Good'ay All!

I am a Filipina gypsy tourism student making my way around Aussie one state at a time! I've lived and studied in Adelaide and Tassie, but now I want to move to a city with warm beaches, constant wind, and a modern, bohemian lifestyle! I'm also a new kite instructor so I want to test my new wings teaching! Any advice about Perth, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast regarding lifestyle, wind conditions, and natural surroundings would be most helpful! Thanks!!!

Jungle Gypsy

Geez man how goods your life, all the areas are great on there day do them all

perth

Brisbane

Can only really give you advise on Perth since I live there:

Perth gets good wind in summer which is about end November through to about half April. You can sometimes get about 5 to 6 days a week of good consistent wind. Last season was a little disappointing though but ah well...

Perth and surrounds has heaps of beaches and some are said to be 'world class' in beauty. If you like long stretches of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and sand dunes, then Perth and surrounds is the place for you. If you go a bit out of Perth you have a big chance that you have the beach all to yourself which some people love but some people might prefer a more lively beach. Don't expect any tropical beaches though. No native palm trees here!

One of the good things about Perth is that it not only has a large number of beaches, it also has a massive river which runs through the city and it's suburbs. I personally reckon that it is the river that gives Perth it's beauty. It creates some beautiful views and there are several kitesurf spots on the river too! Downside to kitesurfing on the river is that it can get VERY crowded.

Crowds on the water in Perth can be a bit of a problem for some. Perth is known worldwide for it's wind and you can notice that by it's numbers on the water. I myself don't find it that much of an issue just yet.

Nightlife in Perth is on the rise! there are lots of new little bars/pubs and clubs opening at the moment. You can choose between two centers; Fremantle and Perth CBD. Fremantle is the harbour and it's got it's own town center. It's a bit more arty and bit more hippy. Perth has more clubs and is more of a late night place.

For a nice getaway out of Perth, check out Margaret river. Absolutely beautiful surrounds and known for it's surfing. And don't Rottnest island. A little island just of the coast from Perth. Absolutely stunning little place with countless little bays and reefs. And if you have some spare time on your hands I'd recommend checking out the Kimberleys for a real 'outback' adventure.

Personally I reckon one downside to Perth is that it is very isolated. In fact it is the most isolated city in the world. In order to see another major city you have to take a flight. It is however something you get used to and some people here in Perth actually love that!

Sorry I can't give you any info on the other cities but if you are coming in Aussie summer I'd say wind and weather wise you'd be best of in Perth. 3,5 months with no rain, good wind and an average of about 32 degrees is not bad!!

Don't go here out of season though... Rain, no wind (only sometimes very stormy), 10 degrees...

Mate if you are gypsy and bohemian Fremantle will love you! And you freo too...
Close to the beach and lots of cultural **** going on. WA is windy and come to Gero / horrocks for perfect conditions.

There is no logical reason to ever live in Brisbane if you also have to option to live&work in&around the gold coast or sunny coast.

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JungleGypsy said...

Good'ay All!

I am a Filipina gypsy tourism student making my way around Aussie one state at a time! I've lived and studied in Adelaide and Tassie, but now I want to move to a city with warm beaches, constant wind, and a modern, bohemian lifestyle! I'm also a new kite instructor so I want to test my new wings teaching! Any advice about Perth, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast regarding lifestyle, wind conditions, and natural surroundings would be most helpful! Thanks!!!

Jungle Gypsy

Tarifa ??

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mattyjee said...

There is no logical reason to ever live in Brisbane if you also have to option to live&work in&around the gold coast or sunny coast.

Except that in Brisbane you will make more money and won't have Australia's most disgraceful white trash living in your street.

Sunshine Coast is way more Bohemian than Brisbane. Apart from that, kiting in Brisbane sucks - you would have to be driving to the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast anyway to get in a good session.

Perth has absolutely no bohemian style of living, me thinks. But I'm not into it. Lived in Amsterdam and Berlin so hopefully know a thing or two.

Beaches in Perth are nice. For a while. 10 years after - boring.

25km traffic congestion to Pearce Air Show?! That's all what it says about us hoping for some fun and entertainment. Didn't get there, did a u turn...

