sportsendurance

As your probably aware my intentions have been to move to Perth and I have probably sickened you with lots of questions and of course your advice has been extremely valuable - thanks.
However, I was asked last night if I wanted a job as a Personal Trainer in Brisbane where potentially I could earn good money apparently. I could still conduct casual teaching work like in Perth but obviously it would be financially helpful.
Question is because I know very little about Brisbane I wondered whether you would be so kind to share your opinions ie which is the better place to live and why?
The fact it's on the East side near to other major areas I apreciate is a bonus.

Note: we would like to be reasonably close to a beach (20 minutes), good parks and schools (3 kids under 6)

Thanks

Grayling

There are no beaches within 20 minutes of Brisbane.

The nearest decent beaches are on the Gold coast or Bribie Island and they are at least 45 minutes away depending where you live in Brisbane,

there are afew poxy little beaches in places like Bayside or Redcliffe way but these are on Moreton bay not on the ocean proper.

Trevski

I would agree a proper beach then south or north of brisbane at least 45min to a hour, it is very difficult to say good or bad about brisbane, but it is getting very expensive on every day living, we know a personal trainer and he charges any where from $15p/h to $45 p/h and there are plenty around
all the best with you personal choice

dave99

Whatever answers you get will not be that helpful really.
Each person feels differently about each place, so you will get very different replys, some will love perth some will hate it.
It will come down to what you feel like when you get there, the kind of vibe you get from the places.

Perhaps try one for a few years then try the other. Thats what I did. I tried adelaide for a couple years then came to perth and have been here for just over 2 years.

Out of the two I personally prefer perth, the beaches, great roads, spread out style and many more reasons, it just feels right to me, what you will think depends on you

kporte

If you can find work, Sunshine Coast mate. Lovely up there and some of the best beaches going. G is right about Bris, no proper beaches but I'm sure that ABC's favourite pic will be trotted out soon!

Amazulu

Perth

discobay

If I could get work up there I would move to the Sunshine Coast too. But back to reality and I like both places having lived in Brisbane for over two years and Perth now for just 6 months. Obviously I know Brissie better and I would say that compared to Perth its public transport (buses, trains and ferries) is better, its proximity to useable beaches is worse than Perth as is its proximity to airports, shopping malls are open 7-days in Brisbane, the car market is bigger in Brisbane but the cost of living in Perth is higher now than it has ever been and is ranked equal to Melbourne.

fish.01

Both would have good parks and schools. Given your only other criteria we know about is 20 mins to good beach then I would say Perth, or Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast. Brisbane's Redcliffe has some ok bayside beaches (flat so good for little kids) and is an up and coming nice place. It also has foreshore water pools and parks. Is about 10 mins drive to train station and then 35 mins into brisbane cbd on the train. Brisbane's best beach is this one http://www.buyya.com/CCGrid2001/southbank.jpg

CathnPaul

I can only speak for the Sunshine Coast. The lifestyle is great - living 5 mins drive from the beach doesnt cost anything and its a great place to bring up kids. However, the downside is finding work - there are a few of my friends who have trades and are doing a little more basic jobs to bring in a wage - most are happy but it is something to consider.x

There are good schools around here too for the kids and you can choose between smaller schools or the larger Mountain Creek school for example.

mohogony

You say you like the east side of OZ, theres also Places in NSW and VIC close to the beach with good parks and schools.

Coppock

Not sure if this helps but here goes;


Brisbane - lovely place, we went to the gold coast for 2 weeks, and ok its a bit of a drive from brisbane but it's well worth it! There's lots of beautiful mountains, beaches, and you have the theme parks all at easy reach. You also can drive (albeit for like a whole day) to Sydney. You're only a short flight away from the great barrier reef, and melbourne.
We're about 40 mins from the beach in Wales, i'll quite happily drive 40 mins in oz to a really nice beach!

My cousins grew up in Perth, and although it was great for them when they were younger they all hate it now. They say there's nothing to do and it's miles away from all the other "happening" cities.

That's why i'm looking at bringing my kids up on the Gold Coast and not Perth.

We're all different though, I've always got giddy when thinking about brisbane and the gold coast, and yet others see the gates of surfers and cringe!

Good luck with your decision
Jen

louise

Have you been offered a job in Perth aswell?????

If not, as already said why give Brisbane a go initally and take a holiday to Perth and look at the job market/houses/areas etc etc. That way you will be making a more informed choice

Sorry if this doesn't help

GunnersCandy

Hi Jen

Was reading through this thread and noticed you were from Wrexham.

My husband and I (and our 2 and a half year old daughter) have been thinking of moving to Oz for 3 years now and have finally decided to do something about it! In Jan we spent 3 weeks in Perth (my sister lives there). As much as we loved it and enjoyed our time there we did have this feeling of isolation. We literally did everything that Perth has to offer in those 3 weeks. I always fancied Brisbane/Gold Coast however having my sister in Perth I thought that it would be the better option.

We now know that Australia is definitely for us however we feel that Perth is not :-(. It's good to hear that you liked the Gold Coast are their any areas you can recommend? A nice place to bring up children?

Thanks
Colette

ABCDiamond

Good Post

ABCDiamond

With 3 kids under 6, I would feel safer with them playing on the Brisbane or Bayside Beaches than in the surf at Gold Coast or Surfers.

That was one of my reasons for choosing this location. Poxy to you, but young kids are happy with them.
And with Surfers only 45 minutes away.. no problems

Brisbane Beaches