Redbeccy81

You can get fully furnished holiday type short term lets in Brisbane abs surrounds, we found lots via Booking.com and often if you contact the landlord or property manager and tell them you want a month they will discount, we rented for a month in Gold Coast before securing a long term rental, it gave us a chance to see areas, get jobs, schools all sorted...it's a bit more expensive but you'll have all you need, Internet etc and could save you renting something you don't like. When you do find a long term rental we found that if you have rental references from the UK, your visa and your offer of employment you can rent without putting advance rent down. Short term gives you a chance to settle and make sure you are happy before getting everything shipped too. The rental agents have all been good, I worked in rentals in the UK and the Aussie system is more laid back, one thing that's a bonus here is the landlord pays the rates/council tax so one less bill! Good luck and Brisbane is great, we've been here since 31/07 and have found everyone friendly and it's been a good experience, a few issues but nothing that wasn't sortable, and these forums are great!

Hi Julia, Angela and Rebecca sorry for late response, no internet yet so using my phone to log in! hope you all enjoyed Riverfire, we caught it from a distance on our way back from an inland explore. We'd love to join you guys at My Cootha, if you see this before you go...what time and where? If too late today then another time would be great! Hopefully catch up soon, Beccy

Hello we have just very recently rented in Ferny Grove, great parks, schools, houses, my husband commutes to Fortitude too, mostly by car but there is a train station at Ferny Grove too, We also looked closer into the city around Graceville and Sandgate but found we got lots more for our weekly rent here, it's right next to lovely hinterland too.

Hi Peachy We moved to Ferny grove last week, my sons going to Ferny Grove primary, he managed three days before the holiday and loved it, phew! Great area and the park at Upper Kedrons in walking distance! If you have any more tips about the area or settling in here it would be great! :-) thanks again!

Hello we (husband Nick and me - Beccy) arrived in July and have just rented long term in Ferny Grove, my son is six and about to start school, feeling a bit Beccy no mates so would be great to touch base with people! I've just joined the BBC thanks Chortlepuss :-)

Thank you to all of you for great and very helpful advice!

Thank you, looking at a rental at Ferny Grove today, we really like that area and the look of the schools, fingers crossed!

Hello We are about to move to Brisbane, we can live anywhere within 45 min commute, my son has just turned 6 (August), so has already done nearly two years in the UK system. I need advice on the following 1. Can he go to school (mid year) now or does he have to start in January? 2. Can anyone recommend good primary schools, private or state? 3. If he goes in January what options for childcare and approximate costs? We are currently in temporary accommodation in Gold Coast, moving up to Brisbane within the next two weeks, but can pop up to see areas and schools easily. Thank you for any advice! Beccy

Hello all, we have about 50 days in July-August to chose the city we want to live in... any advice on cheapest way to see Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide - is it worth hiring a camper van for the East Coast, are there plenty of campsites, approx cost of campsites, will we get enough time to sight see properly if we drive from Brisbane to Adelaide? Travelling with a five year old... any advice on cheapest options that don't involve tents... we have friends in Perth to stay with but the rest we need to pay for! Flight/drive/accommodation suggestions? Thank you!

Can anyone tell me if you have an inventory and schedule of condition when renting in Australia, and if security deposits are held by the Landlord or in a protected scheme as they are in the UK? Many thanks Beccy