How Long before you realised that Australia was or was not the place that you wanted to spend the rest of your days ?

[MARYROSE02]

On 28/03/2021 at 15:00, bug family said:

Yes i understand how that reads Marisa, but in my experience along with my own suburb and having visited a number of suburbs of Perth, they do seem to be carbon copies of each other with very little to do in the evening and even the day time apart from a few shops not a lot else, even Paul mentions such suburbs exist. I vaguely know the area where Paul lives and agree that there is more available around his area, however this is over a 100 km away from where I am which is a bit to far to just nip out to (not saying that is anyone else's fault though).

I mentioned the 24hr availability of shopping back home and pubs and restaurants (and lots more besides) as a comparison to one small part of the difference between what is available here in Australia and back home. I am afraid the point is slightly misunderstood by maryrose02......I am not interested in a random 24 hr IGA shop some 100 k's away, I was trying to get across that something as mediocre as shopping counts as the only source of socialising / entertainment in some suburbs, but even this closes down early in the evenings leaving nothing for entertainment other than television and scratching your mosquito bites  

I thought you were living in a suburb of metropolitan Perth but it seems you are in a tiny village somewhere in the Outback? 

I know those country towns do seem to shut down early but surely not Perth?

The 24 hour IGA at Applecross just off the motorway is not 100s of kilometres from anywhere in Perth and it is not the only 24x7 IGA in Perth surely?

Am I permitted to ask the name of your "Beyond the Black Stump " suburb?

[Paul1Perth]

On 05/04/2021 at 19:57, MARYROSE02 said:

I thought you were living in a suburb of metropolitan Perth but it seems you are in a tiny village somewhere in the Outback? 

I know those country towns do seem to shut down early but surely not Perth?

The 24 hour IGA at Applecross just off the motorway is not 100s of kilometres from anywhere in Perth and it is not the only 24x7 IGA in Perth surely?

Am I permitted to ask the name of your "Beyond the Black Stump " suburb?

Probably somewhere round Mandurah?

[Jon the Hat]

On 27/03/2021 at 23:11, Parley said:

Perth has a smaller population. I remember going to Perth on a work trip several times maybe 20 years ago now and being surprised how quiet the CBD got after about 6pm.

In Melbourne it is normally always packed (Covid excepting). You would see a lot of people in the city even around midnight. I'm sure Sydney would be the same too.

Melbourne of course has about 4 million plus in population

Ever been in the City of London at the weekend?  Some of the pubs don't even open.  Some CBDs are so office based there is no one living there at all.

[Jon the Hat]

Re reading this thread has reminded me that I should live in a cool suburb even if that means a small townhouse!

[Bobj]

On 07/04/2021 at 13:35, Paul1Perth said:

Probably somewhere round Mandurah?

Last time I was in, well, passing through, Mandurah, blocks of land were selling for 200 quid, Avalon St, I think. (1964)

Cheers, Bobj.

[ramot]

On 03/04/2021 at 17:10, MARYROSE02 said:

I did not know that though it's a while since I was in Sydney.  Occasionally I will walk thru the tunnel under Central railway then either go straight on to Darling Harbour or turn right on George St and walk to Circular Quay.

I recall seeing the Duke of Clarence  - is that in York St - down a kind of alley. Maybe it's time for another exploration but most of the time I stay in my part of Surry Hills. I see a number of "small bars" have sprung up there too.

The Duke of Clarence and The Lord Dudley are both busy good English style pubs in Sydney. The Duke of Clarence serves pub food, and won the best Sunday lunch in Australia pre covid, you have to book as it’s quite small, but worth it. The Lord Dudley serves food and has a real fire when cold. 

[s713]

14 hours ago, Jon the Hat said:

Ever been in the City of London at the weekend?  Some of the pubs don't even open.  Some CBDs are so office based there is no one living there at all.

