

-Is this better than the second?

-Yes.

And just when they think things can't get any better,

on the second floor is something which surpasses everyone's expectations.

-Wow!

-That's impressive, a cinema room.

Why would you want to watch the cinema

when you've got a view like that out of the window?

Fair point, but Connor's more enamoured with the technology.

I don't need a 50-inch plasma any more.

A nifty remote control cinema screen makes this every boy's dream.

You're lost for words, aren't you?

It was one of my desires, wasn't it, to have a cinema room?

I can really picture myself here.

I bet you can, Gareth! The adjoining balcony's also worth a look.

They are take your breath away views, them, aren't they? This is a dream property, this.

It's like a millionaire celebrity's property.

Not one we could afford.

This could be the perfect base for a new beginning

but with £1,200 rent every month, will it, as Zoe fears,

be reserved for the rich and famous?

I was way out last time so I'd probably go with about 2,100.

What do you think, Connor, how much?

I think it's probably what I said on the last property,

about 2,500, at least.

I'd estimate around £1,900.

Wow!

It's a lot less than I thought.

1,540.

It's a bit over budget but...

I don't think it's that far....

-It's within reach.

-Potentially...

The Lloyds' property search has proved positive, with each

house better than the last.

Property one was big inside, yet small outside,

though the family were relieved to discover it was on budget.

Property two had plenty of space and a pool

and discovering it was affordable was a bonus.

But property three took everyone's breath away with a cinema room

and just a short stroll from the beach, it was everything they'd

dreamed of and, only slightly over budget, was something to aspire to.

So how will the day's excitement play out

when it comes to choosing between a home in Australia or the UK?

Based on the properties we have seen today, our vote goes to...

ALL: ..Australia!

I don't think you would get anything like the price in the UK,

this type of house - four bedrooms, a pool.

No. I think it went beyond our expectations today.

Really impressed with what we have seen.

'A full house of votes for Australia puts the Lloyds well on the road

'to achieving the fresh start they have been dreaming of.

'But with their hearts now set on luxury living by the beach,

'will they be able to find the jobs to afford it?

'In the UK, Gareth is a gas technical engineer,

'servicing heating systems and boilers.'

I've been in the industry since a school leaver and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.

'Zoe works part-time as an assistant in a local pharmacy.'

I have been in the job role for two years now.

It's always noisy, it's never quiet here. Lots of customers.

'If they moved, Zoe would be keen to return to her previous career.'

I would be looking into going back into care work,

which is what I have done for 10 years.

Working with adults with learning and physical disabilities.

'Gareth would like to stay in a similar role, but regularly working over 50 hours a week,

'he's hoping for more time at home.'

I'm hoping for the hours to not be as demanding.

The work-life balance will be a lot better,

ultimately resulting in me having more family time.

'With the children cared for by a childminder,

'Gareth and Zoe set off to investigate work prospects in Adelaide.

'For Gareth, getting the right salary will be important.'

I believe we're going to need to achieve something

similar to the UK in order to make the move possible.

At least in the region of 60,000 to 70,000 Australian dollars.

'While he's hoping to earn around £35,000,

'Zoe is more concerned about fitting in at a new workplace.'

If I enjoyed the work here, obviously that would sway me

a lot more to be happy to come out and live over here.

'Gareth goes to meet Brendan Purton,

'an expat now running his own gas services company.'

-Hi. You must be Brendon.

-Hi, mate. How're you?

-I'm good.

-Good to see you.

-Good stuff. Right.

'Brendan shows Gareth a heater he is working on.

'It's familiar territory, but he points out moving

'to Australia could mean a learning curve.'

As regards to finding your feet out here and getting work, how difficult was that?

It was OK. There's work out here.

The qualifications would be the issue.

Getting them sorted out first of all.

'Gareth would need to undertake a skills recognition process

'which could require around 18 months on-the-job training

'before he could work as a fully qualified gas technician.

'It's a set back for the dream.

'Will things be more straightforward for Zoe?

'She's meeting Lisa, a care worker at a residential

'centre for people with intellectual disabilities.'

-I'm Zoe.

-Hi. I'm Lisa. I'll show you around.

-Thank you.

'After a quick cuppa with some residents,

'Lisa and Zoe discuss the likelihood of her securing work.'

Are my qualifications transferable?

When you come to Australia you can have your qualification recognised by a skills recognition service

and that gives you a certificate you can bring to an employer

to show them you're qualified to work in Australia.

'Fortunately, the transition for Zoe should be easier.'

Are there currently any job vacancies?

There is at such a large organisation.

There are often a lot of prospects available.

So someone with your qualifications would be a good candidate.

That's good to hear.

'That sounds encouraging.

'Gareth's come to terms with the news getting his qualifications

'approved could take a while.