What I like is "people watching" when overseas (and in Sydney and Melbourne tho). Get into the Perth CBD after 8pm (or anytime after 5pm workday), and you are looking for trouble.
In other WA towns like Broome, Geraldton or Carnarvon it's probably safe for locals. Being a turist there is a prime target. Margaret River is I recon better, but personally never actually experienced a hype there.

And yes, for many of us from WA, going overseas is actually going to Rottnest :)

Go figure...

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wishy said...

mattyjee said...

There is no logical reason to ever live in Brisbane if you also have to option to live&work in&around the gold coast or sunny coast.

Except that in Brisbane you will make more money and won't have Australia's most disgraceful white trash living in your street.

Everyone knows that you'll make more money in WA.... It's the country's economic powerhouse that is the only thing stopping an Aussie recession.

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dbabicwa said...

Get into the Perth CBD after 8pm (or anytime after 5pm workday), and you are looking for trouble.

Mate, sorry but... that is just absolute plain bull****. I've traveled a LOT, lived most of my life in Amsterdam, traveled all of Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of South America and Perth must be one of the most safe major cities I have ever been to.

Good luck to you if you ever make it to South America... If you find Perth dangerous you might as well lock yourself up and never leave the house cause it won't be much safer in other cities.

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Neptune said...

dbabicwa said...

Get into the Perth CBD after 8pm (or anytime after 5pm workday), and you are looking for trouble.

Mate, sorry but... that is just absolute plain bull****. I've traveled a LOT, lived most of my life in Amsterdam, traveled all of Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of South America and Perth must be one of the most safe major cities I have ever been to.

Good luck to you if you ever make it to South America... If you find Perth dangerous you might as well lock yourself up and never leave the house cause it won't be much safer in other cities.

PS Dud if ya looking for wind, WA, but if you want to mix in culture or a whatever you call it, perth is the backwater assehole of the world, just behing adelaide. ...

Don't agree with you mate. grew up here, yet spent time as brisbane, felt safe any hour of the night and morning. Perth, no way. The options didn't include south America if I remember rightly.

Economic power-house for sure, the divide is growing rapidly though and the effect of this is seen on the streets night and day.

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eppo said...

Neptune said...

dbabicwa said...

Get into the Perth CBD after 8pm (or anytime after 5pm workday), and you are looking for trouble.

Mate, sorry but... that is just absolute plain bull****. I've traveled a LOT, lived most of my life in Amsterdam, traveled all of Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of South America and Perth must be one of the most safe major cities I have ever been to.

Good luck to you if you ever make it to South America... If you find Perth dangerous you might as well lock yourself up and never leave the house cause it won't be much safer in other cities.

Don't agree with you mate. grew up here, yet spent time as brisbane, felt safe any hour of the night and morning. Perth, no way. The options didn't include south America if I remember rightly.

Economic power-house for sure, the divide is growing rapidly though and the effect of this is seen on the streets night and day.

Fair enough. I feel very safe here. No problem at all. Rotterdam in Holland for instance is a lot more scary than Perth at night. I guess I am just comparing it with other major cities I've visited. I just used South America as a reference for a dangerous place compared to Perth.

Perth might not be as vibrant as some cities but it still has it's charms, specially if you love kitesurfing. It seems most people from Perth complain about where they live but yet they never leave. Or, they go away but always come back because they realize things really aren't that bad in good old WA.

Agreed buddy. I actually love the fact that it is as it is. I am either working, with family, kiting or surfing, fishing or diving, don't spend any time people watching or trying out the latest restaurant, going to musicals or seeing the latest play, so WA suites me just fine. Don't even go to pubs anymore. Rather get enough grattis leave points from the wife so I can do the above.

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eppo said...

Agreed buddy. I actually love the fact that it is as it is. I am either working, with family, kiting or surfing, fishing or diving, don't spend any time people watching or trying out the latest restaurant, going to musicals or seeing the latest play, so WA suites me just fine. Don't even go to pubs anymore. Rather get enough grattis leave points from the wife so I can do the above.

