jacket

My friend and I are backing Europe this winter. I’m from Australia so I don’t own a warm and waterproof jacket suitable for the climate. I was going to buy a jacket here in Aus from a snow/travel store, and the ones I’ve looked at have been about AUD$250 – $400, and considering I’m on a budget this seems a lot. Then, a friend suggested that buying a jacket when I arrive in Europe would be cheaper and the jackets would be better quality anyway. I’m flying into heathrow, staying in south of England for a few days, then heading to France (and then on to backpack for 3 months).