:chef: Hi bigmac
Suggest you aim for the Sunshine coast if you want some beach time as they have some of the best most unspoilt beaches in Aussie.
There are a number of hotels their, the Hyatt at Coolum, the Sheraton in Noosa the Twin waters at colangata. Its a while since I worked there, 14 years to be precise but the area is still as it was back then, I still hear a lot about what is going on over their. As far as hours will depend on your level of position sought, though there is strong union representation within the industry which therefore dictates the hours and wages these only really apply if you are looking to just do the job and get out of there if you want it to still be a career move then you should at least bank on 50 hours as a minimum. Wages are comparable to the UK if not slightly more for certain positions.
Have you got your working visa sorted or are you going for permenant residency?
Suggest you get i touch with some agencies before you set off and send CV's so at least they are on the look out for you though most won't do a lot till they meet you so be prepared to have no work for up to 6 weeks.
Hope this helps.
Me I am in New Zealand now, been here 10 years now.
Cheers
Gazzachef