There was an article about the 'square mile' on the BBC yesterday, a plan to convert the now unused 'new normal' ex-office space to accommodation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56888615

 

[HappyHeart]

On 27/03/2021 at 13:24, bug family said:

Not that i am suggesting you should base your social life or entertainment solely on pubs and alcohol, but it would be nice to have more than a coles or a woolworths or an IGA to socialise in, it gets embarrassing  trying to make small talk on isle 5 amongst the cans of processed peas and baked beans and an actual pub or two would be nice

"And I can't believe you are seriously telling us that pubs, restaurants and cinemas are all closed by 9pm in Perth"  your correct...... I am not telling you that the Pubs and restaurants and cinemas are all closed by 9pm .....because there aren't any pubs or restaurants or cinemas in my SUBURB of Perth

I wonder where you live? Most suburbs at least have a tavern? Why did you move to that particular place if evening entertainment within walking distance is important to you? Can you move? There are a lot of options that would suit you better....

[HappyHeart]

On 05/01/2021 at 16:23, bug family said:

Thanks  proud Preston....I sometimes wish that I had never taken this journey, (do you?) but then I would have been left always wondering and what ifs? can be toxic.....I mentioned to my wife-ish (we are good friends but without benefits), the other day that my dream would be to move back to the UK she get a job as a nurse (which i am sure she would have no problem doing) and I get a job as a paramedic (which i am sure I would have no problem doing), the kids go to a proper school, one with a football pitch and that is not built out of porta cabins, we get a mortgage on a house in the country or near the seaside and we all live happily ever after ....however i realised along time ago that despite what the media tell you about dreams coming true...they don't,  lol , so move on...i would say that i am happy that my wife has found her happy place, but also i am not going to apologise for me not finding mine, it is good to hear from those such as yourself it makes you realise that you are not so isolated in your own point of view 

What a sad picture you paint. I think life is too short to be less than satisfied with your day to day life. Make a change. I guess all depends how old the kids are?

I think you either settle, early on or you just dont. Luckily we both did, without reservation and equally. I appreciate it's not that simple for some. 

 

 

[Marisawright]

24 minutes ago, HappyHeart said:

I wonder where you live? Most suburbs at least have a tavern? 

Do you mean in Perth?   One of the things that surprises a lot of Brits in Sydney is that many suburbs (outside the inner trendy areas) don't have a single pub.  Sydney is mainly a restaurant/café culture, rather than a pub culture, so even some very lively suburbs don't have a pub.   Then there are the dormitory suburbs, which often have nothing but a kebab shop and a Chinese restaurant.  They're a huge contrast to the vibrant areas of Sydney.    I don't know what Perth is like but it sounds as though bugfamily is in one of those dormitory-type burbs.

Edited April 30, 2021 by Marisawright

[HappyHeart]

43 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

Do you mean in Perth?   One of the things that surprises a lot of Brits in Sydney is that many suburbs (outside the inner trendy areas) don't have a single pub.  Sydney is mainly a restaurant/café culture, rather than a pub culture, so even some very lively suburbs don't have a pub.   Then there are the dormitory suburbs, which often have nothing but a kebab shop and a Chinese restaurant.  They're a huge contrast to the vibrant areas of Sydney.    I don't know what Perth is like but it sounds as though bugfamily is in one of those dormitory-type burbs.

That doesn't sound like the Perth I know...I might be overestimating but to me it feels like nearly every suburb has a pub, both inner and outer suburbs. (You may not want to spend time there but that's another topic!) I live in the northern suburbs and my suburb has a pub (2) and there's a choice of 3 within a 5-10 min drive. Lots of cafes but agree they all cater for early birds and mostly closed by 3pm. There are at least 4 restaurants (in addition to the pub ones) open in the evening locally and countless take away joints. Average large suburb. 

