Living in Queensland – a dream come true

Moving to Brisbane a year ago was a dream come true.  A year on I still have to pinch myself that this is now where I call home. Brisvegas is the best kept secret in Australia.  It has everything on its doorstep:  great beaches, beautiful islands and amazing countryside all in a few hours’ drive.  If you do not want to venture outside the parameters of the city there is plenty to do and see in Brisbane itself. One of the first activities I took part in was a bicycle tour of Brisbane, which was amazing. I got to see lots of areas of Brisbane and spent the following months going back to the different areas and spending the day exploring.  It was a great starting point to get to know my new city. I also joined a ladies’ running group in a local park which was free of charge. Although the running group was only for 6 weeks a year, I still run with my friend I met through the group, twice a week when I can.  We run around the river after work. Every evening, the river looks different due to the changes in the light and reflections on the river.  It is a truly amazing place to run. The other activity I tried was surfing at North Stradbroke Island (Straddie).  This is located about 30 minutes ferry ride from Cleveland on the south side of Brisbane.  Surfing was great fun! In my own mind I look very graceful, however the reality is not; I can stand for a few seconds before I face plant in the sea!  I always have fun trying to improve each lesson and feel invigorated by the experience. Another place I have spent a few weekends and even day trips is Mooloolaba which is about 1.5 hours north of Brisbane on the Sunshine coast.  The beach is awesome and there are lovely places to eat.  A friend from Scotland came to visit and we had such a great week together.  One highlight was our day out whale watching around Morton Island; it was such an emotional experience watching the whales play in the water so close to the boat. I have also been out jet skiing around Bribie Island and I saw a pod of dolphins. When the engines were switched off, the dolphins were within touching distance around and under the ski – a memory I will never forget and which brought tears to my eyes. I could rave on and on about the amazing new experiences I have had throughout my first year but I would suggest that you need to experience Brisbane for yourself.  If you are hesitating to emigrate, don’t! It will cost you money to migrate but as long as you budget and plan what lifestyle you want you will not fail to be happy.  I am living the dream, you can too. Nicola