Recent Perth visit
Aug 15th 2004 | 8:01 pm
#16
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 12,469
From: Ilukapool. WA
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by Sander
I've read quite a bit about private schools on this forum. Are they really that much better than the state schools? It might be me, but I think that paying $10.000 for a year of high school is A LOT. The whole concept of private schools is a bit strange to me, here in the Netherlands there hardly are any private schools and 99.9% goes to 'normal' schools which are just fine...
I guess my question is whether the education offered by private schools is significantly better than that offered by state schools?
I guess my question is whether the education offered by private schools is significantly better than that offered by state schools?
The private schools may not necessarily have better academic results but they have much better facilities and extra curricular opportunities.
Aug 15th 2004 | 8:09 pm
#17
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 987
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by PJK
To all heading for Perth I have just arrived back from a second fact finding mission this time with family attached as we are heading there in January 2005. I wanted to share my experince with anyone interested.
Perth airport was uncongested both ways and extremely clean the standard of which we found almost everywhere. The weather was a cool 21C most of the time being the middle of August but the sun still shone almost every day apart from last Wednesday when it rained 'cats and dogs'. We were advised to make sure we get aircon when we arrive in January however as the first summer is difficult for some Brits.
We looked at a lot of areas in the north this time (I looked as far south as the beautiful Mandurah back in April 2004) and were suitably impressed with house prices, quality of build, internal space and layout etc. A very nice new four bed two bathroom bungalow seemed to be priced between $250K - $400K but I was disappointed with the size of new build gardens. Rental in the north seemed to be averaging at about $250 - $300 per week for a 4 + 2.
St Hillary's and Mindarie harbours and nearby housing were lovely but expensive to live however just a few kms in land prices were more affordable. Joondalup seemed a good new town but too far north for one of the schools we had looked at (St Hilda's) but good for St Stephens school however this school could not accomodate all of our three daughters. Get your kids on a waiting list asap if you intend private schooling. Government schools may have to take you if you live in the catchment area I believe.
Perth CBD was pretty good for shopping and Kings Park beautiful especially in the early morning sun. Everwhere there are many shopping malls as good as you get in the UK and sometimes better and food was generally cheaper than the UK. A lot of the new areas in the north reminded me of Florida US rather than the Uk. We had a couple of lovely and reasonably priced dinners in the Northbridge restaurant area and a delightful lunch at the Blue Duck Cottesloe beach. At all the places we eat even beach side the prices were mainly very reasonable and the people were so so polite.
The early morning rush hour traffic seemed light compared to the UK and cars on all the roads were always moving. In most of the areas we saw the road system has been well thought out.
Did not actually see any crime but anti crime posters on the trains and bill boards being evident everywhere plus what all the locals we met told us meant it is there and probably as high a rate as in the UK.
Having left my driving licence in Singapore we thought we had a major disaster but instead of wasting time we used the public transport system. On the trains and buses it was fantastic compared to where we live (Bristol) and very cheap and indeed the central Perth buses are free, on time and operating all day (not sure about Sunday's). Taxis were normally priced at about a A$1 per km however we negotiated with a UK expat taxi driver we met at the airport to take us all over the place for 3 hours at about A$40 per hour.
Petrol is cheap but had just hit A$1 per litre in some garages. I hired a car last time I was in Perth and found the whole place both north and south of the river easy to navigate as the roads are usually of a high standard and traffic light.
Whilst we were there the local press advertised many properties both for sale and for rent as well as many cars and a lot of tradesmen type jobs plus sales, admin etc.
The thing that we found most impressive was not just the space, cleanliness, weather (most of the year) and optimism about the place but the people. We met many UK expats, locals, international expats and they all had one thing in common which was helpful and very friendly.
A land of milk and honey it is probably not and we know after a while missing the family and friends will be an issue and there are only so many beaches and barbies you can go to before that appeal drops off somewhat but overall I think if you make the very best of it, stick it out for at least a year if you can become employed and enjoy the lifestyle you will settle eventually.
Having been very lucky to have travelled all over the world and experince of the up rooting process and living overseas in the middle east and europe due to work committments I believe with adequate planning (not like the 2 months or so you often see on no going back) we can make it and I know the homesick feelings to expect. I would tell anyone contemplating a move to not expect the grass to be totally greener but if you like being outdoors for most of the year, friendly non materialistic people, optimism, lack of traffic, cheaper housing, more space etc. etc. then with plenty of planning behind you give it a try.
