Townsville Defence Accommation

[ukmummy]

Hi all

Looking for advice about Townsville Defence Accommodation and what it is like in general. We are moving from the Uk as DH is joining ADF next year. We will be in Townsville for 3 years and are a family of 5.

Would be grateful to hear what to expect with the housing, where the main areas are and what are the best areas. I would imagine that we would get a 4 bedroom house with having 3 children.

Has anyone had problems or are the houses usually of good standard. (the ones here aren't up to much)

I am a bit apprehensive as you can imagine what with the big move. Just worried that the housing may not be as good as I expected. Want to prepare myself for the good and bad before I get there.

Thanks.

Lisa

[sharvs]

It was nearly 4 years ago since we were posted to Townsville, hopefully someone can give you more up-to-date information than me.

Back when we were there, the majority of houses were in Vincent/Heatley - my advice is dont get a house there. Kirwan is nice, as is Annandale (directly across from the base). Riverside Gardens is also nice and new. I believe the standard of housing is ok. We were in a very nice townhouse when we were there (no kids back then).

DHA (Defence Housing Authority) should be able to give you access to a website called Homefind that shows all the houses available to you, according to your husbands rank and your family. Usually they only give you access to this once you have recieved your posting order and returned all paperwork to them but this could be different considering you are coming from overseas. The website shows you photos, floor plans, and a general overview of the facilities in the area.

Good luck with the big move, if there is anything else I can help you with please let me know. Im sure someone else can give you more information on housing in Townsville.

[ukmummy]

Thanks for your reply sharvs, I will take in your advice about the best areas.

[njbrandi]

Hi UK mummy

Can't really give any specific advice on defence housing as we're not a defence family, but just wanted to say you will LOVE Townsville :)
I would agree that Annandale & Riverside Gardens are really nice suburbs very near to the base. But it's basically a fairly small town, maximum 30 minutes drive from one extreme edge to the other, so depending where you're moving from anywhere could feel quite "central," and we don't really have traffic jams etc to worry about :)

We moved here from the UK (cold Northumberland) 18 months ago & haven't looked back since the day we got off the plane, the climate here is great, people very friendly, lovely beaches & lots of great parks for kids of all ages. So good to have an active outdoor lifestyle compared to shivering round the fire back in the UK!
Good luck with the move :)
Nicky, Helen (2) & bub (arriving in about 3 weeks!)

[ukmummy]

Hi Nicky

Thanks for that, its good to hear from other people from overseas who are loving it there. We are hoping to be there early next year.

Snap with the baby, my third is actually due in 4 weeks time and Im having a boy (third boy). I hear it is very humid there, have you managed to get used to the heat? Ive been struggling today with the heat here (makes a change) but think its because the baby has zapped all my energy, be glad when he is finally out.

Good luck with the birth!!

Lisa

[njbrandi]

Hi,
I guess it depends how well you cope with heat & humidity generally. The summers here are hot & sticky, but I like the heat & I will take that any day rather than those long, cold, damp, grey, dark winters we left behind!
It's only uncomfortably hot for a few months, & if you have aircon in the bedrooms at home it's really fine. The only thing I'd change is the Mozzies - they are pretty vicious where we live (much worse than most parts of town).
The rest of the year the weather is just beautiful - in fact we're having an unusually cold winter at the moment & I'm not happy about it!
Good luck with your arrival - 3 boys wow that will be a handful!
Nicky

[Melissa1983]

hello

We are currently in defence and located in Townsville for the next 2 weeks anyway. There are some really nice houses around the Avenues in Kirwan (thats where we are). Is he joining the Army or RAAF?

The Army is located in Douglas, and they have really nice homes around that area, and there are new homes there too. Fairfield Waters, Annandale, Douglas, Oonoonba, Riverside Gardens. (Fairfield, and Riverside Gardens are near new areas)

The RAAF is in Garbutt, (i would suggest staying away from that area) but there is houses in Mount Louisa, Kirwan.

Good Luck..