Turban Explorer

There certainly are worse places. I hope I didn't give too much of a negative impression. Any advice on where is fun to go? Trekking, beaches, nature stuff?

LINZI

No it was not you in the past on here its gotten a abit of a bashing for very mmm selective incidents that where really silly really but i will pm you some stuff later on for you to do while there :sunglasses:

Turban Explorer

Great stuff.

slapphead_otool

Its sad that BE ends up like this.

sarahinnz

Wow a mixed review, i think maybe a visit there might be the best option to see for ourselves but will keep on digging for more info, thanks.

26871

LINZI, I´m going to Mackay in 14 days time, and actually I´m quite excited about it. Have been there for three days last year to check it out, but haven´t by far seen all of it. So could you please share some info with me, too?

Thank you!

sarahinnz

Thanks have private messaged you.

Turban Explorer

We drove round a bit yesterday and Slade Point looked reasonably nice. Had drinks and nibbles with some locals as well getting the low down on the place. They were all in mining so bussed in and out to an underground mine somewhere near by. All on $150k for 2 weeks on/off. There are alot of Brits, Kiwis and apparently some Germans working here. Everything seems stretched - there isn't enough housing so rents are very high. One of the guys we met reported that two years ago he was getting $250 per week for a 3 bed house he owns and now $750. The local papers are full of worker and accommodation shortages. Everything is more expensive than Cairns or Townsville so don't look at the cost of living in regional Qld - Mackay is higher across the board.

Because of the mining/industrial nature of the place I wouldn't expect fantastic conversation. Last night was fine and it was great to meet people but everyone had staff bulls, loads of tats, plenty to say about race issues and so on. Each to their own of course but if it was the UK I'd be a bit scared about getting beaten up!!

hollykimalan

Been in Mackay over 2 years now and love it!
Turban be careful what you wish for...complaining about Mackay being dry looking is not a good idea...just wait a few more week mate..

And who called Franny a Geordie....he's Scottish!!

HKA
x

Bix

Well, they all speak with a funny accent don't they?

Joking aside I did know.
I was trying to invoke a response from him.

hollykimalan

Yeah, inbred Scottish, uncultured, types like Frannie!

Nibble, Nibble....do you think he'll bite? Too busy enjoying Perth!

Bix

We must be way overdue for a little disaster.
Hope he's doin well over there.

hollykimalan

He is doing well. Enjoying life without stingers and humidity.
They got their permanency.
I think the wife is much happier there.
HKA

jojosmile

Please Linzi could you PM me with info, Im interested in schools primary and high school, healthcare and general life style. Is it worth making the move from the UK ?
Have you had any major concerns re weather since you have been out there
thanks

any one else can offer advise please post or pm thanks

Turban Explorer

Weatherwise it's pleasant from April to October and then very humid from December to March with alot of rain and the odd cyclone. It's definitely a working town - not alot of glamour here. It's also expensive as it's quite 'full' - houses coming up for rent have 20 applicants etc Health care -been good so far - new hospital - went to casualty and was seen in about 10 minutes.

Lifestyle wise there are nice beaches nearby, national parks, islands to visit.....I'd heard some bad stuff about Mackay before we came here (we used to live in Cairns) but whilst it's by no means one of my preferred locations in Oz it's quite friendly and is a town doing well - which is rare in Queensland.