What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Aug 8th 2007, 7:32 am
#106
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: Cottingham E.Yorks
Posts: 24
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Hi there,
I emigrated to Australia on 16th April 2007. I spent hours back in the UK reading Expats and craved info on what to expect and what I needed to do. I never really found it that easy to get all the information that I needed in one go so I thought that when I got here, I would learn and share my experiences with you all in the hope that I made real sense for you all.
We came here on a 136 permanent residence visa and had to begin our lives. Here's what we found:
1. We started our journey with a temporary house (pm poster to get details of rental) We have a 5 bed room house in a fantastic area but prices are quite high so only really good for short term. The house is fully equipped with everything you need.
This gave us time to look around the area and find somewhere appropriate to stay longer term.
We are about 25kms outside Brisbane centre in Bridgeman Downs. Caseldine, McDowall, Aspley and Albany Creek are brilliant. Don't look at Zillmere as we are told by the police and locals that the area is troubled and not a nice place to stay. A local supermarket person told me that her dad is a postman and that the children there throw things at him (make your own mind up.
Schools in this area are fantastic. The people are just amazing and really grateful of British people coming here. people are so friendly it is such a pleasure being here.
My husband is a civil engineer and had a job within the week (poor him).
There are so many places on your door step like Bribie Island which is like something from a postcard, pure white sand and turquoise sea.
Medicare took half an hour to organise, you need your passports with your visa's and that is all.
Enrolling at a school is childs play. They have catchment areas so take care where you stay if you want a particular school.
We bought cars from an auction which I highly recommend. We spent hours trawling through car sales in the area and bought from an auction that sold x police and company cars at half the price. I can give you details if you need them, just let me know.
There are short cuts to getting a rental also. We walked into a agent that let us a house that had not yet been advertised.
There are so many jobs for those that wish to work. My older children were offered jobs in a local pub.
The weather is fantastic and not too hot this time of year. I can tell you all of the cheap shops in the area and how to barter.
There are loads or childcare facilities ranging from private to statutory and for some reason, Thursdays seem to be fully booked in most places.
Driving licences are easy to change over. It takes 10 minutes at a centre with I.D and it is done.
Food is equivalent to UK prices but it is double the quality. Fresh fruit and Veg is a little dearer due to the lack of rain/water.
I have children ranging from 2 to 19 and they have all eventually fallen in love with the place (two and a half weeks later).
You will never ever want to go back to the UK. That I can promise you.
Let me know if I can me of more help.
I emigrated to Australia on 16th April 2007. I spent hours back in the UK reading Expats and craved info on what to expect and what I needed to do. I never really found it that easy to get all the information that I needed in one go so I thought that when I got here, I would learn and share my experiences with you all in the hope that I made real sense for you all.
We came here on a 136 permanent residence visa and had to begin our lives. Here's what we found:
1. We started our journey with a temporary house (pm poster to get details of rental) We have a 5 bed room house in a fantastic area but prices are quite high so only really good for short term. The house is fully equipped with everything you need.
This gave us time to look around the area and find somewhere appropriate to stay longer term.
We are about 25kms outside Brisbane centre in Bridgeman Downs. Caseldine, McDowall, Aspley and Albany Creek are brilliant. Don't look at Zillmere as we are told by the police and locals that the area is troubled and not a nice place to stay. A local supermarket person told me that her dad is a postman and that the children there throw things at him (make your own mind up.
Schools in this area are fantastic. The people are just amazing and really grateful of British people coming here. people are so friendly it is such a pleasure being here.
My husband is a civil engineer and had a job within the week (poor him).
There are so many places on your door step like Bribie Island which is like something from a postcard, pure white sand and turquoise sea.
Medicare took half an hour to organise, you need your passports with your visa's and that is all.
Enrolling at a school is childs play. They have catchment areas so take care where you stay if you want a particular school.
We bought cars from an auction which I highly recommend. We spent hours trawling through car sales in the area and bought from an auction that sold x police and company cars at half the price. I can give you details if you need them, just let me know.
