Where to live in WA?
Oct 19th 2004, 12:12 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Prestayn to Perth
Posts: 20
Where to live in WA?
We (the wife, four kids - aged 6mths to 8 years - oh, and me of course) are moving to WA in November. We don't want to live in Perth as big cities are not our bag. We do want to live somewhere relatively close to the beach (preferably somewhere with good diving!), somewhere semi-rural or small townish (not hideously remote though as I rennovate houses for a living so I need to be within an hour of a decent sized town), somehwere where property is good value for money, and obviously somewhere beautiful.
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Oct 19th 2004, 12:23 pm
#2
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Hillarys, Perth
Posts: 3,973
Re: Where to live in WA?
Geraldton, Bunbury
Oct 19th 2004, 12:24 pm
#3
Dutch expat/Aus citizen
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: South East, Perth (was Holland)
Posts: 5,789
Re: Where to live in WA?
Originally Posted by almor
We (the wife, four kids - aged 6mths to 8 years - oh, and me of course) are moving to WA in November. We don't want to live in Perth as big cities are not our bag. We do want to live somewhere relatively close to the beach (preferably somewhere with good diving!), somewhere semi-rural or small townish (not hideously remote though as I rennovate houses for a living so I need to be within an hour of a decent sized town), somehwere where property is good value for money, and obviously somewhere beautiful.
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Where do you live now, how close to cities and towns?
I'd say anywhere further north or south are a bit to isolated/remote.... and the towns will become to small....
I don't know about diving.
If you think you'll cope well with heat, and dryness and more bare surroundings I'd suggest Geraldton, which is growing.
If you prefer being a bit closer to things, small quaint(sp?) towns, wineries, green hills, and good beaches, I'd suggest around Bunbury (like Australind/Eaton). Also a bit cooler, though still hot enough!
It's hard giving advice like this....
Good luck!
Simone
Oct 19th 2004, 12:27 pm
#4
Dutch expat/Aus citizen
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: South East, Perth (was Holland)
Posts: 5,789
Re: Where to live in WA?
Originally Posted by Siren
Geraldton, Bunbury
Oct 19th 2004, 12:43 pm
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Prestayn to Perth
Posts: 20
Re: Where to live in WA?
Right now, we live in North Wales - near to Prestatyn in a small village... but we've also lived in (1) Charlotte, North Carolina; (2) Waiheke Island, NZ; (3)SF, USA and (4) Dubai, UAE - and when we were young and solvent - (5) London! So, having seen a bit of the world, we really want to get it right this time as we have to settle to stop our kids from starting to speak Romany. Although, I quite like the idea of touring around in a horsedrawn caravan and roasting hedgehogs for tea!
I'll definitely take a look at the two places you mentioned. Thanks.
I'll definitely take a look at the two places you mentioned. Thanks.
Originally Posted by Simone
From the info you give, I'd suggest somewhere around either Geraldton or Bunbury.
Where do you live now, how close to cities and towns?
I'd say anywhere further north or south are a bit to isolated/remote.... and the towns will become to small....
I don't know about diving.
If you think you'll cope well with heat, and dryness and more bare surroundings I'd suggest Geraldton, which is growing.
If you prefer being a bit closer to things, small quaint(sp?) towns, wineries, green hills, and good beaches, I'd suggest around Bunbury (like Australind/Eaton). Also a bit cooler, though still hot enough!
It's hard giving advice like this....
Good luck!
Simone
Where do you live now, how close to cities and towns?
I'd say anywhere further north or south are a bit to isolated/remote.... and the towns will become to small....
I don't know about diving.
If you think you'll cope well with heat, and dryness and more bare surroundings I'd suggest Geraldton, which is growing.
If you prefer being a bit closer to things, small quaint(sp?) towns, wineries, green hills, and good beaches, I'd suggest around Bunbury (like Australind/Eaton). Also a bit cooler, though still hot enough!
It's hard giving advice like this....
Good luck!
Simone
Oct 19th 2004, 12:49 pm
#6
Tupperware's #1 fan
Joined: May 2004
Location: Crawley West Sussex
Posts: 2,315
Re: Where to live in WA?
Originally Posted by almor
Right now, we live in North Wales - near to Prestatyn in a small village... but we've also lived in (1) Charlotte, North Carolina; (2) Waiheke Island, NZ; (3)SF, USA and (4) Dubai, UAE - and when we were young and solvent - (5) London! So, having seen a bit of the world, we really want to get it right this time as we have to settle to stop our kids from starting to speak Romany. Although, I quite like the idea of touring around in a horsedrawn caravan and roasting hedgehogs for tea!
I'll definitely take a look at the two places you mentioned. Thanks.
I'll definitely take a look at the two places you mentioned. Thanks.
Cheers
JD
Oct 19th 2004, 1:15 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Where to live in WA?
Originally Posted by almor
We (the wife, four kids - aged 6mths to 8 years - oh, and me of course) are moving to WA in November. We don't want to live in Perth as big cities are not our bag. We do want to live somewhere relatively close to the beach (preferably somewhere with good diving!), somewhere semi-rural or small townish (not hideously remote though as I rennovate houses for a living so I need to be within an hour of a decent sized town), somehwere where property is good value for money, and obviously somewhere beautiful.