Same for me. I'm on/in/under the water as much as I can and WA is just really a great place for that even though the wind let us down last season. I do also enjoy going out every so often and I must say even nightlife in Perth is on the rise. Lots of new little bars and clubs and pubs opening up. Nice little places but very expensive. I can remember paying $12 for a midi!

That is one of Perth's major downsides... everything is SOOO bloody expensive. It is a lot cheaper buying a ready cooked meal at the deli than buying all your veg and meats. Another example; have a look at the prices for different kinds of nuts... $8 for a 300gr small bag of pistachios?! A carton of beer; $40 to $50?! and $17 to $20 for a sixpack? in Holland you pay 13 euro for a carton and if you bring back the bottles you get a few euro recycling money back for it!

Now I do know that people here get paid well and that makes it affordable but as a tourist it must be a big shock! Specially if you like going out.

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Now I do know that people here get paid well...

Hm, you mean COB's? :)))

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"Mate, sorry but... that is just absolute plain bull****.

Harsh words mate! :) Maybe learning some politeness and understanding from all the travel you did...You should know the rate of crime in the Red Lights district of Adam, right? I'm not comparing safety of WA by other places. You did that.

BTW my wife is working in the CBD and she is terrified every time she's leaving late. Bunch of bogans, you know who, around every second corner picking up one her. Is it safe? To the some degree. But not comfortable by any means.
Imagine tiny (assumption) JungleGipsy as a turist in a same location? Maybe she knows karate, or a bit of self defense?:)))

It is safe for you and me probably since we've been through worse. I would agree with you, I feel safe once per mnth I get there. Once again talking about the CBD only! Not Perth in general, ok.

Fire away...

P.S. We are coming back here because we do a lot of traveling to keep us sane! Otherwise we would go nuts.
Last year been to Japan mate, and guess what?
Fractured my wrist there. How much I've paid for everything as a turist?
$110 in a private clinic...But that is another topic.

You could try the gold coast. Cheap accommodation and plenty of friendly kiters. Thou good warmer winds will not arrive till late august. go to Cairns before then?

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Neptune said...

Can only really give you advise on Perth since I live there:

Perth gets good wind in summer which is about end November through to about half April. You can sometimes get about 5 to 6 days a week of good consistent wind. Last season was a little disappointing though but ah well...

Perth and surrounds has heaps of beaches and some are said to be 'world class' in beauty. If you like long stretches of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and sand dunes, then Perth and surrounds is the place for you. If you go a bit out of Perth you have a big chance that you have the beach all to yourself which some people love but some people might prefer a more lively beach. Don't expect any tropical beaches though. No native palm trees here!

One of the good things about Perth is that it not only has a large number of beaches, it also has a massive river which runs through the city and it's suburbs. I personally reckon that it is the river that gives Perth it's beauty. It creates some beautiful views and there are several kitesurf spots on the river too! Downside to kitesurfing on the river is that it can get VERY crowded.

Crowds on the water in Perth can be a bit of a problem for some. Perth is known worldwide for it's wind and you can notice that by it's numbers on the water. I myself don't find it that much of an issue just yet.

Nightlife in Perth is on the rise! there are lots of new little bars/pubs and clubs opening at the moment. You can choose between two centers; Fremantle and Perth CBD. Fremantle is the harbour and it's got it's own town center. It's a bit more arty and bit more hippy. Perth has more clubs and is more of a late night place.

For a nice getaway out of Perth, check out Margaret river. Absolutely beautiful surrounds and known for it's surfing. And don't Rottnest island. A little island just of the coast from Perth. Absolutely stunning little place with countless little bays and reefs. And if you have some spare time on your hands I'd recommend checking out the Kimberleys for a real 'outback' adventure.

Personally I reckon one downside to Perth is that it is very isolated. In fact it is the most isolated city in the world. In order to see another major city you have to take a flight. It is however something you get used to and some people here in Perth actually love that!

Sorry I can't give you any info on the other cities but if you are coming in Aussie summer I'd say wind and weather wise you'd be best of in Perth. 3,5 months with no rain, good wind and an average of about 32 degrees is not bad!!

Don't go here out of season though... Rain, no wind (only sometimes very stormy), 10 degrees...

Hey Neptune!
Thank you for the insight! That's exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know about!

