Ok, so to compile a list of possible suburbs in, as Trunks put it, the Goldilocks Zone, that you guys have recommended:

Parramatta
Ryde
Bankstown
Chatswood
Epping
Manly
Bondi
Newtown
The Lower North Shore
Belmore
Sutherland
Canterbury
Randwick
Kingsford

They're all in about the 30-40 minute commute range, right?

Thanks for your help on this too lads, it's greatly appreciated.