Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Hi there,

I'm not a brit, I'm an aussie and live in Perth, but this seems like the best forum to get advice and comments on relocating, which we do a lot of.

We might be moving to Karratha and I just want to know as much about it as possible.

I'm a very open minded person when it comes to moving around and love the desert (although I haven't experience humid heat before). I don't mind isolation as long as I have a good couple of friends and my kids have someone to play with.

Living expenses aren't a problem because my husbands company will be paying for pretty much all expenses.

I guess my main concern is schooling for my kids who are 5.5 and 4 years old, and extra curricular activities. The school that my son currently attends is brilliant and their expectations for academic achievement are high which means they push the kids to achieve the best that they can. What is the best school in Karratha?

I'm also pregnant with my third child so any info about the hospitals would be much appreciated.

Also, what are the people like generally. We will probably be up there for about 2 years and I like to socialize, grab a coffee with friends, let the kids hang out and get out doors a lot.

Is it easy making friends?

Any comments would be great.

Cheers,

M

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

There are lots of threads on K. If you look to the top of the page there is a search function and loads should come up. People are quite honest in opinions so expect good and bad, however should be very helpful.

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Hi,

We have been sounded out about a move there with Woodside, I currently work for a vendor who supply services to Wooside although I work on a different contract. They are keen to progress with a visit to K, is there anyone on here who is currently up in K living the dream?

I have looked at some old posts via the search function and it does seem rough and ready in many respects.

What is the typical package in terms of housing/flights/schooling/cars/money when someone agrees to go up there residential.

Is there a healthy social scene for young families who like a barbie and a drink or 2?

Am mad to even consider leaving our stunning beachside idly in Torquay Vic to chase a few dollars and some adventure?

Answers on a postcard

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Regarding education, I live north of Perth.
The fee paying school (Catholic, Grammar) tend to have huge weighting lists.
The state high schools not so good reputations.

Basically any decent Primary and Secondary school may be full and very difficult to get a place.

If you have children and education is important. Id seriously ring all schools to enquire about places before any move.

This will be for most towns north of Perth. The further north you go the worse the situation will be.

Gems

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

" Whats the best school in Karrartha"
IS there more then one school"
What are the hospitals like?
Is there a hospital?
Wheres the best place to hang out for coffe with friends?
l think only beer in on the menu

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Have you ever been to Karratha? Of course there are schools there. Yes, there is a hospital there. Yes, there are coffee shops there.

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Not sure if the 'coffee shop' in the hospital qualifies as a bona fide 'coffee shop' per se . . . ?

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

l bet it does'nt have a university.

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

So what? Not every city/town has a university. What exactly is your point?

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Sounds like a good business opportunity, then. I'm off to coffee college!

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Hi I have just moved over to Tasmania from Karratha, my OH has lived and worked there for 25 yrs, myself 5 yrs. We loved it and still maintain a home there. Our young lad works for Woodside.

Rough and Ready?? depends what you are talking about really, Karratha is rural:blink:.
The Pilbara offers its own beauty, you cannot compare it to Victoria in any sense.
Adeventure: sure! some wonderful places to visit i.e. Broome, the National parks, the list is endless.
Healthy Outdoor Scene, BBQ's yes... too much grog! It is a very friendly place.
My husband works for one of the large mining companies, so of course we brought property there when it was much cheaper, he had the right to buy and then we purchased another for kids etc. Your typical house is around $750,000 upwards and rents are very steep $1,200 +. Flights can be expensive approx $350+ one way dependent on airline, times etc etc.

Living the dream: well I guess I did live the dream and I would most certainly live there again. It is exceptionally hot so I lived the dream under the A/C:lol:
An extremely good hospital with PATS facilities should you need to be flown down to Perth.
A mixed variety of schools (state and Catholic) . Our children attended a state school and became Drs/Chemical Engineers so cant be bad.

If I can help further please feel free to do so.

Best wishes

Susie

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Hi there, I have written a piece on Karratha... hopefully that will give you some idea.
Yes it is easy to make friends albeit people and very transient but thats par for the course being a mining town.
Bear in mind Karratha is exceptionally hot, so your children will of course have outdoor activities but keeping in mind the strength of the sun. My step children were born in Karratha and have had a wonderful safe environment to grow up within.
There is one hospital, a wonderful maternity ward, great local GPs . It is an exceptionally friendly hospital with professional and caring staff.
Any complications you would be generally flown down to Perth.
There are several excellent Catholic schools in Karratha and a variety of good state schools...
Most residential packages are good, generally they come with a huge subsidy for electricity, water etc and rent allowances.
As I said my husband has worked there for 25 years and loved every minute... myself 5 years and I would go back without hesitation.

