Hello Redditers!

Some background, I am a 25 y/o from NY and I have traveled most of the east coast of Aus. Been here for about 8 months now. (No Car). Living in Northern Queensland (Port Douglas) for about 5 months. Worked my butt off and saved some good chunk of change to go on a 2 month holiday to travel. But now its time to settle in a location and start to work again (most likely in hospitality/barman, etc).

So, I need some serious help as I am really stuck on a tough decision. I am currently living in CBD of Melbourne and I really like it. The rent is affordable but the lease ends the 24th (i'm not on the lease so I can leave whenever). Very laid back city, great people, and I have some real solid mates here. Culture/art is great. Love Fitzroy and love the chill lifestyle.Nightlife is great. St Kilda is pretty cool as well. Main problem is I LOVE THE BEACH, and the beaches here are not cutting it for me. The beach makes me really happy and clears my head. Great Ocean Road beaches are amazing but I don't have a car to go as much as I would like, so i have to settle for St. Kilda, and Brighton, which quite frankly are pretty gross.

I really had no interest in going to Sydney initially but ended up there a few weeks back as I was flying from Syd to Tassie. I spent about 3 days in Pyrmount and visited my cousin in Bondi Beach quite often and I suprisingly loved it. All the stereotypes of Sydney and especially Bondi (pretentious, snobby, etc), didn't seem to be too accurate for me. Seemed a bit more hustle and bustle (but i'm used to that living in NYC). I really love the beaches there and the vibes were very good from my short experience there. Heard the nightlife isn't as great, and as much as I love nightlife, I also like day drinking on the weekends so it is not a gamechanger for me (I also don't stay out much later than 2am anyway.). I have the ability to couchsurf in Surry Hills for about a week or 2 in Surry hills to find work and would most likely try to find a job near Bondi Beach or Coogee. But I don't have any mates in Sydney really.

So, I am asking you Redditers for some help to push me to an edge. It would be really appreciated, and since flights are super cheap at the moment for early next week I would like to make a decision ASAP.

HELP ME!

Cheers!