Brisbane and gold coast suburbs

[Megan]

Hi, Well we went to Brisbane and the Gold Coast to get passports stamped. We have been before so nothing new for us but this time we looked seriously at which areas we would or could live in. We are planning to move at the end of this year. Does anyone have any idea of the better areas on the Gold Coast. We loved Coomera but worried that it is in the middle of no where. It is one hour from Brisbane and 25 mins to the surfing beaches on the coast but it has very good schools etc and is apparently still growing. In Brisbane we loved Fig tree pocket and Brookfield. My family live in Brisbane but we love the surf so are very undecided as to where to settle. Also depends on where we get work. Also how bad is the Surfers Paradise threat when you have two daughters. Is Brisbane a safer option. Sorry for all the questions but I need to start applying at schools and we still don't know where to settle. I know it is very personal etc but thought someone might have some input

Thx.

[Guest colton]

Hi Megan,

We live on the Gold Coast, about 7kms from Surfers. The area is good and don't believe all the hype you hear about Surfers. I am sure there are really seedy areas down there that are no go areas but generally my kids go out there all the time. My daughter, the youngest, is 17 years and she spent New Years and Australia Day down there. All was fine, you just have to remember that Surfers is a "holiday" place and so you have alot of backpackers, etc who sometimes attract the drug dealers etc, my kids have never been approached with offers or had anything bad happen to them. I feel much safer with them there than in Durban.

We lived in Redland Bay before we moved down here, for the surf as my whole family are surfers, but let me tell you there is NO surf. I think we have had 3 good surf days since November. But then again I think we got a good trade, no worries for no surf. We just travel regularly for a good wave, but then again that's also great because we get to see some really awesome places.

As far as the distance from Coomera to Brisbane and the Gold Coast goes, the travelling is no big issue. The roads are really good and traffic moves. My hubby travels 1 hr to work each day, I was worried he would get tired of all the travelling, we lived 5 mins away from his work in SA, and my son travels an hour and half to University, in Brisbane, by train each day. Neither of them has a problem with it as the transport and roads are really good, drivers are courteous and alot of people do the travelling thing. All depends on what you want, we would rather live here and travel for work and uni. Don't let the distances worry you!

[Megan]

Thx for the info, we also found the roads such a pleasure. My husband is also keen on the Tweed heads area. I am just trying to find the happy medium between my family in Brisbane(western suburbs) and the beach. Thanx for the input. It looks like travelling will be the answer. We are very spoilt in Durban aren't we. We also live 10mins from work and 5 min from Schools. Any advise on good schools in the Coomera area would be great. My girls are 7 and 9.

Thx Megan.

[Heather]

Hi Megan

Coomera has its areas, Coomera Waters is a good area, some of the areas in Coomera are rental areas so they leave a lot to be desired, some are ok. A terrific school in the area is St Stephens college and has loads of South African kids. If you can afford to look in the Hope Island area or the Oyster Cove, Monterey Keys, River Links area, you would be much better off in the long run. You would be amazed at how many South Africans live in Hope Island. I live in Robina which is closer to the beach - good schools in the area are Emmanuel College (Co-ed), St Hildas (Girls only), Kings Christian College, Somerset College (only if your girls are academic), there is All Saints which my son goes to but with a 5 year waiting list so almost impossible to get into. My kids love surfing and the beach and we are just 3kms away. As for drug problem in Surfers, mine are aged 17, 2 X 19's and a 22 year old and we have been here 6 years and have not been affected by drugs. I am happy to let my 19 year old daughter party in Surfers anytime. They all went to schoolies (end of year celebration like they have at Ballito) and survived without incident. I am originally from Durban - just one thing .....remember this....you visit your family ... you socialise with friends...dont make your choice of Brisbane based on family as you can always visit them...