Cyclone season does exist, but I have experienced a few... very stringent precautions are taken and I personally wouldnt worry about those.... it basically hinders flights in and out, everything comes to a stand still on red alert:D.

If I can help further please dont hesitate to contact me Susie

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Thanks Susie, your comment was very positive and helpful! I'm actually really looking forward to it. I LOVE hot weather and are originally from a country town so I think I'll appreciate what it has to offer. Thanks ::D

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

You are very welcome. Karratha was my first home here in Australia, its a dramtic scenery, salt, red earth and aquamarine seas. The fishing is amazing, now that I do miss over here in Tasmania.
The camping is amazing out in the bush, 40 mile beach etc. Maree Pool.
The shopping centre has grown, and is more than adequate, yes prices are higher but the benefits outweigh! The swimming pool/ gym/golf facilities are good as well as the usual footie, soccer, basket ball etc.

Despite being exceptionally happy here in Tasmania a little bit of my heart remains over there and I would recommend it to any family.

Enjoy and very best wishes for your pregnancy as well.

Best wishes Susie x

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Karratha High is the worst school, in the process of making sure my eldest doesn't go there as not heard one good report, lots of issues. Catholic school is a better option, but is competition to get into it. Neither are great places to send your kids if you wish them to go to Uni. Schools are more toward getting kids into apprenticeships.
Yes are hospitals, they're fairly modern, but if you have any major issues it's off to hedland (2/3 hours away) or down to Perth.
Coffee, no idea is a place in the main shopping complex?
If you have any more questions feel free to send me a message, as we're not far from Karratha.

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Karratha for Torquay? I'd swap no worries. Does feel awfully remote up here!

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Our children went to Karratha High, we never had any issues whatsoever... it is dependent I would very much imagine on the teachers, finances etc of the day.
We are exceptionally proud of the way our lads have turned out... and we have 3 members of our family who are attending the very same school...
Our lads were encouraged to go down to Uni, very much so and have done well. ... but hey its not always necessary to have to go to Uni... nothing wrong with apprenticeships either:thumbup: not a bad place to gain a place, I would have thought..

Coffee shops, 1 outside of K mart, another down by Target Country, and one opposite the Jewellers (near the dentist)

For the original poster :: http://www.ourpatch.com.au/karratha/categories/schools
http://web.stpaulskarratha.wa.edu.au/

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

As I have friends who work there & friends who have kids who actually attend the school right now. I'm pretty much up with how things are there. I've yet to speak to a Teacher who thinks things are going well, been a lot of staffing changes & the usual issues with problematic children whom they cannot move on to a better place for them to be educated? I'm glad your kids got a decent education there, but things must have changed a lot since then :confused:
Thankfully my kids will not be going there :thumbsup:

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

I am also considering relocation to Karratha, with a young (ish) child.
Have read comments above-thanks all
Do the primary schools have avfter school clubs / care schemes?
Or are child moinders / nannies easy to come by?
I hope so-I dont fancy being snowed in for another winter :blink:

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Day care is expensive and no school provision
If you're willing to possibly house the nanny yes, child minders? no idea.

If you hurry up you'll catch the cyclone season, we're in for an active season, so you'll be rained & extremely strong winded in the house for a change lol. Didn't have any last cyclone season so will make amends for that by the forecasts.
Failing that the extreme temps and UV can be a tad hazardous.

Re: Possibly relocating to Karratha, WA
 

Thanks :thumbsup:

Karratha
 

This post maybe premamture.
The company i contract to have asked me to attend a project in Karratha, which may last upto a year. If it comes off.

i have looked at rented accom, nice prices for the owners i guess!
I have seen a few comments on running the AC - is the elec bill that high?

Most of the posts about this place appear to be downbeat.

I won't be FIFO, i'll be based there.

I have no specific questions as yet so any info/comments appreciate.


Cheers
Tony

Re: Karratha
 

Hi Tony, and welcome to BE :)
I've merged your question into a thread we had recently on Karratha as there's a good range of info in it which might get you started :thumbup:

Re: Karratha
 

Tony,

Living in australia sure isn't cheap but its HOT here and air conditioning no matter where you are in the world is expensive.

So the electric bill is not just related to Karratha area . Add additional costs if you wish a pool to cool off in.

If you are here a year you will get all the weather seasons--2. You will get some financial relief in that component. Most people that are here have some financial contribution by the company and I think that puts the price up on some of the rentals in this location. Company not paying for you to live here and work for them?? :thumbdown:

Re: Karratha
 

Most companies in Karratha pay for the electricity bill whether you are an owner or tenant... usually the water bill as well..
Our a/c was on 24/7 sometimes during the winter and definately during the summer. It would usually not be cost effective for an employee to pay out otherwise.