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blackbird

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Reviews

Dubbo

"Dubbo- Western Plains Zoo is a big attraction."

Located about a 5 hour drive North West of Sydney, Dubbo has become famous for the Western Plains Zoo. Here animals roam free and you can get up close and personal from the safety of your car as you drive through the park. There are some really good wineries here as well as the Old Dubbo Gaol and the Dundullimal Homestead with the oldest Timber slab Hut in Australia dating from the 1840’s. Dubbo has lots of shops, hotel and motels as well as restaurants and fast food outlets. There are numerous walking tracks for the bush walker and for the keen, you can take a glider flight from Narromine.

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Time_to_go

From the safety of your car?? It's a zoo, not a wild safari!
Yes, there is the option to drive around the zoo but the animals are "safely" behind fences and moats. You can get out of your car.

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Lismore

"Lismore - Sub tropical base for exploring."

Lismore is in far northern NSW and is the administration centre for the Northern Rivers Region. Situated only 1.5 hours from the QLD border Lismore is 30 from the coast and is a great base for those wishing to explore not only the beaches but the amazingly diverse rainforest and hinterland towns dotted around the area. Lismore is a large centre with major shopping centre and place to eat; There are club and entertainment venues all within easy reach of a range of accommodation choice that will suit all budgets. There are many national parks in the area including the heritage listed Mt Warning National Park. Enjoy walks through this and other natural wonders of the Lismore area.

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Mildura

"Mildura - A border town NSW/VIC"

Mildura sits close to the NSW/Victorian Border on the Murray River. This large town offers great shopping centres, restaurants, bistros, cafes and fast food outlets, as well as all styles of accommodation from caravan parks to B & B’s and Guest houses to 5 star hotels. Of course being on the river a houseboat is an alternative style of accommodation. There is plenty to do such as visiting the wineries, mini golf, see a historical cottage or join a guided tour and see the ancient sites, The Pink Lakes, fossils etc. Mildura has good sporting facilities and a number of art galleries, craft shops and historical museums in close proximity.

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Queanbeyan

"Queanbeyan- many advantages of being close to Canberra"

Queanbeyan is about a 3 and ½ hour drive from Sydney or a “hop, skip and jump” from Canberra. This city has much to offer the resident and visitor alike. There are a number of art galleries to visit and a museum to take your fancy such as the Historical museum, the sporting museum, the printing museum or if you are into family histories there is the Queanbeyan Library family History Research Centre. There is an array to shopping centres, and places to eat as well as motels, hotels, guest houses etc for all your accommodations needs. Outside the city there are a number of natural attractions, lookouts and walks for those who love the outdoors. Home prices are still affordable and work is plentiful in Canberra.

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  • Professionals
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solaa

what job opportunities are available in queanbeyan, as my visa condition states that I have to work in queanbeyan(regional) and not canberra

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Gosford

"Gosford - Live or holiday in close proximity to Sydney."

Gosford is the major administration centre for the central Coast of NSW. Located between Sydney and Newcastle, Gosford is an ideal spot to live or use as a base to visit the many neighbouring beachside towns or hinterland attractions. Visit the Gosford Regional Art Gallery and Arts Centre or visit the National parks in the area and enjoy native flora and fauna, great views and picnic areas. Gosford has many shopping centres, restaurants, bistros and entertainment venues as well as good sporting facilities. Being so close to Sydney, many residents commute to work just to enjoy the great lifestyle of the area. Real Estate prices are generally very good and make it a very affordable option to live near the beach within easy reach of employment.

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Penrith

"Penrith - Great facilities and affordable."

Situated at the foot of the Blue Mountain and just 50 kms west of Sydney is Penrith. The city is near the Nepean River and is home to the Penrith Panthers NRL team and the club now know as Panthers World of Entertainment which includes many entertainment facilities and a resort. Penrith has grown steadily over the past 35 years and many attractions have boosted the areas popularity. Major shopping complexes, the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, the Penrith lakes System which was used for rowing in the 2000 Olympics and Penrith White-water Stadium. There is plenty accommodation for the visitor and house prising although rising are still affordable for most.

