Hi. My family and I are migrating with permanent residency late August and would appreciate info regarding the areas around Terrigal, Bateau Bay, Tumbi Umbi etc. Are there certain places to avoid, potential problems with flooding, anti social behaviour etc?? What would the commute time to northern suburbs of Sydney by car be?? Which would be the best primary schools in the area?? Are there plenty of shops/facilities etc?? Many thanks.

Sorry cant comment on bad areas etc but just wanted to say that "I love Terrigal'!! Beautiful beautiful beaches!

Don't live there so can't comment on schools, commutes etc, however there are two whopping great shopping malls in the area so shops and facilities are definitely not a problem.

http://westfield.com/corporate/retai.../tuggerah.html

http://www.erinafair.com.au/

Hi we are living in Greenpoint near Terrigal and yes the beaches are lovely, there are a few lovely beaches around. Where are you moving from in the Uk, I bet you are getting anxious now it is such a weird time, so many things going on, we have been here now for seven months we have two teengae children 13 and 17, don't really know of any bad areas but I am sure there are some that happens everywhere unfortunately GOOD LUCK Frances

We are moving from Bromley, Kent. We are being sponsored by the Ambulance Service NSW on a permanent visa. With children of school age, it is hard to work out where to live in order to be in the catchment area of a good school as well as good amenities. There is only so much research we can do with Google Earth and the internet. The best info will always come from people already living in potential new home towns.

HI again,

My daughter has always gone to a Catholic school in the Uk and they are Private here but not as expensive as Private in the Uk infact nothing like, she told me the other day that they explain the work a lot better here as she struggled in the Uk and she has gone back a year so that probably helped. She has settled in school really well and I think your chilren will be fine as the younger they are the better I think as you will meet lots of mums, unfortunately I don't because I don't go to the High School like you do when they are young but I know a few Mums who have met a lot of people that way, Rebecca (MY daughter) goes to school in Gosford. What time is it there is it early hours in the morning Take care Frances

BY the way I used to live in Kent Broadstairs when I was younger, but moved to Essex which I never really liked to be honest, we moved away when I was 11 and just starting Secondary School which was a horrible time to leave, so I really felt for my children when we came here Frances

Water is an issue on the Central coast, so expect water restrictions. Pretty much all I know. Oh yes, you asked about the commute: The problem isn't the distance, it's getting in to Sydney. You have to see it to believe it, but the main(only) road from the North into the northern outskirts of Sydney has two(2) lanes each direction and a set of traffic lights about every 100m. There are some new developments inside the city now, but nothing to help you get in. I would guess 1 hour to Hornsby, but that's just a guess.

Many thanks for all the info. Yes, it is early hours of the morning here. I am not an insomniac, I am on night shift and I can't wait for my bed.

If you only have to commute as far as Hornsby then you'll be OK and I'd agree it'll probably take you around an hour. The free way (F3) which is mainly three lanes each way goes as far as Hornsby (it starts in Newcastle) however after that you'll have to use either the Pacific Highway or Pennant Hills road. Both of these have dozens of sets of lights and it will probably take you another hour to get into the city I drive from Wahroonga (next to Hornsby) to North Ryde, about 10 km, and this can take upto an hour at peak times.

If you are going to need to commute into the more central parts of Sydney then I would suggest taking the train. Its cheap and fairly frequent.

As mentioned on the commute, it can vary depending on the time. Hubby works shift work 7-7 both ways and he leaves home 5.30 in the morning from Umina to North Ryde and is at his desk by 6.45am so that time of day is good. Coming home he doesnt usually hit bad traffic unless its friday so about 1-1.15 hours.

the train from woy woy to central is about and 1hr 10 mins.

I love it here by the way some people think Umina is rough but I havent found it to be although I am sure some areas are.

Jo

Hi we are an Irish family about to send of our visa application for Oz. We have two boys aged 5 and 4 months. I was wondering what areas are nice. I have a cousin in Copacabana but it seems quite expensive there. Thinking about Green Point but dont know anything about the area? If you have any info it would be great or if you could recommend any other areas. Thanks.