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Time Out
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Out
This idyllic Sydney region is the best place to live in Australia, according to a new lifestyle study
Beautiful, clean, diverse and safe – we reckon Sydney is a desirable place to live as a whole. Yes, we know our shiny Harbour City has its flaws (we're looking at you, ridiculously expensive house prices), but we know we've got it pretty good here. And so do tourists – with more than 14 million people flocking to our city each year to experience the best Sydney has to offer (beaches! restaurants! shows at the Opera House! etc.). Within the country, however, Aussies are always eyeing up where they'd like to move. If you're considering a change of scenery or locking down for the long run, a new lifestyle study has revealed the ten best places to live across the country. And if you're one of the lucky ones to call one idyllic Sydney region home – don't go anywhere. The ranking comes from quantity survey group MCG's Four-Pillar Lifestyle Index, which analysed every suburb in Australia using SuburbTrends data. The researchers focused on four key lifestyle factors that are considered most popular for Australian homebuyers: beach access, green spaces, urban amenities and community spirit – and measured all against home value growth to determine the best places to live long term. (Note: While this study considered median house prices and home value growth, broader cost-of-living factors – such as utilities, groceries, transport and other everyday expenses – were not included in the ranking.) New South Wales dominated the rankings, home to six of the top ten best places to live for 2025. Located in Sydney's dreamy Northern Beaches, the Warringah region – including Manly, Freshwater, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen and more – came out on top as the best place to buy a house right now. It's definitely on the pricier side, with median house prices sitting at $2.56 million – but it offers an unbeatable combo of beaches, nature, accessibility, community spirit and strong home value growth. Several more affordable places just outside Sydney also ranked in the top ten lifestyle locations, including the coastal city of Wollongong in fourth with a median house price of $1.28 million, the gorgeous Shoalhaven region in seventh at $840,000, and NSW's second-most-populous area, Newcastle, in tenth at $960,000. Western Australia's laid-back lifestyle proved highly sought after – and more affordable too, with two Perth suburbs ranking in the top five. Just ten kilometres north of Perth's CBD, Stirling was the second-best lifestyle suburb in Australia, with a median house price of $1.07 million. Meanwhile, the further northern suburb of Wanneroo ranked third, boasting an affordable median price of just $760,000. That's the second-lowest median house price of the top ten, just behind Townsville, which beat out all other Queensland regions for lifestyle appeal and price growth potential. In this quiet coastal city, the median price sits at $570,000 – exactly half the median price of Queensland's only other top ten suburb, Southport, which placed ninth. You can check out the full rankings below. The 10 best places to live in Australia: Warringah, NSW Stirling, WA Wanneroo, WA Wollongong, NSW Eastern Suburbs – South, NSW Townsville, QLD Shoalhaven, NSW Eastern Suburbs – North, NSW Southport, QLD Newcastle, NSW You can check out the full study here.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Daily Mirror
'I moved to Dubai hoping for luxury - the reality was very different'
A woman who lived in Dubai has moved home after years of working 80-hour weeks - saying the city has "no work-life balance". Natalie Goodall, 32, was offered a golf coaching job in Dubai aged 18 after completing internships at a golf school there. She jumped at the chance - living with a friend then various family members before renting her own apartment in Damac Hills. She lived in the seemingly idyllic and luxurious city for years - which is now home to celebs including Amir Khan and The Beckhams. READ MORE: Inside Dubai's dark underbelly as models lured to sick 'Porta-Potty' parties by men lavishing them with gifts READ MORE: Irishman stunned as adults 'shove past kids to claim sunbeds' at Spanish hotel Thousands moved to Dubai from the UK and Ireland every year in search of a better life. But in Natalie's case, the Dubai lifestyle became too much - because the city's "business model" didn't allow for "work-life balance". After years of working 80 hour, six-day weeks, Natalie moved back to the UK in 2019 and has settled down in West Parley, Dorset. And, while she loved Dubai and says she'll go back for holidays, she said she's unlikely to relocate back there. Natalie, now a self-employed PGA professional, said: "I never saw myself leaving Dubai - I was working at one of the best golf schools in the world. Natalie fell in love with the Dubai weather - in particular the winter sun "And the city was absolutely stunning, on my day off I went down to the beach and when you let your hair down you could have a bloody good time. "But afterwards you'd look at your bank balance and think 'oh crap'. But the business model out there - there is no work life balance. I was coming home to my partner after 12 hour days, at 9pm, and I