Question..I'll be arriving in July if ever, so is there any hope of wind before summer? I can wait mind you, as all good things are worth it.. but I'll ask anyway cuz I'm like 50 kilos, so I don't need that much to fly! ;)

You make the beaches and river sound amazing! I'm an island girl (and a Pisces at that!) so I need big bodies of water to sustain my life force! Before I got here I lived on a 10km island called Boracay for 2 years so I'm not scared of the crowds or the isolation..

First, in terms of crowds, Boracay has some of the best kiters in Asia but the kite beach is like 2.5k, with extremely high tides, and we get about 100+ kiters in the water during season. I'm sure ur beaches are massive and there will be enough space for little old me:)

Second, in terms of isolation, I've lived on a couple of islands and I dont mind being away from the rest of the world, in fact I prefer it, but that's why it's very important to choose an ideal location. I've moved every 5 months for 5 years (before and after Boracay)..I want to stay in one spot for at least a year.. and a happy kiting community is a major part of the equation. U get what im saying?;)

Is there such a community in Perth??:)

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anoldman said...

Geez man how goods your life, all the areas are great on there day do them all

Hahaha..U know, I really can't complain :) Life is good.. Seize the moment right?..:)

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AndyEliotH said...

perth

Yes, but why??:)

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eppo said...

Brisbane

Yes but why?? :) You lived in both cities right? Which one has more of a natural, enjoy the moment, windy energy, kind of atmosphere?

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Dave Whettingsteel said...

Mate if you are gypsy and bohemian Fremantle will love you! And you freo too...
Close to the beach and lots of cultural **** going on. WA is windy and come to Gero / horrocks for perfect conditions.

Hi Dave:)

Thanks for replying! Can you please tell me more? Or send me some links to check out? I wanna know what the music vibe like? Any eco festivals? Is there a community of open minded people or is it just another big city? ;)

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sunseeker said...

Sunshine Coast is way more Bohemian than Brisbane. Apart from that, kiting in Brisbane sucks - you would have to be driving to the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast anyway to get in a good session.

Hello:) Thanks for replying! I've heard of Sunshine Coast:) But Im lookin at a uni in Gold Coast. Maybe you can tell me more about it.. Gold Coast? Is it really how they say, by which I mean, over priced and over-rated? Very commercial with lots of tourists?

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scottylittle said...

You could try the gold coast. Cheap accommodation and plenty of friendly kiters. Thou good warmer winds will not arrive till late august. go to Cairns before then?

Thanks for replying:)

I've heard that Gold Coast can be a little commercial and over priced cuz of all the tourists passing through.. Care to comment? I know it's a tourism hub, so it must be jam packed, but how is the local kiting scene? Is it too much of a big city that you get lost or can you still find the local community?

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dbabicwa said...

Imagine tiny (assumption) JungleGipsy as a turist in a same location? Maybe she knows karate, or a bit of self defense?:)))

Thanks for the warning! Ill keep it in mind! Hope your wrist is healing well!

About your 1st reply, I wonder where I might find a nice vibe like that of Amsterdam and Berlin, but somewhere by a windy beach.. Perhaps you have a suggestion? One where I can still go to uni..? Here in OZ of course!

Thanks for replying:)

I've heard that Gold Coast can be a little commercial and over priced cuz of all the tourists passing through.. Care to comment? I know it's a tourism hub, so it must be jam packed, but how is the local kiting scene? Is it too much of a big city that you get lost or can you still find the local community?

Look at the website 'gumtree' you will find cheap houseshare options. eating out can be overpriced. There is alot of competition, so you will find discounted places to eat once you get into the local scene. Everyone here is into surfing, so the kiting communty is fairly small still. you'll pretty much get to know everyone that kites here (mix of guys and girls). Alot of diversity... ie flatwater and surf... and remoteness (stradbroke, jumpinpin.. NSW backbeaches). Wind is showing 20knts all this week and surf is up... gotta go.

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JungleGypsy said...

Neptune said...

Can only really give you advise on Perth since I live there:

Perth gets good wind in summer which is about end November through to about half April. You can sometimes get about 5 to 6 days a week of good consistent wind. Last season was a little disappointing though but ah well...

