Hi, We are a family of 5, me, hubby and 3 girls aged 7, 4 and 2. We are visiting Brisbane in December with friends who already have their visas. We are seriously thinking of starting the application process for visas. We know that this would be such a great life for our children and us. We have looked at some suburbs in Brisbane and just wondered if anyone knows what the areas of Birkdale and Wellington Point are like? How long does the visa process take and should we visit first or start the process? Any replies would be very welcome.

 

Hi

I will say hello.

We were out in Brisbane last August it was brilliant. We are just waiting to hear back about our skills assessment any day now very nervous.

We spent our holiday/reccie in Bayside where Birkdale and Wellington point are (they are right next door to each other). Its a lovely area my particular favourite was Wellington Point.

I have pinched this bit from someone on another forum i'm sure he/she wont mind.

Heres some reasons :

Bayside is a large area though normally used to describe the coastal stretch from Wello Point down to Redland Bay and beyond and there are good and bad places much like everywhere else.

Bay breezes - cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter than inland
By the sea - handy for watersports - sailing, fishing and all that watery fun
Only 30 mins into the city
Most of the suburbs on the Bay have a smaller town feel to them without the disadvantages of actually being a small town.
Close to the Gateway Motorway to head north to the sunshine coast and south to the gold coast.
Good solid house prices that will remain stable with an established market.
Contrary to popular belief its NOT little britain which seems to be a standing joke on this board purveyed by people from the northside mainly (a long standing south -v- north divide in Brisbane).
Most the areas are older established neighbourhoods with excellent infrastructures unlike some inland new built mini-city estates.
Good cycling routes along the sea.
Mount Cotton close by for Equestrian pursuits
RAIN! - Do not underestimate that one. Bayside gets rain which after a while you begin to understand the importance of. Its supplied by Stradbroke to Redlands and dam levels are sitting at 85% and we dont have the water restrictions of Brisbane City Council or some of the drought ridden inland areas.

Personally walking my dog on Wellington Point out to King Island watching the sea and feeling some sand beneath your feet with glistening water on either side with glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles kinda makes bayside a no brainer to me.


I agree totally although Wellington Point is my fav we are looking at Cleveland/ Ormiston just 10 mins down the road as it offers better sports facilities for my lads (swimming pools and football team). If we lived in Wellington Point I would be a taxi driver all over again to get them to all the places they want to be.

If you can afford it I would say go first have a look round it maybe that you dont like it and prefer to try somewhere else if anything it puts a picture in your head while you are going through the process, mind saying that many have gone to Oz without visiting first.

We have been told depending on visa type it can take between 9 and 15 months again though I have known some take 7 months and some 2 years.

Hope this helps, may see you there

Kaye

 

Brisbane

Hi Kaye,

Thanks for your reply. Thats great news - we are definitely going to look in December when we visit. I have looked at Birkdale and Wellington Point and get a good feel for that and the near surrounding areas.

We too are awaiting to hear on our assessment visa. We have been told we are through and are just awaiting to hear when we can start the process. Fingers crossed for both.

Kara