Mackay - What's It Like?

[fionas]

DP just rang me very excited. He could get a job in Mackay driving coal trains. They are offering absolutely ridiculous fall off your chair type money.

Think we might fly up there early December to check it out - hey, it's a holiday even if nothing comes of it.

I'm very open to moving -my only reservation is that it would mean yet another change for DSD who's about to start VCE.

But the shifts are 4 days on, 4 days off so I guess conceivably DSD, DD and I could stay here and DP could fly down.

Anyhow, what's Mackay like?

[Visitor7]

I've only ever been there when on holidays, but I think it's beautiful

Hopefully someone pops in to tell you more though LOL

[willow5]

I've only ever been there for holidays too XH and I had rellies there it is beautiful we were going to move there too but due to unforeseen circumstances at the time we never did but I really like it up there.

Good luck

[ss_storm]

DF's mum moved up there a couple of years ago and we went up last Christmas. There are lots of beautiful places close by to go and visit (Daydream Island etc isn't too far away), and I think there are some rainforests around?

From what I remember shopping is pretty good, there are a couple of large shopping centres. They have a really great pool setup - it's free to get in, there's a waterslide, some smaller pools for the kids and a deeper pool. It's more like a lagoon though rather than a pool but it is lovely.

The weather wasn't too bad, it was warm and a bit humid but with air con you could survive. DF's mum's house had air conditioning but it didn't work, and we ended up leaving for home a couple of days early because it was just too hot! There were a few torrential rain showers that came through too, I've never seen anything like it! It absolutely bucketed down for 10-15 mins, the type of rain that if you spend 10 seconds in it you will be soaked to the bone!

I agree it is lovely, although fairly isolated, especially as it is so far up the top of Qld. But you wouldn't really need to go anywhere else for shopping or anything.

[Visitor7]

I agree it is lovely, although fairly isolated, especially as it is so far up the top of Qld. But you wouldn't really need to go anywhere else for shopping or anything.

LOL, you think Mackay is in Far North Qld?! I think Mackay only touches the south border of North Qld. It's about 8hours south of Cairns.
It is hot and humid, but not as bad as Townsville or Cairns. So providing you like the heat, you'll be right

ETA: I think Tali is in Mackay now, isn't she?? Maybe she'll pop in.

[fionas]

Just been doing a bit of internet research and if it wasn't for DSD's likely reaction, I'd be there in a flash.

We could get a really good 4br 2 bathroom place for less then we would rent our place out in Melbourne.

Any advice on areas. If I had a choice, I'd pick somewhere with good views so Dolphin Heads looks great - but are there shops/cafes there (I mean browsing sort of tootling around shops not Coles etc.) or would I have to go into the CBD?

[Doing my best]

DP just rang me very excited. He could get a job in Mackay driving coal trains. They are offering absolutely ridiculous fall off your chair type money.

Think we might fly up there early December to check it out - hey, it's a holiday even if nothing comes of it.

I'm very open to moving -my only reservation is that it would mean yet another change for DSD who's about to start VCE.

But the shifts are 4 days on, 4 days off so I guess conceivably DSD, DD and I could stay here and DP could fly down.

Anyhow, what's Mackay like?

My DH has applied for a job up there too. Even as a trainee the money is pretty good..

There is also a good chance your DP will get one if he applies as they are wanting to fill the experienced driver jobs as a priority.

[fionas]

Thanks Bath!

Well, we have our first hurdle. I was actually nutting it out on BB while DP was asleep so we literally had a five minute conversation this morning and then I convinced myself it was a top idea.

Anyhow, when DP woke up after his afternoon nap (my timinng wasn't great) Itold him I thought it was a great idea and hey, I'd be willing to go almost anywhere for 18 months. At which point, he got very shirty about throwing in the security of his job down here JUST for 18 months and what would be the point? So, at the moment we're poles apart.

But the point is that in 18 months we would have got the mortgage down to almost nothing, we could then move back and add an extra storey to this house. In the meantime, I could pack in the job I hate and study.

DP doesn't seem to realise the irony when he talks about giving up his job down here. That's exactly what I did when I gave up my full-time job for a part-time one. Basically my career has gone backwards because I put DD first.

[Bathsheba]

My DH is beside me now saying that you're crazy to want to go up there LOL He's talking money mainly (as a banker would LOL). Says the costs of moving/living away REALLY eat into savings...said things are likely to be more expensive up there (even groceries etc). Maybe if the company paid all your moving costs and gave you some rental assistance then consider it... these are the terms that we would move... and as you know I'm also very keen! (but NOT the tropics!)

[Inanna]

Qld is one of the most expensive states in Aust now for cost of living... I heard it on radio national th other day!

I'm for adventure! Go forth to the hot tropics for a couple of years I say!

[Bathsheba]

Yep, I'd say my DH is aware of that too Inanna... he has several clients that partly reside up there.... good ole Radio National eh?

If you really want to view it as an extended holiday then go for it... but just be careful if the prime motive is money making...especially if you have to pay your own way.