We arrived back into the UK after a streamlined experince through both Perth and Singapore airports to be delayed for 40 minutes on the ground as a stand was unavailable at Heathrow. When we eventually disembarked the first Heathrow toilets we used were blocked and filthy (I felt embarrassed being among a lot of Singaporean passengers) and you had to wait in a long line of of people for both passport control and unbelieveably a baggage trolley! Needless to say it took us nearly 2 hours from landing just to get out of Heathrow. Welcome back!
We are leaving not because we hate the UK but because we believe the UK is worn out and many systems like transport, health, etc are failing or are of poor quality due to bad planning, lack of repect and overcrowding.
I hope this has helped anyone to get a warm feeling for Perth and surrounding areas if you are intending relocating to WA.
PJK
Perth airport was uncongested both ways and extremely clean the standard of which we found almost everywhere. The weather was a cool 21C most of the time being the middle of August but the sun still shone almost every day apart from last Wednesday when it rained 'cats and dogs'. We were advised to make sure we get aircon when we arrive in January however as the first summer is difficult for some Brits.
We looked at a lot of areas in the north this time (I looked as far south as the beautiful Mandurah back in April 2004) and were suitably impressed with house prices, quality of build, internal space and layout etc. A very nice new four bed two bathroom bungalow seemed to be priced between $250K - $400K but I was disappointed with the size of new build gardens. Rental in the north seemed to be averaging at about $250 - $300 per week for a 4 + 2.
St Hillary's and Mindarie harbours and nearby housing were lovely but expensive to live however just a few kms in land prices were more affordable. Joondalup seemed a good new town but too far north for one of the schools we had looked at (St Hilda's) but good for St Stephens school however this school could not accomodate all of our three daughters. Get your kids on a waiting list asap if you intend private schooling. Government schools may have to take you if you live in the catchment area I believe.
Perth CBD was pretty good for shopping and Kings Park beautiful especially in the early morning sun. Everwhere there are many shopping malls as good as you get in the UK and sometimes better and food was generally cheaper than the UK. A lot of the new areas in the north reminded me of Florida US rather than the Uk. We had a couple of lovely and reasonably priced dinners in the Northbridge restaurant area and a delightful lunch at the Blue Duck Cottesloe beach. At all the places we eat even beach side the prices were mainly very reasonable and the people were so so polite.
The early morning rush hour traffic seemed light compared to the UK and cars on all the roads were always moving. In most of the areas we saw the road system has been well thought out.
Did not actually see any crime but anti crime posters on the trains and bill boards being evident everywhere plus what all the locals we met told us meant it is there and probably as high a rate as in the UK.
Having left my driving licence in Singapore we thought we had a major disaster but instead of wasting time we used the public transport system. On the trains and buses it was fantastic compared to where we live (Bristol) and very cheap and indeed the central Perth buses are free, on time and operating all day (not sure about Sunday's). Taxis were normally priced at about a A$1 per km however we negotiated with a UK expat taxi driver we met at the airport to take us all over the place for 3 hours at about A$40 per hour.
Petrol is cheap but had just hit A$1 per litre in some garages. I hired a car last time I was in Perth and found the whole place both north and south of the river easy to navigate as the roads are usually of a high standard and traffic light.
Whilst we were there the local press advertised many properties both for sale and for rent as well as many cars and a lot of tradesmen type jobs plus sales, admin etc.
The thing that we found most impressive was not just the space, cleanliness, weather (most of the year) and optimism about the place but the people. We met many UK expats, locals, international expats and they all had one thing in common which was helpful and very friendly.
A land of milk and honey it is probably not and we know after a while missing the family and friends will be an issue and there are only so many beaches and barbies you can go to before that appeal drops off somewhat but overall I think if you make the very best of it, stick it out for at least a year if you can become employed and enjoy the lifestyle you will settle eventually.
Having been very lucky to have travelled all over the world and experince of the up rooting process and living overseas in the middle east and europe due to work committments I believe with adequate planning (not like the 2 months or so you often see on no going back) we can make it and I know the homesick feelings to expect. I would tell anyone contemplating a move to not expect the grass to be totally greener but if you like being outdoors for most of the year, friendly non materialistic people, optimism, lack of traffic, cheaper housing, more space etc. etc. then with plenty of planning behind you give it a try.
