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No brainer - get an HSBC account asap. It makes Citi look like something out of the Tarzan era, in each and every aspect Plus you get very tight currency spreads when converting funds due to the GetRate feature. Plus if you have status (Premier) you can send money between your international account instantaneously... and free of charge.

Depends on what the account is for. If for everyday stuff/local things I would probably look at Commbank or St George. But definitely give HSBC a look if you need some international services, currency transactions at decent rates, a multi-currency account option with a single account number, instant (and free) transfers between your own accounts in different countries once you have Premier status. Overall HSBC is the only true, global bank there. Some might say Citi, but they are so inferior in every department I wouldn't know where to start.

Anyone use someone local on the Gold Coast? Also have someone in NSW that was recommended by a friend but thought I'd check out any local options first.

Are you asking because you need to make a conversion soon due to some upcoming AUD costs, or rather in terms of switching your savings to a different currency? Long-term I would say stick to GBP and USD as currencies. AUD is very volatile at the moment and things could really get ugly if suddenly the US stock exchange started to rumble...