[newjez]

4 hours ago, HappyHeart said:

That doesn't sound like the Perth I know...I might be overestimating but to me it feels like nearly every suburb has a pub, both inner and outer suburbs. (You may not want to spend time there but that's another topic!) I live in the northern suburbs and my suburb has a pub (2) and there's a choice of 3 within a 5-10 min drive. Lots of cafes but agree they all cater for early birds and mostly closed by 3pm. There are at least 4 restaurants (in addition to the pub ones) open in the evening locally and countless take away joints. Average large suburb. 

I remember going to the Dianella hotel where the old men would drink ponies very slowly while watching the horse races, crawling off to the tab ever now and then to place a bet.

I remember a tavern in the maylands peninsula where you wouldn't stand still for too long before the carpet stuck to your shoes.

I liked the maylands hotel actually. Used to play pool there when I lived on East Street before it burnt down.

Ellenbrook was supposed to be like an English village with a central pub. Doesn't quite work for me. But it's ok.

I prefer the pubs around the hills areas with the big beer gardens. Nothing better than sitting out in a beer garden having a pint on a warm day.

The Inglewood was a nice pub. Queens hotel too, although I never got allowed in as my brother refused to remove his bandana. Cat and the fiddle mt lawley. Steve's hotel nedlands, cottesloe hotel. Happy days.

Not sure if most of these pubs are still there. I'm getting to an age when I prefer a good cafe.

Edited April 30, 2021 by newjez

[HappyHeart]

11 hours ago, newjez said:

I remember going to the Dianella hotel where the old men would drink ponies very slowly while watching the horse races, crawling off to the tab ever now and then to place a bet.

I remember a tavern in the maylands peninsula where you wouldn't stand still for too long before the carpet stuck to your shoes.

I liked the maylands hotel actually. Used to play pool there when I lived on East Street before it burnt down.

Ellenbrook was supposed to be like an English village with a central pub. Doesn't quite work for me. But it's ok.

I prefer the pubs around the hills areas with the big beer gardens. Nothing better than sitting out in a beer garden having a pint on a warm day.

The Inglewood was a nice pub. Queens hotel too, although I never got allowed in as my brother refused to remove his bandana. Cat and the fiddle mt lawley. Steve's hotel nedlands, cottesloe hotel. Happy days.

Not sure if most of these pubs are still there. I'm getting to an age when I prefer a good cafe.

I think most of the pubs you mention still exist. Not been to them bar the hills venues. Agree with you there. Most pubs in Perth have beer gardens. Roof top bars. Pleasant outdoor areas. Same with the cafes. Let's face it we've got the weather for it in the main. A lot of cafes are licenced now so best of both worlds! 

[MARYROSE02]

On 07/04/2021 at 13:35, Paul1Perth said:

Probably somewhere round Mandurah?

Isn't Mandurah something of a seaside resort, on the motorway,  not that far from.Perth. I'm sure I went there. 

[bug family]

4 hours ago, MARYROSE02 said:

Isn't Mandurah something of a seaside resort, on the motorway,  not that far from.Perth. I'm sure I went there. 

I do not actually live in Mandurah (although I am down this way) , I do know Mandurah though, its around 70 klms from Perth and has the unfortunate nick name of 'methandurah', some nice parts but like every town (both here and back home in the UK) it has its drug problems, the difference here in Aus is the drug of choice tends to be methamphetamine which makes  the user very unstable and unpredictable especially those that go on binges where they may not sleep for days, I / we end up seeing the results whilst trying not to get punched / abused or spat on .

 Mandurah (like a lot of towns here) is like a ghost town after a certain time of night, in the 9 years since coming here to Australia I have only been out round Mandurah in the evening a handle full of times as nowhere is open, I believe there are a couple of pubs in the centre which open till late evening and one night club where you risk loosing your teeth if you look at someone the wrong way, not really my cup of tea. There is a large shopping centre, some nice shore line and beaches and the odd park dotted around, but other than that not a lot else that I can see, it all seems to be a bit bland and indistinguishable from the next town.

