Thank you for all the responses - just as a matter of interest - it seems like majority of you have been there for a while - would you consider comming back or happy on that side (generally speaking)

I would. I don't really care whether I live in the UK or Australia. Its just a matter of where in each country. I ski a lot so winters aren't so bad for me. If it wasn't for getting a few rays on the top of a peak in the Alps every few weeks, living in England in winter would drive me nuts and I would only do summers. As for visits, well its been 2 per year.

Coming up to 12 years.....I'd go back in a heartbeat except my work is Aussie based, not enough cyclones in the UK.
When I can no longer work though I shall retire back home

You'll find all types of people on this forum and some will talk the UK down and tell you how amazing their life is now and others can't wait to return to the UK/Europe. We're all different and just because it might work for your brother doesn't mean it will work for you. You have a small child and need to think about the costs of moving now, but if you've got decent jobs in OZ and can make a living why not. I just wouldn't move for better weather, if that's all you'll be getting. You'd then be better off going on more holidays during winter, or you could buy a holiday home somewhere in Europe.

You started that off really well then turned it in to your own agenda.

Shame on me

Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn are the best months in Brisbane for BBQs...

Brisbane has dreamy weather. No complaints other than it can be too muggy and/or cold.

I just find Brisbane a little too bohemian/trendy/happening for my tastes. I prefer the quieter setting.

Never heard Brisbane ever been referred to as boho before. We must differ in concepts of what is bohemian.

I'm from the UK (London) and have lived in Hong Kong, worked in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, lived in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and now Perth.
Yes Brissie is hot and humid though not as bad as HK and Sing. Perth gets fiercely hotter. Melbourne weather would remind me too much of life in the UK. Canberra is dull and sterile. Sydney and Brisbane would be my suggestions. For your requirements then I would probably choose Brissie.

If I had small children I'd definitely choose Brisbane. The gentle lifestyle here seems to be very child focused imo. The weather is great and only a few weeks in the year when it's not comfortable. I've spent time briefly in Perth twice and found it very isolated so it wouldn't work for me either. Brisbane is definitely a bit sleepy but has been getting better recently, I find. We're thinking of staying here ...... for now.

Thank you very much everyone for all the feedback. Brisbane it is..

Really ...... oh no.

Ah Mr predictable bang on time !

Yes. I was in Brisbane 2 weeks ago. I keep looking out for the good but it keeps escaping me .

That said, Suncorp stadium is one of the worlds best. It holds the right size crowd. Not too big, not too small and always throws out a good atmosphere.