Living in Darwin

[Turtle61]

Guys,

I am back from Europe and looking for work.
Sort of got an offer of a job in Darwin (public service - government).

Just came back from a 4 day reccy and we spoke to someone who hates it and is about to leave and the missus doesn't seem to like it too much. I like it. Seems like a nice place although seems alomost as expensive as Sydney...

Can I get a unbiased (or biased) opinion from anyone who lives/lived there on the cost of living, rent, practicals etc? The work would be in the city (Mitchell Street) and IF I get the job I'd like to live as close as possible.

The job is on hold for a while so I have a little time to think about it...

Cheers...

[CraigE]

I loved Darwin when we were up there. But we were not working there and with the heat and humidity it may be a different matter.
CraigE

[jsttry]

Its just coming into the dry season (winter) so temperatures are cooling down. Around Oct/Nov is when it gets really hot and humid, although most places are airconditioned these days.

Even living in the suburbs its only 10-30min drive to Mitchell St in the CBD.

It depends on what you like doing, night life, camping??

[EchiDna]

I almost moved there in Sept 2006 - there was a similar thred started by me...
Only reason I didn't go in the end was due to my company expecting me (and my family) on the deck and working inside 3 weeks and to sign a 3 year contract upfront. They seems a bit too anxious to me and in truth it was an average offer. We would have been in the toilet financially had we taken it thanks to the astronomical rents and the cost of living. If the wage is acceptable and the housing is taken care of - I'd go in a flash.

[Turtle61]

Cheers guys...

I almost moved there in Sept 2006 - there was a similar thred started by me...
Only reason I didn't go in the end was due to my company expecting me (and my family) on the deck and working inside 3 weeks and to sign a 3 year contract upfront. They seems a bit too anxious to me and in truth it was an average offer. We would have been in the toilet financially had we taken it thanks to the astronomical rents and the cost of living. If the wage is acceptable and the housing is taken care of - I'd go in a flash.

Yeah, that is one of the reasons why the deal isn't too sweet... The rent is a bit on the high side although compared to Sydney the only main diff is travelling time to the office - 15 min vs 45. Not sure if good enough reason.

Any other comments?

[LandyAndy]

If you are a fisherman,you cant catch Barra in sydaknee!!!!!
Andrew

[Turtle61]

Oi! You're supposed to talk me OUT OF IT (well SWMBO wants me talked out of it)!

... putting everything practical aside, I'd move there tomorrow (actually mid-May when the container with all my junk arrives from Switzerland)...

[Mick-Kelly]

Come to Brissy.......................................every one else is

[Ace]

Oi! You're supposed to talk me OUT OF IT (well SWMBO wants me talked out of it)!

... putting everything practical aside, I'd move there tomorrow (actually mid-May when the container with all my junk arrives from Switzerland)...

Mate if your missus is highly opposed to the idea then is it a good idea, there is nothing worse than living with a ****ed off SWMBO no matter where you live. She might come to like the place aswell but with women who the hell knows.

What is the job, what will the missus be able to do, will she have work?

[Turtle61]

What is the job, what will the missus be able to do, will she have work?

Graphic designer job for the Dept of Health. Public service. Cushy.

She actually got a better chance of getting a research job at CDU or DHCS than in Sydney, but not having one at the moment is the problem (employment security/child care/boredom). If she got an offer we'd be there in a flash as it is very hard for any researcher to get any job any where...

Come to Brissy.......................................every one else is

No way. My mob lives there and SWMBO simply will not.
No offence to Brisbanites but I don't like the place...

We're aiming a bit more north: Cairns. If there was a job for any one of us we'd move there without batting an eye lid. I missed out on a couple 'coz I wasn't in the country when they came up.


Oh, well...