Migrating to Brisbane - Discuss

[off2oz]

Originally Posted by akka

Yes, I assure you, Perth it is actually the most isolated metro area in the world. It will cost you about $600 or more roundtrip, each time you want to get to the Eastern states to regain your sanity. Everywhere in WA is remote and has same issue. It is really pretty and all, but there is no escape. If you live in Brissie or Sydney, you can fly to other east coast cities fairly cheaply, and experience more variety of Australia. Eg. You can fly from Brissie to Cairns for about $200 roundtrip (sometimes less). You can even drive to Sydney in about 10 hours from Brissie (and it is a lovely drive along coast). If you do go to Brissie make sure you go visit Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, great place for a vacation.

Akka -

Thanks so much for those tips! I think we will stick with Brissy. We'd only consider another location if OH cannot find a job.

[kimjim]

Originally Posted by off2oz

Thanks for your insights, KimJim! I appreciate the link too. Do you live in the area? Or previously live there?

No worries Off2Oz. I live in the western part of Brisbane at Springfield Lakes. It is a really nice area as well, but is officially a part of Ipswich. But i do have relatives that live in the area, and it is a really nice part of town.

[off2oz]

Originally Posted by kimjim

No worries Off2Oz. I live in the western part of Brisbane at Springfield Lakes. It is a really nice area as well, but is officially a part of Ipswich. But i do have relatives that live in the area, and it is a really nice part of town.

Wow, sounds like a great area, KimJim. I'm curious to find out about the schools in the area. What are the "best" schools? Are state schools OK or should we only look at private schools? We have 3 school aged children so this is "big" for us.

[uuayne]

Originally Posted by off2oz

My family is in the process of waiting for our 175 Independent Skilled Migrant Visa. We expect/hope it will arrive in October 2008. We are considering Brisbane as a destination. We like the thought of a warm/semi-tropical area. We like a "slower" pace. My husband is a Java programmer and the websites I've visited show opportunities.

We're specifically interested in finding neighborhoods in the Brisbane area that have excellent State Schools for our 3 school aged children. Any suggestions.

We also like the Sunshine Coast, but worry about the commute to Brisbane CBD. My husband would probably take the train, if that were an option. Do you consider Sunshine Coast too far for commuters? Are there good State Schools here?

Thanks for your feedback!

There are plenty of good schools in the Brisbane Western Suburbs - also houses that suit any budget from AUD400,000.

[billsaintkilda]

I grew up in Brissie. On the Southside Norman Park, Morningside area. Apparently quite expensive now. All I will say is that it was a great place to grow. The city itself may not be the most spectacular but there is some much to see within a couple of hours. Good luck

[cal322]

We moved to Brisbane nearly 2 years ago and have settled sw of the city,i personally didnt like the inner city ,it was very built up ,older shabbier looking houses although there is som lovly newly developing suburbs,its also a bit pricer because its inner city. I can be in the city centre or at the beaches of surfers paradise in under an hour.Property is reasonable & affordable ,family orientated areas all around,good schools,variety of childcare options ,semi rural living with the ammenities of the city on your doorstep(although i get everything i need nearer home). The sunny coast is very relaxed,nice scenery and top class zoo along with beautiful beaches although can be a litle boring for older kids/teenagers.The Gold Coast has the hussle & bustle of any major tourist area,the high rise buildings,theme parks,stunning beaches and enough to entertain the most hyper of us!
The lifestyle out here is certainly chilled ,you wont find an aussie rushing around!lol,summers are lovely hot ,nothing unbearable but hot and winter(now) is bloomin freezing! still ok during the daytime but chilly at nights.
Good luck to all of you still waiting for visa's ,its stressful but worth it once your here!
Cal x

[kiwichippie]

can anyone till me what the employment opportunities are like for a qualified carpenter in brisbane after the world meltdown. nov08. I am coming over from nz for 2 months in march to check it out before bringing my family over in Dec of 09. Thx. Vinay

[cal322]

Things have slowed down a little but its hard to say if thats due to the current economic crisis or simply as its coming up to xmas, www.seek.com and www.alljobs.com still have a fair few ads for carpenters so all is not lost .Good Luck
Cal x

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by billsaintkilda

I grew up in Brissie. On the Southside Norman Park, Morningside area. Apparently quite expensive now. All I will say is that it was a great place to grow. The city itself may not be the most spectacular but there is some much to see within a couple of hours. Good luck

I think you should promote Melbourne... cause you know I will agree... MEL rocks!

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by off2oz

Akka -

Thanks so much for those tips! I think we will stick with Brissy. We'd only consider another location if OH cannot find a job.

When you travel go to the virginblue website at noon (Sydney time).. they always had a 1 hour window where they had web specials... I got great deals to MEL from ADL that way... and book my hotel rooms on Wotif.com: Hotels, Accommodation, Motels, Serviced Apartments, B&B - Online hotel bookings with instant confirmation