kevzone

Hey Guys

I have lived in Townsville for the last 7 years and I'm getting itchy feet, which is a bit of curse for all of us who have sat on the other side of the fence....i'm sure.

I am interested in the opinion of anyone who has lived or has been to either places, as my wife and I are thinking of seeing if the grass is greener south of Brisvegas. We have 2 kids under 7, which is the main reason we stay in oz and I am not sure if the Gold Coast is the right choice?

Much appreciated in advanced.

skinnygeorge

I`ve only visited Townsville for work a few times, Though I found nothing to put me off the place. I find the Goldcoast rather good for kids. We`ve got a 10 and 13 year old. Huge choice of beaches, Amusement parks, Park land and Hinterland rain forrest walks(ok the boys don`t go a bundle on them but I like them). That said I live in a quietish suburb which is only arguably Goldcoast itself(Though Its under GCCC). I find it a happy medium with good state schools and good access to the GC and Brisbane. And should you want to head down to NSW its not far drive either.

paularn

I live in Townsville too. I have an 11yr old daughter. We moved to Townsville because this is where my husband is from and where his elderly mother was. She passed away a couple of months ago and therefore, technically ending ties to the place, there is really no reason to stay here now. If it wasn't for the fact that we have bought a block of land and plan to start building within the next few weeks, I would pick up and move near Brisbane. Anyway, for the moment (or probably many years!!!), we are here and I think Townsville is a good place for our daughter to grow up, its not too big nor too small.

garyp

Visited Townsville and lived in Gold Coast, Pros and cons for both but it depends what the individual wants. Townsvile a bit isolated but probably would have suited my needs best in regards to size and population. Gold Coast is a beautiful place with loads of things to do, a litle cooler than Townsville. More people live there and for me too many tourists, property is expensive. A place to visit and pass through and not to live, my opinion.

curly

I've lived on the Gold Coast for 4 1/2 years and the only tourists I've ever seen have been in Surfers or at the theme parks! You certainly don't come across them in your normal daily life

garyp

Maybe its because I was living too near the theme parks and the motorway. I am sure the tourists go to other beaches apart from surfers thouigh, I did when I was a tourist.

moneypenny20

I'd say Main, Surfers, Broadbeach, Burleigh and Coolie. The others, from what I've noticed and I've not studied it too hard you understand, tend to be locals. Mind you, there'll be sod all down there today!

kevzone

Thanks for the responses guys, food for thought indeed, much apreciated.

DeadVim

Yup, the hinterland areas are very nice and not at all touristy.

The northern NSW scenery is even better for my money.

From what I've heard from people who have lived in Townsville, one for most of her life, the GC is a good option if you pick somewhere off the beaten track, doesn't have to be far either.

For kids I would imagine there is a lot more to offer them down here, and not just the theme parks.

kevzone

After much debate and deliberation my wife and I are thinking of working in Mackay or Yeppoon, where the money seems to be for a couple of years and then head further south....
Funny though we said that about Townsville 7 years ago LOL but life has it's own agenda..

DeadVim

Indeed it does, there are no bad choices just different experiences, hope the move works out for you.

lumpommer

A hard choice dullsville or a place you have to arm your self

I much prefer Coffs harbour and Mutton bird island

kevzone

I guess the real question for most expats, living in Australia is lifestyle choice vs boarding the money train, which is usually in an industrial based town....

ordinaru

Hello,

I would like to ask those of you who have studied in Townsville, what is the job market like? I have received an offer from JCU, I can afford to pay the study fees (I am permanent resident so that I am offered a Commonwealth supported place), however I would need to find employment in order to support myself. I am Eastern European, so that I don't speak English as good as a native, but I think I can manage pretty well. I was thinking about hospitality jobs, maybe some construction work (general labor). What do you think about the job prospects, is the current situation good or bad?