Perth - Who knows Rockingham?
Discussion
I seem to remember someone here lives in Rockingham???
We're going to be arriving in WAS in January 2013 and are currently looking for a holiday rental fort the first couple of weeks. This place looks nice http://www.stayz.com.au/52846 and the owners have come up with a very good price.
But whats that area like?
Bearing in mind I have no job offer at the moment, I could end up travelling north of the river for work but we can cross that bridge when we get to it (see what I did there ??
)
We're arriving by sea into Fremantle.
We're going to be arriving in WAS in January 2013 and are currently looking for a holiday rental fort the first couple of weeks. This place looks nice http://www.stayz.com.au/52846 and the owners have come up with a very good price.
But whats that area like?
Bearing in mind I have no job offer at the moment, I could end up travelling north of the river for work but we can cross that bridge when we get to it (see what I did there ??
)We're arriving by sea into Fremantle.
Deviant lives down that way.
It's good for a commute if you are near the train station, but personally it's a bit far out the city for me.
Driving would be a problem as the freeways get pretty heavy.
The beach at Rockingham is nice and it's quiet compared to Perth. Few nice cafes etc on the front too.
It's good for a commute if you are near the train station, but personally it's a bit far out the city for me.
Driving would be a problem as the freeways get pretty heavy.
The beach at Rockingham is nice and it's quiet compared to Perth. Few nice cafes etc on the front too.
I live in Rocky. In Cooloongup to be precise.
Personally I love the place, we were not that sure when we first moved to the area but we are very settled now.
You get all the standard aussie options here. Good beaches, lots of cafes and restaurants on the beach, plenty of outdoors stuff to do...we often take a 20KM cycle along the coast, its a very relaxed area. We also have an international standard drag strip and dirt oval. They often have single venue tarmac rallies there to.
Rockingham is big enough that unless you need a very specific shop you dont need to go on a trek to buy stuff.
The area is growing so there are constant developments and new businesses opening but the living costs are still affordable. You can live within a walk of the beach without spending a million.
The climate is usually an appreciable amount cooler than Perth and it is rare to not get a nice sea breeze in.
If we want to take the train to the city its 5 minutes on the bus to Rocky train station and then 25 minutes on the train to the CBD. You can stay on the same train to go north of the city.
You would never attempt to drive in to the city on a weekday rush hour but given a clear run on the weekend or later at night you can drive straight up the freeway and be in the city in 30 minutes..20 minutes at sensible speeds. The greater Perth area is not THAT big that driving from one end to the other is a major chore and public transport is good enough that living here is no worse than some suburbs that you can see the CBD from....when we lived next to the city the only option in to the CBD was by bus and it would take nearly an hour despite being able to clearly see the high rises from the bus stop!
Anything else you want to know give me a yell. Will have to go for a beer.
Personally I love the place, we were not that sure when we first moved to the area but we are very settled now.
You get all the standard aussie options here. Good beaches, lots of cafes and restaurants on the beach, plenty of outdoors stuff to do...we often take a 20KM cycle along the coast, its a very relaxed area. We also have an international standard drag strip and dirt oval. They often have single venue tarmac rallies there to.
Rockingham is big enough that unless you need a very specific shop you dont need to go on a trek to buy stuff.
The area is growing so there are constant developments and new businesses opening but the living costs are still affordable. You can live within a walk of the beach without spending a million.
The climate is usually an appreciable amount cooler than Perth and it is rare to not get a nice sea breeze in.
If we want to take the train to the city its 5 minutes on the bus to Rocky train station and then 25 minutes on the train to the CBD. You can stay on the same train to go north of the city.
You would never attempt to drive in to the city on a weekday rush hour but given a clear run on the weekend or later at night you can drive straight up the freeway and be in the city in 30 minutes..20 minutes at sensible speeds. The greater Perth area is not THAT big that driving from one end to the other is a major chore and public transport is good enough that living here is no worse than some suburbs that you can see the CBD from....when we lived next to the city the only option in to the CBD was by bus and it would take nearly an hour despite being able to clearly see the high rises from the bus stop!
Anything else you want to know give me a yell. Will have to go for a beer.
Thanks for the thorough reply, James.
My biggest problem is that I dont currently have a job lined up and no one in there right mind is going to make me an offer for February 2013 at this stage.
Come this time next year I can start looking for opportunities but I'm a little concerned that by that point, the decent rentals near any job will be snapped up.
I read differing thoughts on areas of Perth and for some reason Rockingham never really gets a mention on the emigration forums. Most of the Brits who want to live in Perth get focused on Joondalup and Quinns Rock up north. You know how things tend to snowball on a forum - Once a few people say it's the best place, everyone follows.
