Moving to Brisbane from Central Tokyo

I have accepted a position (and received a visa) and am very much excited to have the next chapter of our family’s life in Brisbane.

I have a 7th grader and a 4th grader currently enrolled in JP schools, I have found the catchment maps and school performance data but I am curious how locals make decisions around schools (for kids of that age range). I am originally from the US and one of our two children was also born there — they are both capable of reading and writing at their grade level.

Beyond that I’d love any tips for places to check out that are off the beaten path or undervalued at present - I do not mind a longer commute as I have been commuting here for 10 years.

My office will be in the CBD but I also expect to be on planes quite a bit, so a reasonable route to both the CBD and the airport would be great. But, I’d suffer a 70 minute commute for a great view and a good space for entertaining guests.