Expert: Frank Denison - 6/3/2010

Question
Hello Frank.

Thank you for offering your time to answer our questions.  :-)

I am 33, Australian, born in Perth.  My husband is 34, Jamaican and we have a 12 year old son.  We currently live in London, England.

We want to move to Australia on the east coast but we are not sure where to go.

I feel drawn towards Southern Queensland - Brisbane and northern NSW for the easy going warm tropical sunshine and beaches, but we like the cultural diversity and opportunities that Sydney seems to offer.  I don't want to live any where south of Sydney, infact a couple of hours north of Sydney would probably be south enough for us.  We don't want to be in a major city, but not too far away either, maybe 1-2 hours drive away.

We are both musicians also, and we would like to be involved some how in Australia's indigenous culture.  Our Son is a pilot in waiting and would love to join the Australian Air League.

Any advice or suggestions?  

Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Chantel,
          I hope things are great in London. I would not recommend Sydney. It is a beautiful city, lots of attractions, but it is very busy.

The towns north of Sydney that may be more suitable are Gosford and Hawkesbury. Both close to beaches, and not far from Sydney. It is not as warm as Brisbane though. The hinterland near the Gold Coast may be what would be suitable for you as well if you want to steer clear of major cities.

Mt Tamborine, Ballina, Murwullimbah, even Byron Bay would be worth looking at. Byron Bay is about 2 hours from Brisbane, has fantastic beaches, and has a very relaxed lifestyle. I thnik Byron bay may be what you are looking for. Mt Tamborine is a smaller village, abotu an hours drive south of Brisbane. Once agian, very relaxed, but also beautiful, with rainforests.Have a search on the net and decide if you can get a feel for either place. My top 2 would be Byron bay or Mt Tamborine

My wife and I are having our first trip to London in September this year, and we can't wait.

If I can help more, in anyway, please contact me again.

Regards,
Frank