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rickrubin

hi blackbird - some reviews about penrith are great and some are terrible! we're planning to move to that area but its so confusing..
do you think there are certain areas that are safer/better than others? could give us a bit more info on the better areas? good streets etc. for bringing up kids and that sort of stuff..?
your help is much appreciated! cheers!

wonnie

as i posted in another reply, the better areas would be south of the highway and west of the northern rd/parker st. If you are someone who likes to walk to the station, shops, cafes etc then i would say, depending on your budget, to look at one of the following 2 spots:

the blocks in this section: south of derby st, west of evans rd, east of woodriff st and north of jamison rd

-or- if your budget is bigger the ladbury ave area.

You will pay more for the two areas above so this depends on your lifestyle, we have managed to only have 1 car buy staying within walking distance of the station, and we walk to most things, however if being within walking distance of things is not a priority of yours then have a look at jamison town and south penrith, these areas are similar to the ones above but you can save a little money based on location.

If you can get to the area, try parking your car in the area i listed above and walk to high st, just to get a feel for the distance and the location.

blacksooty
blacksooty

Great reply, Wonnie. I agree.

mandeeps7

Wonnie how is Glebe Place, Lemongrove Ave, Cox Ave and Parker Street pocket? Are there commission houses and is it safe area?

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Batemans Bay

"Batemans Bay - Great Holiday Destination"

A leisurely 4 hours drive south of Sydney Batemans Bay is at the mouth of the Clyde River. Batemans Bay has safe beaches for all the family yet not far away surfer can enjoy catching the waves. Snorkelling and diving are popular pastimes as if fishing with your choice of estuary, beach, rock or boat. The Clyde River oysters are enjoyed worldwide and have a good reputation. Accommodation is plentiful at local motels and caravan part as well several well known resorts. There is a friendly atmosphere to the town with good shopping facilities. Apart from beaches and water sports, the town of Mogo is only 5 mins down the road. Here you can enjoy quaint little shops, historical artefacts and a visit to the Mogo Zoo or Dinosaur Museum. There is also a Gold Mining display where you can pan for gold.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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Maroubra

"Maroubra - Great place for the Young"

Maroubra is a beach side suburb of Sydney and is well known for its great beach. This long beach in an arc shape is a favourite for surfers yet is patrolled and has some safe swimming areas between the flags. There is a promenade that stretches the length of the beach and is a favourite for walkers. Opposite the beach is the Maroubra Seals Club which offers cold beer, spirits and soft drinks, gym and pool, bistro and restaurant as well as live entertainment. There are a number of fast food outlets and shops along the foreshore. Further up the road at Maroubra Junction there are major shopping malls, hotels, motels and restaurants. Maroubra’s close proximity to Sydney CBD makes in an ideal place to live although house and rental prices are getting quite expensive.

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Broken Hill

"Broken Hill - Outback magic"

Broken Hill is in far western NSW close to the South Australia Border. Often referred to as the Silver City it has one of the largest silver deposits in the world. Although situated in the vast outback basically in the middle of nowhere broken Hill offers the visitor some unforgettable sights. These are a large number of pubs and motels in the area offering good accommodation whilst you explore. Visit the Pro hart gallery, go to nearby Silverton and experience a real ghost town, see the mines and explore the Mutawinjtji National Park with its tall red gums and other native plants and animals and some beautiful creeks. See what living in an outback town is all about.

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Katoomba

"Katoomba - Amazing Scenery"

Katoomba is just over 100 kms west of Sydney, situated in the Blue Mountains. Here the air is lean and fresh and the scenery is spectacular. A must see is “The Three Sisters” at Echo Point and read about the Aboriginal Legend of their being. Another must is a ride on the Scenic Railway with its steepest railway incline in the world, the Scenic Skyway which is a cable car which travels across the Jamison valley at suspended at 200m for the valley floor. There are many walks and trails with amazing sights and natural flora and fauna as well as historical buildings to see. Great accommodation with many B&B’s, and luxury Hotels. Restaurants, cafe etc to suit all tastes.

