Dirranbandi, QLD 4486

Dirranbandi is a strange little town. A lot depends on the attitude you bring to the place. And it had better be a good attitude, because this town will test your resilience.

Real estate is amazingly cheap, but there is little in the way of permanent employment. Having said that, you can earn some good money if you don't mind taking seasonal work or if you decide to bring your superannuation money to the town and set up your own business. You'll find that the locals try very hard to get behind local business, even if it costs them a bit more.

It's tiny. Maybe 400 residents, most of whom have been here for a long time. The township services a larger area, maybe comprising a total of 1000 people (including seasonal workers) from the surrounding properties.

There is no public transport and the nearest large town, St George, is an hour away by car. 5 hours from Toowoomba and 7 hours from Brisbane.

Community events are well supported by the locals, and there are a few sporting clubs. The atmosphere is fairly laid back and informal BUT, it can take time for you to integrate with the local community.

Not recommended for teenagers! They'll go mad here, or you will. Anyone with the money, sends their kids to boarding school in Toowoomba or Brisbane.

Extremely hot in summer, often in the very high 40s. Almost every home has airconditioning or evaporative cooling. It's a dry heat and surprisingly, a lot more bearable than the humidity of Brisbane which may only reach 30 on the same day.

Dirranbandi is not for princesses. If you really can't get by without a weekly dose of the cinema and a skim, soy, double shot espresso, then this is not the place for you. If, however, you're into amazingly clear skies, abundant bird life, inland fishing, regrettably omnipresent frogs, fresh air, hard work, inexpensive real estate and you don't mind waiting out the initial "suspicion" period from the old time residents and you'd love a new start in life - this could just work for you.