Expert: Mick Maurer - 10/24/2007

Question
i know this is not exactly your area of expertise but maybe you can help. My partner and I are seriously considering emigrating to Australia. we have passed the points test and are soon to apply for a visa under the general skilled migration programme. We are 20 and 21 years old with no children so we are looking for somewhere livly (but not crowded) hopefully with a beach nearby where there will be enough work oppurtunities. My partner is a Joiner and i am a civl servant currently working for the british government. Although not totally sure where we want to live we are swung more towards Queensland , the Sunshine coast especially coloundra. We are looking for somewhere friendly as we don't really know any body in australia and its a long way back to the U.K if we find ourselves lonely. my boyfriend is a keen (although very amatuer) surfer and i enjoy the nightlife. do you think Coloundra is the place for us? any suggestions most welcome xxx"

Answer
If I were moving to Australia, I would pick someplace near Brisbane because of the weather, culture and activities.  Any place north or south of Surfers Parasidse would be ideal.  You will probably find the cost more expensive in Surfers Paradise but there will be more job opportunities than in the outlying towns.
Wish I could go with you.

Mick Maurer
Aussie Travel