vale1

You will not be able to get a plumbing licence to work for yourself, you will need to work for a plumber under his licence. Therefore, wages will be on the low side $21 - $28 an hour depending on where you are etc. Once, you get your licence you can earn more but the task in getting the licence is a nightmare (many hours at TAFE) they don't like giving licences to POMS! I live in Sydney, and work in the plumbing industry (4yrs) and at present many firms are laying guys off. In the UK, I ran my own plumbing firm (12 yrs), and my wife didn't have to work, here we can't get by on my wage she also has to work full time. Therefore, UK plumbers beware, it's not that easy here even if they say your occupation is in demand.

I make that commute regularly, and it's a nightmare during rush hour. You are brave doing it on a bike, especially as you have already witnessed how bad the Aussies drive. Get a car or get the bus, and " live long and prosper"

Good beach and restaurants. Mainly units, so one of the cheaper suburbs to find a rental, on the Northern beaches. Not the best to be walking around late at night though. Have a look at suburbs closer to Manly or further up Pittwater road towards Collaroy, but rents or property prices will be higher.