Advice from Brisbane Ladies | ExpatWoman.com
 

Advice from Brisbane Ladies

rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 20:34

Possible relocation to Brisbane coming up (still in shock!)

Opinions would be much appreciated on where to live? Only the two of us to think about and both be working in CBD and don't mind a bit of a commute.

TIA

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littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:37
I lived in Ashmore with my family many many years ago. Its about 20 minutes from everything, although a little older but still good. Its really up to you want from a lifestyle perspective. Ashmore has its good and bad parts, as Basil said Varsity and Robina are good "newer" areas and close to one of the best shopping centres on the Gold Coast. Plus there are some great new schools around that area and about 30 minutes to Surfers Paradise, close to a railway station. For Ashmore you would probably shop at Southport Park where the Woolies is as it has better parking and more shops than Ashmore City, which use to have a Franklins, sorry dont know what is there now. Ashmore is close to All Saints which is a good co-ed private school with a great sporting and academic reputation and its even closer to Aquinos College, but I wouldnt let my children ride to school at either of these schools, you would have to do a school run. If you really like Ashmore have a look at Royal Pines there is a small gated community there on the golf course which is really lovely and modern and green. Stay away from Molendinar if you are looking at Ashmore its very close and sometimes called Ashmore.
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:29
good, just another middle class area behind Surfers. Little bit older ,more congested. Lots of schools and sporting activities. Robina and Varsity Lakes is called in middle now! Just look at facilities as once the LO get older they will walk or ride bikes to school.
Majoe
82
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:14
BTW, wish you all a nice Anzac Day. <em>edited by Majoe on 25/04/2012</em>
Majoe
82
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:12
Yeah, we would like to remain kind of 'central' GC... How's Ashmore like?
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:06
Definitely stay away from Nerang....unfortunately what use to be a lovely community has changed for the worse, include Highland Park and Worongary in there too. Also stay away from Southport, unless you are down by Southport Park, otherwise its a little feral. There are some good new schools at Coomera now, but I'm not a northern suburb girl either.
Majoe
82
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 09:57
Property we saw was in Eden Court, Nerang. But with your explanation and a bit of googling on suburbs quality, we don't think we might pursue it. Back to the drawing board :-)
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 17:37
Bad Lands!!!! Just say most are New Zealanders of native origins. Income is below average so hence a lot of crime. Highland Park is another area that even though it is Nerang they changed their name but wrong side of H'way What area did you see the property?
Majoe
82
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 17:27
Thank you so much for your feedback basil! May I ask why Nerang is a big No? We saw a lovely property in a well cared gated complex there within our budget and it is on the beach side of the highway. I will check out all the schools and suburbs mentioned below.
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 07:54
Ok after a nights sleep,here is more info Catholic schools that are pre school to grade 12...Aquinas at Ashmore,in behind Surfers Paradise Don't forget Marymount at Burleigh Emmanuel at Carrara which is on road between Nerang and Broadbeach. There are few that just go to grade 7...primary school. Most people spend a lot of time at the beach so you don't want to be more than 15 min drive away or you won't go. Broadbeach waters is great or Clear Is waters (expensive). Benowa, not bad Or if you like flat water the Nth end is the Broadwater ,Runaway Bay,,Biggera Waters
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 22:21
Ok schools is where you should start. Catholic schools, private. Marymount at Burleigh Waters is one of the largest on the coast. If you dont have a big budget, then why do you want private schools when just as good at some state ones? Stay away from anything that is on the wrong side on the M1...Nerang a big NO. Must be on the beach side of the highway. Robina very popular as is Varsity lakes. Yes after a few years the acreage will wear thin. Broadbeach waters or anything closer to Sufers is always more expensive. I have never been a northern end type of person, meaning anything south of Broadbeach or Pacific Fair Shopping centre is great. Gold Coast is very much like Dubai in that you love one end better than the other. Southport is the Marina and Coolangatta is the airport end. Dont go near Palm Beach...lovely area but too many bad teenagers. Iam sure I will think of more tonight so will continue in the morning
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 17:07