Ironically I came from a seaside town back in north Wales, which has also got a reputation as being very deprived and run down*,  however I have to say apart from possibly the weather I personally preferred it hands down way more choice.....and i don't mean the drugs .

*(A massive regeneration program has led to some fantastic improvements of the area over the last few years and the place is looking great, with a number of new projects, hotels, shops, pubs also currently being built)

[Bulya]

1 hour ago, bug family said:

I do not actually live in Mandurah (although I am down this way) , I do know Mandurah though, its around 70 klms from Perth and has the unfortunate nick name of 'methandurah', some nice parts but like every town (both here and back home in the UK) it has its drug problems, the difference here in Aus is the drug of choice tends to be methamphetamine which makes  the user very unstable and unpredictable especially those that go on binges where they may not sleep for days, I / we end up seeing the results whilst trying not to get punched / abused or spat on .

 Mandurah (like a lot of towns here) is like a ghost town after a certain time of night, in the 9 years since coming here to Australia I have only been out round Mandurah in the evening a handle full of times as nowhere is open, I believe there are a couple of pubs in the centre which open till late evening and one night club where you risk loosing your teeth if you look at someone the wrong way, not really my cup of tea. There is a large shopping centre, some nice shore line and beaches and the odd park dotted around, but other than that not a lot else that I can see, it all seems to be a bit bland and indistinguishable from the next town.

Ironically I came from a seaside town back in north Wales, which has also got a reputation as being very deprived and run down*,  however I have to say apart from possibly the weather I personally preferred it hands down way more choice.....and i don't mean the drugs .

*(A massive regeneration program has led to some fantastic improvements of the area over the last few years and the place is looking great, with a number of new projects, hotels, shops, pubs also currently being built)

So why did your ‘research’ lead you to Perth?

[HappyHeart]

21 hours ago, bug family said:

I do not actually live in Mandurah (although I am down this way) , I do know Mandurah though, its around 70 klms from Perth and has the unfortunate nick name of 'methandurah', some nice parts but like every town (both here and back home in the UK) it has its drug problems, the difference here in Aus is the drug of choice tends to be methamphetamine which makes  the user very unstable and unpredictable especially those that go on binges where they may not sleep for days, I / we end up seeing the results whilst trying not to get punched / abused or spat on .

 Mandurah (like a lot of towns here) is like a ghost town after a certain time of night, in the 9 years since coming here to Australia I have only been out round Mandurah in the evening a handle full of times as nowhere is open, I believe there are a couple of pubs in the centre which open till late evening and one night club where you risk loosing your teeth if you look at someone the wrong way, not really my cup of tea. There is a large shopping centre, some nice shore line and beaches and the odd park dotted around, but other than that not a lot else that I can see, it all seems to be a bit bland and indistinguishable from the next town.

Ironically I came from a seaside town back in north Wales, which has also got a reputation as being very deprived and run down*,  however I have to say apart from possibly the weather I personally preferred it hands down way more choice.....and i don't mean the drugs .

*(A massive regeneration program has led to some fantastic improvements of the area over the last few years and the place is looking great, with a number of new projects, hotels, shops, pubs also currently being built)

You never went to the Pen? Open late on the foreshore under the Sebel. Live music. Great food. Nice cocktails. Great vibe. 

"The History | The Peninsula Mandurah" https://thepenmandurah.com.au/about/

Open till midnight on weekends. You should give it a go. I never felt unsafe there. 

Edited May 9, 2021 by HappyHeart

[Blue Flu]

23 hours ago, bug family said:

I do not actually live in Mandurah (although I am down this way) , I do know Mandurah though, its around 70 klms from Perth and has the unfortunate nick name of 'methandurah', some nice parts but like every town (both here and back home in the UK) it has its drug problems, the difference here in Aus is the drug of choice tends to be methamphetamine which makes  the user very unstable and unpredictable especially those that go on binges where they may not sleep for days, I / we end up seeing the results whilst trying not to get punched / abused or spat on .