'But he is also keen to address how the job would

'fit in with his hopes for more family time.'

As regards to working hours, how does that compare with the UK?

My typical working day in the summer would be an 8:30am start.

Invariably, you'd be finished by three or four.

I start at 7:30am or 8:00am in the winter

and quite often you are not in before six.

'While summer hours are short, the winter would still mean long days.

'Would the money make that worth Gareth's while?'

Until they sort out your qualifications,

they might put you on an adult apprentice.

-I think the award wage for that is about 36,000.

-Yes.

And then once you are qualified to work for somebody else,

that goes up to 48.

To begin with, Gareth would be earning just under £20,000.

It's much less than he expected.

But Brendan points out that if he's prepared to put in the hours,

he could double his pay.

If he decided to go self-employed, the figure could rise even further.

If you're self-employed and you are doing 50/60 hours a week,

I wouldn't be surprised if you would be hitting

100 to 120,000 a year.

It's definitely a wage you can live on comfortably.

-Yeah, very comfortably. Sounds really good.

-Yeah.

£65,000 isn't bad at all but it would be a while before Gareth

can earn top dollar and he'd still have to work around the clock.

Back at the residential centre, Zoe's checking out

if she could work part-time.

Do you accommodate for family life, as well?

We have casual, part-time and full-time employment, night employment.

Again, it's good news for Zoe.

All that remains is to talk about money.

The part-time employee on 20 hours a week would get 23,000 a year.

Wow!

Wow! That's a lot more.

It's almost double what Zoe currently gets.

But when the couple reunite to discuss their news, the emphasis

is on the initial hurdle Gareth will face gaining work down under.

-You have to retrain?

-To an extent, yeah,

just whilst the qualifications are recognised over here

and the salary I'd be earning then is around 36-38,000.

-English?

-No, Australian dollars.

-Australian dollars?

-Yeah...

Then, if I was to be employed by a company,

the earning potential is up to 75,000.

There's plenty of money to be made, more so than the UK.

Gareth's staying optimistic

and news of Zoe's good day should help.

So there is plenty of scope for employment?

Yeah, yeah, plenty of opportunities, they said, for someone with my qualifications.

Long-term prospects look reasonable

but it would take time for Gareth to reach his full earning potential.

With three children to care for,

will the couple decide it's safer to stick with work in the UK?

Based upon the employment opportunities

we've seen today, we are going to vote...

BOTH: ..Australia!

I thought you would have gone the UK only because of the earnings when

you first come over would be slightly less than what you're getting now?

I was a bit sceptical but the earning potential,

after jumping some hurdles, is a lot higher than I anticipated.

Erm...

-There was plenty of work.

-I really enjoyed today.

They all seemed really, really friendly.

With a full sweep of votes for Australia so far, it looks like the

Lloyds could be well on their way to making the country their future home.

A move for the family has always been about making a fresh

start in life, so will time spent sampling

a slice of the Australian lifestyle prove another winner?

Wildlife lovers the Lloyds embrace the chance to visit Monarto Zoo.

An hour's drive from Adelaide,

it's a leading protector of endangered species.

It's the perfect chance to encounter some native animals

and Riley's delighted to meet Maureen, a friendly rock wallaby.

-Do you think we should take her home?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-I think we should.

-I don't think they'd let us take her home.

-Why?

She's not like a pet. She's a wild animal.

I'm going to miss her.

Hopes dashed, the whole family are distracted by a black rhinoceros.

You've been pretty lucky because he hasn't sprayed you all.

Sometimes he backs around.

What does he spray us with?

Have a guess. He sprays you with, er, wee-wee.

Charming! Time to move along.

The carrots are behind you.

Ever so gently, go and get a handful of carrots.

Given Connor's dream of working in a zoo,

feeding the animals has proved a hit.

You couldn't ever do this in the UK.

My friends would be definitely jealous of me feeding the giraffes.

Gareth's delighted with how the week's going so far.

I'm just really taken aback with the country.

You know, the people, the lifestyle, the weather, everything

is what I dreamt it would be and more.

And Zoe's had time to consider the benefits of starting again

half a world away from home.

I think we'd have a lot more days like today.

Obviously, you've got the reality of working, as well,

but because of the weather you do have the opportunities to go

out to places like this, as a family, and spend quality time together.

For Riley, the advantages are simple.

I'd like to live in Australia because it's better than the UK.

You don't get a swimming pool in the back garden.

The day's also shown how well he's dealt with the climate.

You know, he's been fine, he's coped really well with the light,

the daylight and that was one of my fears.

But despite the positives, Zoe admits the distance from home

is playing on her mind.

I keep changing my mind. I want to come and I don't.

Then I think of family back home.

Gareth knows his wife has reservations.