We arrived back into the UK after a streamlined experince through both Perth and Singapore airports to be delayed for 40 minutes on the ground as a stand was unavailable at Heathrow. When we eventually disembarked the first Heathrow toilets we used were blocked and filthy (I felt embarrassed being among a lot of Singaporean passengers) and you had to wait in a long line of of people for both passport control and unbelieveably a baggage trolley! Needless to say it took us nearly 2 hours from landing just to get out of Heathrow. Welcome back!
We are leaving not because we hate the UK but because we believe the UK is worn out and many systems like transport, health, etc are failing or are of poor quality due to bad planning, lack of repect and overcrowding.
I hope this has helped anyone to get a warm feeling for Perth and surrounding areas if you are intending relocating to WA.
PJK
Myself and family are looking to head out there next year as soon as we can to validate the visas and have a good look around.
We feel the same about the UK definatley WORN OUT which is a real shame.
Time to try somewhere new.We totally realise that the grass may not be greener and it is going to be hard.
Given the opprtunity we feel we must give it a go.
Once again thanks for sharing your experience with us all good luck with your move .Lets hope it all works out for us.
Aug 16th 2004 | 6:29 am
#18
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
From: East Fremantle
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by G&J
PJ, you mentioned private schooling, did you find out how expensive this is.
We are in exactly the same boat - done 2 fact finding trips & hope to move Jan 2005 (start of the shool year)
We are in exactly the same boat - done 2 fact finding trips & hope to move Jan 2005 (start of the shool year)
PS I also forgot to say I opened a bank account whilst in Perth at the Commonwealth Bank charging $5 a month there and then in about 10 minutes with only my UK address. I needed only my passport and a credit card
Cheers
PJK
Sep 30th 2004 | 9:26 pm
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 33
From: Perth northern suburbs
Re: Recent Perth visit
I live in Quinns Rocks that is not to far from Joondalup. There is talk of a railway extension through to Butler and the new suburb of Jindalee. As the population expands so will the demand for the train station and I also heard that its planned at the moment for 2006.
As for private schools in the area. Peter Moyes Anglican School is very resonably priced around $750 Aus per term and has great ocean views as a free bonus for the children.
Its well located in Mindarie for those thinking of moving over here I meet people from Britian all the time and I was born there myself. I sell real estate in the area and know from talking with people on a daily basis that Kinross also has a very good public school.
My son goes to Peter Moyes and I sent him there when I lived in Joondalup. I must admit that its easier living in Quinns because he can walk there.
Happy School hunting
regards
June
As for private schools in the area. Peter Moyes Anglican School is very resonably priced around $750 Aus per term and has great ocean views as a free bonus for the children.
Its well located in Mindarie for those thinking of moving over here I meet people from Britian all the time and I was born there myself. I sell real estate in the area and know from talking with people on a daily basis that Kinross also has a very good public school.
My son goes to Peter Moyes and I sent him there when I lived in Joondalup. I must admit that its easier living in Quinns because he can walk there.
Happy School hunting
regards
June
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:02 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 66
Re: Recent Perth visit
Havent been on the forum for a while, moved to Perth from Glasgow 6 weeks ago.
I read this thread and have decided to add my 2cents worth.
Public transport in Perth is very good. Money is being spent on the roads and rail network. Trains and buses arrive and depart on time, although they could do with being more frequent.
We stay in Butler (Brighton) and next week when Clarkson train station opens I will use the train more frequently to go to work in Bassendean the journey is about 50 minutes by train. The same amount of time it takes me in the car.
The downside of travelling in Perth is the amount of speed cameras on the roads. I was fined 50 dollars for doing 87k in an 80k zone.
They hide the cameras, but you can conveniently pay your fine at the Post Office.
They would be better off using their resources to try and get some of the poor drivers off the road. The standard of driving in WA is appaling.
Her are some links for the rail and road extensions.
www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au
www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
cheers
Graham
I read this thread and have decided to add my 2cents worth.
Public transport in Perth is very good. Money is being spent on the roads and rail network. Trains and buses arrive and depart on time, although they could do with being more frequent.
We stay in Butler (Brighton) and next week when Clarkson train station opens I will use the train more frequently to go to work in Bassendean the journey is about 50 minutes by train. The same amount of time it takes me in the car.
