Guest Happyone Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Yep, Inala DOES have "that" reputation. I also looked at Forest Lakes 12 months ago and was put off by Inala associations. I ended up in Ipswich which has the same reputation but I think it's just fine! I've driven through Forest Lakes and gone shopping there a few times. House prices seem to be around $350-400K for a newish 4 bedder which is pretty affordable compared to other suburbs north of the river. I still prefer Ipswich though - it has that small town feel, bigger blocks and a real community atmosphere! It has it's own CBD but still only takes around 45 mins to get to Brisbane city centre on a good day. I agree, there are some lovely parts of Ipswich if you are looking that far out. Some of the old Queenslander style houses there are breathtaking. I don't think Ipswich has anywhere near as bad a rap as Inala! I personally prefer older houses with high ceilings, huge old trees to keep the yard cool, and the fact that you can tell your house from the neighbours!! Driving north out of Brisbane there is a sea of pink roof tops and no trees in some new estates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottntina Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Hi everyone, Thanks so much for all the info !! Anyone help me on Mackay, Townsville suburbs. ( beach near if poss ) Many thanks Tina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest landerson78 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Hi all, great thread to look through. Anyone living in or lived in forest lake or oxley? Been looking at these areas. Myself, hubby and two young kids. Looking for a new build 4 bed, in nice area near parks and place to go swimming. Ideally near shops and good schools. Will be commuting to Wooloongabba to work for sometimes 7am start. Any idea?:unsure: Lou and family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DadAgain Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Anybody live in or near The Gap? We drove round there on our recce (before the storm hit it) and thought it looked lovely. Hi - first post in *this* forum - but posted plenty in others!. I've been in The Gap for just over 8 years now (originaly from Hampshire) so here's the low-down: The Gap Middle-class affluent suburb to the North-west of Brisbane. Despite being just over 10km out form the CBD The Gap retains a very leafy 'bushy' feel. Its nestled between hills with lots of trees all over. To the west of The Gap is the Brisbane Forest Park a hilly undeveloped protected bushland area with fantastic bushland walks, fabulous views and a few great BBQ spots. Being up in the hills this can be a good cool spot on a hot summers day. The lack of development to the west of The Gap means that people dont 'travel through' The Gap to get anywhere - this may help contribute to the strong sense of community the area has. Schools: In the last few years The Gap State High School has consistently been ranked amongst the top 5 performing state schools in Brisbane with the last published figured (Apr 2008) putting it firmly at the top of the list. The 3 primary schools in The Gap also have good reputations (The Gap State School, Hilder Rd State School, Payne Rd State School) and for those that way inclined there are a couple of catholic schools (St. Peter Channel, Mater Dei). Despite the excellent performing state schools there are lots of kids who travel to private schools from The Gap including Brisbane Grammar, Mt St Michaels, All Hallows - all of which are conveniently close to bus routes out of The Gap. Transport: Buses from The Gap to the CBD are frequent and take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on time of day, chosen bus number etc etc. Catching busses in Brisbane can be a very frustrating excercise however as timetables are pretty much nothing more than a rough suggestion during peak hour and you may find yourself every now and then waiting 45 minutes for bus thats supposed to go every 15 minutes. There are trains from just over the hill to the north in Keperra, or driving to the city can be done easily in 30-40 minutes peak hour if you can stomach the parking fees ($20 a day if you get in early). Driving to the city outside of peak time can take as little as 15 minutes. Property Prices: Theres a decent variety of housing in The Gap, lots of older houses that can be run down (and consequently affordable) - but some newer builds too. A 15-20yr old 4 bedroom house with aircon on a 700m2 block with a pool will set you back somewhere in the region of $600K +/- $100k depending on general quality and position. There are some of the newer developments in The Gap where the walk to a bus route can be substantial, so if you are planning on using public transport a lot be sure to check this out before commiting. The Storm: Nov 17th 2008 saw an awesome bti of weather strike The Gap. Officialy it wasnt a cyclone, a tornado or anything else with a dramatic name it was just a "storm cell" - but it was violent! There was a path of destruction through The Gap that resembled that of a tornado. Roof's were ripped off houses, debris blown everywhere and lots of trees not just knocked over, but SNAPPED in two half way up the trunks. Trees all over the suburb were stripped of leaves by hail and there was flash flooding. In some spots the tarmac of the road was stripped away by fast running water. There were 80 houses declared unlivable and many many more with significant damage. Lots of power lines were downed (mainly by fallen trees) and the suburb was without power for some time. HOWEVER - The response to the storm was incredible. Within minutes fo te storms passing the streets were alive with neighbours helping each other, the Police did a fantastic job of courdoning off streets with live fallen power lines and the following day it felt like every tree-lopper, council worker and emergency services person in the state was in The Gap assiting the clear up. The army were mobilised (3000 troops?) and