Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Sep 19th 2008, 7:24 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 84
Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Thought I would post some notes of my reccie – 3 weeks around Brisbane , Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I would be interested if people think I got it about right or I missed something and perhaps someone will find something of interest.
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Sep 19th 2008, 9:20 pm
#2
Anything,Anytime,Anywhere
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: The Magic Roundabout
Posts: 8,141
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Thought I would post some notes of my reccie – 3 weeks around Brisbane , Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I would be interested if people think I got it about right or I missed something and perhaps someone will find something of interest.
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
BTW, North Lakes is pretty much full of expat Brits and is know locally as Legoland.
Sep 19th 2008, 9:53 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2006
Location: Thorneside, Brisbane
Posts: 88
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Thought I would post some notes of my reccie – 3 weeks around Brisbane , Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I would be interested if people think I got it about right or I missed something and perhaps someone will find something of interest.
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
gary
Sep 20th 2008, 4:11 am
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,768
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Thought I would post some notes of my reccie – 3 weeks around Brisbane , Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I would be interested if people think I got it about right or I missed something and perhaps someone will find something of interest.
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Sep 20th 2008, 4:31 am
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: flagstone estate,Jimboomba, Brisbane
Posts: 387
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
did you go anywere that wasnt on a river or the sea guess you like water think you have got it spot on, but there is a lot more to see when you go a few ks inland just discovering them my self gary
Sep 20th 2008, 8:04 am
#6
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Asia Pacific
Posts: 4,922
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
The thing about coming here on holiday is that whatever your opinions as a tourist are you can guarantee that they will have substantially changed in a couple of years in relation to areas and perceptions of the place.
I can honestly say that although I may have agreed with much of the original posting when we first moved to Australia, now there is much I would disagree with.
eg. Noosa would imo be a crap place to live. Wonderful if you are a tourist but try getting a decent paid job there and you will be sick of the transient touristy overpriced nature of it in short order. Surfers is not somewhere you would live. The gold coast hinterland around it is stunning and is residential rather than investment condo vacation apartments.
Having just been to the UK for a week I was stunned by the costs there of pretty much everything day to day. Restaurants, food in supermarkets and generally most things. To say that Australia is more expensive I think is purely let down that it is not the cheap place people may have envisioned.
Just my take on it. As I say, I suspect my impressions were probably very similar when I first moved here. The only thing I am glad of is that I didn't move to anywhere with the name "Lakes" or "Pines" or "Mango" in it....
I can honestly say that although I may have agreed with much of the original posting when we first moved to Australia, now there is much I would disagree with.
eg. Noosa would imo be a crap place to live. Wonderful if you are a tourist but try getting a decent paid job there and you will be sick of the transient touristy overpriced nature of it in short order. Surfers is not somewhere you would live. The gold coast hinterland around it is stunning and is residential rather than investment condo vacation apartments.
Having just been to the UK for a week I was stunned by the costs there of pretty much everything day to day. Restaurants, food in supermarkets and generally most things. To say that Australia is more expensive I think is purely let down that it is not the cheap place people may have envisioned.
Just my take on it. As I say, I suspect my impressions were probably very similar when I first moved here. The only thing I am glad of is that I didn't move to anywhere with the name "Lakes" or "Pines" or "Mango" in it....
Sep 21st 2008, 10:58 am
#7
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Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,594
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
you should have tried the bayside wynnum, manly, cleveland etc. very nice areas and a large expats community here, very good playgroups for kids and mums. north lakes - stayed there for 6months, nice houses thats all i can say. Also, in the summer months its a bit cooler south side because of the sea breeze, little hotter north side. We're loving it bayside.
gary
gary
If you were to recommend a neighborhood based on schools and public transport going to CBD - which ones would you recommend? Thanks!
Sep 22nd 2008, 9:29 am
#8
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Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Wakefield.......now Wellington Point
Posts: 1,284
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Sep 22nd 2008, 8:32 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 84
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Thanks all for the responds - some great points made in reply.
I will definitely take a look at the Bayside and do some research - someone told us about it on the last day we were there as well but had no time to get there for a look.
I will definitely take a look at the Bayside and do some research - someone told us about it on the last day we were there as well but had no time to get there for a look.
