Keen on Australia

What’s everyday life in Australia really like? In this episode of Keen On Australia, Tay-lah McPherson puts Darren Keen in the hot seat for a relaxed chat about Gold Coast living, Aussie slang and the all-important debate: who makes the better pie—Australia or New Zealand?There’s plenty of banter as we tackle Vegemite, drop bear stories and the expressions that can leave newcomers scratching their heads.Whether you’re planning a move or already calling Australia home, join us for a laugh and a taste of life Down Under.

Thinking about making the Gold Coast home?In this episode of Keen on Australia, guest host Tay-lah McPherson interviews Darren Keen, Principal of Keen On Property, about relocating to the Gold Coast and renting or buying a home.Whether you’re moving from overseas or elsewhere in Australia, Darren shares practical insights to help you plan your move, understand your property options and feel more confident about getting settled.Subscribe for more conversations about moving to and living in Australia, explore our previous episodes, and grab Darren’s free e-book on purchasing a home in Queensland.

Thinking about moving to Perth or buying property in Western Australia?In this episode of Keen On Australia, Darren sits down with Suz from Integrity Buyers Agent Perth to discuss what makes Perth an attractive place to live, invest and raise a family.They explore Perth’s property market, the different areas buyers should consider, common mistakes to avoid and the value of having local knowledge when purchasing from interstate or overseas.Whether you’re planning a move to Perth, searching for your next home or considering an investment property, this episode will help you better understand the opportunities available in Western Australia.

Thinking about moving to Australia? Timing your move could save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of stress.In this episode of Keen On Australia, I share the best—and worst—times of the year to relocate to Australia. From the Christmas and New Year shutdowns to school terms, rental availability, employment opportunities, weather, and the hidden costs that catch many people off guard, I'll explain what you need to know before booking your flights.Whether you're moving from New Zealand, the UK or anywhere else in the world, this episode will help you create a relocation plan that makes your move smoother, more affordable and far less stressful.In this episode you'll learn:Why December and early January can be one of the hardest times to relocate.How school terms can affect your family's move.The truth about rental availability and temporary accommodation.When employers are most active with hiring.How the weather can impact your move.The biggest mistakes people make when choosing when to relocate.How to plan your move with confidence.If you're planning a move to Australia, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Thinking about moving to Australia but unsure which city is right for you?In Show 29 of Keen On Australia, we take a look at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin—along with Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.We explore the pros and cons of each location, including employment opportunities, housing costs, climate, transport, lifestyle and what everyday life is really like.There is no single “best” Australian city. The right choice depends on your career, budget, family and the lifestyle you want to create.If you’re considering relocating to Australia, this episode will help you narrow down your options and find the city that suits you best.

In Episode 28 of Keen in Australia, we welcome back Brett from Tour FX, who last joined us on Episode 19. This time, we dive into their Virtual Wallet, a smart solution that lets you set up and make payments in Australia before you even arrive.We break down how it works, who it’s best for, and why this is a game-changer for anyone relocating, buying property, or managing expenses from overseas. We also unpack why the money market is so volatile right now, what’s driving currency swings, and what it means for people moving to Australia.If you’re planning a move, transferring funds, or just trying to avoid nasty FX surprises — this episode is a must-listen.Open a account for free with Tor FX https://pfxreg.torfx.com.au/register-page/?afflno=0402110000821851

Finding a rental in Australia can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the country, relocating from overseas, or trying to secure a home with kids or pets.In this episode of Keen On Australia, Darren is joined by Carrie-Ann, Rental Relocation Manager from Keen On Property, to break down how the Australian rental market really works in 2026. Together, they walk through where to find legitimate rentals, how affordability is assessed, common application mistakes, strategies for families and pet owners, and exactly what happens once you’re approved.This is a practical, honest conversation based on real relocation experience, designed to help you understand the system, avoid costly mistakes, and put yourself in the strongest possible position when applying for a home.Perfect for:New arrivals to AustraliaFamilies relocating from NZ, the UK, or elsewhereAnyone struggling to secure a rentalyou can down load the free ebook from this show at https://keenonproperty.com.au/index.php/ebook/or find all the other free info on www.keenonproperty.com 

Welcome back to 2026 and a brand-new year of Keen On Australia.In this first episode of the year, we kick things off by reflecting on what’s ahead for the podcast in 2026 — more episodes, more real-life stories from people living across Australia, and more practical advice to help you move, settle in, and make Australia home.We also take a moment to acknowledge the loss of Tim from the Shedbolt family, whose contribution to the Southland community in New Zealand will not be forgotten.To start the year on a lighter note, we’re joined by Kerry for a fun and very Australian deep dive into Aussie slang. From everyday phrases like arvo and brekkie to the slang that catches newcomers out (yes — thongs and rooted make an appearance), we break down what these words actually mean and how they’re used in real life.We also tackle one of the biggest shocks for new arrivals — Australian driving distances — and what Aussies really mean when they say something is “just up the road”.If you’re planning a move to Australia, newly arrived, or already settled and still trying to understand the lingo, this episode is the perfect way to start the year.🎧 Plus, we tease an upcoming episode all about renting in Australia — including what not to do when applying for a rental.

In this special festive episode of Keen On Australia, we catch up with Santa as he answers questions sent in by kids who are moving to Australia. From making new friends to what Christmas looks like Down Under, Santa helps ease worries and shares reassuring advice for children — and parents — facing a big move.

n this episode, Darren sits down with Bill Watson, CEO of First Super, to unpack everything Kiwis need to know about transferring their KiwiSaver when they move to Australia. Bill explains how Australian superannuation works, what happens when you bring your KiwiSaver across, the rules and limitations you need to be aware of, and how to avoid the common mistakes many new arrivals make.Whether you're planning a move or already settling into Aussie life, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for managing your retirement savings with confidence.Find out more at: https://www.firstsuper.com.au