My biggest problem is that I dont currently have a job lined up and no one in there right mind is going to make me an offer for February 2013 at this stage.
Come this time next year I can start looking for opportunities but I'm a little concerned that by that point, the decent rentals near any job will be snapped up.
I read differing thoughts on areas of Perth and for some reason Rockingham never really gets a mention on the emigration forums. Most of the Brits who want to live in Perth get focused on Joondalup and Quinns Rock up north. You know how things tend to snowball on a forum - Once a few people say it's the best place, everyone follows.
200bhp said:
Thanks for the thorough reply, James.
My biggest problem is that I dont currently have a job lined up and no one in there right mind is going to make me an offer for February 2013 at this stage.
Come this time next year I can start looking for opportunities but I'm a little concerned that by that point, the decent rentals near any job will be snapped up.
I read differing thoughts on areas of Perth and for some reason Rockingham never really gets a mention on the emigration forums. Most of the Brits who want to live in Perth get focused on Joondalup and Quinns Rock up north. You know how things tend to snowball on a forum - Once a few people say it's the best place, everyone follows.
Joondalup and Quinns Rock :- It should really be a city in it's own right. "Little Brittan" as it's known as it's full of ex-pats. Some people like it. Personally I'm not a fan. Seems to be full of sunburnt Northerners with a chip on their shoulder. Driveways full of X5 BMWs with ManU / Newcastle / Liverpool FC number plates.My biggest problem is that I dont currently have a job lined up and no one in there right mind is going to make me an offer for February 2013 at this stage.
Come this time next year I can start looking for opportunities but I'm a little concerned that by that point, the decent rentals near any job will be snapped up.
I read differing thoughts on areas of Perth and for some reason Rockingham never really gets a mention on the emigration forums. Most of the Brits who want to live in Perth get focused on Joondalup and Quinns Rock up north. You know how things tend to snowball on a forum - Once a few people say it's the best place, everyone follows.
Nothing SOR really gets a mention on those forums.
As soon as the wife got her visa I stopped visiting the ex-pat forums, as the people on there wound me up. Seemed to be 95% of people were complaining about the lack of mushy peas, how to instantly get on benifits and the cost of everything.
200bhp said:
Thanks for the thorough reply, James.
My biggest problem is that I dont currently have a job lined up and no one in there right mind is going to make me an offer for February 2013 at this stage.
Come this time next year I can start looking for opportunities but I'm a little concerned that by that point, the decent rentals near any job will be snapped up.
I read differing thoughts on areas of Perth and for some reason Rockingham never really gets a mention on the emigration forums. Most of the Brits who want to live in Perth get focused on Joondalup and Quinns Rock up north. You know how things tend to snowball on a forum - Once a few people say it's the best place, everyone follows.
Anytime Phil My biggest problem is that I dont currently have a job lined up and no one in there right mind is going to make me an offer for February 2013 at this stage.
Come this time next year I can start looking for opportunities but I'm a little concerned that by that point, the decent rentals near any job will be snapped up.
I read differing thoughts on areas of Perth and for some reason Rockingham never really gets a mention on the emigration forums. Most of the Brits who want to live in Perth get focused on Joondalup and Quinns Rock up north. You know how things tend to snowball on a forum - Once a few people say it's the best place, everyone follows.
Perth is still growing at a massive rate. 7 years ago when I moved here I thought I had made a massive mistake but now I love it here, it is progressing and it is exciting to see and be a part of a growing city.
Of course the downside to this now is that it is increasingly difficult / expensive to find somewhere be really close to the city. With the way we are growing you pretty much just have to put yourself on or near a public transport route and go where you can afford and commute. I wouldnt worry to much though, even if you are in Mandurah your comute on the train is not a hardship...its clean, safe, air conditioned and very reliable. The way the place is growing there is always going to be somewhere to live.
You often read bad things about Rockingham but it is all BS left over from years back when it was well and truly cut off from the rest of the Perth area, no joke it used to take half a day to get there so was a seaside holiday destination! People still have this weird idea that it is a bogan backwater and is hours driving away from Perth. When we have friends come down to us we often take them for a drive along the coast and down to the foreshore for a wander on the beach and a feed and they always express surprise at just how nice an area it is and how quickly they got there from Perth!
I dont know why people go on about Joondalup and Quinns Rock so much especially Quinns Rock! It is in the middle of nowhere!! I think expats go there because they can still live in a big Aussie house on a quarter acre near the beach and pay for it with their UK house sale. They can then sit in their castle and complain about the lack of...anything...before taking an hours drive to the nearest train station to get to the city just to escape the 45 degree heat.