Sep 22nd 2008, 8:37 pm
#11
Bitter and twisted
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Upmarket
Posts: 17,503
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Sep 23rd 2008, 12:52 am
#12
Lets Rock !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 599
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Thought I would post some notes of my reccie – 3 weeks around Brisbane , Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I would be interested if people think I got it about right or I missed something and perhaps someone will find something of interest.
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Good points
Fantastic weather considering it was the equivalent of early March in the UK.
People generally friendlier than the UK – especially ex Pat Brits ironically
Children mostly much better behaved and politer than in the UK
Much bigger sense of pride in the country
Cleaner than the UK (except certain graffiti laden spots)
Bad points
House prices probably similar to the UK dependant on the area
Cost of living similar to the UK (except petrol which is cheaper).
I guess we expected the above to be more favourable given wages are lower
Children’s nappies, food etc much more expensive than the UK
Eating out – expensive
Some of the Areas visited
Noosa – fantastic spot to live but you wont get a decent property below $1M
Mooloolaba – liked it – clean and tidy – extremely laid back
Caloundra – liked it –could live there although bigger and busier than I expected
Caboolture – totally disliked and couldn’t leave quick enough, town centre especially was awful
Redcliffe – reminded me of a dated English seaside town –didn’t like at all
North Lakes – seemed like a new town without soul but nice properties – one to look at again
Brisbane – only got to see the city centre – liked a lot compared to UK cities
Hope Island – see Noosa comments (although certainly not as nice as Noosa)
Labrador – hmmm – if you like graffiti you will love it, everyone else stay clear
Southport – rough (and not the sea)!
Surfer’s – Blackpool with bigger buildings
Ormeau – really liked - big land plots with reasonable prices
Shailer Park – also liked – nice properties and very modern area – although hilly
Would agree with most of your points. Although i think to compare UK house prices with here is a bit pointless.
Yeah property prices have increased significantly recently, but in my opinion you get far more for your money here.
If you think what most terraced houses are fetching in the uk now, for not much more you can get huge houses on biggish plots here.
Apparently Aldi is the place for good quality cheap nappies.......
Sep 23rd 2008, 1:47 am
#13
Where traffic lights rule
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Brighton QLD
Posts: 2,460
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
Spot on, and why I think a reccie is a total waste of money !
I can honestly say that although I may have agreed with much of the original posting when we first moved to Australia, now there is much I would disagree with.
eg. Noosa would imo be a crap place to live. Wonderful if you are a tourist but try getting a decent paid job there and you will be sick of the transient touristy overpriced nature of it in short order. Surfers is not somewhere you would live. The gold coast hinterland around it is stunning and is residential rather than investment condo vacation apartments.
Having just been to the UK for a week I was stunned by the costs there of pretty much everything day to day. Restaurants, food in supermarkets and generally most things. To say that Australia is more expensive I think is purely let down that it is not the cheap place people may have envisioned.
eg. Noosa would imo be a crap place to live. Wonderful if you are a tourist but try getting a decent paid job there and you will be sick of the transient touristy overpriced nature of it in short order. Surfers is not somewhere you would live. The gold coast hinterland around it is stunning and is residential rather than investment condo vacation apartments.
Having just been to the UK for a week I was stunned by the costs there of pretty much everything day to day. Restaurants, food in supermarkets and generally most things. To say that Australia is more expensive I think is purely let down that it is not the cheap place people may have envisioned.
Sep 23rd 2008, 2:38 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 129
Re: Brisbane and area reccie some notes!
I'm with you mand8002, we have lived on the Bayside (Cleveland) nearly three years now and love the area, close to waters edge, and not too far to travel to local attractions
Always difficult when doing a reccie as you try to visit so many different places in such a short time, although you did cover quite a few areas.
Good Luck
Neill, Sharon and Jasmin
www.auspitality.com.au
Luxury Short Term Accommodation
Brisbane - Bayside
Always difficult when doing a reccie as you try to visit so many different places in such a short time, although you did cover quite a few areas.
Good Luck
Neill, Sharon and Jasmin
www.auspitality.com.au
Luxury Short Term Accommodation
Brisbane - Bayside
Last edited by spadgersdad; Sep 23rd 2008 at 2:41 am.
Sep 23rd 2008, 9:03 am
#15
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Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Wakefield.......now Wellington Point
Posts: 1,284