Tell me about Brisbane!

[Rillyrillygoodlooking]

We may be relocating to Brisbane in the next three months or so, depending on how long it takes to organise and if we can or not...

There is me, OH, DS (3.5) and DD (2). We are hoping that DH can move offices from where we are at the moment to Brisbane, I think his office is in the city.

Where are the good/nice/reasonably priced places to live?
How expensive is it?
What's it like for small children?
Are there scary animals there?!

Any other interesting info gratefully received.

TIA

[Rillyrillygoodlooking]

So far, a job transfer looks like a goer for DH, so I would love some insights into Brisbane ... :)

[wahine12]

Well, I have been here 3 weeks and it's lovely. Middle of winter and I'm out on the deck.

Not sure where to live. We're renting a house in Wilston, which has loads of amenity and very close to the CBD. Our rent is $580 per week furnished, but this is exceptional and we got it through a friend. Generally this would be the cost of an unfurnished house.

Just booked my two year old into a daycare centre for 2 days a week at $67.50 per day (less if you are eligible for childcare rebate). But it can be difficult to get care. Loads of parks and other places to explore.

Food is pretty expensive and bananas are horrendous ($12/kg). Coffee is $4 or thereabouts.

If you are eligible for Medicare then doctors' visits for the kids are generally free (the surgery chooses to bulk bill the government).

Not sure what else to say except that this is the best place I have moved to in a long while. Very easy.

Would also love some advice on where to live.

[wahine12]

Oh, and no crocodiles, snakes, spiders, etc. so far. The bats are a bit problematic as they are roosting in the tree and their droppings are evil. And the koalas at the zoo are soo cute.

[Rillyrillygoodlooking]

Thanks wahine. I am glad you are enjoying it!

We relocated from the UK to NZ last year and I forgot how hard it was ... and now we are doing it all over again.

Can I ask, is there any subsidy for 3 year olds and kindy/preschool, like there is in NZ? ie 20 hours a week free?

[MrsDistinctlyMintyMonetarism]

Hi rilly,

I'm out in the western suburbs, The Gap to be precise. Rent here is pretty expensive. Our one must have was a pool and as a result our rent is over $900 a week.

Yes. A week.

Stuff is very expensive over here, but it is nice. There is a lovely long thread right here that isn't just Brissie based, but has lots of info.

There are a group of us that have started to meet up as well, so if you do make it we'd love to meet you!

[MrsDistinctlyMintyMonetarism]

wahine did you see the thread for a meet up in the school hols?

[wahine12]

MrsDMM I did see the thread to meet up but hadn't arrived yet. Hoping that another opportunity will arise.

Goodlooking there isa Childcare Benefit which helps out but there is an income limit. This is explained here: www.mychild.gov.au/childcarerebate/

[MrsDistinctlyMintyMonetarism]

I am pretty sure that Chloe and Gotobed are meeting up in the next couple of weeks... thread here

Hope that you can make this one!

[zzlondongirlzz]

Hi, I've been in Brisbane just over a month. So far so good - life isn't really that different to the UK just better and more parks and playgrounds. I'm south east of the CBD - my local areas are Bulimba, Morningside, Hawthorne, Balmoral and Norman Park and I'm really happy with it - there seem to be loads of mums/playgroups etc BUT it's pricey.... rent is upwards of 850AUD per week for a 4 bedroom, over 1000AUD per week if you want a pool/bigger garden etc. As with any largeish city the morning peak traffic is awful - a very helpful mumsnetter (think it was someone above actually!) suggested looking at the Brisbane transport maps (trains, ferries etc) which is a good place to start your research for areas re getting into work. Childcare can be in very short supply in some areas...be warned, I've looked around a few daycare places for my son in this area and 6 to 12 month waiting lists are common...yikes. Happy planning.