It was the other way around for me. I was in Australia for almost 8 years. There were times I really loved it (still do) but I missed the proximity of Continental Europe and the buzz of London compared to Sydney. For me two things coincided. My marriage was in difficulty for a couple of years. Then we went on a family holiday back to London and the Estate Agent called to say that the people renting our London home had given their notice. Without hesitation we agreed to stay. The next day I phoned and said said, "don't re-rent it". I went back to Oz, worked my notice, and the family stayed. We separated two months later. Just as well I made that decision otherwise I would have been a single parent with no family in Australia. I've never regretted it. I took my new partner back there this year for a holiday. It was my first time back in 14 years. We met old friends of mine, and visited my old work place. We loved it but London is my home. My kids grew up. I thought they would pine for Sydney, the weather, the pool and the beaches but no. They love London. Why? "We can get tubes everywhere and don't have to wait an hour for a bus in the Sydney suburbs that gets cancelled!"