could barely hold a conversation because I'd be so tired. "In my last year I told him 'I can't do this' - you know when your time is up. It's a very glamorous place and I can see moving there is a trend - but everywhere has their downfalls." Natalie with her partner Will Natalie first visited Dubai aged 18 for some internships with a golf school. Aged 21 she was offered a full-time assistant coaching position there - while completing a PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) course to qualify as a coach while working. She first lived with a school friend before her own parents moved there after her father, who works in the oil trade, got a job posting - so she began living with them. After two years she started renting her own apartment - with assistance from her parents as she struggled to cover the cost of the deposit. She spent her one day off per week, Monday, at the beach or visiting stunning locations in Dubai to make the most of the surroundings. Natalie said: "It was amazing - weather was like being in Spain even in winter. I got to see the Opera House, lots of concerts, and stayed for my birthday in the Burj Al Arab hotel which was so cool. The golf courses were unbelievable too, and the food and service was amazing." Natalie first visited Dubai aged 18 for some internships with a golf school. At the time, she was making the equivalent of around £25-£30k (€29-35k) a year - but the high costs in Dubai meant she couldn't enjoy the full extent of the luxurious lifestyle compared to what people assume. She said: "It was not sustainable. When you let your hair down you'd have a bloody good time but afterwards you'd look at your bank balance and think 'oh crap'. "I was just making money to survive - in the service industry you were worked very hard. I was working six days a week and I couldn't afford to reduce my hours." After meeting her fellow expat partner Will Coan, 34, in 2017, while out there, the pair lived together but Natalie began to "spiral". Natalie moved in with her partner Will But things began to 'spiral' due to her workload She said: "You can feel yourself, your work and time management aren't as good, your diet goes out the window. I never saw myself leaving Dubai but it's not sustainable - as I got older, I started to think, how the bloody hell will I have a life here? It's not on an individual person - it's just the business model out there." In September 2019, she moved from Dubai back to the UK and got a job in Guernsey, once she had secured the necessary golf qualifications to be a coach. Nine months later, Will, who worked in a role in food manufacturing, finished his contract and moved back to the UK as well. They now own a home together in West Parley and are happier than ever. Natalie said she'd return to Dubai, where her parents are still living, for a holiday - but it would take a salary offer of "a huge number" for her to consider moving back permanently. But she said it may be the case that the droves of Brits flocking to Dubai for a better life aren't prepared for reality. She said: "I think there are people moving because they've been on holiday there and say 'screw it, I'll live here'. It's like a trend - in the same way Ellen DeGeneres moved to The Cotswolds. "In Dubai, it is a glamorous place but it can be unglamorous in certain situations - everywhere has their downfalls. You have to look at the opportunities and weigh up if it's right for you. If you go with high expectations, you might be disappointed." For the latest breaking news and top stories from the Irish Mirror, visit our homepage
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Review: Whether it's The Pirates Of Penzance or Iolanthe, Simon Butteriss is the very model of perfection, says Tully Potter
The Pirates Of Penzance & Iolanthe (Gilbert & Sullivan Festival) Verdict: Worthy tributes to two geniuses NOTHING could be more delightful than opening a G&S Festival programme to discover that Simon Butteriss is singing the role of the Major-General — unless you also see that he is portraying the Lord Chancellor. Rooted in tradition, yet fully aware of the developments in musical theatre, Butteriss's characterisations are, above all, side-achingly funny. Whereas his Major-General in The Pirates is a tad doddery and fuddy-duddy, his Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe is liable to break into a dance at any moment. And his singing is in the great G&S line. Buxton Opera House, with its fine acoustic, is an ideal venue for productions founded on a chorus of just 16 and this year's presentations by the main company are very well cast — I was sorry to miss Princess Ida, later in the first week. Mabel in Pirates is Rebecca Bottone, from a well-known singing family: she is a sassy comedienne as well as a splendid exponent of Sullivan's coloratura. Her Frederic is also very strong, as William Morgan has a fine tenor and moves easily on stage. John Savournin directs as well as singing the Pirate King: he might consider importing into his Act 1 air the trill I distinctly heard him execute in an ensemble. Matthew Kellett is a droll Sergeant but Amy J. Payne, as Ruth, could profitably decide which of her two voices to choose — her changes from one to the other are disconcerting. What an enchanting score Sullivan gave us for Iolanthe. The recent death of his mother surely accounts for the tenderness