Hello all!! Are there any expats living in or near Geraldton? Would like some feedback on this area please. Myself and my partner are toying with the idea of small town life in oz ~(WA) and are just gathering as much info as possible before we go out on a recce with a shortlist. I'm a plasterer by trade but I work as a general builder at home so can adapt to different site work etc. with regards to the work front as a possible move would depend on work.
If anyone has any ideas for small town/city (pop. of say 30,000ish) with good job prospects, outdoor lifestyle and a good expat community I would like to hear from you.
Hi Guys .... We Went To Geraldton 13yrs Ago [a Lot Bigger Now] But To Be Honest Its Not The Place Where I Would Want To Settle . It Took Us Nearlly All Day To Drive From Perth And The Journey Was Very Tedious. If You Like The Thought Of Staying In The Wilderness [lol] Then Go For It !!!.
I Would Be More Tempted To Go South To Say Bunbury / Mandurah They Are Both Town Like And Not So Isolated .
Mrs Keily
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I haven't been to Geraldton (I think it's population is about 19,000) - I don't think you'll find an ex pat community there. Bobcat and BullCreek Bob - have been around (in WA!!) a fair few years between them and will probably have lots of info for you about what may fit the bill.
Ali
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I haven't been to Geraldton (I think it's population is about 19,000) - I don't think you'll find an ex pat community there. Bobcat and BullCreek Bob - have been around (in WA!!) a fair few years between them and will probably have lots of info for you about what may fit the bill.
Ali
We've been through Geraldton a few times either on our way back from; or going up to Port Hedland. Smashing place to stop off for a rest or a meal and a walk round........... good place to relax in halfway through a long haul in the bush ........... but on a personal note I wouldn't like to live there long term.
Geraldton isn't all that small these days........... it's seen a fair bit by way of expansion each time we visit. It's seemingly a thriving busy port with plenty of action industry wise. We stayed at a caravan park and had problems with drunken locals so that tended to put us off the place.............. but in fairness to the people who live in Geraldton and like living there........... you can have the same problem with drunken hoons just about anywhere in Australia. It's a sad sign of the times I guess.
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Thanks for the info BobCat, guess I'll stick closer to Perth. Just want to find somewhere that's relatively smallish and not too city like but not toooooooo small if you know what I mean. Whats your take on Bunbury or Albany?
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Sill looking, still learning, still dreaming and STILL WANTING TO GET THERE!!
Hi,
My OH has just had a job offer in Geraldton. I am doing some reserch at the moment but we, like you want to live somewhere quieter. I am not put off by the fact that the population is smaller as we are currently living in rural France so are used to the countryside! Have you looked at the website? geraldtontourist.com.au. I have noticed that there is lots of land available to buy....plots overlooking the sea! Not exactly cheap though at about 300k per plot. However if you want some land for animals (we have horses.....as you can see from our photo!) then you have to look further afield.....my quest continues!!!
I have visited W.A on 2 occasions, Gary been 3 times - just love Perth and suburbs but did go and stay at Geraldton for 2 nights on our last visit as Gary had worked on a farm a few k's from there on his first visit - lovely little town, plenty of shops for your every day needs and clothes not too bad, pubs not bad either. Yes took a while to get there from Perth, quite secluded - but each to there own and depends what you looking for. Would love to stay there but think a bit too quiet for our needs - lovely if you like the REALLY quiet life.
Got cousins in Ballajura - so would like to be nearer them. Handy for the odd barbie or wee chilled wine/beer.
I have lived in WA for over 5 years nearly 2 in Narrogin (very small country town and not my cup of tea) just bought a block of land in Dalyellup which is 2 hours south of Perth, 7km from Bunbury and about 40km north of Busselton. I try to get there as often as the wife allows as it is such a top spot so if your looking for country living but not too small don't think you can do much better.
I agree reckon you'd love Bunbury as its still smallish (50,000 including the suburbs of Bunbury) and have been told that Geraldton is even smaller (by a person from Geraldton) and quieter plus a long drive from Perth. Remember if you have visitors you'll have to drive to pick them up from the airport and approx 2.5 hours from Bunbury to the airport so quite manageable as the roads are really quiet down here.
We are about an hour from Margaret River and the lovely bay's in that area - take a look at the local tourist guides its a beautiful area. Geographe Bay, Naturaliste Bay, Busselton, Bunbury......there's plenty to visit without the hustle bustle of the city. We are surrounded by countryside plus beaches so its fantastic for exploring.
We are from Cardiff and love the laid back life of South West WA.
Hello all!! Are there any expats living in or near Geraldton? Would like some feedback on this area please. Myself and my partner are toying with the idea of small town life in oz ~(WA) and are just gathering as much info as possible before we go out on a recce with a shortlist. I'm a plasterer by trade but I work as a general builder at home so can adapt to different site work etc. with regards to the work front as a possible move would depend on work.
If anyone has any ideas for small town/city (pop. of say 30,000ish) with good job prospects, outdoor lifestyle and a good expat community I would like to hear from you.
My brother lived in or around Geraldton for over 30 years before moving to Perth. I have stayed there a couple of times and my daughter spent a few months there 3 years ago. We love the place but your needs may be different. His last place there was in Woorree which is about 7km away. Very quiet area. Geraldton and surrounding areas can be very windy - enough to produce the leaning trees in Greeough! A long drive to Perth though which some may find off-putting. I doubt there's an ex-pat community there though as its pretty self-contained. Good luck on your recce.
Geraldton or not?
