Moving to Goldcoast June 2016!!

[magicjoy]

Hello

We are moving to Gold coast in June this year, due to partners works (so soon!!) and I am hoping the depth and wealth of your thots can unleash?

School for a soon to be five year old???

and also where to live. My partner has a two year contract starting soon.

We love beach, individual rather than chain shops and is poss, mingling with locals more than tourists....

Ideally we can find a spot to keep it simple and fun, where we can walk / cycle? is that safe and keep travel light.

Work place is likely to be near Bundall.

Meeting the doc in the uk tomorrow re dc immunisations - so much to do and an exciting mountain to climb!!

Love to know thots. xx

[OccamsRaiser]

Hi there,
I've seen you've posted a few messages, and while I'm not on the Gold Coast, I thought I might send a few links to have a look at.

Firstly, if you're looking for somewhere to live, you might want to have a look at //www.realestate.com.au which has a lot of properties listed for rent. It's also got some basic demographic info on what suburbs are like - have a look at 'suburb profile' or you can use something like www.police.qld.gov.au/ to get an idea of crime stats - though don't let it put you off too much!

In general, the Gold Coast has some lovely areas and some 'not so lovely' areas. If you're looking at being able to commute by bike/on foot, Bundall is generally pretty easy to get around so you should be ok to go into any of the neighbouring suburbs. If you're interested in a beachy lifestyle, you are very close to Broadbeach (or Surfers Paradise, though noting that it's very touristy and has relatively high crime figures given the popularity/nightlife aspect of that area) Otherwise a lot of the areas nearby but further inland have a more suburban feel to them. If you'd rather a house than an apartment/townhouse, they will likely have more availability.

Schools-wise, the schools in Qld require your DC to have turned 5 before June 30 in the year that they start 'prep' (which is the first year of junior school - si like a reception grade) If your DC hasn't turned 5 before June 30, they can enter a Kindergarten program, which are generally run by childcare centres ('nursery' style centres) which follow a similar curriculum to each other and work to get to prep-readiness. The school year starts at the end of January (usually last week of Jan) and runs through until mid-December.

Basically, the schools each have their own 'catchment' area, and depending on where you base yourselves, you might want to have a look at edmap to see what the local schools would be like in your preferred area. You might also like www.myschool.edu.au/ which has information on the make-up and performance of each school, although obviously should be taken with a grain of salt.

Schools tend to have interviews the year prior to starting (i.e. my 4yo is about to start next year (at 4y9m) but is having his initial 'interview' in May 2016 for a Jan 2017 start) The dates vary depending on whether you are going private (including religious - the Catholic school system is quite strong in Australia) or public (which tend to be later to do interviews - generally Aug/Sept)

Hope this gives you something to start from, but happy to answer any specific questions that you might have. Enjoy the planning!

[Ludwsys]

I've never lived there but once visited for 6 weeks, just wanted to say, you lucky thing, what a lovely opportunity you have. Good luck finding out all the info you need!

[magicjoy]

Thanks so much your infos have been super helpful. xx

[chloeb2002]

Hi school starting age in qld since 2016 is 5 before 31st July.
Best to rent when you first get here on a short lease then you can move as needed!

[OccamsRaiser]

"To enrol in Prep, children must be aged five by 30 June in the year of proposed attendance." from here