In about 2001, me & my then-boyfriend wanted to move out of home for the first time, and my parents wanted me to stay in a caravan park instead of signing a lease for a house or unit just in case we couldn't afford it or we fought or whatever. So, being a good little girl, I looked into it and actually worked out that it was cheaper to rent an apartment than it was to rent a caravan!

Maybe if you apply for a few rental properties and explain that you're moving to up there and show that your partner has a solid work history, etc, and maybe enough money in the bank to live off for the next few months until he finds a job, they might be willing to give you guys a shot? I've never really been in that situation, though, so probably not a great deal of help - but I have often toyed with the idea of moving from Melbourne to Brisbane, so do let us know how you go!