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Bowral

"Bowral, Relaxing friendly Town"

Bowral is the major administration centre of the Southern Highlands of NSW. Being an easy drive south west of Sydney, Bowral has a relaxing atmosphere yet offers plenty to see and do. Apart from the many shops and sidewalk cafes there are also major shopping malls, craft shops and galleries to visit. Bowral is home the Bradman Museum. There are many historic building to admire in the town as well as spectacular gardens. There are cycling paths, a swimming pool, walking track along the Wingecarribee River, sports fields and numerous parks. There are some good bush walking tracks on Mt Gibraltar and the nearby forest called Gibbergunyah. Bowral is a lovely place to visit with friendly helpful locals.

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Bowral

Correct, better to visit than to live in for too long. Depends on your age and if you are conventional and conservative the. You will fit right in. Not that many highly educated people in their late 30's or 40's living in bowral full time. Living in bowral us a fortnightly trip to work in sydney is a great lifestyle balance. Keeps the mind open!

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Culburra Beach

"Culburra - Friendly Holiday Destination"

Culburra is a small town east of Nowra on the NSW south coast. The town has a number of shops and services, including a bowling club for fun and nightly entertainment and is a great holiday destination for families and especially fishermen. School, Christmas and Easter holidays, as well as long weekends at any time of year the population swells. Most visitors either stay at one of the two caravan parks, the motel, with friends or own a weekender. There are several beaches with one being patrolled during the summer season, Lake Wollumboola is popular for wind sailing whilst Crookhaven Heads offers some good fishing with rock and wharf fishing popular. There is a fish cleaning table, parkland for picnics and a boat ramp for those heading outside the sheltered waters.

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Nowra

"Nowra - Great amenities with a country feel"

Nowra is just under two hours south of Sydney on the Shoalhaven River and is a major centre for the south coast of NSW. Nowra has a good sized shopping centre and a spread out CBD. The town has a swimming centre, tennis courts, sports fields and a picturesque golf course close to the river. There is plenty of accommodation for the visitor including caravan parks and motels and plenty of restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets. There are a number of clubs often having live entertainment. Real Estate is still very affordable and being close to the coast on one side and the beautiful hinterland on the other it is a great place to visit or settle.

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MsL2

I find it curious that people are saying it's great place to settle, especially for families with kids, when you consider the high unemployment, higher still for the youth (triple the unemployment rate apparently) - a consequence of which is crime, at least in certain areas.

georgyn

nowra!!!!! Best part about the place is the Road leading out of it. Favorable Bloggers are on the pay roll. The problem with the place is the TOP END OF TOWN. Lousy with corruption. Locals claim it is due to the new Jail which has attracted Undesirables. It is a hovel for Criminals and the Top Enders Incite most of it with the local Council being head of Top Enders. EAST NOWRA is laced with Criminals on the prowl picking on anyone they are told to or feel like it. Bombaderry - the same. Remove the Housing NSW problems and half the town would be OK. Police should do more Policing instead of being obsessed with other things. Apart from that - its a swell place.

nadeeshanb

I am going to move to Nowra soon as a skilled migrant. I am currently working as a Software Engineer and I would like to know about professional job availability in Nowra or nearby regions. Please some one advice on this

juliej4

Nadeeshanb ...how did you go with your employment in Nowra or surrounds?....

juliej4

I am thinking of looking to buy in Bomaderry, but reading post's which allege Criminal Behaviour, as a single female, now Im not too sure.
Where is safe these days, and I don't mean a Retirement home...Im too young and active for that!! I don't want to be surrounded by HC renters, ( I are up in HC Sydney, we did allright because of my family structure) however now HC have a stigma attached and unfortunately I don't wish to be living close to people who work for the dole, have multiple rusting cars out the front of their house, Live week to week only to buy smokes and Grog, and partake in Petty Theft. Generalising?...You Bet !
Open any Sydney News story and it reads " South West Sydney' killings, glassing, rapes etc etc .....
I may receive unfavourable replies for this post, but I want to put down my retiring years roots, in a place that is economically viable and safe to leave your home.

