BooBooBear

Sorry but, totally disagree with this comment. I have lived in two really nice house rentals, in lovely areas of Sydney, near the water, with an easy commute to the CBD. And the rent was less than $500.00 a week. One of them had a massive garden and views too. The other within a five minute walk of water views and lifestyle.

What a great idea. Then you decided which one you like best. The dog can stay at a kennel short term, and you can stay at a caravan park (most have chalets), and when you decide which area suits - then rent or buy a house. Lucky you for having this opportunity to choose between two. I don't recall ever being cold in Queensland. But I do remember Central Australia around Alice Springs could be freezing at night, despite hot day temperatures. And this past winter in Sydney, I was so cold I had to wear thermal long-johns and thermal socks to venture out. So yes, I agree with the comment "People are often surprised how cold they feel in Australia".

Well it seems (to me) that Cairns and around Cairns is more touristy. So therefore perhaps more hotels and restaurants. And more need of chefs. Having said that, Townsville I believe has a large casino and waterfront eateries. Cairns is maybe more affected by the wet season than Townsville is. So both have their positive and negative aspects. Personally I am of the belief, that if you are a trained chef, you can get work almost anywhere. I would not worry about a hot kitchen. Most kitchens are hot, as it comes with the territory. I worked in a kitchen in London and a kitchen in Darwin. About the same in heat levels. Except the Darwin one had air con.

Which suburb are you in please? I am looking to move up there too. But many of the CC areas I think are UNgorgeous.

Weirdest thing I saw was "Churchills Head" an oddly shaped rock on the old Stuart Highway in the NT.

I have stayed down there a few times. I love Hyams Beach. But each time I stayed in Kangaroo Valley in "Little Pig Creek Cottage". Using that as a base, I then explored the Shoalhaven area each day. Otherwise there is meant to be a nice caravan park at Greenwell Point

Do you actually need to plan it now? I mean, if you did make grand plans now, you could easily meet up with others in Sydney and those plans could change in a blink of an eye. I would actually suggest going to Sydney for the month, chat to other backpackers about their experiences and travels, and from there decide your next route. I was in Sydney and NSW from September to March. I stayed in Sydney longer than I expected because I really loved it. Then headed up to Bamaga in FNQ. Then across country to Ayres Rock and Central Oz. Then arrived in Darwin in July. Flew out in September. So my travels in FNQ and NT coincided with their dry season. On my second trip to Oz I covered Victoria. The wet and dry seasons are something for you to possibly take into consideration, as many places in FNQ and NT and top half of WA are often impassable or closed to tourists in the wet. But if you really do want a suggestion, then after Sydney maybe head to The Whitsunday Islands and stay in Airlie Beach.

There are a very large number of Indians already here with brilliant qualifications in IT. But many of them struggle to get jobs in IT. I know this because our local supermarket has employed a stream of them over the years. One of the lads has only just now got an IT job, after three years working on the supermarket checkouts. All I am saying is : be prepared to maybe do other things.

Being a tourist is good. But you should be able to pick up hospitality work like barman or waitress in Melbourne too, as loads of eateries. Have you done fruit picking before Tom? Just a word of warning : it is bloody hard work. Especially if outside in 35 - 45C heat with limited shelter. But if you get a good gig, it can be fun. Although some places will treat you badly: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/08/18/4069296.htm There is quite a lot of competition for jobs between locals and travellers too. I have friends who have picked grapes in Mildura, tomatoes in Bundaberg, apples in Tasmania, mangoes in Darwin and bananas in Tully. So certainly lots of variety to go round. I remember them saying that Tully was the worst, due to the snake infestation factor. Have you considered a Farmstay? You don't get paid, but you do get room and food: http://www.workstay.com.au/backpackers-volunteer-wwoof.htm

Well find yourself a nice Aussie Shelia and get married. You don't need a degree for spouse migration.

Good employment prospects though. I love Sydney. Definitely not overrated for me. There are pockets without crowds. For example, Dural and Galston are lovely semi-rural areas. Full of peach orchards, countryside and horses. But still within travelling distance to the CBD. Otherwise I have never been. But I have heard that Canberra is a nice place to live.

I have never heard of MyPost Parcel Lockers. Is it a new thing? I rent a Post Office Box. It is completely secure and I can access it 24/7. They accept any size letter or parcel. I once had a push bike delivered there, plus heavy boxes of wine.

Personally I would hire the services of a reputable real estate agent, and have them 100% manage the place for you. They could easily rent it out for 2 years. Plus they vet all applications, do inspections every three months, collect rent and sort bonds. Nothing for you to do besides pay them a commission. So much less stress for you. Otherwise what about a house swap for the area you plan to live in the UK.

I don't know the Rhodes area well. I try to avoid it, as find the roads very congested around that A3 Sydney Olympic Park area. If you like the water, and want to be reasonably close to work, then Riverview, Hunters Hill, Greenwich, Lane Cove West, Woolwich and Kirribilli, are also lovely areas near the water. But again traffic snarl can sometimes be an issue. Although some of them have fast ferries to Circular Quay I believe. I have a friend who lives in Elizabeth Bay and walks to work. And another who lives in Manly and takes the ferry to work. And another who lives in Bayview and drives to work. They all have magnificent water views and all work in the CBD. Honestly, this could go on forever. Best to book short term accommodation for say six weeks for arrival and explore these areas yourself. Or do a six month rental in Rhodes, and maybe look around for something better when you get here. Only you can judge whether you can cope with a particular area.

As I mentioned before, Upper North Shore is a lovely family area to live in. Generally considered safe areas, good shops and amenities, excellent schools, lots of National Parks to visit (walks, fishing, boating, horse riding or bike riding) and also within 30 minutes drive of a beach. (i.e.) Mount Kuring-Gai to the CBD is 50 mins on the train. But if you wanted to live near work or even within walking distance to work, then look at inner city living: Balmain, Elizabeth Bay, Surry Hills or Glebe. And if you wanted something in the middle of the two, then somewhere like Gladesville or St Ives maybe. Extremely handy for work, but personally I would hate to live in the inner city. As too crowded and too noisy. But some people positively thrive on that vibe. I like to spend most of my spare time at the beach or in the National Parks; so choose to live near them.