Anyone in/from Queensland? Wanna talk me out of it?

[toOzornottoOz]

Hi, please forgive my long post, I'm depserate for some advice.

DH and I are from London, living on the outskirts, have three children, DD9 and DTS7. We're both bored stiff of living in the UK, it really doesn't suit us and we don't like it for our children.
I have lived and worked all over the place in the past, Brazil, Spain, Greece, Thailand, Singapore, and spent a year as a working couple travelling around Oz.

Then we got sucked into getting stable jobs and a stable environment for the children, buying a house etc. Well, we got the jobs, made the money (were very lucky just before the credit crunch) own our house outright and we want out!

The truth is that the time I spent in Queensland was the only time in my life I felt that I "belong". I could breathe easily, unlike the rest of my life. I felt I was finally home after a very long time... And I want to move there. We did a little Visa questionnaire and we were informed that if we applied for residency we would have good chances. My children seem to take these things to their stride.

BUT, I'm not naive, I know that being there on a holiday is not the same as living there. I don't care about shopping,I'm kind of a "back to the basics" person. I like it there because I think people are friendly and laid back (is it true?).

And what about schools?

It's such a big terrifying decision to make, but I so want to make it! Please tell me the worst you know about Queensland, so I can decide if it's worth it.

[toOzornottoOz]

thank you all for sharing your experiences.

We'll be reasearching on how to go about interviews for visas tonight :-) Probably move in 2011.

So excited!

[girlsyearapart]

SIL moved to sunshine coast about 7 ish years ago with her three dc- youngest was 2 then. They all love it. We have been over twice, would love to move there. We are hopefully going to spend a year over there at some point.

[DecorHate]

I disagree that racism in Australia is no different to
in the UK. Outside the major cities I was shocked at how openly racist many people were - it was definitely something that would put me off living there permanently and had stopped an Australian friend moving back there with her non-white dh. And Queensland and the NT were the worst areas...

[toOzornottoOz]

thanks Decor, but we have worked out a way to sign up for a year initially and see how we (and the kids) like it.

We'll leave our house here as it is and only take with us what's necccessary, so it will feel more like a working holiday, therefore less pressure to make hasty decisions

[LouIsOnAHighwayToHell]

Well I will be back there on Monday so after being away for 4 years and I will see if I still like it I'll let you know

[LadyPeterWimsey]

Enjoy, Lou! I wish I was heading to Oz - Queensland to visit, Sydney to live.

[LouIsOnAHighwayToHell]

Well I am only there for two weeks and I bet after one trip to coles/woolies I will be crying out for Waitrose!!

[chloeb2002]

nope cant talk you out of it however if you want to apply i suggest you put an application in.. depending how you apply and what you do?? if you are coming under genearl skilled migration atm with no critical skill then i beleive no applications are being processed till june 2012! and a huge que is foriming allready. the best way is to come under the ens scheme. Personally i (ducking so as not to get shot down in flames) prefer living nearer the big smoke, brisbane, better facilities, stuff for kids... less of a holiday resort... but real life... better however than the uk.. still with white beaches and sunshine!
Schools here mean we have a good choice, some regional schools have problems and may be a huge culture shock for your kids!