Hi,

Me and my husband are hoping to move to Queensland in 2010, but we are totally confused about where we would be best suited to live.

My husband is a Paramedic and he is just in the process of submitting his application to Queensland Ambulance Service - on the form we have to give preferences as to where we would like to live and haven't got a clue.

I did some travelling around the east coast back in 1998 but not been able to get back out since and husband never been...

I am 30 and my husband is 36 and we currently have no children, although they are on the cards!

We would ideally like to be near the coast close to a town with decent bars / shops...would also like to be able to go on some good country walks without having to get in a car. Not keen on city living at all.

Any ideas?

Any advice much appreciated!

 

Hi,

It will all depend on just how lively you like things, there is the Gold coast and the Sunshine coast, livelier with probably more bars and restaurants.

Redcliffe, only been there once but looked nice and on the sea front there seemed to be plenty of bars and eateries.

Bribie Island, Quieter than others but it is a holiday area in the summer. There is a nature reserve there you can walk through, but only a couple of bars, There are clubs you can join that serve decent food and can help you to socialise.

I am sure members who live in the different areas will be on to tell you what its like in there particular area. Rudi & Cal tend to have a good knowledge of the areas and I am sure they will help when they see your post.

Out of interest where you moving from? Are you after the same sort of area?

 

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your reply, was really helpful. I've heard a lot about Redcliffe from other posts on the forum so been checking it out and seems lovely, not heard of the area before.

We are not into the 'clubbing scene' at all but just like some decent bars / nice restaurants where there is a good atmosphere...can't be doing with queuing for ages to get served but at the same time don't want to be the only ones there! Kind of like your average local pub at home where you know people to meet up for a drink, but not too 'clicky'...

We currently live near a small town in Cheshire near Delamere Forest and yet close to Chester, Liverpool and Manchester.
We aren't near enough to the coast here and the town itself has no decent social scene. So looking for a total change!

 

You will find that depending on what you are after you can live near the beaches, on the beaches or within an hours drive of the beaches. On another note I would suggest that when you arrive you spend at least the first 6 months in rental accomodation to see if you do like the area, don't be in rush to buy, you dont want to live in an area and after 6 months realise it is not what you wanted.

I am a retiered Paramedic from the West Mids. (not old, took early retierment LOL). If you have Google earth installed on your computer you may find it useful to look at places before you arrive.

 

Ah don't blame you! My husband works for the HART team in Stockport at the moment, but was based in Merseyside for the best part of 12 years...he is sick of the NHS and would love to retire early haha

Just out of interest Colin, what happened to your NHS pension when you moved? My husband has 13 years in and not sure what options are available??

Thanks for advice re moving, we will probably keep our house here in UK and rent it out, then rent somewhere cheap and cheerful for first year out there to get our bearings. Great tip re google!! thanks x

 

Renting your house out in my opinion is a good idea, then you do not feel trapped here, when the homesickness kicks in.

I retiered because of a couple of heath problems, I could not get the extra benifits but decided to go anyway, so I claimed my pension and it is paid to me here,

Your NHS pension will be froze the day he leaves and I think he has a couple of options, leave it in NHS till he retiers and claim it here. Get it transfered to another fund to claim when the time is right. I think he may be able to transfer it to an Australian superanuation fund if he decides to stay here. But beware of costs involved in transfering between funds. I will send you my email in a private message, and if you want to contact me you can.

 

Hi Colin,

Thanks a lot for all your info....will email you privately, I know my other half has loads of questions! You may live to regret giving us your email haha

Cheers,

Shunzi :smile:

 

Hi Shunzi

Oh that so often asked queston.....where to live!! Well, we can all offer you advice, but at the end of the day, once you arrive, I would definitely take a drive around the areas you shortlist and find the one which suits you best.

From what you have said, I would look at Wynnum, Manly, Wellington Point and Cleveland. All great suburbs in the Bayside area. Cleveland has a big hospital. There are other suburbs in the Bayside, but the ones I have mentioned are a bit livelier in the evenings.

There’s a great mix of housing, from modern estates, to the beautiful old restored queenslanders. Suburban and rural areas.
I hope that helps – I am sure others will have some great suggestions for you.
Please shout if you need any more info.
Love
Rudi
x

 

hi
i live in thornlands which is close to vic point, cleveland on moreton bay, part of redlands 33km southeast of brisbane. the area is fantastic for ex-pats here. also theres 2 hospitals close by, 1 private 1 state. The area is located well too. Theres some 10000 brits here and a group of us meet up regularly at cleveland tavern and also bbq's etc. Theres a uk balti, uk chip shop, and british grocery in birkdale. Theres a lot going on in the area, plenty of choice for sporting activities etc. schools are good standard to. Well worth a look and probably the best choice for brits to live.

paul & jane.

the new narnia film voyage of the dawn treader was filmed on cleveland point