Arrived in Queensland
Sep 13th 2006, 12:34 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Devon. Now Cleveland , QLD
Posts: 72
Arrived in Queensland
Hi
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
Sep 13th 2006, 12:44 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Thankfully Brisbane now
Posts: 159
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Great reading!
Glad you have settled well. We are hoping to settle in Redcliffe also, so your post was very useful to us.
Thanks again
Melissa
Glad you have settled well. We are hoping to settle in Redcliffe also, so your post was very useful to us.
Thanks again
Melissa
Sep 13th 2006, 1:28 pm
#3
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Originally Posted by steve & Heather
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
Steve
Seriously, well done and hope everything goes well for you.
Sep 13th 2006, 1:55 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: caloundra,sunshine coast
Posts: 91
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Originally Posted by steve & Heather
Hi
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
steve
Sep 13th 2006, 4:50 pm
#5
this is home!!
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: laid back Springfield Lakes.............
Posts: 1,973
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Great to read your first impressions and that everything is going so well 
Hope the rest of your new life is as happy
We fly 4 weeks today so it is nice to read peoples first posts and to see how they initially get on.
Loz x
Hope the rest of your new life is as happy
We fly 4 weeks today so it is nice to read peoples first posts and to see how they initially get on.
Loz x
Sep 13th 2006, 5:32 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 252
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Originally Posted by steve & Heather
Hi
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
We are hopefully heading to Queensland next July, so really enjoy hearing how people are settling in. Really helpful tips, keep them up. Good luck with your new life. J and J
Sep 13th 2006, 5:35 pm
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: Wales
Posts: 660
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Originally Posted by steve & Heather
Hi
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
Well we have now been here for 2 weeks. Initial impressions .
Exellent
We came by Singapore airlines which was excellent, the staff were great and the flight passed by quick. We had 12 hours in Singapore and visited the city then went into the lounge for a sleep and shower ($30 each)
Flight to Brisbane great also.
Stayed at the Hope Island resort for 7 days , missed the internet had to use local mall in Helensvale. Helensvale is a lovely place but we decided not really for us so visited Scarbrough, Redcliffe area. found rental at $500 pw.
We then went to Cleveland and changed our minds totally as Cleveland is great. Now have a house there. Daughter starts school in morning. Cleveland State High School.
All our electrical equipment works all we had to do was buy the plugs and swap with old UK ones. $2.99 each plug
Medicare easy to set up and also tax number.
Buying cars is easy the dealer will do the work for you, even offer insurance which when we checked was very competative.
Wherever we have gone we have been made welcome and the Australian people are very friendly and helpful. What a great first impression of our new home we have had.
Shopping - The prices are not so different for some items and more expensive for others , but hey, this country is graet and worth it. We could be shopping in the wrong places (Coles, Woolworths) but we will learn.
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Mobile phones - PAYG cheap. Will go contract later.
TV - Been without TV for 2 weeks, but who needs it. No, we get it next week along with foxtell.
Car Hire - used Hertz at the airport and got a good rate for 2 weeks. $35 per day.
Hope this helps. You will not regret coming here if what we have seen so far continues.
Only seen two kangaroos so far and they were at the side of the road. One squashed snake and no spiders.
Steve
I am green with envy.... but hope it all works out for you.
Steve
Sep 13th 2006, 5:57 pm
#8
visa holder
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Thornlands, Bayside
Posts: 1,964
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Great post, glad youve settled so quickly. Hope you enjoy your new house
All the best for your future.
Joex
All the best for your future.
Joex
Sep 13th 2006, 6:42 pm
#9
brown eyes!
Joined: May 2006
Location: Shailer park, Brisbane, AUS
Posts: 450
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Originally Posted by mark 'n' joe
Great post, glad youve settled so quickly. Hope you enjoy your new house
All the best for your future.
Joex
All the best for your future.
Joex
Sep 13th 2006, 10:44 pm
#10
Dreams can come true :)
Joined: May 2006
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 330
Re: Arrived in Queensland
great to hear.... keep us updated
Sep 13th 2006, 10:50 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Yorkshire,now Brissie
Posts: 80
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Thanks for taking the time to tell us how it was for you (!)
Someone else who has done so much in such a short space of time - well done!
Sue
Someone else who has done so much in such a short space of time - well done!
Sue
Sep 13th 2006, 10:51 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Wakefield.......now Wellington Point
Posts: 1,284
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Good to hear you have settled so well. Cleveland is a lovely little town, we are just round the corner in Ormiston.
Sep 13th 2006, 11:00 pm
#13
going home!!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 525
Re: Arrived in Queensland
excellent news, yes we are close as well - redland bay! but we do like cleveland lots
can i just ask you where you got your plugs from at $2.99? pmsl, we need loads and havnt heard them being cheaper?
mand
can i just ask you where you got your plugs from at $2.99? pmsl, we need loads and havnt heard them being cheaper?
mand
Sep 14th 2006, 12:53 am
#14
Where traffic lights rule
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Brighton QLD
Posts: 2,460
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Originally Posted by steve & Heather
Dogs - It appears that dogs are not as popular here as they are in the UK. we have registered with the council $34.50 per dog they are very helpful and give a list of areas where dogs can be off leash. I cannot blame them as the area is immaculate and spotless. Some dog owners may spoil it.
Sep 14th 2006, 8:32 am
#15
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Devon. Now Cleveland , QLD
Posts: 72
Re: Arrived in Queensland
Hi Thank you for the wishes.
1. Plugs , we got these from Australia Fair, Gold Coast. But are available in general hardware stores
2. Dogs and rentals are hard, we were very lucky and our dogs live outside.
Forgot to mention bankis, we used Commonwealth who have been great and we got a good exchange rate. well we were happy anyway as the $ has been going up and down like a yoyo.
I am hoping to start work next week as a real estate agent with a well known agency who rent properties also. I will try and help out once in place.
Today we have been fishing of our pontoon, its great. LOL
Any questions please ask.
Steve
1. Plugs , we got these from Australia Fair, Gold Coast. But are available in general hardware stores
2. Dogs and rentals are hard, we were very lucky and our dogs live outside.
Forgot to mention bankis, we used Commonwealth who have been great and we got a good exchange rate. well we were happy anyway as the $ has been going up and down like a yoyo.
I am hoping to start work next week as a real estate agent with a well known agency who rent properties also. I will try and help out once in place.
Today we have been fishing of our pontoon, its great. LOL
Any questions please ask.
Steve
