Why this nation is flocking down under more than ever before

While there is no denying that Australia is popular with people around the world, there is one nation flocking down other more than any other. 

Australia is perceived as the land of milk and honey for many, a popular paradise for people around the world – especially those escaping the freezing cold streets of the United Kingdom.

Brits still make up the country’s largest group of people born overseas, with 1.2 million Poms calling Australia home and the trend appears to have no sign of slowing.

More and more UK natives are saying goodbye to Great Britain for good, choosing to leave it all behind to set up their new lives in Australia.

Father Duane Johnson did just that three years ago, leaving his hometown in South Devon and migrating with his wife and two teenage children to the sunny Gold Coast.

Duane moved to Australia with his family. Picture: Supplied

The 41-year-old told news.com.au that while he had never been to Australia before, everything about the country enticed him and being able to live here has been a “dream come true”.

“I’d never been down under but I had grown up surfing in the UK, so Australia was somewhere I always wanted to visit,” Duane said.

“Having the opportunity to live and work here has been a dream come true and was the best decision we ever made.

“My family absolutely loves it here. Never in a million years did I think I’d be living on the Gold Coast.

They say the quality of life down under is so much better. Picture: Supplied

Brits are flocking to Australia in droves. Picture: iStock

“It has been really easy to settle into our lifestyle. There is no language barrier, not really any culture shocks at all, except maybe the driving.

“There are so many things to love. The weather, nature and of course the people.

“The work life balance is also so much better here.

“Obviously the thing we miss the most is our extended family, but FaceTime makes it a lot easier.

“We will also make trips back to the UK to visit.”

Duane now enjoys surfing every day. Picture: Supplied

He now calls the sunny Gold Coast home. Picture: iStock

Duane now works for Australian luxury boat brand Riviera, who are currently in the midst of a huge employment drive to welcome hundreds more Brits down under.

The move has come after a major wind turbine factory in the UK called Vestas, located in the Isle of Wight, announced a sweeping round of redundancies last month.

The motor yacht maker is now on an international recruitment drive in the UK, selling the dream of escaping the cold European winter and swapping it for “sun, sand and surf”.

“It’s surely one of the best work opportunities in the world,” Riviera Brand Director, Stephen Milne, says.

“Australia is a country of opportunity. It is a young, multicultural and open country with an ever growing economy.

Duane works for Riviera boats. Picture: Supplied

“The lifestyle in Australia is known for a great love of the outdoors, sport, a laid back and coastal culture and of course, the weather.

“It’s warm, it’s sunny and the Gold Coast is home to 70 kilometres of the world’s best surf beaches, with stunning rainforests barely half an hour from the coast.”

While Duane said it was a “massive risk”, he and his wife have never regretted making the huge move down under.

“We were really happy in the UK and had a great life,” he said.

Australia is very attractive for people around the world. Picture: iStock

“But there was no way we could pass up this type of opportunity. We are all so happy.

“We would rather grow old saying we did it, rather than regretting we hadn’t.

“It was for sure a massive risk, but we are so glad to have taken it.

Migration expert Aman Sethi explained that Australia is extremely appealing for Brits thanks to our “high quality of life, economic opportunities, and cultural connections”.

“Australia has become an increasingly popular destination for UK migrants,” Mr Sethi, from JICS Migration, told news.com.au

“With a strong demand for skilled workers across key industries like healthcare, aged care, and technology, Australia offers clear pathways for individuals and families seeking a brighter future.

Australia's sunny and laid back lifestyle is very attractive for migrants. Picture: iStock

“We have observed a steady rise in inquiries not only from UK professionals exploring visa options but also from Australian businesses looking to hire skilled workers from the UK.

“This further highlights Australia’s growing appeal as a top migration destination.”

He explained that the Australian way of life makes the land down under a top destination for Brits, especially those that are in the younger demographic.

“We have an excellent quality of life, a better work-life balance, and appealing lifestyle factors such as outdoor living, great weather, and family-friendly cities,” Mr Sethi said.

“For many UK migrants, the lure of a fresh start in a vibrant, multicultural society is hard to resist.

“We’re also seeing a cultural shift where younger generations from the UK, post-Brexit, are increasingly open to seeking opportunities abroad.

“Australia’s reputation for political stability and a safe environment further reinforces its appeal.”