did a street by street, house by house sweep clearing any dangerous trees, securing tarpaulines over rooves and clearing fallen trees from road. Free water and tarpaulines were handed out to those in need and almost everyone felt VERY looked after. Government aid packages were announced and it was a trivial excercise to go to the temporary relief center, fill in the paperwork and get money from a non means tested 'emergency hardship fund'. For a couple of weeks the suburb was alive with sound of chainsaws and the road sfull of tradesmans utes. 2 Months later the storm is little more than a distant memory for most of us. We are still waiting for our damage to be fixed up (insurance is slow) - but we didnt suffer badly at all and are quite happy to wait. There are a few houses still with tarpulines on rooves and the school is stil unable to use its main hall and has no prep play area (it was detroyed by fallen trees) - but on the whole everythig is back to normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 just bumping up for any newbies Cal x p.s If the suburb your interested in hasnt yet been mentioned, feel free to ask, no doubt someone will have experience of the area for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest snow white Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Hi we moved to pacific pines 18 months ago, first in a rental then we bought a house our children love their new lives , here is some info on what pacific pines suburb has to offer Pacific Pines is the Gold Coast's best family address, located on the Northern Gold Coast, just 10 minutes from the Broadwater and Gold Coast’s surf beaches. houses here start at 300,000 and can go up to nearly a million There are already over 10,000 residents living in this family focused area on offer is a convenient and relaxed lifestyle. Pacific Pines the perfect place to live, learn and play. Pacific Pines is in the Northern Gold Coast region, near Helensvale. Its 80kms from Brisbane and 15kms from Surfers Paradise this makes Pacific Pines the ideal location for both being able to get to work and to be able to relax and play. the following are only between 5 and 20 minutes away • Helensvale train station. • Movieworld • Westfield Helensvale shopping centre . • Southport • Pacific Fair shopping centre • Surfers Paradise Pacific Pines is the largest master planned community Educating your family is a number one priority at Pacific Pines, there is a a range of excellent new private and public educational institutions these are all equipped with the latest technology and resources on offer your children will not miss out on anything educational or school wise living in this area. There are · Three primary schools. · One high school. · Numerous childcare centres. Here at pacific pines we have a Woolworths, local tavern, medical centre, chemist, butchers, bws, subway video store and newsagents and a dentist on offer in pacific pines are 68ha of parkland and open space. Walking & cycling trails. Tennis courts. skate park. Local soccer club facilities , more than 25 children’s playgrounds There are additional facilities still being planned for Pacific Pines, including an Aquatic Centre and gym, expansion of the town centre and extra outdoor areas for you to explore.Hope this helps anyone interested in moving to pacific pines area Lesley x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scamp1976 Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 If the median price in 2006 was 420.000 then the median houseprice today will be 700.000 Don't buy anything anywhere yet, just rent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Bottomley Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Morning all, please can anyone throw some light on the northern suburbs, Strathpine, Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge. We are a family with two six and half year old boys. Any info will be greatly received. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 For a guide to property prices , Buying and Renting , a good site is www.realestate.com you can search by suburb or map. Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brooksey Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 PACIFIC PINES G'day, Pacific Pines is where a lot of English settle because it's mostly brick build houses. My 14 year old son loves the school and from what i hear the primary schools are good too . It's approx 5 mins drive to theme parks, 20 mins to beaches,20 mins to Surfers paradise, 20, mins to tambourine mountain and 40 mins to Brisbane city centre. There is a small Shopping centre here, including Woolworths (like asda over here), a news agent, bakers, butchers, chemist, chip/kebeb shop, subway and a doctors. Oh and two offies(beer offs) and a pub. 5 mins drive to Hellensvale which is a much larger indoor shopping mall and 10 mins to Nerang with it,s city centre/cinima etc. Bang on the motorway for easy comute. Loads of small parks for kids and sometimes entertainment in the form of kids groups, outdoor cinima. It also has a kids ,cricket , oz rules and football(soccer) club. We think it's perfect while kids are younger but it is quiet and that is it's only fault realy. When James is 2 or 3 years older and can drive we will prob move somewhere livelier with a cafe scene (maybee Paradise Point) .But then again maybee we'll stay here after we've built our dream house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongobongo Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Hi Brooksey, just wanted to add a bit about th Primary school hope you don't mind! My kids go to Pacific Pines Primary and although a large school (over 1,300 kids ) they have settled in well. The classroom sizes are all under 30 and the teachers and staff are very helpful. It has a large, well equipped library and computer lab. My girls are invloved in the school choir, have music lessons and go to an after school hip-hop dance club. They have made lots of new friends from all over the place - New