Sarah Priestley, a professional bodybuilder and bikini competitor, has detailed the significant professional and personal shifts she experienced after relocating from New Zealand to Brisbane one year ago. Speaking with reporter Polly Wenlock, Priestley explained that her move was primarily driven by a desire for better access to fitness technology, a larger competitive community and professional resources.
The Economics of Healthy Living
A primary contrast Priestley identified was the accessibility and cost of maintaining a healthy diet. In Brisbane, she found that fruit and vegetable options were surprisingly affordable, noting that mangoes could be purchased for a dollar.
This financial ease extended to convenience options. Priestley observed that Australian petrol stations often feature entire aisles of healthy snacks and meal prep options, contrasting this with her experience in New Zealand where she felt it was not financially easy to eat well.
Professional Growth and Resource Access
As a competitor for the pro-level federation FMG (Fitness Muscle Glamour), Priestley found New Zealand lacked critical high-level resources. She previously faced cumbersome travel, driving hours to reach professionals capable of providing essential services like DEXA scans to monitor body fat percentages and overall health.
Commercial support also proved more abundant in Australia. While she struggled to secure brand partnerships in New Zealand—where she noted a preference for backing team sports like rugby—she found immediate success in Brisbane. Her current sponsorships provide free supplements, massages, and meal prep.
Cultural Shifts and Mindsets
Beyond physical resources, Priestley noted a stark difference in gym and social culture. She described New Zealand’s gym environment as more male-dominated and restrictive regarding attire, which occasionally made her sense uncomfortable.
In contrast, she found the warmer Australian climate encouraged more public exercise, such as weekend park runs with roughly 200 participants at 5am or 6am. She also observed a higher normalization of aesthetic surgery within the Australian fitness industry, though she remains vocal on social media about the validity of competing without such procedures.
Priestley also attributed the growth of her online coaching business to shedding a “tall-poppy” mindset. She suggested that New Zealand has a “scarcity mindset” regarding money, particularly in the post-Covid era, which can lead to goals being kept quiet.
The Trade-Off: Opportunity vs. Lifestyle
Despite the professional advantages, Priestley acknowledged the drawbacks of living in Australia, specifically regarding safety and nature. She expressed a longing for the ability to swim in lakes or let her dog, Archie, off-leash without the fear of snakes or other wildlife.
She also noted that Australia’s larger population often makes “secret spots” and beaches feel overcrowded compared to the seclusion found in New Zealand. Regarding the cost of living, she described rent in major cities as similar, though she found car insurance costs and rental availability to be surprising difficulties in Australia.
Future Outlook
Priestley indicated that she may return to New Zealand in the future to reclaim a more laid-back lifestyle. But, this move would likely only occur after she has established total financial security through her business ventures in Australia.
For others considering a similar move, Priestley suggests that the decision is reversible. She advises those who cannot stop thinking about the transition to simply pursue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sarah Priestley move to Australia?
She moved to Brisbane to gain better access to fitness technology, a stronger community, and more competition opportunities for her bodybuilding and bikini competition career.
What are the main cost-of-living differences Priestley observed?
She found food and fuel to be cheaper in Australia, while rent in major cities remained similar. However, she noted that car insurance costs and the availability of rentals were more challenging in Australia.
Does she plan to return to New Zealand?
Yes, she expressed a desire to return for the lifestyle and peace, specifically to have a lifestyle block, but only after she has created financial freedom through her business.
Would you prioritize professional resources and business growth over natural seclusion and safety when choosing where to live?
