Heading to Canberra?......
 

Hi to all those who are heading to Canberra.

We will be booking our flights to Canberra around 25th July (ish). We have two boys aged 5 and almost 4.

We have never been to oz before, OH is on a sponsored visa for up to four years so we're just seeing it as an adventure really, a change of scenery and all that as who knows what the future may hold.

Anyone else in on a similar timeline.......?

My 4 year old was due to start school this september in Uk, due to the move he won't be (august baby), he will start in jan ' 09.

What ages do children go to kindy? Is this structured like a pre - school?
What age is prep?

My 5 year old will have done a year in reception (he started in sept '06). What year will he go into when we arrive? Will he effectively repeat a year?



Thanks

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

My son and I are moving to canberra early next year and I have spent a lot of time looking at schools etc. I found the following link helpfull and emailed both the schools and the education dept. directly. I found them very helpflul

.http://www.decs.act.gov.au/schools/schools.htm

or just type in canberra schools.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

good link - i have added it to my ever increasing number of bookmarks! :D

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

A few more that I hope will help in some way. I had a lot more buy lost them when I got a new computer.

visitcanberra.com.au

http://allhomes.com.au/c/ah?a=frmsearchce


http://www.thegoodguys.com.au/wp-con...id=4419&page=1


http://jobsearch.gov.au/government/d....aspx?WHCode=0

I also get an electronic short version of the headlines of the Canberra Times but can't work out the link as it comes to me via email each day. If you type in 'the canberra times' I am sure it will come up. It's handy to get news headlines each day so I know what is going on there each day.

visitcanberra.com.au

Also try Canberra Connect which is really handy for local services etc.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Excellent links thanks very much

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

what area are people planning to live in?

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Hi there,

We're not sure just yet. We are trying to get some sort of shortlist together for when we arrive (it's a very long shortlist!).We've never been so we haven't actually got a real feel.

We will be choosing an area base on it's proximity to the Civic (don't want to spend ages travelling to and from work) and schools mainly.

I would be happy with great shopping facilities and cinema's etc nearby too.

Think we may look up in gunghalin? Tuggeranong? it all depends on seeing them in the flesh though.

Does anyone know if gunghalin or tuggeranong are near enough to the Civic to bike there? Or how long it would take ish?

What about yourselves?

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

When I lived in Canberra, Tuggeranong was also known as North Cooma because it was such a long way from Civic. The closest Tuggeranong suburbs were 20k away - the furthest ones are more like 30k. It doesn't take that long to drive it as the roads are good, but I doubt if it's a realistic bike commute.

Gungahlin is the Tuggeranong equivalent to the north. Slightly nearer to Civic but still about 20k away. I think you'd need to be a very keen bike rider to be able to do it twice a day, every day.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

I think that these online street maps for canberra are really good to give you a perspective for walking/cycling distances.

Adele

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Hey,

I am an aussie and live in Belconnen, Canberra. I don't come on here much but feel free to email me any ?s

[email protected]


cheers

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Does anyone know anything about all land in Canberra being leased out by the government? How long is the lease and what happens when it expires? Does it all go back to the government? Won't that make it unattractive to buy property?

I was in Canberra during the Easter holidays. On hindsight it was probably a bad time to visit as you can't do much besides sightseeing.

Still, I was lucky to have met lots of nice ppl who showed me around. We visited most if not all the federal buildings by car and we went up Telstra tower to get a bird's eye view of Canberra. I went as far as Kipax which is where the couple who drove me around live. I also visited Belconnen, which has lots of construction going on in the city centre.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Hi, Also , feel free to ask away, We live In tuggeranong, originally from Burnley and have kids the same age as you. Ask what you like, we may be able to help?

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Legally, there is a big difference between buying land in ACT (Canberra) and NSW. In NSW (& other states), you "buy" your land thus you can own it and do what you want with it (subject to the local planning laws etc). In ACT, you get a 99 year lease from the Govt, thus at the end of the 99 years the govt can technically take it back from you. It is a big issue here recently in Canberra, as you will be aware that ACT was settled approx 96 years ago (or around that mark), thus alot of leases are coming up for renewal in the next few years. There was talk a few yrs ago of going like NSW but nothing happened. I think from what I have read the government will offer the people the lease again for another 99 years. I think they will get it for "free" or pay a token amount of $1.00.

However, in reality this system means "nothing" to most normal people. if you asked the average "joe" on the street they problery wouldn't even know. It doesn't really effect anything in the day to day running of the property.


I have found some info that u may like

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/__data/...3Leasehold.pdf

It explains the lot...


Cheers

Casey
Canberra, Aust.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

As others have said on this forum, Canberra is divided up into 'satellite' cities, which include Tuggers and Gunghalin.

Both of these are the opposite ends of town, thus you can't ride to work (unless you are extremely fit). However, the roads system here iS EXCELLENT. I work in the city and live in Belconnen and in peak time it takes around 15 mins to get home...