of some of the music, which has magical pastoral interludes as well as uproarious episodes such as the March Of The Peers or the 'Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady' trio. First of the Savoy Operas to be premiered at the Savoy Theatre — and the first show to open in London and New York on the same night — it benefited from the new electric lighting. The fairies sported tiny origin of 'fairy-lights'! Sullivan took great care from the first bars of the Overture, and Gilbert's satirical bent was at its zenith. The Festival cast is without a weakness. Irish soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson is a lovely Phyllis and lyric baritone Felix Kemp as Strephon has added a little more body to his very pleasing tone. Meriel Cunningham is a touching Iolanthe, Gaynor Keeble a really queenly Queen of the Fairies. Earls Mountararat (James Cleverton) and Tolloller (Adam Sullivan) not only sing their respective airs with spirit but have a good knockabout relationship on stage. To have veteran Bruce Graham as the philosophical Private Willis is a rare bonus and Savournin's production is resourceful. The chorus and minor role singers are excellent, as are Harriet Ravdin's fairy costumes, the National Festival Orchestra's playing, and the conducting by John Andrews (Pirates) and James Hendry (Iolanthe). Balance was good except (a tiny quibble) that at both Iolanthe performances I attended, parts of the ensemble 'In Vain To Us You Plead' were inaudible.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Wanderlust chronicles: My journey across 46 countries
The Great Pyramids at Giza, Egypt Recently, I was pleasantly surprised when a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) reached out to invite me to present a talk on travel to its members. I am uncertain as to the manner in which they discovered that travelling is one of my passions, although I suspected the countless pictures and reflections scattered across my social media might have given it away. The invitation rendered me a compelling reason to revisit my travel albums, rekindling vivid memories of past adventures. As I flipped through those snapshots of distant cities, ancient ruins, natural wonders and vibrant cultures, it struck me that these experiences are worth sharing not just with an audience at a talk, but also with readers of this column. Travel is one of life's most enriching experiences. It need not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. With thoughtful planning and a spirit of adventure, a well-crafted trip can cost just a fraction of what travel agencies typically charge. And if the wanderlust runs deep in our veins, the best time to explore the world is while our bodies are still agile and our energy abundant. The world is vast, and time waits for no one. Over the years, I have had the privilege of journeying through 46 countries across five continents, each offering a window into history, beauty, culture and the kindness of strangers. My travels have shaped my worldview, challenged my assumptions and gifted me with moments that continue to linger in memory. In Albania, Tirana's colourful buildings and post-communist revival revealed a nation reawakening to its identity. Australia was the place I began to understand the vastness of landscapes and the quirks of people. I followed a guided bus tour through its highlights including the Sydney's Opera House, which stood resplendent by the Darling Harbour, and the Great Ocean Drive, which delivered dramatic coastal views that remain etched in my mind. Canberra's calm, Melbourne's vibrancy and Perth's quiet charm showed the breadth of this island continent. Austria's imperial heart beat strongest in Vienna, where Schönbrunn Palace evoked grandeur and music, while Salzburg celebrated the legacies of Mozart and The Sound of Music. Brussels in Belgium delighted with its blend of medieval charm and modern diplomacy. Britain brought together the old and new in London, where I stood before the Tower Bridge, visited Shakespeare's home in Stratford-upon-Avon, wandered the streets of Cardiff in Wales and soaked in the historic majesty of Edinburgh. Brunei's Bandar Seri Begawan was serene and dignified, its golden domes gleaming under the equatorial sun. Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, layered Roman ruins with Orthodox domes. Phnom Penh in Cambodia showed a city striving forward despite a painful past, and Angkor Wat, the massive ancient temple complex, stood timeless in its grandeur. In Canada, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec offered a seamless blend of English and French cultures, but it was the thundering beauty of Niagara Falls that captured my imagination. China presented a journey through centuries, from the sheer scale of the Great Wall, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Chengde offered different windows into the soul of a country both ancient and ambitious. Croatia's Zagreb was filled with relaxed elegance. Prague in the Czech Republic dazzled with Gothic architecture, cobbled alleys and the gentle flow of the Vltava River. Egypt's pyramids in Giza were colossal reminders of human ambition. Cairo's pulse and the spiritual ascent of Sinai complemented the antiquity of the land. France enthralled me with the Eiffel Tower's shimmer, the grandeur of Versailles and the elegance of