Hello, I'm an Australian lady (3rd gen Oz) however I can answer some questions about the area that you are planning to live in as I have lived here for almost ten years. If you are working in Strathpine and your wife may be working in Caboolture then I'd suggest looking for something within commuting distance of the rail-line (Gympie line). The traffic along the highway can be pretty full on and if there is an accident on the highway, then traffic is diverted to the back roads (A roads) which can be snarled up, so if you can generally avoid the roads and the delays, then thats useful. A lot of english people have moved out Albany Creek way (15min drive to Strathpine) and also in the North Lakes area (20min drive to Strathpine). Trouble is North Lakes only has bus services and not trains, although the long talked about Redcliffe railway may yet be built (but it will be years away still). If you consider North Lakes your nearest train station that will take you to both Caboolture and Strathpine is at Petrie. There are a lot of outer northern suburbs past Kallangur (on the rail-line) which will give you the chance to build on, or buy a bit of semi-rural land. Caboolture does have a bit of a reputation for being a bit rough and ready however there probably is nicer areas as in all towns. Keep in mind the tyranny of distance in Australia, Brisbane is a big (ie spreadout) city and it can take a good hour to drive from the outer north, to the outer southern suburbs. Petrol at the moment is pretty nasty (approx AUS$1.45-1.50 litre) so you'll need to factor that into your househunting. My advice is to contact the local council with some of your enquiries, they might be able to send you an information pack. http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/
p.s. Good luck on your move to Oz
Last edited by a moderator: Apr 15, 2011