If you work in the city (Civic), most places will be within a 20-30 min drive (at peak time)... If you live in Canberra, owning a car is a must....
The locals , including the new Transport Minister, describe Canberra as a 'car city'. Public transport here does exist, but for many people the schedules of the buses, particuarly on weekends and public holidays, are not that flexible (mainly because the population is so small and spread out )

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Thanks for the info googy and samjam, yep looks like the bike ride would be out of the question! Not that fit....

Thanks to for the email googy and the offer to answer any questions samjam that's really handy, I'm sure I will have loads of questions......

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

thanks for the street map adele, very handy!

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

We are still debating whether to ship or not to ship?

I see the nearest ikea is in sydney, has anyone done a round trip? We were thinking of hiring a van and driving to sydney to get everything we need (well providing it's in stock!)

We definately wouldn't ship if ikea was on our doorstep. The only problem with it not being on the doorstep is that if they only have a bed base in stock for example and not the mattress then we've had it, it's another trip to sydney in a hired van!

Or has anybody used their delivery service and if so how much is it? We tried to guesstimate the cost from their mileage list and it only comes to $300.


Thanks

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Googy you aren't related to two other people on here are you? I am planning on moving to Belconnen. However, really can't make much of the suburbs and more importantly the schools there. My son will be 9 soon so will be in primary. Please be honest - are there any suburbs in Belconnen that are best avoided or aren't the best? I have asked this question on several people and get a no, and I guess I am sceptical - perhaps it's true and everywhere is ok. If you know anyone who has younger kids, or perhaps you do, and knows primary schools - can they recommend any or advise me to steer clear at all?

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Have another question for anyone who may know. Is it a lot cheaper to fly to Melbourne and then to buy a seperate flight with an internal operater? I only ask as I was looking at prices and the prices difference for Manchester to Canberra and Manchester to Melbourne is massive.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

didnt know that - thanks for the info. :)

In the uk i have always avoided buying leasehold properties just because it is easier not to. Never really got my head around what is supposed to happen when you get to the end of the lease?!!

Adele

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

not sure how true it is but i did read somewhere that there are not really any 'bad' areas in canberra (not in comparison with 'bad' areas of the uk anyway :ohmy: )

maybe you would be better asking where the really nice parts of Belconnen are? :D

Adele

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Already done that and all I get is that everywhere is ok and there aren't any 'bad' areas. I thought people were being polite but I think they were actually telling the truth. I thought if I ask what are the awful areas that I could takes some off my list. No chance. Hey I'm not complaining. What city in the world can truly say that there aren't any areas to really avoid? Not many. Iv'e been looking at flights and it is making my stomach turn. Can't believe I will be back with my family within a year - hopefully.AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HH

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Ok for fear of upsetting anyone here goes...

Fraser is an older, more established area of Belconnen with larger blocks and quite a sought after area.

Parts of Flynn and Charnwood and Holt are areas that are 'not so nice' but nothing compared to being 'bnot so nice' in the UK. Even though some areas border next to Charnwood it doesn't mean they are all 'not so nice' but out of the three - Charnwood would be the one to avoid if I was you.

Melba and Evatt are nice, Dunlop is newer and more expensive, smaller blocks. Higgins is ok and so are most of the other areas in Belconnen.

If anyone has seen a house on the Net and would like info on the area then please feel free to PM me and if I can help- I will :)

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Hi Sas thanks for that as my concerns about Charnwood have been confirmed. However, something is drawing me to Evatt and I am unsure what that is - sorry to sound strange, but just a gut instict type thing. Sorry I missed you at the meet in Chesterfield but little one ended up having a party that day.

And just to confirm Sasbear will assist if you ask.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Thanks Killamarsh - yes it would have been great to meet you.

We rented at Evatt when we arrived. Nice area and quite, but stay away from the shop area as there are quite a lot of government housing there.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

I think a lot depends on how much money you have to spend. My in-laws live in Ainslie, and if I had the money I would probably be looking at the inner north as well. I also like Aranda, some parts of Cook, Macquarie. I am not a big fan of Gungahlin and the newer areas as the blocks are much smaller.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

I agree.

Cook and Macquarie are nice as in Weetangera.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Would government housing be the same as council housing in the uk?

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

From an "Aussie" perspective, there are no 'bad' parts of Canberra compared to say bigger cities such as Sydney. I personally would live in any canberra suburb. No one suburb has "all bad people" so to speak; however there are suburbs that some Canberrians churn their noses up at - charnwood been one. It isn't "bad" as such, however it is alittle far from Civic (the CBD) and generally "poorer" people live there. I have had friends from uni live there and it is fine - I never hear any murders etc out there....

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

I don't know about Govt housing in UK, but i'd assume it is the same.

In ACT, they use to have a big housing commission apartment block out at Lyons - disaster!!!! It created lots of social problems as all the 'poorer' people were stuck together. The govt in ACT (and other govts in aust) realised that this strategy is not the best - the new strategy is to have govt housing throughout the community so people integrate. I think they have removed the apartment block in Lyons (Woden area) and the suburb is now just an "average" suburb.

