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Originally Posted by MattandSarah
We were all set for a new life in bunbury, but having looked at this and other forums, lots of people in our position (young family) are heading towards Mandurah.
Any thoughts or opinions on the two areas would be greatly appreciated.
We initially thought Bunbury had everything we needed: schools, jobs, outdoor life, social scene, interests for kids that grow up too fast (over here anyway!). the greater bunbury area offering cheaper housing etc....
Anything that will help us focus our decisions would bebrilliant.
Thanks
Sarah and Matt
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Hi Sarah and Matt,
...Bunbury v. Mandurah? it’s a tough one and I'm probably not going to be much help as I've marked it as a score draw... Bunbury might just win it on penalties.
I’ve relatives in Australind who I’ve stayed with over the last six or seven years so I can only give you an opinion based on short visits and what they feel - and they are well settled in Australind.. about 15 mins drive into Bunbury - no traffic jams there!
First time I went to Perth (1988) Mandurah was somewhere to go for a picnic and try and spot the dolphins in the estuary... it’s grown and developed enourmously over recent years, prices have gone up too. There’s a lot of building going on, housing estates all over the place... wonder where all the people are coming from to fill them, can't all be poms. Loads of new developments adding to the local economy . Lots of boating people who like the estuary.. bonus point!!
It is a nice place.. 45 mins/an hour to Perth as you prob know, once the new rail link is complete city will only be 40 mins away. The drive down is surrounded by industrial areas (round Kawana). There doesn’t seem to be loads going on other than people having a day out. Harbour side is all new and bustling, very nice and holiday like. My relatives think quite a few people were retiring there but more families are moving in as Perth sprawls ever out.
Halls Head has nice older more established housing, Don’t mean to offend anyone but I’m told Greenfields hasn’t got a great reputation. Dudley Park is nice, look at Meadow Springs or Silver Sands which is the ocean side of the road. Secret Harbour is a lovely area too along with Port Kennedy.
Bunbury is a city in it’s own right, it’ll have everything you need without having to go to Perth that often and away from the congestion Perth. The schools seem good, it has a University campus as well as Tafe and is an up-and-coming place due to lots of development over recent years, Bunbury Regional Hospital looks modern and has a good reputation. Easy access to the south, Busselton and Margaret River are great. The town centre used to be a bit tatty I thought but last time there I thought it was quite attratvive and gracious. You’ll obviously have loads more choice job wise without the Mandurah/Perth commute and house prices will be less. There was a new waterside area being developed, restaurants and cafes etc... was looking good. Don’t know much about the different suburbs, Australind is on the estuary, lovely laid back place, small shopping centre, good new leisure centre and no one seems in a rush.
Hope you get to hear from someone who’s lived there.
Good luck.