Zealand, Vietnam, Japan as well as England to name but a few. We love the "family feel" to Pacific Pines and are happy that we chose to live here as it is so close to everything the Gold Coast has to offer. Kat x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donovan Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 What else is left to say, well sumed up Brooksey & Kat, we have been on Pacific Pines since Aug 07, and have to say we love it on here, we have made lots of friends, and our 3 boys have all settled really well. I have relocated families here some of which have never been to Oz who are all pleased with the area, and are glad they chose to live here. You have every thing you need, great parks with good bbq area's, soccer fields, skate board parks and plenty more to come Sarah x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo&Rich Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Plenty been said about Pacific Pines, but wanted to add a bit about Park Lake. Park Lake estate is on the border of Pacific Pines, heading further inland to the Gold Coast hinterland. It is a much smaller estate, and is in the suburb of Maudsland. Much of the estate is on a hillside, which means we have views of Q1 from our garden (although it looks very small from here!). To the rear of the estate is a non-developable forest area, and it does feel more rural, whilst still being only a 5 minute drive to the motorway. Most mornings you wake up to the sound of Kookaburras, and cockatoos squawk overhead for much of the day! Park Lake has a new primary school, which opened January 2008, which my eldest attends, and is very settled there. Park Lake State School - Home We are in the catchment for Pacific Pines High School, (of which I yet know nothing!). Park Lake Estate has six play parks including swings, slides, flying fox, 1/2 basketball court, sports oval, outdoor gym equipment and an in-ground pool, (currently being rebuilt) which will be home to a swim school this autumn. All the Pacific Pines and Helensvale facilities are accessed in 5/10 minutes, and if you head inland, after a 5 minute drive there is a new shopping village, Maudsland Village (local shops and Liquorland as yet) and an excellent kindy. Park Lake is a different postcode to Pacific Pines, so if doing a search on realestate etc, input postcode 4210 or Maudsland. Jo x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JoanneHattersley Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 This thread took off like a rocket. Ok the suburb list so far covered is: - Sinnamon Park - Jindalee - wellington Point - Jimboomba - Beaudesert - Logan - Warner - Jindalee - Ipswich - Inala - Pacific Pines - Algester - Cleveland - Ferny Grove - Camp Hill - Bribie Island - North Lakes - The Gap - Forest Lake - Park Lake Keep em coming guys! Anyone need any info on anywhere NOT in the list? Let us know adn we will help you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DadAgain Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 This thread took off like a rocket. Ok the suburb list so far covered is: .... Keep em coming guys! Anyone need any info on anywhere NOT in the list? Let us know adn we will help you! If you're going to list whats been covered, it might be helpful to categories into approximate regions: South West - Sinnamon Park - Jindalee Bayside - Wellington Point - Cleveland South - Jimboomba - Beaudesert - Logan - Algester North - Warner - Camp Hill - Bribie Island - North Lakes West - Forest Lake - Ipswich - Inala North West - Ferny Grove - The Gap Inner Suburbs - Camp Hill Gold Coast - Pacific Pines - Park Lake there is of course lots of overlap - Algester could could easily be described as "South" or perhaps "South West"... but it might help some to get a feel for the pace to have areas grouped as a bit of a guide! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest snow white Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 This thread took off like a rocket. Ok the suburb list so far covered is: - Sinnamon Park - Jindalee - wellington Point - Jimboomba - Beaudesert - Logan - Warner - Jindalee - Ipswich - Inala - Pacific Pines - Algester - Cleveland - Ferny Grove - Camp Hill - Bribie Island - North Lakes - The Gap - Forest Lake - Park Lake Keep em coming guys! Anyone need any info on anywhere NOT in the list? Let us know adn we will help you! yes jo thread has took off really well and its nice to thank everyone for their help on the suburbs info ive enjoyed reading the different reviews and a big thankyou to all whos contributed so far keep it up guys lesley x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellyjamie Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 such a good thread, it stops peeps having to ask the same questions about suburbs, thankyou everyone who has added their info x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest paula.adam Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 yes jo thread has took off really well and its nice to thank everyone for their help on the suburbs info ive enjoyed reading the different reviews and a big thankyou to all whos contributed so far keep it up guyslesley x Hi we are thinking of Springfield Lakes and Augustine Heights ,what are your views on these suburbs.If any one else who is reading this post could give us there views,:spinny: please feel free!! I am getting nervous now!! Paula.x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest families Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 I just noticed an advert for Anglo-Pacific here. We used them to ship from UK to Sydney. Whilst they got the goods here OK, there was lots of damage to it, duting customs and unpacking. We tried to claim as we were insured with AP, but basically were met with a brick wall and awkward unfriendly people at AP who were going out of their way to make any claims possible! If you want to use AP and make a claim on insurance - forget it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest treesea Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Bardon, in inner city Brisbane, and in particular Bardon Esplanade, opposite the park. Beautiful in 1964 and still just as beautiful now. Just been checking it out on google maps, satellite - this is great for Australia as you can "wander" along the street and see every house. Like being in the country, right in the middle of the city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Springifeld lakes is about 10/15 mins drive from me. It is a beautiful area and increasingly popular. Everything is relatively new and well kept, there is a big new shopping centre, schools and unis. The primary school carries a good reputation amongst the locals as does the whole area really. Access to the highway is simple putting the city and Gold Coast in easy reach and commutable. The only negative you sometimes here about Springfiled Lakes is how compact the houses are, but i guess thats down to your individual requirements. There is talk of a new highway running from Springfield, down through Jimboomba and continuing through to the Gold Coast, making the beaches nearer still!! Have a look at Springfield Lakes - A Delfin Lend Lease Project Greater Springfield - The gateway to South East Queensland fast growing Western Corridor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Augustine Heights is near Brookwater , the area is popular with golfers and has a couple of great Golf Courses. It is nearer to Redbank Plains than Springfield is and only 15 mins into Ipswich City. There are some new development estates like Brookwater with some of the most stunning houses that you could ever see. You can get slightly bigger house plots here some upto quarter of an acre, so if a big garden is on your 'requirement' list this area is worth a look. Just at the side of the highway so again great for commuting to the City or for a day out at the Gold coast. Some links you may find useful Augustine Heights: About Augustine Heights Brookwater - The Premier Golf Community Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest paula.adam Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Thanks Cal, you are a star:cute:. Paula.x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewatt Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Lets get a few threads going in here and get back to the best days! Lets help those coming to Australia. This is what we are here for: Sell your Brisbane suburb. I`ll start with Sinnamon Park: Sinnamon Park is about 15km from Brisbane's CBD. Households in the area are generally made up of family groups. There is prestige housing starting to appear in this area and there are extensive recreational and retail facilities nearby. The houses tend to be modern brick and tile structures, with exclusive executive style homes becoming more common in this area. There are plenty of parks as well as two golf courses in the district. The median house price in Sinnamon Park in 2006 was roughly $420,000. __________________________________________________ For your children: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Amazon Place Park in Jindalee, Avondale Park, Sinnamon Park, Wendouree Crescent, Westlake or the park off MacFarlane Street in Middle Park for family fun. __________________________________________________ Take the dog: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Beanland Street in Jamboree Heights, Delapine Place in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Jindalee Boat Ramp Park in Jindalee or Tigris Street in Riverhills. __________________________________________________ Shops: Forgot a few things at the regular grocery shop? Why not leave the car keys behind and pick up what you need on the way home from the bus stop, or take a walk or bike ride to the local shops. Check the map for local convenience centres. The major shopping centres of Jindalee Village and Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre are just a bus ride away. __________________________________________________ Getting fit........ Who's got time? Everyone, if you make exercise part of your everyday life. You could walk to the nearest stop and catch the bus to work, or take the kids to school. 3 x 10 mins daily exercise is recommended for good health. If you like swimming, try Jindalee Olympic Pool on Yallambee Road in Jindalee. For fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park such as Peter Lightfoot Oval, Middle Park. __________________________________________________ The weekend Escape from the city to the great outdoors: and in Brisbane, you don't have to go far. Take a picnic to the local park, try Atthows Park in Darra or the park off Sumners Road, Riverhills, right on the bend of the river. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at McLeod Country or Jindalee Golf Courses. __________________________________________________ Facilities: Release your mind at Mt Ommaney Library, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access, even storytelling sessions for children. Phone the library for details. _____________________________________________________________ Next person please.................................................. Hi Jo , Mark Once again a great idea from you both would love to hear how people are getting on settling into the Gold Coast as hopefully it wont be long for us glad to say we have a viewer tomorrow so things could be starting to pick up don,t want to be spending another winter here Look forward to hearing from everyone Evelyn x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewatt Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 thanks for this great thread. We fly out to live in Brisbane in just 4 days and have not identified our suburb yet so please keep responding!!!Pixie Good Luck with your move hope it all goes well for you and look forward to hearing how you both are and where you eventually settle Safe Journey Evelyn x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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