Paris. Lourdes, a site of pilgrimage, brought moments of reflection and peace. Germany's Munich showed Bavarian pride and culture. In Greece, the Acropolis in Athens was a powerful reminder of democracy's birthplace, while the islands of Samos and Patmos whispered sacred stories across turquoise waters. Hungary's Budapest, straddling the Danube, glowed with history and healing thermal waters. Indonesia remains one of my most expansive journeys. Medan, Jakarta, Jogjakarta, Bandung, Madura, Surabaya, Bali, Makassar and Pontianak each displayed the nation's diverse cultural layers. One of my spiritual highlights was visiting Candi Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, where the sunrise radiated peace and reverence. The Holy Land opened a sacred chapter. Jerusalem's holy sites and Haifa's harmony painted a rich picture of the land. The Dead Sea, Earth's lowest point on land, is a natural wonder where one can float effortlessly on its dense, mineral-rich waters. Italy was a sensory feast. Rome's Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, was magnificent, Venice floated on romance, Florence breathed Renaissance brilliance, the vineyards of Tuscany invited quiet contemplation and the Leaning Tower of Pisa stood proudly defying gravity. In Japan, Tokyo's blend of zen and futurism surprised and delighted at every turn. Jordan gifted me Petra, another New Wonder of the World, its rose-red façades etched into desert cliffs, an unforgettable sight. Damascus, one of the world's oldest cities, offered a glimpse into resilience and complexity. Skopje in Macedonia shared stories through statues and stone bridges. In Mexico, I experienced Nuevo Laredo's vibrant border culture. The Netherlands balanced natural beauty and city sophistication, from Keukenhof's vibrant tulips to Amsterdam's poetic canals. New Zealand, which I also explored via a guided bus tour, was a land of cinematic scenery, rich in Maori culture and tradition. Auckland and the snowy splendour of Mount Ruapehu left a lasting impression. In Palestine, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, radiated quiet faith. The Philippines' Manila overflowed with life, faith and friendliness. Poland's Warsaw stood resilient, Krakow mesmerised with medieval charm and rich heritage, and Auschwitz bore solemn witness to humanity's darkest hours. Portugal's Lisbon blended cobbled streets with melancholic Fado music, but it was Fatima's sacred atmosphere that left a spiritual mark. Qatar's modern skyline was a sharp contrast to its desert traditions. Romania's Bucharest mixed Belle Époque elegance with post-communist vitality. Singapore was efficient and multicultural. Chinatown, Little India and Marina Bay offered the world in one city. Slovakia's Bratislava charmed me with its medieval old town, while Slovenia's Ljubljana was serene and green, a hidden gem in Central Europe. South Korea impressed with Seoul's high-tech heartbeat and Jeju Island's natural beauty. Spain pulsed with rhythm. Madrid's majestic boulevards, Barcelona's Gaudí masterpieces including the Sagrada Familial, and Seville's flamenco soul all carried different notes of passion. The St James Cathedral in Santiago marks the spiritual culmination of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage walk across Spain. Sri Lanka's Colombo was a mosaic of colonial charm and Buddhist tradition. Stockholm in Sweden was orderly, stylish and set among tranquil waters. Zurich in Switzerland sparkled with alpine precision and clean beauty. Taiwan impressed me with Taipei's food culture, Kaohsiung's creativity and Yehliu Geopark's surreal coastal wonderful. Thailand was one of the first countries to embrace me with a warm smile; from Bangkok's majestic temples and the Menam Chao Phraya River to Hatyai's vibrant markets. Turkey left a powerful impression. Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the ruins of Ephesus, Tarsus – the birthplace of St Paul – and the capital Ankara revealed a rich tapestry of civilisations. In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai rose dramatically from the desert, a city of towering ambition. The United States of America was vast and layered. I have visited all its major cities, from the soaring Statue of Liberty in New York to the entertainment empires of Hollywood, Disneyland and Disney World. Chicago, the windy city showcased its impressive skyline while the nation's capital, Washington DC, displayed power in motion. The Grand Canyon's vastness humbled me, reminding me that no human structure can rival the raw artistry of nature. At journey's end, Vatican City, though small, loomed large in meaning. Standing in St. Peter's Basilica and gazing at Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was a culmination of faith, art and awe. While travelling, respect local cultures and traditions, heed warnings and stay mindful of the weather. Always take safety precautions, especially when it comes to your valuables and food. Avoid dark alleys and remain in well-populated areas. My friend and I once made the mistake of walking through a group of children in Rome instead of steering clear as advised; we were accosted and almost fell victim to pickpockets. In Beijing, sampling food on display without caution left me with a case of food poisoning. Through it all, the modes of travel mattered. In Europe, trains offered scenic ease. In