Hi Jane
I see your location is Manchester .... well, I am only assuming now but I reckon you'd want sunshine and beach lifestyle? You have 2 options: Perth or Queensland.
Im in Perth, originally, even though I lived in the UK for around 5 years. I dragged my Essex born and Wales/London bred partner over to Perth when we were pregnant with our boy in 2003 and he just loves it here. The good thing about Perth is that its laid back with a very small town country feel but its a city. Granted it dosent have the 'big city' appeal yet most things are available. It definately does NOT have that rat race feel, no ones in a hurry. Its the opposite, its all laid back. Fantastic if you were a home owner in the UK. You can afford to buy in a really good suburb with good schools. The house prices here are affordable - prices in the Eastern States sky rocket. You can live comfortably here on one wage (providing the wage is half decent) and the government assists also if need be (Im not sure what visa you will be travelling with, you'll need to double check the criteria for government assistance (if you need it that is!) ).
Job wise, thats where it gets a little tricky. Depending on what field you guys are in. Office Admin/Reception - no problems. Alot on offer. Same in Construction/Project management/mining, oil, engineering. Look on
www.seek.com.au - you can do searches according to cities and occupations, comes up with all jobs available. Its great.
Queensland is basically the same lifestyle as Perth but bigger. One of my friends (another expat) has moved to Brisbane with her boyfriend so all this info I have on Queensland is through her and her boyfriend. The quality of life is generally the same as Perth because of the weather and beaches but dont forget its a much bigger city than Perth, so real estate would probably be more expensive as it covers alot more area. When it comes to work, its obvious that there is more scope than Perth. And dont quote me on this but Im pretty sure that the wages are better in the Eastern States due to the bigger city lifestyle.... think London in comparison to say, Newcastle.
But in my honest opinion, knowing what Manchester is like (but not as well as you obviously..) Im guessing you'd be after sunshine and warmth. So my two picks: Perth and Queensland.
Go online and find websites for them both, Im not too sure which ones are any good as I havent ever looked for that kind of thing but do look on this website
www.realestate.com.au - its brilliant for sales and rentals, and it should give you a fair idea on properties. The site also has links about the particular state you're looking in, you know, those kinds of 'Living in Perth' type of sites.
Anyway, I hope your decision is easy and smooth!! I hope I havent waffled on too much and confused the hell out of you!!!
All the best xxxxx