Where in Australia

[PonderingWonderings]

Just in the researching stages of planning a move over. DHs role is on the skilled occupations list and he is looking at potential jobs.

We have family in Perth and the Sunshine Coast, but we don't need to be close to either of them, and would be keen to avoid the heat of Perth.

I'm looking for recommendations on areas to look into. We want temperate weather, the kind that supports a bit of hobby farming/grow your own. We want good access to nature and nearby schools.

I appreciate that Australia is vast so there's likely lots of different answers, research so far seems to suggest regional Victoria or South Australia.

Regional NSW is a possibility. Outside of Canberra looking between Canberra and the coast and heading north from there.

Hobby farming/close to schools can be a tricky mix. There are some lovely towns near me but I'd not want to run a hobby farm and still commute the kids to school .

That being said I'm in a NSW town, with more than enough land to grow veggies/chocks kids can walk to school.

Margaret River?

South Australia / VIC / Tasmania? Though SA can get HOT in summer. Parts of VIC are very green and lush.

What type of jobs is your DH looking for? That might determine locations more than anything. I agree that parts of SA can be incredibly hot!

Hobart?

Great community spirit and weather is brighter than the UK but avoids the brutal heat of summer. Lots of opportunities for hobby farming within fairly easy reach of civilisation.

It's a different vibe to mainland but does tick some of your boxes.

He is in IT.

Oh, that's good to know. Can you name any of the lush areas?

Loads of Victoria is lush and green - and much of tassie feels like the UK! I visited the areas around Bright in VIC last year and thought it was very beautiful. Lots of lovely freshwater areas to swim in etc. The Adelaide Hills are gorgeous, too.

Regional SA can be brutally hot. Like 45 degrees brutal.

Look at Gippsland in Vic maybe.

You probably need to have a think about what you want. As pp said Bright is lovely, great for hobby farming, can ski in the winter and have all 4 seasons. It’s also hot in the summer (reaching 40s at times) and is a small bush community with 1 school that goes from Prep-12. If you’re coming from the UK that’s going to be a bit of a shock to the system especially in terms of academics. The cooler climates round Canberra would give you access to more choices of schools and there’s some excellent ones in Canberra, albeit a little more expensive than Bright. Also the southern highlands are pretty cool temperatures and also have excellent schools, they’re also closer to Sydney which is better for international travel although comes with a price tag to match. All these areas get up to mid 30s (check them out for next week). If you’re coming from want more UK temperatures then Tassie is your best bet.

IF he could get a fully, home working role- you could live anywhere with a good internet connection. IF he would have to go into an office, even just occasionally, then the outskirts of a major city is what you'll need.

There is an area just south of Sydney called the Southern Highlands. Its cooler than Western parts of Sydney, more greenery with some lovely rural areas/hobby farms. I believe there are some excellent, private schools- but some parts are very expensive. Bowral, Berrima, Mossvale and surrounds. Robertson isn't too far away and that is where they filmed 'Babe'. Depending on traffic, and where any office was, you could get to Sydney city in about 1.5hrs. You'd also be about 1hr from the beach. There are likely similar areas near Melbourne, but I'm not as familiar with Victoria.

I have a cousin in Strathalbyn, the hills area around Adelaide. The hills are generally cooler than the plains, but they too have had very hot days. They had power outages a few years ago. The houses have shutters to keep the cool in and heat out- but with no electric, they were closed shut so the inside of her house was dark all day- and no lights, air cons or fans working. She is 50mins to Adelaide.

Other relatives moved to Tasmania and have set up an eco/veggie farm. They love it.

A lot depends on whether you are wanting to buy or rent, and how much you have to spend. If your budget is unlimited then you can look anywhere.

From experience, I would recommend looking at some of the villages (e.g., Olinda and Ferntree Gully) in the Dandedongs, east of Melbourne and an easy commute to the city.

I think it really depends on where your DH can get work. IT is pretty broad but most of the jobs, especially the more senior ones which I assume he would be looking at for salary are very much Sydney and Melbourne based. A lot of the bigger companies are now insisting on 2-3 days back in the office even when it really makes no sense. A long commute might be doable for a few days a week but anywhere nice will be expensive (I know people who live in the Southern a highlands and Blue Mountains and come in to Sydney CBD a couple of days a week as they think it is worth it).

We moved 17 years ago, DH was in IT at the time and similarly got PR based on his job. Best move we ever made but we were fortunate that the Sydney housing market was not as crazy as now, good luck.

South of Perth (draw a triangle following the coast down and around to past Albany. After that, water is a problem) is very popular for what you want but the IT thing might not be conducive.

You would end up less than five hours max from family.

Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is beautiful, very green and plenty of excellent wineries.

Bit of a weird one but if your DH could get a part time WFH position there is a ferry from Portarlington on the Bellarine into the city. Wouldn't want to do it every day, but a couple of days a week would be manageable