There are short cuts to getting a rental also. We walked into a agent that let us a house that had not yet been advertised.
There are so many jobs for those that wish to work. My older children were offered jobs in a local pub.
The weather is fantastic and not too hot this time of year. I can tell you all of the cheap shops in the area and how to barter.
There are loads or childcare facilities ranging from private to statutory and for some reason, Thursdays seem to be fully booked in most places.
Driving licences are easy to change over. It takes 10 minutes at a centre with I.D and it is done.
Food is equivalent to UK prices but it is double the quality. Fresh fruit and Veg is a little dearer due to the lack of rain/water.
I have children ranging from 2 to 19 and they have all eventually fallen in love with the place (two and a half weeks later).
You will never ever want to go back to the UK. That I can promise you.
Let me know if I can me of more help.
Aug 8th 2007, 8:19 am
#107
Niamh,Paul + 4 :)
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: sunshine coast, now back home in Ireland :)
Posts: 1,861
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
hi kathymarie, i think i need your help.. im moving to brisbane this october o7 ive got a job as a reg.nurse in princess alexandra in wooloongabba. i like to live in camp hill or carina which seeems to be a good area and has quite nice catholic school for my daughter.rent is a bit cheaper as well to compare with ones near to brisbane cbd. any feedback about this suburbs? any idea how far from carina to wooloongabba? if i would need advice about buying a car ill let you know and ill get some tips from you. ive got 3 small girls all under 5 and my eldest is about to start primary this september but they will join me in australia in january for me to get settled with job and orientation period. would my husband get a job? he's a chef here in uk working in a pub. nice to hear that you are settling alright and thanks for the encouragement. people discourage me to go there because of hot weather and creepy crawlies.. any response to that? hoping to hear from you soon.
Aug 8th 2007, 8:40 am
#108
Niamh,Paul + 4 :)
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: sunshine coast, now back home in Ireland :)
Posts: 1,861
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
can i just add ,dont you know you now dont have to do a theory test like the rest of you ,some people hey ,just dont check things out before they actually know the facts ,why so much bitching on here,she put in her thoughts and for once it was nice to read that someone actually likes it in oz ,instead of its rubbish, didnt like oz, and im going home.
what the story people every one is living just to go then when they get there all they do is say its crap why is there so much negativity
i think its great to see some positive feed back for a change but i will say one thing its made me think twice on what way we are going to approach living there when we move over..
we need more positive feed back or if there is something you weren't happy about give advice not say its crap im really sorry if this offends any one but its just how i feel
Aug 8th 2007, 8:47 am
#109
Niamh,Paul + 4 :)
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: sunshine coast, now back home in Ireland :)
Posts: 1,861
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Hi there all of you including the people who slandered my write up.
I just want to get a few facts right.
1. I did not have to do a theory test for my licence, it is not required anymore.
2. I live in Bridgeman Downs now in a rental that cost me $430 per week. It has 4 bedrooms, the largest master room I have seen with walk in robe, two sinks, bath shower and toliet. It has 3 bathrooms, five rooms downstairs and a family room upstairs.
3. When I said that food was twice the quality, I was actually refering to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat and not tinned food.
4. My children did not get a job in a pub, they were offered jobs with people who were at the pub. My son is decorating for someone and gets paid $120 dollars per day.
5. I have zero rating for two reasons. I have never posted before and as I said, I only posted this time because I thought that it would be helpful to people.
6. I have not advertised anything purposely. I was offering help to genuine people that needed it. Most of my offers of advice were not even posted, I told people to contact me for further information.
I have now been here for 6 weeks and I have yet to find anyhting that I do not like about the place. The reason that I am not on here posting every two minutes is because I have such a fnatastic life and the last thing I want to do is be sat wasting my time reading all of the insults that people have chosen to write.
I hope that anyone who is genuinely interested in further information will post me privtely so I can help in anyway I can without being slated.