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Hi
I already live in Canberra. It's an easy place to live in although settling in can be a bit difficult as most of the people are professionals (public servants, academics etc) and are not necessarily the most friendly or outgoing. We found the first 1-2 years a bit difficult on the social front. We now really like it as we've had time to make enough friends.
Some advantages:
- lots of well-paying jobs
- good weather (generally sunny but has four seasons)
- clean, good infrastructure
- less than 3 hours drive to the coast, Sydney and the mountains (plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts).
- good schools
- lots of things for kids to do after school (you will end up driving them around a lot though)

Contrary to what a previous poster said, there are lots of bike paths and many people cycle to work. If you work in Civic, and have enough money, a good place to live is in the inner north: Ainslie, Hackett, Watson, Downer, Lyneham etc. Houses are surprisingly expensive though. Tuggeranong is too far and I don't like Gungahlin. The inner south is even more expensive than the inner north. A good alternative might be Jerrabomberra over the border in New South Wales. It's not close but there are lots of nice houses out there. Curtin would also be a good option as it is quite close to Civic - you could ride your bike to work!

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Thanks for the opinions everyone keep them coming......

Gunghalin? What puts you off? Be brutal! Be honest! I know what suits some won't suit others but would love to hear your opinions.

We intend just to rent for a while, is it just block size that puts you off or.........?

Hi Killamarsh, I thought I'd just pressed the submit reply button to your post the other week. Didn't realise I pressed the karma button, what's it for? What does it mean?.....

Thanks

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Couldn't agree more about Canberra been 'different'! Whilst I agree with what you said, I'll also add that in Canberra I personally have found that many people find it hard making friends because people move alot - particularly in the Govt.... Canberra is a public servant and student town (has lots of international and local students studying here). Basically, after graduation alot of students go elsewhere (Sydney or backhome to China etc) thus there is a high turnover rate. Also, many people enter the public service but stay for 5 years (on average). Thus again, there is a high turnover rate. Some people on another forum suggest getting involved in organised activites, such as sport etc...

Here is a recent article which highlights some facts about ACT:
http://blogs.smh.com.au/sit/archives...ut_aust_7.html

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Many Canberrians have a bone to pick about Gunghalin - it is a new area of Canberra that at one stage was the fastest growing area in Australia. Many people don't like it because the backyards are small and people live too close to each other. One of the main advantages of Canberra is the space and people's backyards. Unfortunately, Gunghalin doesn't offer this. Alot of people blame poor planning laws and 'greedy' developers. I personally like Gunghalin however....

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

ok great, thanks for your opinion it helps

Carmel

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

good article - thanks for that!

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

What about living outside of Canberra?

Having never been i have no idea of what there is outside of the city suburbs.
Can anyone enlighten me? :)

We need to consider commuting time but dont necessarily want to be living in the city - is there anywhere i could/should look at?

Thanks
Adele

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Canberra isn't one big city like Sydney, London etc. The best way to describe Canberra is a city centre (Civic) with about half a dozen mini centres connected by a dual road network. Some of the centres include Belconnen, Tuggers, Gunghalin, Woden etc... In each centre, there are many suburbs. Many people work in the city (about 15-20 mins drive from each centre), but do all their shopping etc at each town centre.

The only other place I can think of 'outside' of ACT is Queanbeyan, which is in NSW. There is always a bit of rivarly between the two. Generally, Queanbeyan people are alot "poorer" than Canberrians, however ALOT do commute to Canberra. I am not sure of the time, but maybe 30-40 mins to Civic Centre. (Anyone else know the exact time???). Queanbeyan looks very different to ACT - it looks like a typical country NSW town..

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

thanks!
we would even consider semi-rural but i think that would need us to drive around the area and have a look for suitable areas.

did a quick check on multimap and it says 20 mins for Queanbeyan to Civic - (of course that is from 'edge to edge' rather than where you would prob be travelling from and doesnt take into account traffic etc) but that is still well within our commutable area so i will give it a look.

Adele

Re: Heading to Canberra?......
 

Thank you so much for the input. This is more info than I have rcd in the whole time I have been using this forum. Apart from Sasbear - not to many people in Canberra on here.

I have lived in Brisbane, Logan City, Sydney, Melbourne, Earls Court, Notting Hill, Sheffield and now Derbyshire and I just can't wait for Canberra. My tummy is tingling as I think about it.

The joy of getting rid of the 'stuff' is fab.

Thank you so much for the suburb feedback as that's been really helpful. Also helpful to know where the council housing is as that can predetermine the make up of part of an area (no offense intented) and it's been difficult to get info off the net.

Does anyone know if you can buy canberra maps in the uk (I know a long shot) as mine is starting to fall apart from to much use. I know the online maps are great but there is nothing like a huge map laid out on the floor. I think it's time to sticky tape it up and photocopy it. I bought it in 2004 when I was there last.