Marisawright Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 (edited) We are pretty lucky in Brisbane. Loads to do within a couple of hours. Like what? It really comes down to what your interests are. I know people who love the challenge of bushwalking - and if they're hot, sweaty and covered in dust at the end of the trek, that just adds to the feeling of achievement. I know people who love fishing/surfing/swimming so much, they'll be happy to go to the same handful of places every day for the rest of their lives. I know people who are really into sport, and between training for it, playing it and watching it, they hardly have a spare minute. Good luck to all of them and they would probably be very happy anywhere in Australia. None of them is me! Everyone is different. Australia is a great place for people who enjoy the outdoor life. Some people have other interests which can't be as well satisfied in Australia. I love many things about Australia but I do know I can find more of interest in the UK than here. Edited May 5, 2014 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 I almost added "except Victoria" to my post, because Victoria is much more densely populated, so there are more alternatives there than in most other states. But be honest, would you visit any heritage building more than once? I don't surf or go to water parks. I used to live in a Victorian country town - except for Ballarat and Daylesford, once you've seen an Australian country town there's no reason to see it again. You wouldn't reach many country towns on a day trip anyway, unless you live on the edge of Melbourne. Are you kidding me ? The Yarra ranges are less than 2 hours out of Melbourne, if that's not country I don't know what is. Some towns that spring to mind are :- Daysford, Ballarat, Heallesville, Traralgon, Echuca, Lake Mountain, Whittlesea If you are bored with Australia I guess you haven't the energy to find new things to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 (edited) Like what? It really comes down to what your interests are. I know people who love the challenge of bushwalking - and if they're hot, sweaty and covered in dust at the end of the trek, that just adds to the feeling of achievement. I know people who love fishing/surfing/swimming so much, they'll be happy to go to the same handful of places every day for the rest of their lives. I know people who are really into sport, and between training for it, playing it and watching it, they hardly have a spare minute. Good luck to all of them and they would probably be very happy anywhere in Australia. None of them is me! Everyone is different. Australia is a great place for people who enjoy the outdoor life. Some people have other interests which can't be as well satisfied in Australia. I love many things about Australia but I do know I can find more of interest in the UK than here. Sunshine Coast Gold coast Stradbroke island bribie island Theme parks Hinterlands Byron Bay Australia zoo South bank parklands Brisbane entertainment centre whale/dolphin watching Glass house mountains Mount coot-tha Art galleries About a million restaurants of various cuisines Aussie World The Big Pineapple Just to name a few Edited May 5, 2014 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Noosa Heads Boating at Lakes Entrance Heallesville Santuary / Melbourne Zoo Tobogganing at Lake Mountain Funfields Kids Park Snorkelling at Rye Spa weekend at Daylesford Whale Watching in SA Cruise along Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Penguin Parade Sovereign Hill heritage centre Scienceworks Imax Skiing at Mount hotham Surfing at many beaches BBQ parks and fun Great Barrier Reef Foodie Tours Wine tours Sunset over Uluru Cycling paths galore Casino nights Dreamworld Surfers paradise / Bondi beach Fantastic Scenery bush walks Swimming with Dolphins Puffing Billy steam train Tea and antique shops Australian open Grand Prix Golf days medieval reenactments at Kyle castle Concerts galore open air cinemas Game clubs galore Book Groups Get Fit and active - no nothing to do in Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harpodom Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 you missed out The Sphinx in North Geelong! :mad: Noosa HeadsBoating at Lakes Entrance Heallesville Santuary / Melbourne Zoo Tobogganing at Lake Mountain Funfields Kids Park Snorkelling at Rye Spa weekend at Daylesford Whale Watching in SA Cruise along Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Penguin Parade Sovereign Hill heritage centre Scienceworks Imax Skiing at Mount hotham Surfing at many beaches BBQ parks and fun Great Barrier Reef Foodie Tours Wine tours Sunset over Uluru Cycling paths galore Casino nights Dreamworld Surfers paradise / Bondi beach Fantastic Scenery bush walks Swimming with Dolphins Puffing Billy steam train Tea and antique shops Australian open Grand Prix Golf days medieval reenactments at Kyle castle Concerts galore open air cinemas Game clubs galore Book Groups Get Fit and active - no nothing to do in Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Oh yeah and my Aussie rules season ticket costs $180. In fact I could probably get a season ticket for every sport for less than a season ticket at a London premier league side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 You probably couldn't get a season ticket for an EPL club anyhow unless you inherited one. Price for an AFL match - $22 Price to watch EPL match - £40+ Cost of watching premier league soccer had gotten out of hand. It's beyond a joke. i also find all the fun is taken out of things when there is price gouging everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 (edited) - no nothing to do in Australia Several people have pointed out that we're not talking about things to do on holiday, we're talking about things to do within your own area on weekends. So your post is completely irrelevant because no one can afford to be constantly travelling around Australia. You'll also note that no one said ever said there was nothing to do in Australia. There are lots of interesting places to see in Australia, but different things interest different people. Personally, I can look at a map of the UK and fnid more interesting things on it than I can in Australia - by far. That's me. It won't be the case for someone else. Stop trying to score points, stop being insulting and try to have a civilised discussion. Edited May 6, 2014 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Several people have pointed out that we're not talking about things to do on holiday, we're talking about things to do within your own area on weekends. We're also talking about things to do for adults who are not interested in sports or outdoor activities (which doesn't mean unfit people - I dance, for instance). So your post is completely irrelevant because no one can afford to be constantly travelling around Australia. Stop trying to score points, stop being insulting and try to have a civilised discussion. I feel the posted is very jaded in UK and as thus everything in OZ is seen through filtered shades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Melbourne is packed tight with things to do. It has a population of 4 million people with money to spend at weekends. That means there are tonnes of things to see and do in Victoria with that money. I have never run out of things to do here. Melbourne is nice enough but I do think it a tad over rated. If a European of similar note it would be rather ordinary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 (edited) Several people have pointed out that we're not talking about things to do on holiday, we're talking about things to do within your own area on weekends. We're also talking about things to do for adults who are not interested in sports or outdoor activities (which doesn't mean unfit people - I dance, for instance). So your post is completely irrelevant because no one can afford to be constantly travelling around Australia. Stop trying to score points, stop being insulting and try to have a civilised discussion. Ahem excuse me how exactly have I been insulting ? The poster said there's more to do in the uk within a 2 hour drive and I'm pointing out that is not necessarily true. My experience is there's entry to do and I have pointed out activities and towns within 2 hour drive of Melbourne. If your not into sports or outdoor activities you could always go to a festival or a concert. There's plenty here. By the way I was having a civilised discussion you've just changed that somewhat by your comment. Edited May 6, 2014 by jasepom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 (edited) Ahem excuse me how exactly have I been insulting ? . You called me narrow-minded and there was another snide remark which I forget. Also that long list of activities was not within 2 hours drive of Melbourne. Edited May 6, 2014 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 I'm sorry if it came across that way it want meant to be. There's plenty to do in both countries if you go looking for it. I do enjoy a good discussion we both want out points to be heard. BTW if anyone would like to check out things to do in Melbourne visit the following :- http://www.visitvictoria.com There's an international Jazz Festival coming soon which looks exciting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairystar32 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I am in qld, and sat in skinny jeans, top, jumper, socks and boots, its cold today ! I certainly dont wear sandals and shorts all year around. Don't understand seasons comment when much of Australia has four seasons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I am in qld, and sat in skinny jeans, top, jumper, socks and boots, its cold today ! I certainly dont wear sandals and shorts all year around. Go for a walk it's a nice sunny 24 degrees out. Just had a nice stroll around Hamilton on my lunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 Nothing better than lunch in the sun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairystar32 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Yes its nice outside, sat inside with the dogs school pick up shortly..... Go for a walk it's a nice sunny 24 degrees out. Just had a nice stroll around Hamilton on my lunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairystar32 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 (edited) OP, I think so many miss family. We have been here 5 yrs and the last 6 mths I have had wobbles about how I feel. I love Australia and want to spend my life here, the kids have a lovely life, we have a nice house in a nice area ( wouldnt be able to afford anything like this in the UK) and really like it here. I do now however, really miss my sister and nieces, I miss my parents expecially on birthdays and celebrations. I miss my active social circle (although I have made so any friends here, more than in the UK) It is also expensive. My husband has a good job, but things are getting more and more pricey, but I am guessing that happens in the UK too, We are a single wage and his is a good wage, so I thought, but reading by some posts on here about what some claim they are paid, its pretty low LOL we survive with 4 kids, I cannot seem to find local work around the kids and with having two arctic breeds (our choice) cannot be out the house for long either. So we have no spare cash and a huge credit card bill, goodness knows how those on really low wages cope, expecially with all the cuts comming in... Overall I can see easily why so many return, sometimes the family missing is gut wrenching heartbreaking and makes you cry. I do not think we will ever move back, but nobody knows whats around the corner. The wetaher here we do love, I like the hot sticky humidity summers and warmth, wild storms and the cold chilly winter mornings and evenings and nice warm days, I switch from jeans and jumpers to skirts and shorts in one day, but I like the changes. There are lots of things to do here, if you make the effort but there is also lots to do in the UK if you make the effort too, I have found the longer you are here, like another person said, there is always tomorrow, so you do not tend to do as much after time, but we were similar in the UK. Overall, there is nothing wrong, I have learnt, with either country, both have pros and cons and its down to the individual or family what suits them and what they want in their life and what they are willing to sacrifice. When we first came here, we were adamant on 2 yrly UK visits, we are sadly still paying the loan which enbled us to visit 2 yrs ago when my mum was due surgery at Xmas and will be for 4 more yrs. That dream went by the wayside due to costs and still having to live here as you do in the UK, where you also wouldnt normally visit Australia every 2 yrs unless you were very well paid. Edited May 6, 2014 by fairystar32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 It's good if you can go back to UK every so often and get your fix. But can also be dangerous as has caused many a pom to move back. Present company included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 It's good if you can go back to UK every so often and get your fix. But can also be dangerous as has caused many a pom to move back. Present company included. Cos that'd be awful wouldn't it, people returning to their country of origin, that terrible place where you can never go outside without getting crap beaten out of you by random strangers?! :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blobby1000 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Great weather, resort lifestyle and one of the highest average wages in the world. Even Boris Johnson commented on a visit to Australia how amazed he was that people return to England. :arghh: So it is surprising why so many people go back. If you have returned are you happy to be back in uk or wish you hadn't left ? Well if Boris said that I think we have definitely made a mistake returning! And he would know wouldn't he, Having spent a holiday there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 Cos that'd be awful wouldn't it, people returning to their country of origin, that terrible place where you can never go outside without getting crap beaten out of you by random strangers?! :biggrin: Sorry it wasnt meant to sound like that. I meant to say a holiday back home can cause people to make irrational decisions, uproot the family and move back. A holiday somewhere is never the same as actually living there. Although a wrong look can get u beaten up :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northshorepom Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I believe a "wrong look" to your oldest mate in the most expensive area in Sydney is enough these days to get you in a fight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annagilda Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Cos they have their whole family there? ... Oh wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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