[celeste]

Hi Megan

Coomera has its areas, Coomera Waters is a good area, some of the areas in Coomera are rental areas so they leave a lot to be desired, some are ok. A terrific school in the area is St Stephens college and has loads of South African kids. If you can afford to look in the Hope Island area or the Oyster Cove, Monterey Keys, River Links area, you would be much better off in the long run. You would be amazed at how many South Africans live in Hope Island. I live in Robina which is closer to the beach - good schools in the area are Emmanuel College (Co-ed), St Hildas (Girls only), Kings Christian College, Somerset College (only if your girls are academic), there is All Saints which my son goes to but with a 5 year waiting list so almost impossible to get into. My kids love surfing and the beach and we are just 3kms away. As for drug problem in Surfers, mine are aged 17, 2 X 19's and a 22 year old and we have been here 6 years and have not been affected by drugs. I am happy to let my 19 year old daughter party in Surfers anytime. They all went to schoolies (end of year celebration like they have at Ballito) and survived without incident. I am originally from Durban - just one thing .....remember this....you visit your family ... you socialise with friends...dont make your choice of Brisbane based on family as you can always visit them...

Hi Heather

We are just starting our on our application for either a 138 or a 496 and if we go for the former the plan is to head for the Gold Coast or Brisbane. My sister lives in Coomera Waters.

She keeps saing the Gold Coast city is bigger than Durban - any idea what work prospects are like there?

We are also unsure of whether to do an LSD as it is sooo expensive and as Megan or someone else pointed out the money is probably far better spent on shipping over the container. Good thinking and justification for not doing the LSD. After all, the only reports we ever hear about Aus are positive. Those who have bad things to say are usually those who don't you to leave SA and are trying to put you off.

Our big dilemma is that if we apply for the 138 we have to sell our house in 12 months to raise the 100 000$ Now that's a difficult decision. Do you know of anyone who has arrived in Aus and not found work and had to actually come back or rely heavily on family?

And did you guys have job offers before you arrived?

Sorry, about all the questions. i think it's just part of the mental process and this forum (and all you wonderful folk) is very therapeutic and a great source of information and encouragement. Thanks for that.

[Heather]

Hi Heather

We are just starting our on our application for either a 138 or a 496 and if we go for the former the plan is to head for the Gold Coast or Brisbane. My sister lives in Coomera Waters.

She keeps saing the Gold Coast city is bigger than Durban - any idea what work prospects are like there?

We are also unsure of whether to do an LSD as it is sooo expensive and as Megan or someone else pointed out the money is probably far better spent on shipping over the container. Good thinking and justification for not doing the LSD. After all, the only reports we ever hear about Aus are positive. Those who have bad things to say are usually those who don't you to leave SA and are trying to put you off.

Our big dilemma is that if we apply for the 138 we have to sell our house in 12 months to raise the 100 000$ Now that's a difficult decision. Do you know of anyone who has arrived in Aus and not found work and had to actually come back or rely heavily on family?

And did you guys have job offers before you arrived?

Sorry, about all the questions. i think it's just part of the mental process and this forum (and all you wonderful folk) is very therapeutic and a great source of information and encouragement. Thanks for that.

Hi all these dilemma's one faces.. No we did not have jobs, and no family to back us, we came on the skilled migration visa. I arrived a month before hubby, found accommodation, settled the kids in schools and then started the job hunting process. For me it was hard, took me about 6 months, eventually I went and did holiday work at one of the theme parks and they offered me a more permanent position even though it was only 4 hours a day. I worked in their guest services, but who cares.. it was a job. I worked there for 2 years until I found another job through word of mouth. My hubby arrived a month after me and was lucky enough to find work the next day although it was in Brisbane and he commuted for two years until he found a job on the Gold Coast. My friend's daughter and her boyfriend have just arrived from Ireland (Ex SA) and they both found work in the first week. Its definitely a case of who you know and once you know that you are coming over you start putting the feelers out. What line of work are you both in? I have been here 6 years now and pretty well connected.(PS a friend of ours took 6 months to find a job in Brisbane - his wife found one pretty quick as she is a teacher). I would agree with your sister. Dont waste the money on a LSD... its a beautiful place and if you like Durban then the Gold Coast is the place to be - commuting to and from Brisbane is ok as the train service is good. You mustnt despair, worst case scenario - you pack shelves at night to make ends meet - I know a south african that has done that and now he manages his own company...but would do it all over again. The ease you feel knowing your kids can travel on local transport and go out at night and be as safe as they can be, makes up for all the hardships you face when you first arrive. Dont be fooled, it isnt all a bed of roses. The first year is the hardest - but you will get through as you have family here. I havent heard of anyone going back - not from here. Hope this helps - feel free to ask loads of questions..