I spent three years emmigrating and investigated everything I could. I have sound advice for people wanting it. My family are the most important people in my life and I was scared to death at the thought of moving which is why I spent so much time looking into things and which is why I wrote this thread in the first place.
Kind Regards
Kathy Marie
I just want to get a few facts right.
1. I did not have to do a theory test for my licence, it is not required anymore.
2. I live in Bridgeman Downs now in a rental that cost me $430 per week. It has 4 bedrooms, the largest master room I have seen with walk in robe, two sinks, bath shower and toliet. It has 3 bathrooms, five rooms downstairs and a family room upstairs.
3. When I said that food was twice the quality, I was actually refering to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat and not tinned food.
4. My children did not get a job in a pub, they were offered jobs with people who were at the pub. My son is decorating for someone and gets paid $120 dollars per day.
5. I have zero rating for two reasons. I have never posted before and as I said, I only posted this time because I thought that it would be helpful to people.
6. I have not advertised anything purposely. I was offering help to genuine people that needed it. Most of my offers of advice were not even posted, I told people to contact me for further information.
I have now been here for 6 weeks and I have yet to find anyhting that I do not like about the place. The reason that I am not on here posting every two minutes is because I have such a fnatastic life and the last thing I want to do is be sat wasting my time reading all of the insults that people have chosen to write.
I hope that anyone who is genuinely interested in further information will post me privtely so I can help in anyway I can without being slated.
I spent three years emmigrating and investigated everything I could. I have sound advice for people wanting it. My family are the most important people in my life and I was scared to death at the thought of moving which is why I spent so much time looking into things and which is why I wrote this thread in the first place.
Kind Regards
Kathy Marie
im glad you love it so much and i know we will to good luck
Aug 9th 2007, 5:11 am
#110
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: albany creek
Posts: 40
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Hi there, I'm from nr Maidstone (Bearsted). Are you going to the Brisbane British Club meet up in a couple of weekends time? www.meetup.com Might see you there!
Aug 12th 2007, 2:14 pm
#111
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Melbourne Bayside & Brisbane Bayside
Posts: 65
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
I moved to Brisbane via Melbourne and I've never wanted to leave Brisbane. ....it's true - neither will you !! In fact, there are so many Brits around here you'll all really feel at home ! I could never go back to the UK
Aug 12th 2007, 4:32 pm
#112
Marie
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Thornlands, Brisbane
Posts: 83
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
thanks for taking the time to update, it is very valued info for us who have yet to make the leap and I really enjoyed reading it. We are hoping to move early next year to Brisbane if our house ever sells so may be pm you with questions near to time if thats ok. Thx again and hope all goes well for you!
Aug 13th 2007, 12:58 pm
#113
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: swindon
Posts: 10
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Thanks Kathy Marie- lots of helpful information there.
We are moving to Brisbane in December and I had a few questions I was hoping people might be able to help with.
We are looking to rent for around 3 months, preferably furnished until our furniture arrives and we have time to find a property to buy. I've emailed a few estate agents and so far 2 have replied to say they don't do short lets, is this everyone's experience?
We are looking at areas in the south suburbs of Brisbane as far south as Beenleigh and wondered what people thought of different areas? We were over in May and had a little look around Logan (didn't like), Beenleigh (ok) and Oxley (ok). I will be working at the Mater hospital at Raymond Terrace and ideally would like to live somewhere up to a 40 min drive and also on a bus or train route from the hospital (leaves the option of public transport after a night shift when a 40 min drive may be a bit sporting!)
So if anyone is able to give me some info that would be great
Many thanks
We are moving to Brisbane in December and I had a few questions I was hoping people might be able to help with.
We are looking to rent for around 3 months, preferably furnished until our furniture arrives and we have time to find a property to buy. I've emailed a few estate agents and so far 2 have replied to say they don't do short lets, is this everyone's experience?
