mdkys

Hi Have PM'd you but in essence, mosquitos and tropics are synonymous; probably better out of the centre of town, I guess, or anywhere with a lot of undergrowth. Cheers, hope the job is suitable.

Annandale is nice, fair bit of choice, the neighbouring suburb of Fairfield Waters is also nice and developing fast. We live in Fairfield Waters so we're biased, but I think its got a slight edge! Douglas would also be a good choice but a bit far from Grammar. A bit more into town there are certainly some nice houses in Pimlico and Mysterton, which are more traditional Queenslanders usually, but often some gems. If you are likely to be staying in Townsville till the children are in middle and senior school, then North Ward and Castle Hill are more upmarket, and the secondary campus is there. Getting from place to place is really no problem as compared to a city traffic is pretty tame. Hope the move goes well. LEt me know if I can be of further help!

The early learning centre in Cathedral hopefully will be able to provide a place for your 4 year old. Website if you haven't seen it already is www.cathedral.qld.edu.au The choice of schools can depend on the individual child's strengths, and it is not unknown for transfers either way to occur at various times! The only criticism I have of Cathedral is that they do not have as well developed a special needs programme, for both ends of the spectrum, i.e. most have the opinion that the super brights will do better at Grammar and the those needing extra learning assistance will be better in a State school, paradoxically. Feedback from one of my daughters is that Grammar have a better performance arts curriculum!! (but she's a dancer - and several of her dance friends attend Grammar) I don't think you will be disappointed with either choice, it might boil down to which suits best re taxiing the kids around, I guess.

Hi there, we've lived in Townsville since 2007 and have been very happy with all four of our kids at The Cathedral School (my eldest finished last year), which have both kindy to year 12 on one site. Alternatives are Townsville Grammar, which has two sites, and an excellent school, St Joseph's (Strand and Mundingburra), Holy Spirit School. Of the state schools, Oonoonba, in particular appears to be good for primary education, and generally most of the state schools are OK at primary level but none stand out particularly. It depends a little on where you choose to live, though nothing is far here so if you have a car, no worries.

No, mate, we're all looking forward to the time that weed is legal here. :wink: Seriously, have just heard of a disturbing sounding housing assoc estate that has a drug ring in it and hassling the mainly elderly residents. Sad, too sad. Police powerless??

Hi I don't think you should worry about the intellectual or financial snobbery as mentioned...certainly we all know mine workers make good money - but (at the risk of being intellectually snobbish) they are still mine workers. Most people have the attitude, good on yer mate, go for it, but I wouldn't like to do what you do!!! Essentially if you present well, are articulate and intelligent, friendly, self possessed and open minded, doesn't matter what you do or earn, no one will look down on you here, whether they are CEOs or office workers. At least that's what I've found in regional QLD!

Sorry this post is so long after your original. Have you moved across yet? I lived on the Golf course estate back in 2003 and the neighbourhood was very nice - not much trouble there. Several of our friends from the US base lived there and in the Eagle court area, kind of along the back of the golf course. Base housing is pretty scattered, but most of the senior military staff were in the golf course estate and lower ranked others were scattered around The main road of this estate is Cromwell Drive, and several roads lead off it. I would second not living in the Gap area. The housing around the end of Stevens drive is nice. Also Braitling, as long as north of Head Street, outer areas of Larapinta (Tmara mara circuit and around the primary school are OK) Eastside near St Philips College is also worth a look. (again several base houses there) Most rentals can be short term (6 months) so you can have a look around. All the best and I hope you enjoy Alice! (Just avoid the end of Todd Mall at bottle shop opening time) For us, the best place was out in Ilparpa, Greatorex road, where we bought a house, 1 hectare of space, friendly neighbours and great barbies by the firepits! Our kids went to Araluen Christian College which was a great intro to life in the bush.

There are some troubled areas in Townsville in certain housing areas with gang activity, drugs etc, usual thing that you find in any city; but the mainstream areas are fine. My father in law who lives in Bedfordshire says the Strand (by the beach) is the best thing every time they visit, and very safe.