regards

Heather

[Megan]

Thx Heather for all the info, I did feel that Coomera Waters was the only nice thing about Coomera. We didn't venture into Hope Island as I thought it was all mansions. Anyway will look into it and the other areas you mentioned. I loved Robina as well especially the shopping centre. Thought it was more modern than the ones in Brisbane. I am looking for a well rounded , nuturing school, not like the Durban Girl's college/ St Mary's of the world. I think any of the catholic/ christain schools seem fine. What do you think. I actually went and looked at St Stephen's and thought it was unreal. Streaks ahead of our schools here. Are there any other ones similar to that. We still have not decided about Brisbane or Gold coast yet but seem to think that we should go where our hearts take us. We love the beach and can't see us living too far away from it. Do you know anything about the Tweed heads area. My husband likes that area and is looking at buying an investment property in Cassurina beach estate. Could you live there or is it too much a holiday place. We stayed there for a weekend and loved it. Anyway enough questions for now

Cheers from a sweltering Durbs.

[Queensland Girl]

Hi Megan

I live on the northern end of the Gold Coast , in the Hope island area and there are Mansions, but also many more affordable homes. I particularly like Santa Barbara and Helensvale and Arundel.. Older, more established suburbs.

Search for them on www.realestate.com.au

Northern Gold Coast I must also mention AB Patterson College (for the academic Achiever) and Coomera Anglican College. Both Colleges are strict and self discipline and respect are highly valued.

My Sister-in-law lives on an acre property in Mudgereeba . She has two beautiful Rhodesian Ridgebacks and they need the space. She is also a prolific gardener and master with the chainsaw and weedeater and lawnmower.(called a whipper snipper in Australia).(closer to Robina - Southern Gold Coast) and her children are thriving in Mudgereeba State Primary School.

Mudgereeba village is pretty.Similar to the Heritage Market in Hillcrest.

[celeste]

Hi all these dilemma's one faces.. No we did not have jobs, and no family to back us, we came on the skilled migration visa. I arrived a month before hubby, found accommodation, settled the kids in schools and then started the job hunting process. For me it was hard, took me about 6 months, eventually I went and did holiday work at one of the theme parks and they offered me a more permanent position even though it was only 4 hours a day. I worked in their guest services, but who cares.. it was a job. I worked there for 2 years until I found another job through word of mouth. My hubby arrived a month after me and was lucky enough to find work the next day although it was in Brisbane and he commuted for two years until he found a job on the Gold Coast. My friend's daughter and her boyfriend have just arrived from Ireland (Ex SA) and they both found work in the first week. Its definitely a case of who you know and once you know that you are coming over you start putting the feelers out. What line of work are you both in? I have been here 6 years now and pretty well connected.(PS a friend of ours took 6 months to find a job in Brisbane - his wife found one pretty quick as she is a teacher). I would agree with your sister. Dont waste the money on a LSD... its a beautiful place and if you like Durban then the Gold Coast is the place to be - commuting to and from Brisbane is ok as the train service is good. You mustnt despair, worst case scenario - you pack shelves at night to make ends meet - I know a south african that has done that and now he manages his own company...but would do it all over again. The ease you feel knowing your kids can travel on local transport and go out at night and be as safe as they can be, makes up for all the hardships you face when you first arrive. Dont be fooled, it isnt all a bed of roses. The first year is the hardest - but you will get through as you have family here. I havent heard of anyone going back - not from here. Hope this helps - feel free to ask loads of questions..

regards

Heather

Hi Heather

Many thanks for that, it's what I really needed to hear...ie. arbitrary jobs are in the plenty. I'm a journalist work at a regional newspaper here and my husband is a graphic designer. Any idea what the job prospects may look like? Are there many newspapers around?

I also have six years experience in a bank doing telling, enquires etc so hoping that will count for something.

We will really be "wrecking" our careers by leaving SA...things are going fantastic at the moment but I can't really rest easy knowing that we have enough points for aus and wondering about the future of the country. Many, many people are talking about emmigration at the moment. Its like a major upsurge as there was back in 1993 or so and just after 1994.