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Geeeeeeze you are, brave doing a two month tour in a camper, with 4 children !!! I take my hat off to you both. :scared: :scared: :scared:
Back to the advice bit:
Perth ain't got that huge city feel so you may be suprised. Don't rule out 30 - 40 min radius of the city.
Good luck
Jill
Oct 19th 2004, 1:15 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Where to live in WA?
Originally Posted by almor
We (the wife, four kids - aged 6mths to 8 years - oh, and me of course) are moving to WA in November. We don't want to live in Perth as big cities are not our bag. We do want to live somewhere relatively close to the beach (preferably somewhere with good diving!), somewhere semi-rural or small townish (not hideously remote though as I rennovate houses for a living so I need to be within an hour of a decent sized town), somehwere where property is good value for money, and obviously somewhere beautiful.
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Now then, as I've just realised that WA is the size of Mars, does anybody have any suggestions as to places that might fit the bill.
We intend to move out, buy a camper and do a two month tour before putting roots down. So, having some idea of what's worth seeing would be really, really helpful.
All the best and thanks in advance
Almor
Geeeeeeze you are brave, doing a two month tour in a camper, with 4 children !!! I take my hat off to you both. :scared: :scared: :scared:
Back to the advice bit:
Perth ain't got that huge city feel so you may be suprised. Don't rule out 30 - 40 min radius of the city.
Good luck
Jill
Oct 19th 2004, 1:32 pm
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 675
Re: Where to live in WA?
Diving wise, Bunbury isn't too far from the Bussleton Jetty (very colourful dive!) and the Swan wreck.
The Albrohos Islands are just off the coast near Geraldton, and they are supposed to be amazing for seeing sharks (and also have some really old wrecks).
But really, as long as you're near the coast you're pretty much gonna be near good diving in WA!
The Albrohos Islands are just off the coast near Geraldton, and they are supposed to be amazing for seeing sharks (and also have some really old wrecks).
But really, as long as you're near the coast you're pretty much gonna be near good diving in WA!
Oct 19th 2004, 1:40 pm
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
Location: The hills, Perth WA
Posts: 589
Re: Where to live in WA?
Down in the South West Region of WA is good. Margaret River, Busselton, Dunsbourough.etc...
Plenty of small town villages there and amongst plentiful supply of vino
A great surfing coast too ...mind the sharks :scared:
Muzza
Plenty of small town villages there and amongst plentiful supply of vino
A great surfing coast too ...mind the sharks :scared:
Muzza
Oct 19th 2004, 3:54 pm
#11
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Prestayn to Perth
Posts: 20
Re: Where to live in WA?
Think Pam, my wife, thinks it a little insane too but there you go.. We can always leave the little angels by the roadside!
I noticed from the bits under your name that you lived in Grimsby. Having lived in Immingham (Grimsby
but with oil refineries) I know why you went to Perth!
Almor
I noticed from the bits under your name that you lived in Grimsby. Having lived in Immingham (Grimsby
but with oil refineries) I know why you went to Perth!Almor
Originally Posted by Go Banana's !!
Geeeeeeze you are brave, doing a two month tour in a camper, with 4 children !!! I take my hat off to you both. :scared: :scared: :scared:
Back to the advice bit:
Perth ain't got that huge city feel so you may be suprised. Don't rule out 30 - 40 min radius of the city.
Good luck
Jill
Back to the advice bit:
Perth ain't got that huge city feel so you may be suprised. Don't rule out 30 - 40 min radius of the city.
Good luck
Jill
Oct 19th 2004, 11:33 pm
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Where to live in WA?
sorry to correct you, but hubs confused the issue as he is living with his parents in Grimsby now - long long story, but he lived in Immingham up til he was a semi adult. he joins me in a week!!
I'll send you a pm
Cheers Jill
I'll send you a pm
Cheers Jill
Oct 20th 2004, 12:34 am
#13
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Ilukapool. WA
Posts: 12,467
Re: Where to live in WA?
Originally Posted by almor
I'll definitely take a look at the two places you mentioned. Thanks.
In the meantime, congratulations on being one of the only people on this forum who can spell the word "definitely".
I wouldn't be at all surprised if you can spell "independent" too, which puts you in the top 5% on this forum.
Which is why you must stick around.
Oct 20th 2004, 9:28 am
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4
Re: Where to live in WA?
Hi Almor,
We've been in Melbourne for a year and we're heading to Perth in another year. Point is, we're not city people either (Melbourne's way too busy for us) - Perth's just a big town, whatever they might call it - it's what passes for a city in the most empty place this side of the black stump.
We've been in Melbourne for a year and we're heading to Perth in another year. Point is, we're not city people either (Melbourne's way too busy for us) - Perth's just a big town, whatever they might call it - it's what passes for a city in the most empty place this side of the black stump.
Oct 20th 2004, 9:43 am
#15
A happy pom in Oz!
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: WA
Posts: 111
Re: Where to live in WA?
We came out to WA in 88. Best thing we ever did. We live in the outer southern suburbs of Perth in the hills. About 35 mins drive to the beaches. 20 mins to a large shopping mall. Excellent schools! A healthy population of expats and even a British style county pub. Rail and buses are great. Got kangaroos and bushland pretty near to us. Heaven! City living country style. Good luck and don't hesite to e-mail me if you want more info.
Johnnie
Good luck and don't hesite to e-mail me if you want more info.Johnnie