We are looking at areas in the south suburbs of Brisbane as far south as Beenleigh and wondered what people thought of different areas? We were over in May and had a little look around Logan (didn't like), Beenleigh (ok) and Oxley (ok). I will be working at the Mater hospital at Raymond Terrace and ideally would like to live somewhere up to a 40 min drive and also on a bus or train route from the hospital (leaves the option of public transport after a night shift when a 40 min drive may be a bit sporting!)
So if anyone is able to give me some info that would be great
Many thanks
Aug 14th 2007, 6:36 am
#114
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2004
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, now North West Sydney, Hills district and now Hawkesbury.
Posts: 121
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
OMG Do i know you - i came from Hooley, originally Redhill before i got married, then i moved to Kent - can you go see my mum when you get back HAHA only joking!
Last edited by MELANIE6; Aug 14th 2007 at 6:41 am.
Aug 14th 2007, 6:40 am
#115
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2004
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, now North West Sydney, Hills district and now Hawkesbury.
Posts: 121
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Aug 14th 2007, 7:59 am
#116
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Warner, brisbane
Posts: 519
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
I did my nurse training at Redhill General (now a trendy housing estate) and New East Surrey Hospital now just East Surrey as not new. Used to go to Hooley the Gamebird and that other lovely pub which had a signpost by someones house I think it was the Six Bells.
Birdynumnum
It really is a small world for you, another person you might know. You are obviously well travelled.
I don't think you would be garotted for your reasons for returning - after all you have given it a good go. It is your decision.
Take care
Maisey
Aug 14th 2007, 11:57 pm
#117
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2004
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, now North West Sydney, Hills district and now Hawkesbury.
Posts: 121
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
[QUOTE=maisey;5186232]Hi Melanie6
I did my nurse training at Redhill General (now a trendy housing estate) and New East Surrey Hospital now just East Surrey as not new. Used to go to Hooley the Gamebird and that other lovely pub which had a signpost by someones house I think it was the Six Bells.
God, I was born at the East Surrey Hospital, it's weird talking to other people you don't know but who have been to the same places. I remember the Game Bird and Busbys in Redhill was the 'in' place when i was 15-17 (oh so long ago now)!
Good luck with your move over here - it's soooo different but good too.
Melanie6
I did my nurse training at Redhill General (now a trendy housing estate) and New East Surrey Hospital now just East Surrey as not new. Used to go to Hooley the Gamebird and that other lovely pub which had a signpost by someones house I think it was the Six Bells.
God, I was born at the East Surrey Hospital, it's weird talking to other people you don't know but who have been to the same places. I remember the Game Bird and Busbys in Redhill was the 'in' place when i was 15-17 (oh so long ago now)!
Good luck with your move over here - it's soooo different but good too.
Melanie6
Aug 15th 2007, 1:58 am
#118
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: here and not there
Posts: 384
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
We moved to Brisbane 14 months ago and absolutly love it.My job is better here(although less money),the OH is settled with work and the kids have just slipped into the Aussie way of life.We have no intension of moving back to the UK and in our eyes Brisbane is now home.
I think it is just not the place inwhich you live governs how you feel but you also have to merge into the Aussie way and get on with it.It is not a sunnier UK and laws and rules are different.I have read on here how people hate this and hate that and moan this is nothing like the UK,what did they expect Australia is 12k miles from the UK and there is a different culture here.
You do have the normal things which don't change working,paying bills and taxes so the stress might not be much different but just think at weekends you can go to the beaches or bush or mountains (which won't cost much)and the weather is great most of the time.
My advice would be don't think of it (before you get here) as a utopia ...it is not but the life style and living is far far higher and better than in the UK .....IF!! you are prepared to adapt.I was one of these that used to moan about people moving to the UK and not adapting .................i am not a hypocrite so i am not here to change Australia to suit me.
Anyway good luck to you all where ever you live
I think it is just not the place inwhich you live governs how you feel but you also have to merge into the Aussie way and get on with it.It is not a sunnier UK and laws and rules are different.I have read on here how people hate this and hate that and moan this is nothing like the UK,what did they expect Australia is 12k miles from the UK and there is a different culture here.
