I would like the best of both worlds. I like being close to things. I would go batty if I lived up near you Kerrie. It was bad enough when we lived up north in the "burbs" but still needed to drive 40 mins to Cairns to go shopping etc.
I think if given the choice of Suburbs of sydney or suburbs of Nth QLD or Acreage, teh size & location you have. I would chose the suburbs of Nth QLD. Your still close to things but not in the hussle & bussle of it all KWIM.
When we look at places when we have moved, we avoid places that you have to weave down the street around cars that are parked on the rd. Houses that are so close together you could jump from roof to roof with ease. Places like Glenmore park, Bligh Park for example.
I like Nth Richmond because I can walk to 3 different parks, I can walk to the shops including, video ezy, Bilo, post office, fruit & vege etc. It has everythign I need in walking distance. I woud like a different street as I am on a busy one. But I don't think I would live anywhere in sydney other then the Hawkesbury. if we moved away from the Hawkesbury to would be to th QLD.