juliej4

Auto correct...should read ( I grew up in Housing Commission Home )

veragerginn
veragerginn

Nowra is not what was 10 yrs ago. New baby-boomers got houses there and everything is spruced up. East -East *truly East Nowra may have some of the "bad behaving" streets, but most of the houses are better than the Western Sydney because simply there is no anonymity. It is much safer than Sydney. For jobs - the situation is a everywhere in the regional Australia - most of the people have some tradesman/handyman jobs or, have some rural preoccupation.

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Bondi

"Bondi -"Where the City meets the Surf""

Bondi Beach is famous and known worldwide. The arc shaped beach is normally fairly safe, being patrolled by both paid and volunteer life savers. The parkland near the beach attracts many visitors enjoying a picnic most of the year. The backdrop to the beach is an amazing array of cafes, restaurants and retail shops. There is a great nightlife with several venues with live entertainment. Accommodation is available in hotels, apartments and guest houses. Bondi has become very cosmopolitan with many overseas visitors. It is now quiet expensive to buy real estate in Bondi and rental prices have skyrocketed with the demand ever increasing. Still it is a great place to live or visit and will keep you coming back.

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Ballina

"Ballina - Loads of Community Spirit"

Ballina is at the mouth of the Richmond River and is a fantastic place to holiday or live. There is so much to do. The town is large enough to house all the amenities one needs including shopping centres, swimming pool, ten pin bowling, tennis and golf. The price of real estate is starting to creep up as this town becomes more popular.You can have your choice of cafes and restaurants and accommodation is available to suit all budgets. Between the beaches and rivers of this area you can indulge your favourite water sport be it swimming, kayaking, surfing fishing, etc . The Hinterland offers good walking trails. There are craft shops and your chance to purchase locally made gifts and fresh produce.

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Coffs Harbour

"Coffs Harbour - Ideal Holiday Location"

Coffs Harbour is home to the “Big Banana” a large replica of a banana situated at the front of the tourist information centre and rest stop on the Pacific Highway in northern NSW. Coffs as it is known has a friendly laid back holiday style atmosphere and has some beautiful beaches that are patrolled and great for families whilst other beaches offer great surf. There are numerous parks and picnic areas offering BBQ facilities and play areas for the kids. Check out the scenery from one of the lookouts or explore the hinterland. There are restaurants and fast food venues to suit all tastes and accommodation ranges from hotel and motel to caravan parks and backpacker accommodation.

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Armidale

"Armidale - Major Country Centre"

Armidale is situated on the Northern Tablelands in NSW right on the New England Hwy so access is not a problem. Although being an agricultural area Armidale is also home to the University of New England. Armidale has a good climate with summer day time temperatures averaging 27 degrees and winters are cool with temperatures ranging from 0-16.
The city has a number of art galleries and museums to visit as well as the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. There is a cinema complex and several craft venues.
Outside the city centre there are a number of beautiful national parks where you can walk the trails and see not only some native flora and fauna but amazing waterfalls and scenery.
There is plenty of accommodation in Armidale ranging from caravan and camping parks, B & B’s, guest houses to quality hotels and motels. There are cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.

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CommunityMan
CommunityMan

One of the coldest places I've been - winter is brutal there!

Armidillian

You just need a great big wood fire CommunityMan!

sorpleo
sorpleo

Respiratory problems are rife because of wood fires Armidillian. Invest in Solar heating! Community Man - don't ever visit Goulburn. It makes Armidale look like it in a heatwave during the winter peak. While winter temps there say '7c' degrees - the WINDCHILL is minus 12!! THAT is cold.

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