You do have the normal things which don't change working,paying bills and taxes so the stress might not be much different but just think at weekends you can go to the beaches or bush or mountains (which won't cost much)and the weather is great most of the time.
My advice would be don't think of it (before you get here) as a utopia ...it is not but the life style and living is far far higher and better than in the UK .....IF!! you are prepared to adapt.I was one of these that used to moan about people moving to the UK and not adapting .................i am not a hypocrite so i am not here to change Australia to suit me.
Anyway good luck to you all where ever you live
Aug 15th 2007, 2:49 am
#119
Mozzie magnet
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Brisbane 'burbs
Posts: 1,690
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Thanks Kathy Marie- lots of helpful information there.
We are moving to Brisbane in December and I had a few questions I was hoping people might be able to help with.
We are looking to rent for around 3 months, preferably furnished until our furniture arrives and we have time to find a property to buy. I've emailed a few estate agents and so far 2 have replied to say they don't do short lets, is this everyone's experience?
We are looking at areas in the south suburbs of Brisbane as far south as Beenleigh and wondered what people thought of different areas? We were over in May and had a little look around Logan (didn't like), Beenleigh (ok) and Oxley (ok). I will be working at the Mater hospital at Raymond Terrace and ideally would like to live somewhere up to a 40 min drive and also on a bus or train route from the hospital (leaves the option of public transport after a night shift when a 40 min drive may be a bit sporting!)
So if anyone is able to give me some info that would be great
Many thanks
We are moving to Brisbane in December and I had a few questions I was hoping people might be able to help with.
We are looking to rent for around 3 months, preferably furnished until our furniture arrives and we have time to find a property to buy. I've emailed a few estate agents and so far 2 have replied to say they don't do short lets, is this everyone's experience?
We are looking at areas in the south suburbs of Brisbane as far south as Beenleigh and wondered what people thought of different areas? We were over in May and had a little look around Logan (didn't like), Beenleigh (ok) and Oxley (ok). I will be working at the Mater hospital at Raymond Terrace and ideally would like to live somewhere up to a 40 min drive and also on a bus or train route from the hospital (leaves the option of public transport after a night shift when a 40 min drive may be a bit sporting!)
So if anyone is able to give me some info that would be great
Many thanks
www.seqrents.com.au
or google serviced apartments
Real estate agents tend to only lease properties on 6 or 12 month leases, so unless you're lucky and find a break lease (ie someone who's moving out before their lease ends and needs it taken over) it's not worth bothering them.
Renting over that time will be hard, it's holiday time in Australia and rentals will be scarce. So try to book somewhere well in advance.
I don't know the areas you mention that well, I've visited Logan / Springwood / Shailer Park etc and I'm not that keen on them but that's because they're not really my cup of tea, I like living closer to the city. Most short term rents will be closer to the city too. Public transport doesn't seem great southside, you'll probably have to rely on a bus or drive and the roads get busy - this was one of the things I found most surprising when I moved here.
Aug 15th 2007, 8:05 pm
#120
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Lancashire, England
Posts: 7
Re: What it is really like moving to Brisbane!!!!!!
Hi there,
I emigrated to Australia on 16th April 2007. I spent hours back in the UK reading Expats and craved info on what to expect and what I needed to do. I never really found it that easy to get all the information that I needed in one go so I thought that when I got here, I would learn and share my experiences with you all in the hope that I made real sense for you all.
We came here on a 136 permanent residence visa and had to begin our lives. Here's what we found:
1. We started our journey with a temporary house (pm poster to get details of rental) We have a 5 bed room house in a fantastic area but prices are quite high so only really good for short term. The house is fully equipped with everything you need.
This gave us time to look around the area and find somewhere appropriate to stay longer term.