The other option would be UK but too cold....hearing you say "its not a bed of roses" makes me nervous. I guess its also cos at 34 it's a big thing to just uproot like this. It looks like we'll be going for the skilled 138 sponsored visa as then we have the five year option of deciding when to leave. Of course we'd have to sell the house but done the sums and looks like we could buy a little duplex in Pinetown or maybe in glenwood/umbilo where we stay now. At least we'd still be in the market and maybe even make a little profit on that before coming over. Hoping things will stay stable hear at least till 2010 and maybe a few years after.... Hoping to leave just before 2010 or maybe sooner.

Do you know who set this forum up? Was it Hendie and Deidre? Why did they set it up? I'm just curious and havent found anythign regarding its history on the site.

Thanks again heather for taking the time to chat.

Will keep in touch via the forum

[Ingrid/ Hairdresser]

Hi

Well here I am in Vancouver Canada and on my way to Brisbane on the 18th March hoping that I'll be able to move to Ozzie soonest. If anyone tells you that the weather doesn,t matter check it out for yourself , because IT DOES ! We were hoping to make contact with some of the people my kids went to school with. My kids were in Martin School Primary, Boksburg and Boksburg High School. My son Shaun Zimmermann 16yrs old and my daughter Kim Zimmermann 14yrs old are both hoing that we might meet up with some of their friends. So if there's anyone from Martin School and Boksburg High , we're comig to Brisbane / Gold Coast from 20th March and leaving 9th April. We'll be staying at Tresure Island Holiday Resort Gold Coast which is 23km from Brisbane City which will give us an opportunity to set up work etc. My kids are so hoping to meet up with some of their friends.

[WallyBok]

Hi Heather

Many thanks for that, it's what I really needed to hear...ie. arbitrary jobs are in the plenty. I'm a journalist work at a regional newspaper here and my husband is a graphic designer. Any idea what the job prospects may look like? Are there many newspapers around?

I also have six years experience in a bank doing telling, enquires etc so hoping that will count for something.

We will really be "wrecking" our careers by leaving SA...things are going fantastic at the moment but I can't really rest easy knowing that we have enough points for aus and wondering about the future of the country. Many, many people are talking about emmigration at the moment. Its like a major upsurge as there was back in 1993 or so and just after 1994.

The other option would be UK but too cold....hearing you say "its not a bed of roses" makes me nervous. I guess its also cos at 34 it's a big thing to just uproot like this. It looks like we'll be going for the skilled 138 sponsored visa as then we have the five year option of deciding when to leave. Of course we'd have to sell the house but done the sums and looks like we could buy a little duplex in Pinetown or maybe in glenwood/umbilo where we stay now. At least we'd still be in the market and maybe even make a little profit on that before coming over. Hoping things will stay stable hear at least till 2010 and maybe a few years after.... Hoping to leave just before 2010 or maybe sooner.

Do you know who set this forum up? Was it Hendie and Deidre? Why did they set it up? I'm just curious and havent found anythign regarding its history on the site.

Thanks again heather for taking the time to chat.

Will keep in touch via the forum

Hi Heather

The biggest part of your moving is your attitude - there are going to be times when you will question why you moved and this is when you need to be able to reaffirm your reason why you left SA and if those reasons are still relevant.

About where to live - I think the first thing you need to establish is what you can comfortably afford then start looking at the areas. The price of property can vary considerably from area to area and can comes as a shock to many migrants when compared to what you may have in SA.

We live in Chapel Hill in the western suburbs of Brisbane and it is great and home to many South Africans.

Good Luck

[Heather]

Hi Megan

Yeah there are great schools as you mention all over the gold coast, if you are looking in the robina area then I would look at schools like Emmanuel College (lots of south africans kids and as nice as St Stephens), obviously the houses in Robina area are a lot more affordable, but I agree with Queensland girl - the areas she mentioned are also nice to look at and one of my friends daughters went to AB Patterson (Not too many SA in her school tho), also their is Kings Christian college - you might want to google them and have a look, out of the two, I would say Emmanuel as it has terrific school grounds and nice kids, great headmaster.I have a friend who has a house in Casaurina as a holiday home and they love it, but as a holiday home. Only one thing you must remember if you are looking down Tweed way, they go on daylight savings time and QLD doesnt, so if the kids are at school on the Gold Coast for example, or if one of you work here it gets rather confusing with the hour difference. I can give you my friends contact details if you want to talk to her about Casaurina, but I think you would be a bit isolated if you have teenagers as that is not where "things are happening".