Majoe, We have lived Paradise Point (pensioners point), Southport, in the good and bad parts, Broadbeach Waters and Robina. We were very happy at Broadbeach Waters because it was based on our lifestyle which could play a big part in your decision of where you live. I guess you need to decide on what is important for you from a lifestyle basis. That will definitely help with the recommendations from the Gold Coast girls!
Bird
437
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:48
I love Noosa!
Majoe
82
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 15:43
Awesome... ok here goes.. 2 kids aged 3 and 8, would prefer private or catholic schools... since the AUD exchange rate is such a killer nowadays, we don't have a big budget for a house so very expensive suburbs is not an option! If you could also point out suburbs that we should stear clear of? I would love family friendly suburbs and safe in general... Hinterland / acreage is lovely but we are thinking of that in maybe a couple of years time once we settle in and suss all places..
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 15:32
Majoe, please give me more info on what you like, kids ,ages etc as I lived on the GC for many years after being a born and bred Brissie girl. My house is at Burleigh Heads and Mum is at Tugun, brother at Palm Beach.
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 15:31
Hi Majoe...congratulations on the move to Australia! It's pretty much perfect here. :D You might get more useful information from someone who actually likes the Gold Coast. ;) I don't mind it as a place to visit or holiday and when I lived there and worked locally, I enjoyed much of what it has to offer. I prefer either the south end of the coast (anything close to the water and south of Burleigh) or in the hinterland (parts of Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera. Molendinar, Southport, Parkwood, Labrador area have some lovely parts and they are conveniently located for M1 access to Brisbane or further south. There are good private and government schools all over the coast.
Majoe
82
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 15:18
I am following this point with great interest, we are moving to QLD this year too! Green-ish, if you don't mind, can you please share which suburbs of the Gold Coast you liked? We have friends in Molendinar but really are ready to settle anywhere that has easy access to good schools, family friendly areas. OP, sorry for barging into your post..
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:03
... Redcliffe research it is then! I keep changing my mind every day now http://www.redcliffe.net.au/ Lol! If you end up at Redcliffe (or anywhere Northside) you'll only be a little over an hour from the stunning beaches where I live. Coffee together on Hastings St in Noosa one day maybe? :D
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 13:38
Ok...if it's river-side living you'd like, then I think you can't go past a gorgeous apartment ("unit" in Brisbane speak) ON the river at Bulimba, Teneriffe, Newstead, Newfarm, Kangaroo Point etc. All have great cafe and restaurant strips and are a short ferry or City Cat ride to the CBD. It's also fairly easy to get to major arterials from any of those river-side suburbs for quick day trips or weekends away on the coast. I love parts of the Gold Coast, but I have lived there and loathed to travel to Brisbane. Aside from the travel, and compared to other Gold Coast locations, life at Hope Island feels just like living in a gated community in Dubai, with an equal lack of charm & character and even less privacy if you live on the water as every word of every conversation travels across to your 'neighbours'. ;) Another water-side location worth considering is the Redcliffe peninsula. The drive from Brisbane is under half an hour on much less stressful roads than the M1 to the Gold Coast. As you approach the peninsula, you cross the bridge and instantly feel like you're on holidays. There's a huge variety of accommodation to choose from...classic timber Queenslanders through to modern, water-front apartments. LOL...just re-read my earlier post and I've already sung the praises of Redcliffe. Oh well, just trying to get my point across. :D Redcliffe research it is then! I keep changing my mind every day now
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:49
Ok...if it's river-side living you'd like, then I think you can't go past a gorgeous apartment ("unit" in Brisbane speak) ON the river at Bulimba, Teneriffe, Newstead, Newfarm, Kangaroo Point etc. All have great cafe and restaurant strips and are a short ferry or City Cat ride to the CBD. It's also fairly easy to get to major arterials from any of those river-side suburbs for quick day trips or weekends away on the coast. I love parts of the Gold Coast, but I have lived there and loathed to travel to Brisbane. Aside from the travel, and compared to other Gold Coast locations, life at Hope Island feels just like living in a gated community in Dubai, with an equal lack of charm & character and even less privacy if you live on the water as every word of every conversation travels across to your 'neighbours'. ;) Another water-side location worth considering is the Redcliffe peninsula. The drive from Brisbane is under half an hour on much less stressful roads than the M1 to the Gold Coast. As you approach the peninsula, you cross the bridge and instantly feel like you're on holidays. There's a huge variety of accommodation to choose from...classic timber Queenslanders through to modern, water-front apartments. LOL...just re-read my earlier post and I've already sung the praises of Redcliffe. Oh well, just trying to get my point across. :D