The downside of travelling in Perth is the amount of speed cameras on the roads. I was fined 50 dollars for doing 87k in an 80k zone.
They hide the cameras, but you can conveniently pay your fine at the Post Office.
They would be better off using their resources to try and get some of the poor drivers off the road. The standard of driving in WA is appaling.
Her are some links for the rail and road extensions.
www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au
www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
cheers
Graham
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:23 pm
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by PJK
To all heading for Perth I have just arrived back from a second fact finding mission this time with family attached as we are heading there in January 2005. I wanted to share my experince with anyone interested.
Perth airport was uncongested both ways and extremely clean the standard of which we found almost everywhere. The weather was a cool 21C most of the time being the middle of August but the sun still shone almost every day apart from last Wednesday when it rained 'cats and dogs'. We were advised to make sure we get aircon when we arrive in January however as the first summer is difficult for some Brits.
We looked at a lot of areas in the north this time (I looked as far south as the beautiful Mandurah back in April 2004) and were suitably impressed with house prices, quality of build, internal space and layout etc. A very nice new four bed two bathroom bungalow seemed to be priced between $250K - $400K but I was disappointed with the size of new build gardens. Rental in the north seemed to be averaging at about $250 - $300 per week for a 4 + 2.
St Hillary's and Mindarie harbours and nearby housing were lovely but expensive to live however just a few kms in land prices were more affordable. Joondalup seemed a good new town but too far north for one of the schools we had looked at (St Hilda's) but good for St Stephens school however this school could not accomodate all of our three daughters. Get your kids on a waiting list asap if you intend private schooling. Government schools may have to take you if you live in the catchment area I believe.
Perth CBD was pretty good for shopping and Kings Park beautiful especially in the early morning sun. Everwhere there are many shopping malls as good as you get in the UK and sometimes better and food was generally cheaper than the UK. A lot of the new areas in the north reminded me of Florida US rather than the Uk. We had a couple of lovely and reasonably priced dinners in the Northbridge restaurant area and a delightful lunch at the Blue Duck Cottesloe beach. At all the places we eat even beach side the prices were mainly very reasonable and the people were so so polite.
The early morning rush hour traffic seemed light compared to the UK and cars on all the roads were always moving. In most of the areas we saw the road system has been well thought out.
Did not actually see any crime but anti crime posters on the trains and bill boards being evident everywhere plus what all the locals we met told us meant it is there and probably as high a rate as in the UK.
Having left my driving licence in Singapore we thought we had a major disaster but instead of wasting time we used the public transport system. On the trains and buses it was fantastic compared to where we live (Bristol) and very cheap and indeed the central Perth buses are free, on time and operating all day (not sure about Sunday's). Taxis were normally priced at about a A$1 per km however we negotiated with a UK expat taxi driver we met at the airport to take us all over the place for 3 hours at about A$40 per hour.
Petrol is cheap but had just hit A$1 per litre in some garages. I hired a car last time I was in Perth and found the whole place both north and south of the river easy to navigate as the roads are usually of a high standard and traffic light.
Whilst we were there the local press advertised many properties both for sale and for rent as well as many cars and a lot of tradesmen type jobs plus sales, admin etc.
The thing that we found most impressive was not just the space, cleanliness, weather (most of the year) and optimism about the place but the people. We met many UK expats, locals, international expats and they all had one thing in common which was helpful and very friendly.
A land of milk and honey it is probably not and we know after a while missing the family and friends will be an issue and there are only so many beaches and barbies you can go to before that appeal drops off somewhat but overall I think if you make the very best of it, stick it out for at least a year if you can become employed and enjoy the lifestyle you will settle eventually.
Having been very lucky to have travelled all over the world and experince of the up rooting process and living overseas in the middle east and europe due to work committments I believe with adequate planning (not like the 2 months or so you often see on no going back) we can make it and I know the homesick feelings to expect. I would tell anyone contemplating a move to not expect the grass to be totally greener but if you like being outdoors for most of the year, friendly non materialistic people, optimism, lack of traffic, cheaper housing, more space etc. etc. then with plenty of planning behind you give it a try.
We arrived back into the UK after a streamlined experince through both Perth and Singapore airports to be delayed for 40 minutes on the ground as a stand was unavailable at Heathrow. When we eventually disembarked the first Heathrow toilets we used were blocked and filthy (I felt embarrassed being among a lot of Singaporean passengers) and you had to wait in a long line of of people for both passport control and unbelieveably a baggage trolley! Needless to say it took us nearly 2 hours from landing just to get out of Heathrow. Welcome back!
