Thanks everyone for your replies.
Well, we have done alot of talking over the last couple of days and we have decided that we are going to start the application!
Carolyn - we are same as you - we have never been to Oz and if I'm honest, we will have to scrimp and save in order to pay for the visa application so I can't see us affording a recci! it's a shame though, I would have liked to go and spend some time there.
We are thinking about Victoria. I think the main reason is there seem to be quite alot of mechanic jobs in and around Melbourne and the suburbs look nice (and affordable!). Also, it's not hot hot hot all of the time.
Thanks again to everyone for your words of wisdom - I'm sure we will have a million more questions in the months to come!
Lynne xxx