Asia, budget airlines and ride-hailing apps made exploration efficient. In Australia and New Zealand, following the bus allowed me to absorb more while worrying less about logistics. In expansive countries like the USA and Canada, road trips opened up unplanned discoveries. I remember, in the early days of travel, how language barriers often stood in the way; simple exchanges were complicated. But now, with translation apps in our pockets, the world speaks a little more freely, and connections form more easily. Yet the most enduring memories are not just monuments or meals; they are the moments. A helping hand in Prague. A smile from a shopkeeper in Seoul. A silent nod in a Jerusalem alley. A shared laugh on a bus in Rome. These fragments piece together the true mosaic of travel. The unexpected resonates most: a lone candle in Fatima, the wind on the Great Ocean Drive or a child waving from a fishing village in Makassar. In every country I have visited, I have taken home something deeper than a souvenir. I have returned with stories, perspectives and memories. And in return, I have left behind a little piece of myself. Travel, for me, is not just a collection of destinations; it is an unfolding journey of heart, mind and soul. Footnote Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skills Training and Investment Consultant. He intends to explore more of the world while he is able. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Bizarre Border Towns: Where One Street is in Two Countries
You'll be surprised to know that there are some countries in the world that share a street! Borders are basically markings of the land between two countries, but what happens when you have a common street? In these unique areas, locals are constantly juggling between two countries, where moving across the street takes you to another country. From North America and Europe to Asia, these remarkable border communities blend culture, law, and geography in ways rarely seen elsewhere, revealing how human settlement can transcend rigid political lines. Let's take a look at some border towns that share a street: Beebe Plain / Derby Line (United States and Canada) Beebe Plain is a village that is distributed amongst Derby, Vermont, United States, and Stanstead, Quebec, Canada. The international border runs along the middle of the main street called Canusa Street, which places homes, properties, and buildings on both sides of the border. A famous example of these places being on both sides is the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, built deliberately straddling the border, opened in 1904 to serve citizens of both nations. People from both sides can visit both of these buildings without undergoing customs and border procedures, but it is important that they exit from the same side from which they entered. Baarle-Hertog / Baarle-Nassau (Belgium and Netherlands) This is a town complex that is located on both the borders between Belgium and the Netherlands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Is What Willl Happen To Your Body When You Eat 3 Eggs Every Day Undo This is very complicated with the presence of multiple enclaves and counter-enclaves, creating a patchwork of Belgian territory inside the Netherlands and Dutch territory inside those Belgian enclaves. As the border runs through the town, it crosses buildings, streets, and shops, which means houses may have one room in Belgium and another in the Netherlands. Some buildings have two different house numbers—one Belgian and one Dutch—depending on which side of the border a door faces. Dinxperlo (Netherlands) and Suderwick (Germany) Dinxperlo is a town located in the Dutch province of Gelderland. The international border between the Netherlands and Germany runs directly through the center of the main street called Heelweg (Dutch: Heelweg; German: Suderwicker), dividing the two towns. As the border runs in the middle of the street, it means that one sidewalk is in the Netherlands called Dinxperlo, while the opposite sidewalk is in Germany called Suderwick. The both sides even spoke the same dialect which is a variety of Low Saxon. Lungwa (Longwa) – A Unique India-Myanmar Border Village Lungwa is a unique village located in the Mon District of Nagaland state in Northeast India and the Naga Self-Administered Zone in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. This village has a border running through it, which means that it falls on both sides – India and Myanmar. One of the most remarkable features of Lungwa is the house of the village chief, the Lungwa Angh or Longwa Angh, whose residence is built such that one half of the house lies in Indian territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. This village is mainly governed by the tribes rather than the government authorities. Cieszyn (Poland) and Český Těšín (Czech Republic) This town is divided by the Olza River passing in between. After World War I, the town was divided as part of new interwar borders, separating urban and civic infrastructure such as the railway station, waterworks, and gasworks into different countries. Cieszyn is a town on the Polish side of the border, while Český Těšín is its Czech counterpart. Even though both of the towns are operated by independent entities, they share historical and cultural ties and also cooperate for economic and social activities.