We are leaving not because we hate the UK but because we believe the UK is worn out and many systems like transport, health, etc are failing or are of poor quality due to bad planning, lack of repect and overcrowding.
I hope this has helped anyone to get a warm feeling for Perth and surrounding areas if you are intending relocating to WA.
PJK
Perth airport was uncongested both ways and extremely clean the standard of which we found almost everywhere. The weather was a cool 21C most of the time being the middle of August but the sun still shone almost every day apart from last Wednesday when it rained 'cats and dogs'. We were advised to make sure we get aircon when we arrive in January however as the first summer is difficult for some Brits.
We looked at a lot of areas in the north this time (I looked as far south as the beautiful Mandurah back in April 2004) and were suitably impressed with house prices, quality of build, internal space and layout etc. A very nice new four bed two bathroom bungalow seemed to be priced between $250K - $400K but I was disappointed with the size of new build gardens. Rental in the north seemed to be averaging at about $250 - $300 per week for a 4 + 2.
St Hillary's and Mindarie harbours and nearby housing were lovely but expensive to live however just a few kms in land prices were more affordable. Joondalup seemed a good new town but too far north for one of the schools we had looked at (St Hilda's) but good for St Stephens school however this school could not accomodate all of our three daughters. Get your kids on a waiting list asap if you intend private schooling. Government schools may have to take you if you live in the catchment area I believe.
Perth CBD was pretty good for shopping and Kings Park beautiful especially in the early morning sun. Everwhere there are many shopping malls as good as you get in the UK and sometimes better and food was generally cheaper than the UK. A lot of the new areas in the north reminded me of Florida US rather than the Uk. We had a couple of lovely and reasonably priced dinners in the Northbridge restaurant area and a delightful lunch at the Blue Duck Cottesloe beach. At all the places we eat even beach side the prices were mainly very reasonable and the people were so so polite.
The early morning rush hour traffic seemed light compared to the UK and cars on all the roads were always moving. In most of the areas we saw the road system has been well thought out.
Did not actually see any crime but anti crime posters on the trains and bill boards being evident everywhere plus what all the locals we met told us meant it is there and probably as high a rate as in the UK.
Having left my driving licence in Singapore we thought we had a major disaster but instead of wasting time we used the public transport system. On the trains and buses it was fantastic compared to where we live (Bristol) and very cheap and indeed the central Perth buses are free, on time and operating all day (not sure about Sunday's). Taxis were normally priced at about a A$1 per km however we negotiated with a UK expat taxi driver we met at the airport to take us all over the place for 3 hours at about A$40 per hour.
Petrol is cheap but had just hit A$1 per litre in some garages. I hired a car last time I was in Perth and found the whole place both north and south of the river easy to navigate as the roads are usually of a high standard and traffic light.
Whilst we were there the local press advertised many properties both for sale and for rent as well as many cars and a lot of tradesmen type jobs plus sales, admin etc.
The thing that we found most impressive was not just the space, cleanliness, weather (most of the year) and optimism about the place but the people. We met many UK expats, locals, international expats and they all had one thing in common which was helpful and very friendly.
A land of milk and honey it is probably not and we know after a while missing the family and friends will be an issue and there are only so many beaches and barbies you can go to before that appeal drops off somewhat but overall I think if you make the very best of it, stick it out for at least a year if you can become employed and enjoy the lifestyle you will settle eventually.
Having been very lucky to have travelled all over the world and experince of the up rooting process and living overseas in the middle east and europe due to work committments I believe with adequate planning (not like the 2 months or so you often see on no going back) we can make it and I know the homesick feelings to expect. I would tell anyone contemplating a move to not expect the grass to be totally greener but if you like being outdoors for most of the year, friendly non materialistic people, optimism, lack of traffic, cheaper housing, more space etc. etc. then with plenty of planning behind you give it a try.
We arrived back into the UK after a streamlined experince through both Perth and Singapore airports to be delayed for 40 minutes on the ground as a stand was unavailable at Heathrow. When we eventually disembarked the first Heathrow toilets we used were blocked and filthy (I felt embarrassed being among a lot of Singaporean passengers) and you had to wait in a long line of of people for both passport control and unbelieveably a baggage trolley! Needless to say it took us nearly 2 hours from landing just to get out of Heathrow. Welcome back!