As the week's gone on, I think the reality set in that,

you know, we're the opposite side of the world and there are friends

and family back home that, I believe, she'd miss greatly.

The couple face a big decision come the end of the week

but has their day out done enough to convince

everyone of the merits of Australia's lifestyle?

Based upon the lifestyle activities we've undergone today,

our vote goes to...

ALL: ..Australia!

Yeah, the experience with the giraffes was just mesmerising.

I was really impressed with that. I really enjoyed myself today.

What is your best bit about today?

The best bit is the wallaby jumping around.

I'm made up, everyone's voted Australia.

I'm not surprised, we have had a really good time today.

Four more votes for Australia makes the fresh start the family

dream of much more likely but before committing to anything,

Gareth and Zoe are keen to uncover the truth about living with

Riley's condition in Australia.

They meet Elizabeth Beales,

president of the Australian Albinism Association, and her husband.

I've lived here all my life, so I don't know anything different

but you get to the fourth day of over 40 degrees in summer

and we're talking about emigrating

away from Australia because it's so hot!

In summer, Adelaide is one of the hottest places on earth

but Gareth still holds out hope.

From what I've seen, there seems to be a lot of shaded areas in the parks

and public areas and, I believe, the Australian expression

-is slip, slap, slop?

-Yes.

-It is.

People are becoming more mindful, and aware, of the hat and the sunglasses and the long sleeves

and all that sort of stuff but you've still got a child

who's growing up with peer pressure, with his mates,

who just want to wear boardies.

You say it is quite difficult growing up?

Kids are kids and anybody who is different in any way

is going to find that sort of thing.

What advice would you give to us bringing a child

with that condition, potentially, into this climate?

To be entirely honest, I would say just...

Don't do it.

I actually wouldn't say, "Don't do it".

There are thousands of parents who have a child

in Australia with this condition and, I think, if it suits the whole family,

he will adjust, he will adjust.

Elizabeth's positive outlook could have laid to rest any fears

the couple had about Riley adapting to Australia.

You have given us a lot to go on now, yeah.

It's food for thought, isn't it? Thank you very much.

You are very welcome, it's been wonderful to meet you

and to talk to you about Riley.

Thank you.

It's been a positive week

but with Gareth's initial salary likely to be lower than he'd hoped,

the family now need to find out

if they could afford the fresh start they dream of.

While the children play outside, the couple sit down to see how

their living expenses in Australia would compare with the UK.

To help, we've provided them with a cost of living comparison.

First up is the weekly food shop.

-Chicken's cheaper.

-Mince is cheaper, as well.

Sausages are a bit dearer.

Yoghurts - nearly £5 dearer.

-Baby jars - £6.50 dearer.

-Wow!

Food's generally more expensive down under.

So what's the damage overall?

That's...

£106.64.

It's more than they spend at home.

So we're minus £17.29 per week.

-Nearly £80 a month, isn't it?

-Mmm.

Already they're out of pocket and that's before the bigger bills.

Cable's cheaper.

Childcare's dearer, £184.

-That is a big figure that, isn't it? Wow!

-Yeah.

Home insurance is dearer.

And rent in Australia still needs to be factored in.

Which property are we going to base it on, then?

-Do you think?

-Erm...

-I think two.

-Yeah, I thought you might go that way.

-Because it was by the beach.

-Let's base it on property two.

-OK.

Basing sums on the second house means nearly

doubling their current rent.

Will their monthly spend see the couple's hopes unravel?

So we are...

£682.54 per month...

-Worse off.

-..worse off.

Everything rests on whether their salaries will make up the shortfall.

But when they work it out, Gareth and Zoe discover

they'd be £100 short every month,

compared to the UK, where they've around £1,400 left over.

In total, a move to Australia would make them...

1,531...

Worse off per month.

It's a disastrous result as the couple realised the move

could see them out-of-pocket by an eye-watering £18,000 a year.

I thought we would be a little bit worse but nowhere near,

nowhere near that figure.

There's no way of even moving because I wouldn't work full-time.

I wouldn't come out here to work full-time.

I'm really gutted about these figures, me.

It's like it's all been snatched away, hasn't it?

I'm quite upset, actually. I didn't think I would be.

It's a devastating end to the day. As they choose between finances at home

or down under, the outcome looks inevitable.

Based upon the cost of living in Australia, our vote goes to...

-..UK.

-UK.

It has to, really, doesn't it?

-Well, yeah, couldn't vote anything else really with them figures?

-No.

A major blow in the potential move.

-Yeah, you can't argue with figures, I suppose.

-No.

It could offer so much,

but realising the Australian dream could lead to financial nightmares,

has brought Gareth and Zoe crashing back to earth.

And the week's not over yet.

The Lloyds sit down to watch messages from the friends

and family who have supported them through hard times.

