Hi first time user so not sure how it works.! My name is Peter and we are planning to move to Townsville I have a job
offer from Bunnings I am married and have 2 kids aged 10 and 4.We would like to rent ideally a new (ish) property ideally
with pool or lose to beach. What are your views on Townsville as a place to bring up kids.?

Thanks

Peter

 

Hi Peter
We have been in Townsville since December 2010 and it's a lovely place to bring up children. There's lots of sports activities for them and the Strand has a rock pool and small water fun area which are free to use. You'll have no problem if you want to rent a new house, there are plenty available. For a 4 bedroom house you will be looking at between $400 - $500 a week, if you want a new house with pool it will be more towards the higher end. Not sure which Bunnings you will work at, but there is one a couple of minutes drive from a suburb called Fairfield Waters which is nice and has all new builds. If you want to be near the beach there is lots of development going on in the Northern Beaches area - Northshore and Bushland beach, again these are all new builds. This is further out, around 30 minuted from the CBD, but bear in mind during the wet season the main route into the CBD often gets flooded. Also you may be near the beach but you can't go into the water because of stingers and the risk of crocodiles. It's only safe to go in the sea in the areas that has nets and lifeguards and there is 1 on the strand and 1 at Pallaranda. Hope this helps! Let me know if there is anything else you want to know.

 

Thanks for that appreciate the info.Can I ask another question. Schools, my daughter will be 5 in August and my son is 10 what age do they start school in Aus.
Do you have to pay for schools.?

Thanks

Peter

 

I'm not 100% sure as my children are older, but I think they start at 5. State schools are free apart from books, equipment and uniforms. If they go to Catholic school you do pay fees, I think around $1500 per year for primary.

 

Hi

I know this is an old thread but just wondered how you guys had got on and if you had any recommendations as to areas in Townsville. Will be coming over in October with my 4 yr old.

Many thanks
Zoe