Comments on: Where to live: Bellingen?

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:03:04 +0000

@Mel: Good on you for the Bellingen move - sounds like it’s working out great for you! The Eurobodalla area is lovely, though I think it would be too far away from a big city for us.

@Carla: It is hard to pick an area when you’re new to the country isn’t it. And the rest of Australia is so different to Sydney - almost like the two are in separate countries! The Blue Mountains are beautiful, but I’m not sure they’re the right place for us (too far from the beach for one thing). I’d imagine Glenbrook to Crows Nest could be a bit of a slog - test it out in peak traffic time! Also I think the lower mountains are of a very different character to the upper mountains (eg Leura) - much hotter in summer for example.

Anyway, the big news for us is that we’re finally moving - to Robertson in the Southern Highlands! More info here:

http://tgo.elated.com/2008/07/16/were-moving-to-robertson/

Only 6 weeks to go - can’t wait!!

By: Carla

Carla — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:56:51 +0000

My husband and I moved to Sydney from NZ nearly a year ago and we too are investigating a move away from the city and burbs. Trouble is hubby still works in Crows Nest, at least a few days a week, so need to consider doable commutes. We’ve got 3 little tots, so bringing up kids is an issue. Trying to pick a spot is overwhelming when you don’t know the country.
We loved the Blue mountains and thought we might look into Glenbrook. Anyone else with more thougts on the mountains? Its been so interesting reading everyone’s comments so far!

By: Mel

Mel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:26 +0000

Matt,

We left Sydney 18 months ago and came to Bellingen. It had been a 5 year project to get up here. My partner and i have two young kids and we shuddered to even consider bringing them up in Sydney. Sydney’s great when your in your 20s and focused on going out, but it would hellish at any other stage of life, in my opinion - hence we hit our 30s and left.

Bellingen has been fantastic. As long as you can find a place to live that isn’t damp, (or flood affected) its heaven on earth. We have made lots of friends, the kids love it here and every morning i look out my window and thank the universe for being so blessed.

Sure, when the kids get older, we’ll have to encourage them to spread their wings and try living in a new place, becuase as someone said earlier, employment is an issue, but it’s the sort of place that a kid could always call home no matter how far their wings took them. A safe haven to come home to.

As for the floods, i think they’re exciting. The BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) website is my home page now days. Since moving here, it’s the first time i’ve ever really cared about the weather. The floods bring a sense of excitement to town and remind you of how cool nature is.

I’d love to know what other places are on the top ten. I lived for a couple of years in the Eurobodalla Shire on the south coast, and if i wasn’t here, that’s where i’d be. Heaven on the south coast.

And by the way, Merv has just retired.

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:35:48 +0000

Very interesting Josh. Thanks for adding your comments! It’s wonderful to get all these first-hand points of view on Bellingen.

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:24:59 +0000

I lived in Bellingen for most of my high school years (1999 - 2002).
While it’s a very beautiful place,like most small towns there’s not a lot of job opportunities and most people end up moving away.

For a retiree or someone who doesn’t have to worry about establishing a career, you can’t go past Bellingen. Properties in Gleniffer and other surrounding areas are awesome.
Yes, it does flood once a year but it’s more of an inconvenience than a safety and/or property damage issue.

Drugs would have to be your main concern as just about everyone grows or smokes weed and also magic mushrooms are in abundance in many of the paddocks down by the river.

Putting those things aside, there is no other place like Bellingen; it’s an experience that I will always remember.

Ahh Merv… still the bane of Bellingen’s youth.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:06:31 +0000

Thanks for your comment Jordan. It’s great to hear about a place from someone who’s grown up in the area. Thanks for the useful info about the flooding too. I guess the floods do have their good points!

We did really love Bellingen and the general area when we visited. Perhaps one day, when we’re not so reliant on a nearby big city, we’ll end up moving there. (And we’ll keep an eye out for Merv, too! lol)

By: jordan

jordan — Sun, 25 May 2008 06:08:31 +0000

hello, i’m 14 and i’ve been living in urunga for approx. 11 years.
urunga is the on the coast directly east of bellingen.
i go 2 bellingen high which is an ok school, but there are a few christian/private schools in coffs.
i would agree when it floods it can get pretty bad, but we dont get them that often, and unless you live pretty close to town, you should be alright.

If your kids are serious about sport i wouldn’t suggest bellingen, or really any of the north coast. there isnt really any good sporting facilities around.
im a sprinter and the closest tartan track is at newcastle!!

well the good points about bellingen i believe for a kid would be:
good environment (beach close, river, swimming holes, trail riding etc)
more freedom
good community
lots of music/festivals
no school when it floods lol

bad points:
need better sporting facilities
lots of raves/parties
drugs easily accessible
merv the ranger(cranky guy)