 Mandurah (like a lot of towns here) is like a ghost town after a certain time of night, in the 9 years since coming here to Australia I have only been out round Mandurah in the evening a handle full of times as nowhere is open, I believe there are a couple of pubs in the centre which open till late evening and one night club where you risk loosing your teeth if you look at someone the wrong way, not really my cup of tea. There is a large shopping centre, some nice shore line and beaches and the odd park dotted around, but other than that not a lot else that I can see, it all seems to be a bit bland and indistinguishable from the next town.

Ironically I came from a seaside town back in north Wales, which has also got a reputation as being very deprived and run down*,  however I have to say apart from possibly the weather I personally preferred it hands down way more choice.....and i don't mean the drugs .

*(A massive regeneration program has led to some fantastic improvements of the area over the last few years and the place is looking great, with a number of new projects, hotels, shops, pubs also currently being built)

I'm afraid deserted town centres are pretty much the norm here after a certain time (not necessary very late either) We were in Albany five months back and passed all of two people walking up the main drag at a quarter to eight on a Friday night. It's just how it is and unlikely to change.

Now the problem with meths (ice) is a major concern and getting worse. You are correct Mandurah is termed Methdurah for that reason. It's not only there of course, but much of the South Coast of WA is experiencing a meth drug problem of some proportion. Bunbury was very bad a few years back. Has it improved a little? No idea but easy to obtain everywhere. 

I would have thought that those working in a hospital setting or indeed in the area of mental health, would be very aware of the major problems being experienced in that area due to meth (ice) and other drugs.

Perth was the world capital of meth abuse until Adelaide grabbed the title a few years back. (check out a Channel 9 expose on You Tube showing the problem in Murray Bridge SA) poor reflection on those places in my opinion. Just to round off on that matter, it is very prominent in the inner city where I live. I can point to many houses (alleged) manufacturing this (from home) as was pointed out to me in only recent months, after experiencing living next door to  one that shall we say lost the plot. Not pleasant. Reason enough to want to leave. I have spoken to Property Management companies and they state it is everywhere. Thing being many don't necessary realize they are if they keep under the radar, kiddies, child things in display like swings and prams and bikes  animals etc)

I'm not sure about UK beach towns. I've witnessed quite a lot of anti social activity over the years but there remains an attraction to the English seaside. (no idea about Welsh, but looks very pleasant) so uniquely Englishness on display. My main knowledge though is living many decades ago close to Brighton and a rather large drug problem in that city. (nothing like meth (ice) and the violence stemming from that though) 

Edited May 9, 2021 by Blue Flu

[Blue Flu]

On 08/05/2021 at 06:07, MARYROSE02 said:

Isn't Mandurah something of a seaside resort, on the motorway,  not that far from.Perth. I'm sure I went there. 

End of the train line. Not that far from Perth. Indeed fast becoming part of the urban spread. This city has grown somewhat rapidly. In turn social issues blight it somewhat. It has high un/under employment and drug issuers. It can be a pleasant day trip from Perth by bus ot train, if not in mood to drive. I find it a little 'artificial' but then recall the old Mandurah when a child. 

Nice beaches . The canals are somewhat famous with the large houses lining them. Supposed to be dolphins sighted in them, but yet to spot one. 

[HappyHeart]

15 minutes ago, Blue Flu said:

End of the train line. Not that far from Perth. Indeed fast becoming part of the urban spread. This city has grown somewhat rapidly. In turn social issues blight it somewhat. It has high un/under employment and drug issuers. It can be a pleasant day trip from Perth by bus ot train, if not in mood to drive. I find it a little 'artificial' but then recall the old Mandurah when a child. 

Nice beaches . The canals are somewhat famous with the large houses lining them. Supposed to be dolphins sighted in them, but yet to spot one. 

Loads of them but not sighted on the Dolphin tours by day. (At least never by me) I find sunset a great time for dolphin spotting. Mandurah is a lovely spot for an afternoon out. 

