Boykos

Hi
Can anyone give me info on Karratha please? I know its hot but i need info on schools, things to do etc
Many thanks
Deb

Amazulu

I think it would be a huge decision to move your family there - it is definitely a rough and ready 'frontier' town. It's also very expensive, so unless your employer is picking up a lot of the tab then you might struggle financially. Saying that, it will be getting a lot (and I mean a lot) of development and is only going to get better.

I wouldn't move my family there.

Boykos

Hi
Thanks for the reply.
Yes my husbands employer is supplying a house etc so financially we would be ok, its the kids that is important schooling etc.

Weebie

shithole

Jimni

From what I understand from people I work with the primary schooling is OK, but most tend to move back to Perth for High School/ Secondary, but there are plans for an improved High School, it just may take a while.

Lord_Farquar

Stop sitting on the fence.

jad n rich

Some would agree, but OP should do a search, Karratha has come up in the past with some people being positive about it. Each to their own I guess.
Search botton top yellow bar.

bushy

We moved out from UK straight to Karratha and spent a couple of years there...yes, everyone thought we were mad!!
It's a very social town and it's very easy to make new friends there especially if you have young kids. My 2 at the time were 16 and 13 and my 13 yr old son ending up coming down to board at Guildford Grammar School because the schools up in Karratha are..well they're OK for kids who maybe want to go into an apprenticeship but not so good for those who want to go on to uni. I've heard from friends still there that there aren't enough primary school places available now and the town is growing rapidly but there isn't enough infrastructure there for all of the new people.
If you're into fishing,boating,camping etc then it's the best place to be and the islands off Dampier are just beautiful. There are a couple of nice beaches close by and you can always take a drive down to Exmouth or Coral Bay or go in the other direction to Broome.. 5hrs to Exmouth and 8 to Broome..seems a long,long way at first but you get used to driving long distances and they are well worth it.
Yes, it's VERY hot there during the summer months but you do get used to it and the winter weather there is lovely.
The town has changed over the years, we noticed changes over the 2 years we were there,mainly the amount of fly in/fly out guys there. Unfortunately many of the bars there now are like workmens bars full of guys in boots and hi-vis vests, not the place to take a family.
We left because my OH changed employers and now works in the city and because we wanted to live somewhere with more that just a few shops etc.Also, we wanted to be down here for our son although he still boards at Guildford..he says that boarding is the fun part of school and wouldn't consider being a day boy!
All in all I'd say go there for the experience..the money's usually pretty good up there too...but just be prepared for a different lifestyle and maybe have an exit plan in place!!!
If you want any more info then just PM and I'll be glad to help

keel

I hope it's nice up there next week. I'm flying up there on Tuesday for a weeks work.

5am flight Can't wait.

Keel

Kingseat

What...the same as Secret Harbour....seems anywhere someone asks for help with you call it a shithole.

Lord_Farquar

Secret Harbour is not a sh*thole. It's McMansion Vale.

keel

Just got back from Karratha last night. Lovely spot 30C during the day an 20C on an evening, lovely. I honestly can't say why people blag it for being to hot

I've done a bit of soldiering up there in the past (helping to stop those pesky illegals landing before Rudd said it was allright for them all to come in) but had not visted Karratha for about 4 years, it's growing rapidly with new estates going up now.

I wouldn't mind moving the family up there if I needed to but probably only for about a year or so.

Keel

comet555

You do realize that it's WINTER there right now don't you. If it's 30C in the winter than I'd hate to see it at the peak of summer. Your comment just made me agree with everyone else who said it was too hot!

Pollyana

Fair few days over 40 in January by the look of it
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0605.shtml

siamsusie

Hi Deb,
We have just moved from Karratha my husband being there for 25 years, I was there for 5 years. Had a great time, not one single regret. We sold our home over there the other day and have moved over east, still have a unit over there for our young one who works for Woodside (same as your husband I believe). Great place to bring up kids, the "smoke" can wait until the kiddies are older.

I have left you a more detailed post regarding schooling etc.

Very best wishes Susie x