Search the Community

Hello! We're moving to Melbourne (from interstate) and would be keen for anyone to provide updated opinions on primary and secondary schools in Point Cook? DS is quite shy, studious and introverted. We'd like a school with a culture where academic excellence is "cool". Because DS is in year 5, we're only considering schools that offer K-9 (or K-12 though I've not read of any). I've done some research but would love to hear first-hand advice please? Alamanda College - seems to be good on paper based on rankings, NAPLAN results, etc. Any feedback? How's the admin? Any bullying? How're the older kids?? Featherbrook College - just opened this year - any feedback from parents who have visited or whose kids are currently enrolled there? Caranballac P-9 - read some not so great reviews so very hesitant - only thing is it's the zoned school for Sanctuary Lakes which seems nice (and safe?) Point Cook College - good reviews but also quite full? Just concerned because of stories about teens in state schools (well, anywhere but there seem to be more horror stories??) - realise it can't fully be avoided but we'd like to lessen the chances of DS getting bullied and/or exposed to bad habits at an early age. Thank you and hope to gain some advice and insights! PS. We're looking at the estates zoned for each school of course so any comments RE the same in relation to the schools would be great, thanks!

Point Cook: Hidden gem of the Western suburbs By Mariah Jewell Located approximately 30 minutes west of Melbourne, Point Cook is a young and up-and-coming suburb in the Wyndham City Council area. The surrounding suburbs include Altona Meadows, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, and Werribee, where many shopping centres, schools, and activities are located. ­Point Cook is also a 44-minute drive to Geelong, 24 minutes to Avalon Airport, and 30 minutes from Melbourne Airport. This means that Point Cook is in a great position to reach the CBD and attractions like the Great Ocean Road and the Werribee Open Range Zoo. It is home to many younger families due to the many housing development projects. According to statistics from Domain.com.au, the average age for the suburb ranges from 20 to 39 years old, with the majority of the homes occupied by families. The median price point for a 3-bedroom house for this area $505k, which is slightly above the median prices for Werribee ($421k), Hoppers Crossing ($450k), and Laverton ($487k). Many of the newer homes in Point Cook are larger and able to attract new families to the area. Additionally, the top occupations for the area include professional and technical positions, justifying the higher house prices. Data from RealEstate.com.au shows that the median rental price per week for a 3-bed house is $370. This is in comparison to Werribee ($330 pw), Hoppers Crossing ($342.50 pw), and Laverton ($320). The price point for Point Cook is thus higher than the surrounding suburbs. However, this could be due to the newer developments that are being built in Point Cook. This does appear to be relative to the median price point for buying in this suburb. With the placement of Point Cook between the CBD and Geelong, the price for renting in Point Cook is relatively priced. Point Cook is home to many primary and secondary schools. The primary schools all appear to score relatively highly on English and Mathematics in this area. The primary schools are medium to large in size to help accommodate for the growth in the area. In terms of secondary schools, there are many schools in the area. One such school, just over in Werribee, is the selective school Suzanne Cory High School. This school, in addition to the other four secondary schools in Point Cook, provides a diverse range of schooling options for the families in the area (BetterEducation.com.au). Additionally, the Werribee campuses for both the University of Melbourne and Victoria University are located just over 10 minutes from the town centre. This makes the area a great hub for all levels of education. Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre (Source: Domain.com.au) On Boardwalk Boulevard, one of the main streets in Point Cook, the main shopping centre is located. It boasts many shops, restaurants, the Point Cook library, and a 24hr gym. Stockland Town Centre has a very unique layout – it consists of four main buildings around Main Street and Murnong Street, with various cafes and restaurants along the outside of these buildings. This allows for a very open, inviting, and modern shopping experience. This shopping centre features many major chain stores and supermarkets. In addition to this major shopping centre, the Featherbrook and Sanctuary Lakes shopping centres are located less than 5 minutes from Boardwalk Blvd. Point Cook is a very family centred suburb. There are many parks found within and around the suburb that definitely facilitates a more family-oriented lifestyle. Many of these parks are within walking distance of one another and the many housing development sites. Additionally, these parks are close to the many schools in the area, as well as the bay and some lakes. One such park is the Sanctuary Lakes South Boulevard park, located close to the bay and features a small man-made lake. Having this lake in Point Cook really contributes to the easy vibe that permeates the suburb. The Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club is located on the edge of this park. The combination of these parks and lakes really gives Point Cook a relaxed yet contemporary vibe, making it a kind of oasis close to the CBD. Map of the major parks in and around Point Cook (Source: Google Maps (Screenshot)) There are many opportunities for customer-focused roles within Point Cook, as well as self-employment. Despite much of the population of Point Cook consisting of professionals, beyond retail, hospitality, and health care, there are not too many professional job opportunities. However, because of its proximity to the Williams Landing train station and the West Gate Freeway, access into the CBD or Geelong is allows for employment opportunities. Additionally, Werribee is just a suburb over, where many more professional jobs are located. Whether you are looking to buy or rent in Point Cook, this area definitely appeals to more of the first home buyers, new families, and middle-class income earners. The location and facilities available to residents in this suburb makes it a perfect suburb for young people and families. These facilities include the access to the freeway and public transport into the city and out, as well as the many shopping centres and parks. The abundance of schools to choose from in and around the area is adds to the appeal of this area. Overall, Point Cook is a wonderful young, middle-class suburb that is located in an incredibly convenient spot away from the CBD. The newer developments mean that the overwhelming majority of houses are styled in a contemporary and/or modern style, giving residents a great blank canvas to work with regarding styling.

