Originally Posted by The Crow

We are in The Basin, which is just on the edge (50 mins by train into the CBD, 40 mins drive off-peak and 35 mins to the bay beaches).

Originally Posted by ukjoiner

Excuse me being thick, but what is the CBD??

Sorry x

Originally Posted by The Crow

Don't worry! I didn't know until I moved here - it's the central business district of Melbourne. Or Melbourne city in other words

Originally Posted by ukjoiner

It sounds perfect for us. The scenery looks stunning. We are close to the Peak District at the moment. That is what I will have trouble giving up (apart from family) but the Dandenongs area looks fab.

What is the yearly climate like there?

Originally Posted by Sherro

just dont mistake the dandenongs with dandenong

Originally Posted by ukjoiner

Hi there

Can anyone help me research Melbourne? We are initially attracted due to the climate and also I have a Cousin living in Hastings - Victoria.

The one thing we love more than anything about the UK is our countryside, walking and lots of camping so anywhere too flat would be a no go for us. We would like to live where it is scenic (or not too far away from), good for children, good schools, hopefully near(ish) the coast and not too killer hot. Also my hubby is a Joiner so somewhere up and coming development wise would be good. Middle of a city wouldn't appeal a great deal.

Do you think thats picky? It might sound a lot to ask for but I think we could be much more picky if we tried.

Does anyone have any suggestions as a good place to start looking. Looking on Google Earth is great but its hard to spot where its flat as opposed to hilly for starters! I am drawn to looking at the beaches - how shallow!

Thanks for any advice

Jenny

Originally Posted by paul30

where your cousin lives in hastings would be fine or anywhere on the penninsula I'm in Tyabb 5 K's from hastings. your close by the red hill and other winery areas lots of countryside around there including arthurs seat which definately isn't flat and also close to the beaches so best of both worlds. or if countrysides more your thing try areas like fern tree gully miles from the beaches but lots of countryside

Originally Posted by paul30

where your cousin lives in hastings would be fine or anywhere on the penninsula I'm in Tyabb 5 K's from hastings. your close by the red hill and other winery areas lots of countryside around there including arthurs seat which definately isn't flat and also close to the beaches so best of both worlds. or if countrysides more your thing try areas like fern tree gully miles from the beaches but lots of countryside

Originally Posted by The Crow

Also check out http://eldersweather.com.au

For weather up in the Dandenongs, put in Mount Dandenong and for the foothills put in Scoresby. That will give you an indication of the difference in temperature - you can check past weather on there too.

Originally Posted by sram466

does anyone come across a good 'google-like' map that mark places like school, mall, pub, parks etc

Originally Posted by sram466

does anyone come across a good 'google-like' map that mark places like school, mall, pub, parks etc

Originally Posted by ukjoiner

Have used that link and it is really useful. 3 degrees difference currently. Makes quite a difference if its cooler.

Interesting to hear that your journey to the beach is 25 mins now. We did a search on Google Earth from Ferntree Gully to the beaches to the West of you and it said nearly an hour. Has it cut the journey time in half then? Which beach do you most regularly go to? Will see if we can see you on Google Earth!!!
I told my father in law I could actually do that when he went to Spain for 3 months recently, he really believed me and text me to see when he should wave and where from!!! Silly man.

Originally Posted by The Crow

From our house in The Basin it's about 35 mins (it used to be about 50 mins) to Carrum beach (I'll post a pic) - that's my favourite spot. Ferntree Gully is closer to the Eastlink, by about 10 mins - depending on which part of FTG you are.
I'll pm you our address and you can find us on Google Earth too :0)

Originally Posted by ukjoiner

Pardon my PM, asked if you had children but I hadn't read your post before I replied.

I can clearly see you have two girls, just like me. They look to be having a lovely time. That beach looks particularly safe, nice and shallow for paddling.