pazza

Hi All,

We've just got back from what has been the best 4 weeks in our lives. Just not long enough ....... Talk about living the dream.
We went to Surfers Paradise, in the Gold Coast. While we were there we hired a car and spent a good few days looking in areas such as Robina, Ashmore, Southport, Pacific Pines, Burleigh Heads, and Coomera/ Upper Coomera, looking at homes for sale and visiting display homes on new developments.
Everything we thought it would be,....was.
I think any doubts we might have had before we went are now well and truly gone.Thats why i think it was important for us to test the waters before we start the migration process.
Of the above areas we visited, it's hard to tell where would be best suited. They're all just a little drive to the beaches which is ideal.
On a few occasions we went to the Beach House pub in Surfers for my 2 sons to play pool. I couldn't believe how really friendly everyone was. While the boys where playing pool, if i was sitting by myself, someone would always come over and introduce themselves, and we'd end up swapping numbers as they knew someone in the building trade, which was good news for me.
Being so close to all the theme parks was like heaven for the kids, 10 & 7, they were over the moon, we eventually done each theme park twice.
I don't know if we were just in the right place at the right time, where everyone seemed to bend over backwards for you. It's definitately a place i'd like to live and bring my boys up. I know it's a tourist spot, thats why they're so friendly, it's their job, but people in the U.K could take a leaf out of their book.
So if anyone has any knowledge on the above areas, i'd appreciate any feedback, prefably an area with a good public transport system, the wife can't drive.

One very happy expat to be

Steve.

wargod

Hi Steve - great post.

We (wife + 2 little 'uns) are off to the Gold Coast to validate/holiday in three weeks time - we also have a hire car booked and also intend to do the display homes etc, and pretty much the same areas as you mentioned too.

Any tips would be greatly recieved !!


Cheers

Jon

pazza

Hi Jon,

You'll love it mate, especially the kids. When you go to the theme parks, ask for the day return tickets if you want to go again,when you're going out, as they're less than half price. Going to Wet n Wild, flip flops (or thongs as they're known ) are a must because the floor is absolutely red hot. Smother the kids in a 30 plus cream, as my eldest (10) burnt his legs, very painful.
Hiring the car is a must, as there's so much to see. We took a drive up to Tambourine Mountain which was pretty nice scenes. The roads couldn't be any easier to drive on, really well sign posted. The 2 main roads are Gold Coast Highway & the Pacific Highway (M1).
Where is it you're staying ? Wherever it is you'll be close to everthing.
Have a great time Jon & family

Steve.

Secretsquirral

Hi Steve

Thanks for taking the time to post with your experiences. We leave for the GC on 23rd March and can't wait! Couldn't agree more that is worth a recce if at all possible as not all places suit all people - we lived in Melbourne before, but actually found in the end that we prefer SE Queensland.

Debbie

wargod

Cheers Steve,

Any display homes worth a visit?

pazza

Jon,

Of the places we visited, i would prefer either Robina, Pacific Pines, Burleigh Heads/ Burleigh Waters.
When you get there, get a map from the reception area if you're stopping at a hotel. It's well designed for easy driving.
I guess everyone has their own preferences and places they'd like live, so once you start driving about you'll get a feel for where you'll want to be.
The display homes are beautiful, great sized rooms on the single storey homes, we didn't look at any 2 storey homes.
Just take everything in as i can't believe we've been and we're now back home.........it has absolutely flown by...........and we loved it so much we're prepared to call it home........... one day.

Steve.

sherie_in_oz

Wonderful post, you say it how it really is, its even better when you are living here and don't have to go home!!

As for public transport have a lookat www.surfside.com.au It shows all the local bus services, and you see there are trains from places like Robina-Brisbane, if you fancy a day in Brissie.

Would have thought somewhere near the town of Robina would be ideal for your wife, lots of communities near here where you can walk/catch a short bus ride into Robina town centre, we are only a 5 min drive away, and hubbie reckons I spend too much time shopping/socialising with friends to find a job!!!!

Can also recommend Clover Hill State Primary for your kids, only 2 years old and a very good state school.

pazza

Hi Sherie,

Thanks a lot for that, i think it'll be just a case time wherever we go to suss the place out, with buses and stuff.

Cheers

Steve.