Hi, We are considereing renting in Point Cook, I visited it in October and liked Point Cook senior school also thought that the shopping centre was lovely. However I have some questions that i wondered if a local could answer; How bad is the traffic into Melbourne during rush hour? Is it going to ages to get to work in Maribyrnong?Where is the nearest the train station? As it is a new suburb are there local clubs eg sports, social etc for teenagers (13 & 16)? Is sancturary Lakes difficult to access without a car? You certainly get a lot more house for your $ on the rental market but I need to be sure as I dont want to have to move the kids once they are in school. Thanks everyone - we leave the UK on Christmas Day :v_SPIN:

Anyone around Point Cook 3030?

Hi, My family and I are moving to Melboune in August and we are looking at where we want to live. I am going to be working at Coles Head Office on Toorak Road and wondered if anyone knows how long it will take to drive there from Point Cook? Thanks

Hi all, We are after a short term holiday rental (2-3 weeks) in the Point Cook/Seabrook/Williams Landing area :wink: There are 6 of us, 4 adults and 2 kids. We have tried http://www.rent-a-home.com.au moving-to-melbourne stayz.com.au but still havent found what we are looking for (there's a song in there somewhere!!) Can anyone help or know anyone who may be able to help. Thanks in advance

Morning all We have just signed on a property in SL. Can anyone give any ball park figures on monthly costs for elec, gas, water etc on a 4/5 bed house in this area. Also any recommendations for best value service providers would be great. Does anyone have any thoughts on broadband vs cable - could anyone give a recommendation on this? Any help would be gratefully received. We have been contacted by Direct Connect (through the estate agents) who are willing, but can't give any figures on pretty much anything they connect! Thanks everyone - Fiona

Hi everyone, my husband and I are emigrating to Melbourne from London in Aug. We bought a plot of land at Sanctuary Lakes and are looking for recommendations on builders and architects. It's not the done thing in the UK, so any help appreciated!! Would be great to meet up for coffee and chats when we arrive to discuss further thanks

Hi there, I'm fairly new to the Point Cook area after moving here in May with my OH. I wondered if anyone would be interested in a book club, maybe once a month? Just some nibbles, a few drinks and a light hearted discussion about a good read. If anyone is interested, just drop me a post. Kirsty :v_SPIN:

Hi all I have recently moved to Point Cook and have started selling Tupperware. I would like to ask all the ladies (or gents) if they would be interested in placing any orders or if they would love to host a party. :wink: Its a great way to get to know your neighbours! Please feel free to PM if you are interested. Any help would be grateful. Many thanks Valerie