We are leaving not because we hate the UK but because we believe the UK is worn out and many systems like transport, health, etc are failing or are of poor quality due to bad planning, lack of repect and overcrowding.
I hope this has helped anyone to get a warm feeling for Perth and surrounding areas if you are intending relocating to WA.
PJK
The only thing I'd add; is that what may seem cheap/reasonable when here on holiday may seem a tad more expensive when you start earning dollars!
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:25 pm
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by graham__smith
The downside of travelling in Perth is the amount of speed cameras on the roads. I was fined 50 dollars for doing 87k in an 80k zone.
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:28 pm
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 66
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by owieb
So don't speed!
The police go for the soft target, revenue raising speed cameras.
Why not make the effort and try and get the poor drivers off of the road.
That should leave about a couple of thousand cars on the road as the drivers are so crap here.
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:34 pm
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by graham__smith
you missed the point somewhat.
The police go for the soft target, revenue raising speed cameras.
Why not make the effort and try and get the poor drivers off of the road.
That should leave about a couple of thousand cars on the road as the drivers are so crap here.
The police go for the soft target, revenue raising speed cameras.
Why not make the effort and try and get the poor drivers off of the road.
That should leave about a couple of thousand cars on the road as the drivers are so crap here.
Just think yourself lucky it wasn't this weekend, otherwise it would be double demerit points which would have cost you $100!
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:35 pm
#25
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 66
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by owieb
They are getting the "poor" drivers off the road, by catching the ones that are driving above the speed limits!
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:41 pm
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by graham__smith
you arent by any chance a West Australian.
<lecture>It's pretty easy to get around Perth; there's not too much traffic so those few extra K's doesn't make much difference when getting from A to B. But it could be the difference between being involved in an accident or not.</lecture>
Anyway, not wishing to spoil what was an excellent post. Who am I to judge people, I'll leave that to the police!
Sep 30th 2004 | 10:47 pm
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 66
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by owieb
Not at all. Just mellowing in my old age and no longer feel the need to rush around.
<lecture>It's pretty easy to get around Perth; there's not too much traffic so those few extra K's doesn't make much difference when getting from A to B. But it could be the difference between being involved in an accident or not.</lecture>
<lecture>It's pretty easy to get around Perth; there's not too much traffic so those few extra K's doesn't make much difference when getting from A to B. But it could be the difference between being involved in an accident or not.</lecture>
Oct 1st 2004 | 1:51 am
#28
Moved out bush!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,093
From: Chittering WA
Re: Recent Perth visit
I'm a newcomer to Perth and have only been here 6 weeks. My views are similar, airport clean, public toilets clean, roads really good to drive on, which is a problem with speed as they are so easy to drive on you can easily creep above the limit. Speed cameras all over the place, met 2 today on the school run alone. Everyone is friendly here, I haven't found any shop workers who are abrupt, everyone is just so nice.
I agree totally on the respect issue, even in my short time here it is obvious that locals respect their surroundings which can only mean they are happy, back in the uk there is little espect, kids trashing bus shelters every night have no respect, as goes for a lot of the little darlings families.
I am pleased we made the leap and came, we have positive attitudes towards our new home, and wish to remain here.
Jenny
I agree totally on the respect issue, even in my short time here it is obvious that locals respect their surroundings which can only mean they are happy, back in the uk there is little espect, kids trashing bus shelters every night have no respect, as goes for a lot of the little darlings families.
I am pleased we made the leap and came, we have positive attitudes towards our new home, and wish to remain here.
Jenny
Oct 1st 2004 | 2:04 am
#29
surfer chic from Teesside
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,431
From: Halls head, WA
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by graham__smith
My point was that the police use them as a way to raise money. They only fine you for my offence, no demerit points. Why not use there resources to get the guys who overtake you in the cycle lane, do U turns on the freeway or travel 2metres behind you on the freeway. My offence was not slowing down quickly enough on the Graham Farmer freeway when the speed goes from 100 to 80.
Bit of useless info but, When i was in Perth, I think that there was a radio station that announced where all the cameras were hidden for that day.......
laura
x
Mar 25th 2005 | 10:46 pm
#30
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,551
Re: Recent Perth visit
Originally Posted by PJK
To all heading for Perth I have just arrived back from a second fact finding mission this time with family attached as we are heading there in January 2005. I wanted to share my experince with anyone interested.