I wouldnt choose Joondalup either. Crowded and expensive (as is most of NOR) and the freeway north of the city is just a disaster at rush hour. I dont see the attraction.
Bibbs said:
Joondalup and Quinns Rock :- It should really be a city in it's own right. "Little Brittan" as it's known as it's full of ex-pats. Some people like it. Personally I'm not a fan. Seems to be full of sunburnt Northerners with a chip on their shoulder. Driveways full of X5 BMWs with ManU / Newcastle / Liverpool FC number plates.
Nothing SOR really gets a mention on those forums.
As soon as the wife got her visa I stopped visiting the ex-pat forums, as the people on there wound me up. Seemed to be 95% of people were complaining about the lack of mushy peas, how to instantly get on benifits and the cost of everything.
I read around a few expat forums and gave up straight away. I wouldnt believe anything they say on there. They seem to be a hang out for the people really struggling to make the changes needed to settle in....and by christ they are going to expect Australia to change before they will!Nothing SOR really gets a mention on those forums.
As soon as the wife got her visa I stopped visiting the ex-pat forums, as the people on there wound me up. Seemed to be 95% of people were complaining about the lack of mushy peas, how to instantly get on benifits and the cost of everything.
My good friends emigrated to Kalbarri, North of Perth, a few years back, he works at one of the mines near there, as an engineer.
Although he works away, 8 on, 6 off, he and his family have a great lifestyle.
I visted a couple of years back, what a great place, Lucky Bay and the national park, north of them.
I envy anyone who lives in Aus, as it's better than you could emagine.
Although I don't know Rock'ham!!
Although he works away, 8 on, 6 off, he and his family have a great lifestyle.
I visted a couple of years back, what a great place, Lucky Bay and the national park, north of them.
I envy anyone who lives in Aus, as it's better than you could emagine.
Although I don't know Rock'ham!!
I lived at the south end of Rockingham for about 14 years - no shortage of ex-pats about! I suspect most came out many years back tho.
Some great beaches, lots of modded Commodores (Vauxhall VXR8 to you, but so many taxi spec V6s done up!), nearby heavy industry if that's where you're looking for work.
The place has expanded at a huge rate of late, which has improved the facilities no end.
Geographically it's as flat as, tends to puddle up in winter, and as has been said, the sea breeze is a saviour on the hot days of summer.
And compared to the Fog Bound Isle, petrol's cheap anywhere here! Explains why we can afford to run 6's and V8's. Tiddlers and diesels are getting an increasing hold on the new car market, though.
Some great beaches, lots of modded Commodores (Vauxhall VXR8 to you, but so many taxi spec V6s done up!), nearby heavy industry if that's where you're looking for work.
The place has expanded at a huge rate of late, which has improved the facilities no end.
Geographically it's as flat as, tends to puddle up in winter, and as has been said, the sea breeze is a saviour on the hot days of summer.
And compared to the Fog Bound Isle, petrol's cheap anywhere here! Explains why we can afford to run 6's and V8's. Tiddlers and diesels are getting an increasing hold on the new car market, though.
How did your family react when you told them you were making the move? We've not told our parents yet and dont plan to do so until just after Christmas.
I can only agree with your thoughts on the expat forums! I've used the pomsinoz forum as a source of information on the Visa application but they don't half like to moan!
It seems half the users are those who cant get a visa because their job isn't on the list, and the other half are already in Oz and complaining it's not like England.
I can only agree with your thoughts on the expat forums! I've used the pomsinoz forum as a source of information on the Visa application but they don't half like to moan!
It seems half the users are those who cant get a visa because their job isn't on the list, and the other half are already in Oz and complaining it's not like England.
200bhp said:
How did your family react when you told them you were making the move? We've not told our parents yet and dont plan to do so until just after Christmas.
I can only agree with your thoughts on the expat forums! I've used the pomsinoz forum as a source of information on the Visa application but they don't half like to moan!
It seems half the users are those who cant get a visa because their job isn't on the list, and the other half are already in Oz and complaining it's not like England.
My parents were delighted, excited for me and encouraged me to do it. I only get to see them every couple of years and they are both mid 60's now so I worry about the future...but not to much, I cant control that. I guess as any good parent would do they realised their boy had grown up and was off to start his own life. I can only agree with your thoughts on the expat forums! I've used the pomsinoz forum as a source of information on the Visa application but they don't half like to moan!
It seems half the users are those who cant get a visa because their job isn't on the list, and the other half are already in Oz and complaining it's not like England.
