We Want to Move to Australia and Don't Know Where!?

Question

My husband is a horticulturist and I sell wedding gowns and will want to open a business once there, we just have no idea where to go! We have two young children 4yrs and 2yrs old a dog and a cat. We are looking forward to an interesting life filled with lots to do as at the mo we live in a small country town in NZ which we've out grown! We like the finer things in life and enjoy the beaches in Australia. So any suggestions on where you think the most suitable place is would be great :-)

Answer 1

Areas around Brisbane are less than 40 minutes to certain rural areas (for your husbands work) and 50 minutes to the Gold Coast. I have lived here all my life and love it.

Answer 2

Getting a place near the beach is fairly difficult in New South Wales and Victoria.  Most of the beachside towns are full of million dollar homes now.   That being said you can still live within driving distance of the beach and be close to agricultural areas that would be suitable for your husbands work.

I would suggest the following Regions:

Northern Rivers (NSW), around Lismore, Ballina and Byron Bay.

Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast (Qld) in areas to the north and south of Brisbane (Gold Coast might be far to travel though)

You could also try major regional centres in Queenslands north such as Mackay, Townsville, Cairns all with beach access.   In WA try Bunbury or Busselton but remember that the mining boom has made housing very expensive over there now.

Answer 3

Given your occupations and the fact that you've outgrown a small town and enjoy our beaches, you could head for somewhere like the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast in Queensland. Either would provide the type of lifestyle you seem to be after with loads of things to do for the whole family and they're both very close to Brisbane with its capital city amenities.  Both should also provide ample opportunity for your business and for your husband's work.

Answer 4

Perhaps the Maitland area in the Hunter Valley - regional with the 'finer things' and not too far from beautiful beaches. As the previous post said, close to the beach is very expensive, but if you can afford it go for it, all the NSW coast has stunning beaches.