I would like to move to Australia. Brisbane or Melbourne? Or any other suggestions.....?

Question

We have 2 small kids and want to be in a cultural city but near beaches and countryside with likeminded people. Any suggestions where we should go?

Answer 1

Either Melbourne or Brisbane are great places to raise a family, low crime rates, good schools etc.

In terms of lifestyle there is a distinct difference between the two and this basically revolves around the weather.

If you like it to be predominantly sunny all the time pick Brisbane as it is more tropical in climate.

If you like to be able to experience all of the seasons rather than just the wet season and the dry season pick Melbourne.

Melbourne is probably considered the sporting capital of Australia so if you like sport pick Melbourne.

Both have good beaches within 1hr drive though in all likelihood there will be more days in Brisbane when you can realistically go to the beach - though many Queensland beaches get a significant number of jellyfish during certain times of the year which is not good if you have kids, whereas Victorian beaches don't generally have this.

Oh - Qld also has Cane toads which have not yet reached Victoria.

Both have great restaurants, though I would probably tip the ledger towards Melbourne in this regard.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

not being from either but having lived in both, I can be unbiased. Hands down, Melbourne is better for culture - in all ways. However, if you want beaches, sydney is the place to be, as Melbourne's suck. The countryside is really good at both, so I guess you need to figure out whether you are a beach or culture person. FYI - Melbourne is Australia's most european city.

Answer 3

just spent 3 and half years out there.If you live in the southern highlands you are an hour and 45 mins from Sydney to the north good place for new years eve,Canberra capital of oz to the south. Coast around an hour away where you can head north or south. Royal national park to the north has beautiful quiet beaches same as Jervis bay to south.in between you have kiama and the blowhole, temple and marine park at Jervis bay. Brisbane and Melbourne are 13 hours away. so living in southern highlands is ideal-half way between two states close to cities and beaches.Blue mountains are well worth going to on regular basis.Macquarie pass and kangaroo valley are well worth the driving down. Southern highlands also have their own mountain and lake.Could give you loads more info and pics and keep rambling on, but will stop now.Forgot to say all hours are actual driving hours and 4 hours to south of southern highlands are the snowy mountains great for skiiing in winter main resorts being thredbo, 4 hours to northis hunter valley where all vineyards and cellars are so you can learn about winemaking tour vineyards and purchase. Also on coast around newcastle area are the huge sand dunes where you can go 4wdriving sandboarding or take a 4wd tour all over them. to fly to brisbane or melbourne is 1hr 40mins.

Answer 4

Best place for you would be Adelaide then, it is still very cultural, has wonderful artistic events throughout the year also, and the best wine region in the world.Yet still has fantastic beaches and nearby beautiful countryside, yet isnt as big as melbourne or brisbane.

Answer 5

If you are looking down under, I must agree about New Zealand. It is great but Australia does not stay behind.
There it is up to you how big the place should be: for example; In New Zealand, Auckland is nice but big. You may consider Christchurch if you want a smaller quieter place.
In Australia, I would recommend Adelaide or Sydnei...
If you would accept a place that speaks other language than English, try South of France (e.g. Nice). It is simply lovely...

Answer 6

Hi there. If you are wanting a great environment to bring up kids, if you are wanting the best beaches in the world, if you are wanting cheapest housing, if you are wanting the best weather, if you are wanting the best countryside with wineries and huge karri trees that are hundreds of years old, if you are wanting the best lifestyle possible, Perth Western Australia is the place for you. check out this website, the possibilities are endless. http://www.perth.australia.name/ All the best, Poppet from Australia

Answer 7

Hi there,

You may also want to consider where are the best employment opportunities for you.

I have helped many people move to Australia and those that haven't been there before often travel around the main cities before deciding on where to settle.

Another consideration is that, depending on the visa you have, you may be restricted to a particular city or state.

I am happy to provide specific advice on employment and visas if you email me at [e-mail]

Answer 8

I loved Melbourne myself but if you have kids I think that in Brisbane you are nearer to a lot more things. Lots of places to visit and loads more nicer beaches.

Answer 9

Christchurch New Zealand which is very cultural and only 20mins away from beautiful beaches and 1hr away from mountains for skiing,countryside is 15mins away.look it up on the net you will love it here.

Answer 10

Brisbane! It's surrounded by beaches. Plus, the locals are friendly.