If you want to do this you just have to get on and do it. You will miss family events, births, marriages and deaths and friends will drift away but that is just part of moving to a new country on the other side of the world. You will have a new life of your own to live and you can not be held back because gran might be upset. In a way you really need to let go of the old country otherwise you will become one of those forumites trying to make it like it was in the UK and spending all night on Skype with their mates instead of getting on with their new life.
When you move to a new country you really need to make yourself reset your life, treat day one in the new country as day one of your life. Australians speak English and drive on the left but it is a foreign country, to me it is completely home now and is all normal but when my parents come over they are always struck by how unfamiliar and foreign everything is.
I think it was ajg31 on here that went to a pomsinoz forum meetup in Perth and found them to be just like they are on the forum. Thoroughly miserable, unwilling to make a go at settling in to the way of life and after a few beers really got in to the English way by punching on with each other!
deviant said:
I think it was ajg31 on here that went to a pomsinoz forum meetup in Perth and found them to be just like they are on the forum. Thoroughly miserable, unwilling to make a go at settling in to the way of life and after a few beers really got in to the English way by punching on with each other!
I've been to a few of their meetings (the wife is fairly active on the forum giving visa advice).Problem is I'm not good with "moaners".
If it was so good back in the UK, p*ss off back there.
Bibbs said:
I've been to a few of their meetings (the wife is fairly active on the forum giving visa advice).
Problem is I'm not good with "moaners".
If it was so good back in the UK, p*ss off back there.
Bibbs - What's her username on there? I'm quite active on there at the moment trying to find answers to lots of daft questions.Problem is I'm not good with "moaners".
If it was so good back in the UK, p*ss off back there.
The great north v south divide.
I live north, in the swan valley. Commute to Perth every day. It's no longer than my uk commute, I have wineries at the end if the road.
I would suggest waiting until you arrive, then look around, see what suits your lifestyle!
Yes I live north of the river, yes I'm from Yorkshire, I don't have an X5, wear football shirts or sunburnt! Neither do I own a ute!
Make your own mind up when you land, not based upon what you have heard!
I live north, in the swan valley. Commute to Perth every day. It's no longer than my uk commute, I have wineries at the end if the road.
I would suggest waiting until you arrive, then look around, see what suits your lifestyle!
Yes I live north of the river, yes I'm from Yorkshire, I don't have an X5, wear football shirts or sunburnt! Neither do I own a ute!
Make your own mind up when you land, not based upon what you have heard!
Bibbs said:
I've been to a few of their meetings (the wife is fairly active on the forum giving visa advice).
Problem is I'm not good with "moaners".
If it was so good back in the UK, p*ss off back there.
I had a deep and meaningful with one of the above some years back - seems he wasn't happy with the fProblem is I'm not good with "moaners".
If it was so good back in the UK, p*ss off back there.
g heat, the fg flys, the fg spiders, the fg politicians, the fg every other fg thing... 
So I asked him why he didn't go back home?
The reply?
In his best Cockney, "It's f
g worse, innit?" 
toomuchbeer said:
Yes I live north of the river, yes I'm from Yorkshire, I don't have an X5, wear football shirts or sunburnt! Neither do I own a ute!
Make your own mind up when you land, not based upon what you have heard!
Didn't mean to offend Make your own mind up when you land, not based upon what you have heard!
It's just my initial impression from driving about that area.
deviant said:
I think it was ajg31 on here that went to a pomsinoz forum meetup in Perth and found them to be just like they are on the forum. Thoroughly miserable, unwilling to make a go at settling in to the way of life and after a few beers really got in to the English way by punching on with each other!
It was me that had a thoroughly terrible time with the people i went out with from said forum. The other crowd i tried i did not fit in with because i did not have a partner and kids. I was an outcast straight away and was handled with suspicion! I have not been on a expat forum for a very long time now, it is all moan moan and not what you need when you're struggling to settle into a new life.I still struggle with the Australian way, but i dont expect it to change, i expect myself to adapt to the way its done here. We all know the UK is messed up as bad as anywhere else in the world. Just hoping Aus can hold off the nanny state mentality for a little while longer.
Jondi and Quinns, bleuh. Sorry but not my type of place either.
when i was in Perth the rental market for the city was mad thanks to the mining boom. You would rock up to a house and find 30-40 others there, and thats when the bidding up would start. Terrible times for months for me to get a place. Much easier out of the city.
ajg31 said:
when i was in Perth the rental market for the city was mad ..
Indeed.Then add in that the house open times for rentals are totally anti-social. You have to fit in round them. It's only weekdays during office hours, and if you can't make it - tough.
Then you have to provide details about what a great tennant you'll be (references etc.) and really sell yourself. Hard to get references if you've not had a landlord in 10 years.
Buying seems easier, as the homes are at least open on a weekend.
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