Thoughts on where to live...

Control Risks (Jess' work, fingers crossed for that transfer!) is nearest to Wynyard train station, so preferable to have a house on the same train line. Arncliffe could be a possibility.  The train to martin place would take approx 35 mins and then is a short walk from there, although you can change trains to get straight in to Wynyard.  http://www.cityrail.info/ reckons that I could get an 08:35 train and arrive at 08:56, although it is more likely I will get the 08:22 arriving at 08:43. The return journey says it takes the same amount of time, and there are trains approximately every 15 mins. It also only costs a bargainous $31 per week for a weekly pass! (compared with the close to £100gbp Jess is currently paying per month) This works slightly differently to an oyster in that it only covers travel between the two stations you request it for, but you can get on/off at any station along the way, so can go halfway down the route if wanted. Houses also seem to be very reasonable in this area, three bedroom houses with a garden all seem to be within our anticipated budget. There’s also Brighton beach around 2.5km away. Perfect for those 1.5milers! It is very close to the airport, although it wouldn't be forever, it's not like we would be buying the first house we move to anyway.