Perth airport was uncongested both ways and extremely clean the standard of which we found almost everywhere. The weather was a cool 21C most of the time being the middle of August but the sun still shone almost every day apart from last Wednesday when it rained 'cats and dogs'. We were advised to make sure we get aircon when we arrive in January however as the first summer is difficult for some Brits.
We looked at a lot of areas in the north this time (I looked as far south as the beautiful Mandurah back in April 2004) and were suitably impressed with house prices, quality of build, internal space and layout etc. A very nice new four bed two bathroom bungalow seemed to be priced between $250K - $400K but I was disappointed with the size of new build gardens. Rental in the north seemed to be averaging at about $250 - $300 per week for a 4 + 2.
St Hillary's and Mindarie harbours and nearby housing were lovely but expensive to live however just a few kms in land prices were more affordable. Joondalup seemed a good new town but too far north for one of the schools we had looked at (St Hilda's) but good for St Stephens school however this school could not accomodate all of our three daughters. Get your kids on a waiting list asap if you intend private schooling. Government schools may have to take you if you live in the catchment area I believe.
Perth CBD was pretty good for shopping and Kings Park beautiful especially in the early morning sun. Everwhere there are many shopping malls as good as you get in the UK and sometimes better and food was generally cheaper than the UK. A lot of the new areas in the north reminded me of Florida US rather than the Uk. We had a couple of lovely and reasonably priced dinners in the Northbridge restaurant area and a delightful lunch at the Blue Duck Cottesloe beach. At all the places we eat even beach side the prices were mainly very reasonable and the people were so so polite.
The early morning rush hour traffic seemed light compared to the UK and cars on all the roads were always moving. In most of the areas we saw the road system has been well thought out.
Did not actually see any crime but anti crime posters on the trains and bill boards being evident everywhere plus what all the locals we met told us meant it is there and probably as high a rate as in the UK.
Having left my driving licence in Singapore we thought we had a major disaster but instead of wasting time we used the public transport system. On the trains and buses it was fantastic compared to where we live (Bristol) and very cheap and indeed the central Perth buses are free, on time and operating all day (not sure about Sunday's). Taxis were normally priced at about a A$1 per km however we negotiated with a UK expat taxi driver we met at the airport to take us all over the place for 3 hours at about A$40 per hour.
Petrol is cheap but had just hit A$1 per litre in some garages. I hired a car last time I was in Perth and found the whole place both north and south of the river easy to navigate as the roads are usually of a high standard and traffic light.
Whilst we were there the local press advertised many properties both for sale and for rent as well as many cars and a lot of tradesmen type jobs plus sales, admin etc.
The thing that we found most impressive was not just the space, cleanliness, weather (most of the year) and optimism about the place but the people. We met many UK expats, locals, international expats and they all had one thing in common which was helpful and very friendly.
A land of milk and honey it is probably not and we know after a while missing the family and friends will be an issue and there are only so many beaches and barbies you can go to before that appeal drops off somewhat but overall I think if you make the very best of it, stick it out for at least a year if you can become employed and enjoy the lifestyle you will settle eventually.
Having been very lucky to have travelled all over the world and experince of the up rooting process and living overseas in the middle east and europe due to work committments I believe with adequate planning (not like the 2 months or so you often see on no going back) we can make it and I know the homesick feelings to expect. I would tell anyone contemplating a move to not expect the grass to be totally greener but if you like being outdoors for most of the year, friendly non materialistic people, optimism, lack of traffic, cheaper housing, more space etc. etc. then with plenty of planning behind you give it a try.
We arrived back into the UK after a streamlined experince through both Perth and Singapore airports to be delayed for 40 minutes on the ground as a stand was unavailable at Heathrow. When we eventually disembarked the first Heathrow toilets we used were blocked and filthy (I felt embarrassed being among a lot of Singaporean passengers) and you had to wait in a long line of of people for both passport control and unbelieveably a baggage trolley! Needless to say it took us nearly 2 hours from landing just to get out of Heathrow. Welcome back!
We are leaving not because we hate the UK but because we believe the UK is worn out and many systems like transport, health, etc are failing or are of poor quality due to bad planning, lack of repect and overcrowding.
I hope this has helped anyone to get a warm feeling for Perth and surrounding areas if you are intending relocating to WA.
