Aorange

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are very nice. Beaches and Lake close proximity, Hunter valley and vineyards nearby. Plenty of good suburbs/areas to choose from. Floraville, Eleebana, Warners Bay, Cameron Park, Fletcher to name a few. There are pockets of rough areas in Newcastle but everywhere else more than compensates. Personally I think its a great place to live and there are heaps for children from various sporting activities to the usual indoor & outdoor activities which a great all year round climate can provide. I don't subscribe to this my town is better than yours jibing as peoples experiences and opinion are subjective, but like many places across Oz I reckon you will enjoy this part of the world and all it has to offer (and of course Sydney is only 2 hours down the road - great for a day trip or weekend).

Accessibility to British style comedy/stand up shows and certain comedy shows on TV plus a an authentic decorated curry house. Currently don't miss much else and enjoy our Ozzie experience/lifestyle so cant be doing to bad. Enjoyed many years of the history and will look forward to revisiting Britain and Europe and sharing that with my family but until then we have plenty more to see and embrace in this part of the world.

So many decent spots across the country to choose from. We live in the Lake Macquarie/Newcastle area and there are plenty of great beaches and lake(s) to cycle,walk and paddle about. Love the area big enough to sustain work and leisure pursuits and Sydney only 2 hours down the road if we need a Big city fix. Plenty of tennis clubs/courts to keep you happy as well.

Totally agree in that we are all different (which is a healthy thing) and I respect peoples view points - for us we prefer Oz by not quite a country mile more like a kilometre, but just as I embrace all the positives of Australia I appreciate all the niceties and good experiences of the UK.

We all have or had our personal expectations on what the land of Oz would hold for us, but surely the weather-blue skies -opportunity to be outside for most of the year was amongst the list for most. Where as I hold my past life in the UK very much in a positive manner the weather (the overall 12 month period) was never one of the most admirable or memorable aspects (granted we still got out most of the time and dressed accordingly -loads of layers in the cold or waterproofs in the rain) anyone who argues otherwise surely are either a wind up merchant, had a rotten experience in Oz with the climate or are in denial.

We lived in Blacks Beach in 2011. Great beach for walk and very much a holiday feel about the place. Shoal Point, Bucasia, Eimeo all nice neighbouring suburbs along the coast with nice pockets of housing. Nearby good shopping centre and school.

Hi Fanya, We moved from Mackay due to work opportunity and we realised that for us personally we were not going to remain there forever. If my family were there or I ran my own business I would have had a different outlook I am sure. However it is a pleasant country town by the sea with a good climate (great in the winter - 23 degree days and blue skies). We left on 2011 and then the place was expensive due to the mining boom - however there was also a lot of prosperity with good employment opportunities. We don't live on the Sunshine Coast but been fortunate to have spent some time there.

We really liked them both. Lived in Mackay for 18 months, found it safe and friendly - new redeveloped shopping centre good. If your children were older (such as teenagers) I would certainly favour Sunshine coast for activities based on the fact that Brisbane and Gold Coast is within easy reach - whilst they are younger plenty for them to do at either location. Sunshine Coast beaches on the whole - nicer and more accessible. Weather warm in both areas and plenty of beautiful spots in both locations. Personally prefer Sunshine Coast as within driving distance of more options in terms facilities and events. Good luck and enjoy wonderful Queensland.

Really pleased for you - relocating is mentally and physically consuming let alone moving back. Being happy and content is priceless (and a relief to get the children settled I can understand). Interesting post and goes to show how subjective our experiences are - we have settled in Oz (nearly 4 yrs in), had our dramas, work is work where ever you reside, totally absorb (and as a family) inhale and take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle opportunities and blue skies which Oz has to offer and personally would not contemplate moving back to the UK.

Many of us have a view point or personal experience with the 457. For me it was an initial entry to migration as my employee required somebody with my experience and knowledge in a speciality field within a short timeframe to manage a business and support local employees. This was successfully achieved. I also felt secure knowing I had a job on arrival and also recognised the pitfalls of the 457 being a temporary visa, but discussed from the beginning with the company to apply for a PR visa - which they were happy to do as they recognised that it was a full time permanent role (and would have done so from the beginning if the visa was granted within a short time frame as was the 457 visa). The company subsequently sponsored my PR as part of the justification my credentials had to be verified. I am still employed in my field of work. There is No simple right or wrong its about circumstances. I know of people who came over here with permanent residency to fulfil a specific trade or occupation only to walk away and change careers down the track- therefore not fulfilling the role that they originally came across to contribute towards the economy, I also have a mate whose company sponsor him on a 457 yet he has a technical role in high demand but that's the policy of the company.

Lifestyle - space, weather and opportunities to try more outdoor activities over a sustained period. Horizons - chance to broaden them in terms of travel across Oz and Asia - see new places. Culture & Work - Learn a new form of English, try different beers, learn new BBQ techniques and impart my experience & share knowledge with Ozzie workmates. Future - Give my kids more choices. The bottom line is that life is no easier here, but what you put in you get out and I know its not for everyone and we see the plus and minus points but the positives for us outweigh the negatives (but always be proud of my heritage).

We have just returned from a great but hectic fun time up at the Gold Coast. Personal favourites of my kids being Movie World (Warners Bros) and Wet & Wild water park. Great family rides and kids corner plus loads of characters at Movie World. You will have fun.

Definitely visit both to form a subjective decision and you will view for yourself that Newcastle/Lake Mac and surrounds are NOT over developed. Lake and Beaches (good ones) in abundance and on your doorstep. 2 hours from Sydney, pop of 500,00 across the whole region. Great climate.

From a personal experience I can not fault the Newcastle/Lake Mac/Hunter Valley/Port Stephens and close by Central Coast for the selection of beaches/countryside/housing/shopping/entertainment available. God diversity of employment opportunities - there are always job options for those with the skills or contacts (perseverance and good luck also helps). The current lack of mining infrastructure has naturally seen a decline in job availability. I have only been on holiday in Melbourne (really enjoyed the place) and cant comment on its employment status. I reckon the all year round weather in Newcastle is ideal. Pleasant sunny winter days and not to many humid summer days.

Valentine might suit you. Mix of properties, on the lake,fairly quiet and not far from the bars/restaurants at Warners Bay to enjoy the view and cuisine.