We are about 25kms outside Brisbane centre in Bridgeman Downs. Caseldine, McDowall, Aspley and Albany Creek are brilliant. Don't look at Zillmere as we are told by the police and locals that the area is troubled and not a nice place to stay. A local supermarket person told me that her dad is a postman and that the children there throw things at him (make your own mind up.
Schools in this area are fantastic. The people are just amazing and really grateful of British people coming here. people are so friendly it is such a pleasure being here.
My husband is a civil engineer and had a job within the week (poor him).
There are so many places on your door step like Bribie Island which is like something from a postcard, pure white sand and turquoise sea.
Medicare took half an hour to organise, you need your passports with your visa's and that is all.
Enrolling at a school is childs play. They have catchment areas so take care where you stay if you want a particular school.
We bought cars from an auction which I highly recommend. We spent hours trawling through car sales in the area and bought from an auction that sold x police and company cars at half the price. I can give you details if you need them, just let me know.
There are short cuts to getting a rental also. We walked into a agent that let us a house that had not yet been advertised.
There are so many jobs for those that wish to work. My older children were offered jobs in a local pub.
The weather is fantastic and not too hot this time of year. I can tell you all of the cheap shops in the area and how to barter.
There are loads or childcare facilities ranging from private to statutory and for some reason, Thursdays seem to be fully booked in most places.
Driving licences are easy to change over. It takes 10 minutes at a centre with I.D and it is done.
Food is equivalent to UK prices but it is double the quality. Fresh fruit and Veg is a little dearer due to the lack of rain/water.
I have children ranging from 2 to 19 and they have all eventually fallen in love with the place (two and a half weeks later).
You will never ever want to go back to the UK. That I can promise you.
Let me know if I can me of more help.
I emigrated to Australia on 16th April 2007. I spent hours back in the UK reading Expats and craved info on what to expect and what I needed to do. I never really found it that easy to get all the information that I needed in one go so I thought that when I got here, I would learn and share my experiences with you all in the hope that I made real sense for you all.
We came here on a 136 permanent residence visa and had to begin our lives. Here's what we found:
1. We started our journey with a temporary house (pm poster to get details of rental) We have a 5 bed room house in a fantastic area but prices are quite high so only really good for short term. The house is fully equipped with everything you need.
This gave us time to look around the area and find somewhere appropriate to stay longer term.
We are about 25kms outside Brisbane centre in Bridgeman Downs. Caseldine, McDowall, Aspley and Albany Creek are brilliant. Don't look at Zillmere as we are told by the police and locals that the area is troubled and not a nice place to stay. A local supermarket person told me that her dad is a postman and that the children there throw things at him (make your own mind up.
Schools in this area are fantastic. The people are just amazing and really grateful of British people coming here. people are so friendly it is such a pleasure being here.
My husband is a civil engineer and had a job within the week (poor him).
There are so many places on your door step like Bribie Island which is like something from a postcard, pure white sand and turquoise sea.
Medicare took half an hour to organise, you need your passports with your visa's and that is all.
Enrolling at a school is childs play. They have catchment areas so take care where you stay if you want a particular school.
We bought cars from an auction which I highly recommend. We spent hours trawling through car sales in the area and bought from an auction that sold x police and company cars at half the price. I can give you details if you need them, just let me know.
There are short cuts to getting a rental also. We walked into a agent that let us a house that had not yet been advertised.
There are so many jobs for those that wish to work. My older children were offered jobs in a local pub.
The weather is fantastic and not too hot this time of year. I can tell you all of the cheap shops in the area and how to barter.
There are loads or childcare facilities ranging from private to statutory and for some reason, Thursdays seem to be fully booked in most places.
Driving licences are easy to change over. It takes 10 minutes at a centre with I.D and it is done.
Food is equivalent to UK prices but it is double the quality. Fresh fruit and Veg is a little dearer due to the lack of rain/water.
I have children ranging from 2 to 19 and they have all eventually fallen in love with the place (two and a half weeks later).
You will never ever want to go back to the UK. That I can promise you.
Let me know if I can me of more help.