PJK
Perth airport was uncongested both ways and extremely clean the standard of which we found almost everywhere. The weather was a cool 21C most of the time being the middle of August but the sun still shone almost every day apart from last Wednesday when it rained 'cats and dogs'. We were advised to make sure we get aircon when we arrive in January however as the first summer is difficult for some Brits.
We looked at a lot of areas in the north this time (I looked as far south as the beautiful Mandurah back in April 2004) and were suitably impressed with house prices, quality of build, internal space and layout etc. A very nice new four bed two bathroom bungalow seemed to be priced between $250K - $400K but I was disappointed with the size of new build gardens. Rental in the north seemed to be averaging at about $250 - $300 per week for a 4 + 2.
St Hillary's and Mindarie harbours and nearby housing were lovely but expensive to live however just a few kms in land prices were more affordable. Joondalup seemed a good new town but too far north for one of the schools we had looked at (St Hilda's) but good for St Stephens school however this school could not accomodate all of our three daughters. Get your kids on a waiting list asap if you intend private schooling. Government schools may have to take you if you live in the catchment area I believe.
Perth CBD was pretty good for shopping and Kings Park beautiful especially in the early morning sun. Everwhere there are many shopping malls as good as you get in the UK and sometimes better and food was generally cheaper than the UK. A lot of the new areas in the north reminded me of Florida US rather than the Uk. We had a couple of lovely and reasonably priced dinners in the Northbridge restaurant area and a delightful lunch at the Blue Duck Cottesloe beach. At all the places we eat even beach side the prices were mainly very reasonable and the people were so so polite.
The early morning rush hour traffic seemed light compared to the UK and cars on all the roads were always moving. In most of the areas we saw the road system has been well thought out.
Did not actually see any crime but anti crime posters on the trains and bill boards being evident everywhere plus what all the locals we met told us meant it is there and probably as high a rate as in the UK.
Having left my driving licence in Singapore we thought we had a major disaster but instead of wasting time we used the public transport system. On the trains and buses it was fantastic compared to where we live (Bristol) and very cheap and indeed the central Perth buses are free, on time and operating all day (not sure about Sunday's). Taxis were normally priced at about a A$1 per km however we negotiated with a UK expat taxi driver we met at the airport to take us all over the place for 3 hours at about A$40 per hour.
Petrol is cheap but had just hit A$1 per litre in some garages. I hired a car last time I was in Perth and found the whole place both north and south of the river easy to navigate as the roads are usually of a high standard and traffic light.
Whilst we were there the local press advertised many properties both for sale and for rent as well as many cars and a lot of tradesmen type jobs plus sales, admin etc.
The thing that we found most impressive was not just the space, cleanliness, weather (most of the year) and optimism about the place but the people. We met many UK expats, locals, international expats and they all had one thing in common which was helpful and very friendly.
A land of milk and honey it is probably not and we know after a while missing the family and friends will be an issue and there are only so many beaches and barbies you can go to before that appeal drops off somewhat but overall I think if you make the very best of it, stick it out for at least a year if you can become employed and enjoy the lifestyle you will settle eventually.
Having been very lucky to have travelled all over the world and experince of the up rooting process and living overseas in the middle east and europe due to work committments I believe with adequate planning (not like the 2 months or so you often see on no going back) we can make it and I know the homesick feelings to expect. I would tell anyone contemplating a move to not expect the grass to be totally greener but if you like being outdoors for most of the year, friendly non materialistic people, optimism, lack of traffic, cheaper housing, more space etc. etc. then with plenty of planning behind you give it a try.
We arrived back into the UK after a streamlined experince through both Perth and Singapore airports to be delayed for 40 minutes on the ground as a stand was unavailable at Heathrow. When we eventually disembarked the first Heathrow toilets we used were blocked and filthy (I felt embarrassed being among a lot of Singaporean passengers) and you had to wait in a long line of of people for both passport control and unbelieveably a baggage trolley! Needless to say it took us nearly 2 hours from landing just to get out of Heathrow. Welcome back!
We are leaving not because we hate the UK but because we believe the UK is worn out and many systems like transport, health, etc are failing or are of poor quality due to bad planning, lack of repect and overcrowding.
I hope this has helped anyone to get a warm feeling for Perth and surrounding areas if you are intending relocating to WA.
PJK