Will the emotional cost of moving around the world mean

a move's off the cards for good?

-Hi, guys. I hope everything's gone well.

-Hi, Zoe, hi, Gareth.

Hope you've had a good time. Hope the kids have enjoyed it.

Hi, Zoe, hi, Gareth, hi, boys.

Hope you're having a lovely time in Australia.

They've been through thick and thin together,

they're stronger than stone, them two.

Zoe's a wonderful mother to the kids.

Them boys couldn't ask for a better mother and I think Gaz,

to be fair, couldn't ask for a better wife.

Gareth is a very hard-working person, he is a great father to the children.

And he's a wonderful husband to Zoe.

Connor's a good lad, me and Gaz took him to his first football match.

Riley's a lovely, sweet little boy.

I love him to pieces, he's my godson, Riley.

And little Mason, he's a lovely little boy,

he's getting bigger every day.

Gareth has always said he would like to move to Australia.

Just for the lifestyle, you know, for his kids.

It's going to be hard

because my brother's always sort of been my idol, like.

You could say hero, I suppose, if you want,

but I definitely wouldn't say that to his face!

I've known Zoe all my life

and if she moved to Australia, I would be very upset.

Because I would never...

see her again.

We are such a close-knit family.

But I understand why they want to do it.

It's entirely up to you now.

Think about it properly and we're all behind you.

I hope that you've checked all the things out that you wanted to

and that the decision is made for the right reason.

-Are you all right?

-No.

That was really hard. It was Mel.

-Yeah.

-Because I know she wouldn't be able to come over.

-It's quite a big distance, isn't it, from back home?

-Yeah.

And you only actually realise when you see something like that.

-I'd miss everyone.

-Would you?

After the disappointing financial cost of a move became clear,

hearing from loved ones at home has shown the Lloyds any move

could be draining emotionally, too.

As their final decision approaches, will the reality of everything

they stand to lose see Gareth and Zoe abandon their dream of a fresh

start down under for their family?

When they arrived in Australia for the first time,

Gareth had high hopes for what the country could offer.

And on the whole, his expectations have been met.

I'm really taken back with everything I've experienced.

I've just grown even fonder of the country by the day,

-to be honest with you.

-Zoe has been impressed, too.

I fully enjoyed this week.

I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I have done.

And the country's captured Connor's heart.

If we ended up staying in the UK, I'd be gutted.

Because we've come out here and I've really liked it myself.

Despite concerns about taking a child with albinism

to a country famed for sunshine, Riley has coped well.

Back home, it's not normally, like, sunny every day,

sometimes every day it gets a bit rainy.

I like it when it's very, very hot.

But for Gareth, the week delivered some unwelcome facts, too.

The reality of work isn't as straightforward as I was,

although there is potential to earn more money out here, there is

a lot of hurdles on the way.

And messages from home have left Zoe contemplating living

so far from loved ones.

I don't want to think about saying bye to them.

The thought of leaving her cousin Mel is particularly upsetting.

I think I'd be all right apart from Mel.

And obviously my mum.

Yeah. But I knew my mum could come and visit.

Sorry.

Yeah. Whereas I know I'd have to go there to see Mel.

Yet at the same time, Zoe can see what Australia could offer.

We've been through quite a lot at such a young age

but I think the move to Australia is sort of a new life, a fresh start.

With the family's future happiness at stake,

their upcoming decision has Gareth and Zoe torn.

My family's happiness is paramount and, yeah, I'm...

I'm unsure whether it is going to be as easy as I first thought.

You've got a lot to consider

and it's a bigger decision than what I thought originally, yeah.

Gareth and Zoe have conquered challenge after challenge to

reach where they are today.

Now they face what could be their biggest one yet.

Deciding whether Australia really can give them

the new beginning they deserve.

We've really enjoyed our time this week in Australia

and after everything we've seen and experienced, our vote goes to...

-..Australia!

-ZOE: Undecided!

Wow.

I've had an amazing week and really enjoyed it

-but I think the finances worried me a little bit.

-I understand that.

I'm looking at the bigger picture.

Although there may be a few hurdles to overcome,

I believe in the long run that the salary is there to be earned.

-It's just a matter of time.

-It is an amazing country.

Or we could just leave you in the UK and we'd move.

-That's not very nice, is it, Dad?

-No.

SHE LAUGHS

It's been an emotional roller coaster of a week for the Lloyds.

Although Australia would deliver some benefits for the family,

it could also see them face financial woes and potential heartache.

While the positives outweigh the negatives for Gareth

and the boys, it looks like Zoe will need more persuading

if the family are ever to go ahead and make the move.

Wherever they decide to call home in the future,

we wish Gareth, Zoe, Connor, Riley and Mason all the luck in the world.