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 14:14
Hi scp Most likely hope island Container is leaving July Let me know your email andi will be in touch to swap tips!! Hi rs...exciting that it's all happening! Can I ask why Hope Island? What will the commute be? Living there and having to drive to Brisbane daily is a bit like living at Mirdif and driving to Jebel Ali every day...only on a much worse road than the main arterials in Dubai. I'd pay double rent to live in Bulimba before even considering Hope Island. ;) (and not just because of the commute...lol) Well in Hope Island I loved being near the sea and most of the properties are on the river. This will be a completely different life as we leave dubai and both kids go off to University, its the first time in 20 years we will be a couple again! At the moment I travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Corniche on a regular basis and probably spend up to 3.5 hours in the car. I'm not going to definately make up my mind till I have moved over - for the first month I will be living in a serviced apartment in CBD - all your feedback is great though please keep it coming...
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 06:49
I agree with Green-ish. Unless you work from home and no kids, otherwise you will spend more time in the car than enjoying Hope Is. DH commuted for 7 yrs and traffic just got worse.If there is an accident on the M1 they close it for hrs and can be stuck.
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 03:25
Hi scp Most likely hope island Container is leaving July Let me know your email andi will be in touch to swap tips!! Hi rs...exciting that it's all happening! Can I ask why Hope Island? What will the commute be? Living there and having to drive to Brisbane daily is a bit like living at Mirdif and driving to Jebel Ali every day...only on a much worse road than the main arterials in Dubai. I'd pay double rent to live in Bulimba before even considering Hope Island. ;) (and not just because of the commute...lol)
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 20:19
Hi rsfactor, it's tenone06 at yahoodotcom. Look forward to keeping in touch- let me know if you find out what we should bring over from Dubai...Hope your move goes smoothly! You got mail!
scp13837
153
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 11:00
Hi rsfactor, it's tenone06 at yahoodotcom. Look forward to keeping in touch- let me know if you find out what we should bring over from Dubai...Hope your move goes smoothly!
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 09:15
Hi scp Most likely hope island Container is leaving July Let me know your email andi will be in touch to swap tips!!
scp13837
153
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 20:44
gentle bump... rsfactor, have you decided on where you're living? We're planning to move some time between mid-June to July. I'm also interested in suggestions on what to bring over from Dubai...
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 10:06
Well I've been to visit and everyone who posted was absolutely right - what a beautiful place i loved Bulimba but think I am going to look around Hope Island and have a bit of a comute (need to find a job though!) Thanks for all your comments and advice I|s there anything you would take with you from Dubai which you think would be useful or expensive to buy over there? If anyone knows anyone who will be looking for a good live in maid from end of June please let me know as this is one of the many things on my list to sort out!
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 20:59
Thanks for all the info. Really useful I'll keep you up to date!
michymat
22
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 18:13
Greenish, I have no time for arrogance and gross bias. You don't know my education, experience, and background, nor do I have any interest in tit for tat. I don't play that game. Bye. Sorry OP.
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 17:52
Of course expats and visitors will have differing views on living in Brisbane, just as some love Dubai and others loathe it. Of course the OP will welcome your opinion on the city as she seeks information to help make her decisions. Gosh...my first few weeks in Dubai, I loathed the place!!! I stayed almost five years and was truly sad to have to leave. You gave Brisbane a few weeks... It's actually your disrespect for my profession that has angered me. You were in the state for a year. How that makes you an expert on education here alludes me. I know the state system inside out. I attended school here, taught here for fifteen years and have worked extensively with teachers and admin in both state & private schools. Never has a single person in the field suggested that any of the states is better or worse than any of the others. LOL...you think I need a wake up call by talking to schools in the UAE???? LOL! Genuine apologies for staying off topic rsfactor but I will defend my profession against such tosh.
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