Heather

[Heather]

Hi Megan

Yeah there are great schools as you mention all over the gold coast, if you are looking in the robina area then I would look at schools like Emmanuel College (lots of south africans kids and as nice as St Stephens), obviously the houses in Robina area are a lot more affordable, but I agree with Queensland girl - the areas she mentioned are also nice to look at and one of my friends daughters went to AB Patterson (Not too many SA in her school tho), also their is Kings Christian college - you might want to google them and have a look, out of the two, I would say Emmanuel as it has terrific school grounds and nice kids, great headmaster.I have a friend who has a house in Casaurina as a holiday home and they love it, but as a holiday home. Only one thing you must remember if you are looking down Tweed way, they go on daylight savings time and QLD doesnt, so if the kids are at school on the Gold Coast for example, or if one of you work here it gets rather confusing with the hour difference. I can give you my friends contact details if you want to talk to her about Casaurina, but I think you would be a bit isolated if you have teenagers as that is not where "things are happening".

Heather

[Guest colton]

AB Patterson is a fantastic school. My daughter goes there and we are very happy. There are quite a few SA's there in the senior school, no idea about the junior school though. We even have two South African teachers. Arundel is a nice area to live as well as Parkwood.

I think the Gold Coast is much nicer than Brisbane but I also know alot of people who live that way who just love it. Just as a side note though nearly everyone has said how difficult the first year is, we haven't had a single bad day and so I think it depends on your reasons for coming. I am sure you will do well, if you have the attitude that you are prepared to do anything to make it work then it will. Wallybok was absolutely right, your attitude decides the outcome for you.

[Megan]

Thx guys for all the help, although still very confused. I think we just have to get there rent for a while and then buy a house once we have researched all areas. As far as schools go maybe I should apply at two or three and take it from there. The Gold Coast sounds really nice and I think we will end up there.

Cheers Megan

[celeste]

Hi Megan

Yeah there are great schools as you mention all over the gold coast, if you are looking in the robina area then I would look at schools like Emmanuel College (lots of south africans kids and as nice as St Stephens), obviously the houses in Robina area are a lot more affordable, but I agree with Queensland girl - the areas she mentioned are also nice to look at and one of my friends daughters went to AB Patterson (Not too many SA in her school tho), also their is Kings Christian college - you might want to google them and have a look, out of the two, I would say Emmanuel as it has terrific school grounds and nice kids, great headmaster.I have a friend who has a house in Casaurina as a holiday home and they love it, but as a holiday home. Only one thing you must remember if you are looking down Tweed way, they go on daylight savings time and QLD doesnt, so if the kids are at school on the Gold Coast for example, or if one of you work here it gets rather confusing with the hour difference. I can give you my friends contact details if you want to talk to her about Casaurina, but I think you would be a bit isolated if you have teenagers as that is not where "things are happening".

Heather

Hi Heather

I'm gng to take you up on the offer of asking lots of questions!

These schools that you mention...are they private schools or state schools? We would like to send our kids to a Christian school. Do you have any idea of the school fees at private and Christian schools? Or is this only for the super rich?

As far as I understand permanent residents qualify for free state schooling. Is this correct and how do the

standards of schools on the Gold Coast compare with their private schools and also to SA standards of the likes of Maris Stella or a good government school like Penzance primary or Chelsea in DBN north for

example?

Many thanks again!

Lyse

From what i understand state schooling is free....but how desirable is the education standard?

[Megan]

Hi there, I'm also from Durban and am researching the schools quite extensively. My two sisters are in Kenmore, Brisbane and the catholic school that their kids go to (year two/three) is about $2000 per year(incl all levy's). I think that is fairly cheap as I pay about R19 000 for a catholic school in durban North. It seems to be same level of education and facilities. I also have heard that the good state schools compare very well with our better government schools. I think the christian based schools all seem very good and affordable.

Hope that helps a bit.

Megan

[Queensland Girl]

My children are in Coomera Anglican College:

Grade 9 and Grade 11.

The cost is $4000 per annum per child.

