Hey there, since my former plans of heading north to the sunshine in my newly aquired Hino bus failed miserably, Im planning a trip to northern NSW to hopefully find a place to relocate to and call home. Currently residing in Mt Gambier, but too cold for me in winter, not into the humidity of QLD, so am thinking i may find my home in the Lismore/ Byron Bay or surrounding areas. Im hoping for a bit of info of towns/villages i should visit that may fit my bill, tourist info sights only go so far as in showing the positives only. I need work (nurse) dont like big towns but dont mind being in close proximity. Id like to be reasonably close to the coast, love the ocean, maybe within upto 50ks. Theres heaps on places id like to see but would hate to miss out on somewhere that may be just me. I'd appreciate any comments on the area and towns that way.
Maybe Ballina could be a place to base yourself temporarily while you look around. I was most unimpressed with Byron Bay on a recent brief visit there but there are nice places in the area. The summer weather along that coastal strip is tempered by regular sea breezes but it can get muggy once you go not far inland.
Pottsville is within reach from Ballina to drive up and have look.
Coffs Harbour has a big teaching hospital and lots of other medical facilities seem to have sprung up around it, so you would have plenty of nursing work there.
Port macquarie is a great town i lived there for ten years ,great people has a nice hospital too weather good Can still get cool at night though ,brunswick heads, ballina all them places lismore is rather big though google earth Is the go show you how big the town is
The places mentioned in the previous posts are considered to have the most comfortable climate that you'd find anywhere on the planet. Most (but not all) of the towns mentioned may be larger than what you had in mind but they all have smaller "satellite" settlements nearby that are an easy commute to the major centres.
It may be that the work availability is the determining factor in finding a place that suits your wishes.
Back from my road trip, clocked up 4730ks in seven days, the 'ol girl didnt miss a beat and the car went well to :) Hung out with the friendly folk in Nimbin, everyones in for a chat. Cofffs was a little busy for me, of course the night I pulled in every bit of spare ground was accomodated, some silly UFC or UFS thing. Byron Bay same, just busy, couldnt see the beach for the people. Loved Mullumbimby and Muwullambar, bad spelling i think but hell the rents are up there. Makes me wonder where the hippies live. Spent my days in shorts and singlet and back in Mt Gambier ive got the uggies, trackies and the heaters on. Been home for 4 hrs and wonder why im back.
Anywhere along that coastline will be exxy I'm afraid. And Coffs is an awful place these days. 30 years ago it was great. And as you found, you can't move in Byron Bay. Another awful place.
All the places mentioned are busy with tourists etc. If you're after a quiet small town atmosphere, I can recommend the Tin Can Bay area of Qld. The rental prices are okay, and so's the weather. There's nearly always a nice breeze. Doctors etc are all there, and it's only half an hour to Gympie for the hospital.
On retirement, my sister and bil moved there from Brisbane because of the weather and proximity to everything. And all their family love to come and camp in their yard!