 

[Cleowag]

I live in Mandurah so thought I should stick up for it!

First of all though, I feel for you Mr Bug Family and I’m sorry about how unsettled you feel.

We moved here 6 years ago after living in Manchester. So we were used to nightlife- and lots of it!

We did find Mandurah a bit of a culture shock at first as it was pretty quiet but  it it’s definitely improving. There are more cafes and bars springing up and the nightlife is a little busier after 9pm now. On a Sunday morning it is very hectic at the foreshore trying to find a place for brunch.

When we feel a bit homesick, we just look at the stunning waterways ( and yes, lots of dolphins) and views and are reminded how thankful we are to be here.

As for meth, it’s a problem in lots of places all over Oz. I was in the police for a long time in Manchester and I truly feel safer in Mandurah on a day to day basis.

Mandurah is on the up and we can’t wait to see the improvements over the next few years.

[HappyHeart]

1 minute ago, Cleowag said:

I live in Mandurah so thought I should stick up for it!

First of all though, I feel for you Mr Bug Family and I’m sorry about how unsettled you feel.

We moved here 6 years ago after living in Manchester. So we were used to nightlife- and lots of it!

We did find Mandurah a bit of a culture shock at first as it was pretty quiet but  it it’s definitely improving. There are more cafes and bars springing up and the nightlife is a little busier after 9pm now. On a Sunday morning it is very hectic at the foreshore trying to find a place for brunch.

When we feel a bit homesick, we just look at the stunning waterways ( and yes, lots of dolphins) and views and are reminded how thankful we are to be here.

As for meth, it’s a problem in lots of places all over Oz. I was in the police for a long time in Manchester and I truly feel safer in Mandurah on a day to day basis.

Mandurah is on the up and we can’t wait to see the improvements over the next few years.

Mandurah V Manchester....it's a tough one....

[Blue Flu]

1 hour ago, HappyHeart said:

Mandurah V Manchester....it's a tough one....

Neither would fit the bill for me, but Manchester I believe has improved very much and taking on a cosmopolitan vibe. Now it's been explained that Mandurah too has improved so probably cancel out one another for different reasons.  but chalk and cheese in comparison. A fair few MH (Mandurah number plate) cars in my street area over the course of a week . Usually short stays. Hardly needs explanation. Unlikely here for the cafe strip coffee.

[bug family]

3 hours ago, HappyHeart said:

Mandurah V Manchester....it's a tough one....

Not really Happy Heart as you point out in one of your earlier posts, different people like different things

Manchester has always been one of my favourite cities along with Liverpool and of course London, in terms of entertainment and size you really cannot compare the two, Manchester dwarfs Mandurah, it is about the size of one of Manchester's housing estates in area, had some brilliant times in Manchester although as I have said before it does have its problem areas, I worked in the middle of moss side for a while and was warned not to stay after dark  , as cleowag points out they feel safer in Mandurah and having policed Manchester I am sure they have a really good knowledge of what went on, ....however for me I simply prefer back home warts and all

[bug family]

4 hours ago, Cleowag said:

I live in Mandurah so thought I should stick up for it!

First of all though, I feel for you Mr Bug Family and I’m sorry about how unsettled you feel.

We moved here 6 years ago after living in Manchester. So we were used to nightlife- and lots of it!

We did find Mandurah a bit of a culture shock at first as it was pretty quiet but  it it’s definitely improving. There are more cafes and bars springing up and the nightlife is a little busier after 9pm now. On a Sunday morning it is very hectic at the foreshore trying to find a place for brunch.

When we feel a bit homesick, we just look at the stunning waterways ( and yes, lots of dolphins) and views and are reminded how thankful we are to be here.

As for meth, it’s a problem in lots of places all over Oz. I was in the police for a long time in Manchester and I truly feel safer in Mandurah on a day to day basis.

Mandurah is on the up and we can’t wait to see the improvements over the next few years.

Thank you and I am glad you have found your happy place Cleowag