Where should I live in Australia?

Where to live in australia?

• Hi everyone, I am Brazilian and so is my husband, we have a 7 year old girl. We are now living in the UK but planning on going to Australia in about 1 year. My husband is a vet and we are hoping to qualify for the independent skilled migration program. He is now taking the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons membership exam to allow him to practice in the UK. Our biggest concern at the moment is where to live, because I can’t be messing my daughter about moving here and there. She is already a bit behind at school and the move needs to be very smooth not to affect her so much. We live in Bournemouth, we love living in the coast, but hate the fact that there isn’t much to do. So, ideal it would be a bigger town/city in the seaside, not too isolated and not as busy as London. South of queensland or new south wales seem nice, I was tempted to Brisbane, but I can’t live that far from the sea. I thought of Sunshine Coast or Coffs Harbour, but I only know what I read about them and they seem to be beautiful for a great holiday but a bit boring for living. I don't know, I might be wrong. Also, very important is the weather, I can’t stand the cold and that is why we are moving. Another thing to consider is schools, I want to live somewhere where the public schools are good as well and there is a university I can go to. With so much to consider and no time to go all around Australia to find out, I thought someone might help us out on this one. So we need: 1- good weather 2- good schools 3- day and night entertainment, lots to do 4- nearby university for my business degree 5- a seaside location Is there such a place in Australia??? Thank you guys!

• Answer:

  Hi, Given your requirements you are considering the right area. I wouldn't come below Sydney as it can get cold in winter. If you want warm weather to hot then north coast of NSW to Sunshine coast in QLD; further north will be even warmer and very hot in summer but also more suspectible to tropical storms. To have a choice of schools you will need the larger centres such as Newcastle , Port Macquarie, Kempsey or Coffs Harbour in NSW; the Gold Coast, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton or Mackay in QLD. Depends on what you want in the way of activities but any of the major centres will have options for activities - night and day. Settling near Brisbane will provide the best options for you - i.e. somewhere like the Gold Coast. There are a number of universities in that area - James Cook has a good reputation; Southern Cross University, Brisbane University, University of New England (more inland). I am not sure where there all the campus' are, or whether they offer the course you need. Settling around Brisbane would probably provide you the best option. Anyone the major centres I have suggested are close to or on the coast; and all have smaller townships around that would provide a more quieter life but still close proximity to the activities you seek. All the best.