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.