St Stephens College is aproximately $5000 per annum

Christian Schools will cost aproximately $4000-$8000 per annum.

More expensive are the Grammar Schools(usually single sex old school tie). The fees here are about $12 000 per annum

The Catholic Schools are the cheapest at about $2500 per annum.

I have no experience with the public school system.

[Megan]

Hi Queensland Girl

sorry one more thing on this topic, how easy is it to get into these schools (St Stephens or Coomera Anglican College). Do you need to apply now for next year or can you leave it to the last term of this year. We are not sure where we are going to live yet. My girls are 7 and nearly 10. Also is there much difference between these two schools. I only went to St Stephens but have heard that they are both excellent.

Thx for all your help

[Queensland Girl]

Not much difference between the two schools.

Both schools work really hard to achieve a high level of discipline(esspecially High School)

Facilities are roughly the same.

Both schools have waiting lists for certain grades

Please secure places asap.

One can always decline an offer closer to the time.

[celeste]

Not much difference between the two schools.

Both schools work really hard to achieve a high level of discipline(esspecially High School)

Facilities are roughly the same.

Both schools have waiting lists for certain grades

Please secure places asap.

One can always decline an offer closer to the time.

Hi Guys

many thanks Q Girl and Megan. My daughter is only in grade 00 now and only just started visa application - do you think we should still apply now for grade one? The anglican school sounds a good option for me. Do you know whether they have a website?

Ta

Lyse

[Queensland Girl]

Hi Guys

many thanks Q Girl and Megan. My daughter is only in grade 00 now and only just started visa application - do you think we should still apply now for grade one? The anglican school sounds a good option for me. Do you know whether they have a website?

Ta

Lyse

Grade ONE seems to be the difficult one to get into, as many kids move up from the Prep year.

I can not encourage you enough to set up places at the schools of your choice. I have seen many a family having to put their children in schools with which they were not happy due to places in their school of choice not available.

Coomera Anglican College

www.cac.qld.edu.au

Something I love about this school is that the IT department is really on the ball.

Each child and teacher has their own e-mail adress.

I can ask any teacher/principal a question per e-mail and have an answer in an hour.

6 computer labs & Library computers (Super fast broadband)

Assignments are done at home and sent to school via e-mail and visa versa.

A lot of school work is also computer based.

I think St Stephens is up with this as well.

[celeste]

Thanks Queensland girl, you're a star.

It's going to be tricky for us cos visa only likely to be obtained around next march which is my daughter's grade 0 year. But God is in control and all will work out for the best!

thanks again

[Heather]

Thx guys for all the help, although still very confused. I think we just have to get there rent for a while and then buy a house once we have researched all areas. As far as schools go maybe I should apply at two or three and take it from there. The Gold Coast sounds really nice and I think we will end up there.

Cheers Megan

Good for you Megan...the Gold Coast (we are not biased in any way) is the best!! all the schools in this area are good...so I would advise renting for at least 6 months before buying. Also make a note to get your insurance company to give you an all clear letter for car insurance as it will help you get a better insurance rate on your car once you are here...we didnt do that..

If you like Robina...there is a fantastic complex to rent in called Eastlakes right next to the Town Centre..you can rent a free standing 4 bed home as well as duplex type with three and four beds. They have a wonderful pool,spa and gym in the complex - quite decent with walking distance to schools, shops and station - so perfect for just arriving.

regards

Heather

[celeste]

Hi Heather

It's amazing, I was just thinking this mornin that it's going to be tricky when we arrive and was wondering about how much cash we would have available (if any once living expenses for a month or two taken into account - we have to invest 100 000 dollars with aus govt so that will leave us quite tight!) to buy a second hand car when we arrive. I have downloaded the page with your advice (i think i need to put all the tips from this site in a little black book) so I don't forget the name of the place. Is Robina a complex?? And how far is it from Coomera Waters?

My mom and dad are visting Coomera Waters (my sister) at the moment. They arrived this morning. I wish I was there.

Thanks for your post about obtaining a HL. Is it very important to get an AMEX card in order to prove to the bank that you have some credit record? Read this on another post? Would it help to get a letter from our bank manager over here or a copy of our credit record from the credit bureau?

Which bank do you work for? I worked for the blue bank in SA for several years.

Cheers

Lyse