I emigrated 8 years ago now, I think. I love it out here, but I still feel 'english'. The things you miss aren't the things you expect to, sometimes - for me, it's been wood fires, apples with some kind of taste to them, kettle chips,
the pub etc. It helps if you make friends easily and pursue a hobby and/or sport - I played soccer & squash, found a church (that might not be up most people's alley's, admittedly), went to audio meetups etc.
It's best to take a holiday for 3-4 weeks to where you're going, rent a house, plan on living there like you're
not a tourist. Work out how waking up in a country with hot sun feels, how your evening routine changes etc.
A lot of 'fixing' (ie. general contractor) stuff pays well in small-medium business situations, but the work would obviously be a little less steady. I agree with using your PhD to leverage job offers, too. Being able to say "I have spent time in Australia and am prepared to move" is better than "I am prepared to move" imo. While the mining industry is obviously massive in WA, in NT & QLD there are other resources, Tasmania has a massive bent toward efficiency + process stuff (but it's colder) and NSW has the most 'business jobs', while SA has smaller businesses, it's more of a 'town' feel around Adelaide. Feel free to pick my brains on anything - and I agree with getting a sponsored visa, it's much cheaper that way. Also, if sending documentation for stuff, get proof of purchase and
track everything!Don't assume that the embassies + government offices are any better than the english/uk ones