Perth and surrounds has heaps of beaches and some are said to be 'world class' in beauty. If you like long stretches of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and sand dunes, then Perth and surrounds is the place for you. If you go a bit out of Perth you have a big chance that you have the beach all to yourself which some people love but some people might prefer a more lively beach. Don't expect any tropical beaches though. No native palm trees here!

One of the good things about Perth is that it not only has a large number of beaches, it also has a massive river which runs through the city and it's suburbs. I personally reckon that it is the river that gives Perth it's beauty. It creates some beautiful views and there are several kitesurf spots on the river too! Downside to kitesurfing on the river is that it can get VERY crowded.

Crowds on the water in Perth can be a bit of a problem for some. Perth is known worldwide for it's wind and you can notice that by it's numbers on the water. I myself don't find it that much of an issue just yet.

Nightlife in Perth is on the rise! there are lots of new little bars/pubs and clubs opening at the moment. You can choose between two centers; Fremantle and Perth CBD. Fremantle is the harbour and it's got it's own town center. It's a bit more arty and bit more hippy. Perth has more clubs and is more of a late night place.

For a nice getaway out of Perth, check out Margaret river. Absolutely beautiful surrounds and known for it's surfing. And don't Rottnest island. A little island just of the coast from Perth. Absolutely stunning little place with countless little bays and reefs. And if you have some spare time on your hands I'd recommend checking out the Kimberleys for a real 'outback' adventure.

Personally I reckon one downside to Perth is that it is very isolated. In fact it is the most isolated city in the world. In order to see another major city you have to take a flight. It is however something you get used to and some people here in Perth actually love that!

Sorry I can't give you any info on the other cities but if you are coming in Aussie summer I'd say wind and weather wise you'd be best of in Perth. 3,5 months with no rain, good wind and an average of about 32 degrees is not bad!!

Don't go here out of season though... Rain, no wind (only sometimes very stormy), 10 degrees...

Hey Neptune!
Thank you for the insight! That's exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know about!

Question..I'll be arriving in July if ever, so is there any hope of wind before summer? I can wait mind you, as all good things are worth it.. but I'll ask anyway cuz I'm like 50 kilos, so I don't need that much to fly! ;)

You make the beaches and river sound amazing! I'm an island girl (and a Pisces at that!) so I need big bodies of water to sustain my life force! Before I got here I lived on a 10km island called Boracay for 2 years so I'm not scared of the crowds or the isolation..

First, in terms of crowds, Boracay has some of the best kiters in Asia but the kite beach is like 2.5k, with extremely high tides, and we get about 100+ kiters in the water during season. I'm sure ur beaches are massive and there will be enough space for little old me:)

Second, in terms of isolation, I've lived on a couple of islands and I dont mind being away from the rest of the world, in fact I prefer it, but that's why it's very important to choose an ideal location. I've moved every 5 months for 5 years (before and after Boracay)..I want to stay in one spot for at least a year.. and a happy kiting community is a major part of the equation. U get what im saying?;)

Is there such a community in Perth??:)

In winter Perth doesn't get much wind at all.. and when it does it is usually because there is a stormfront passing over so thats not the most favorable wind. It also gets a quite a bit colder in winter. July has an average temperature of about 14/15 degrees. It also rains a lot and everything just turns a bit grey. So not really the best time to visit specially if you are a kitesurfer and if you like the 'island lifestyle'. Even if you only weigh 50kg you still need at least a bit of wind but most days over here in winter have nothing but red arrows...

I would say go to far north queensland in July do some more traveling and then come to Perth in summer.

About the lifestyle. You do run into the same people on the beach when the wind is out. You get to know them. Specially if you are going to be an instructor you really get to know a lot of people. You'll notice you'll see the same people at certain beaches, their 'local'. Even though Perth is very isolated it still is a very big widespread city. It can take more than 1,5 hours to drive from north to south in the city so people tend to stay in one area. It will be a different lifestyle than Boracay though. Most kiters here just work through the day in there normal every day job. And most actually live here with families and such. It seems to be the instructors that come here for a season an fully enjoy the kiting lifestyle. Hit up some schools like SOS kitesurfing. Also there are certain events here every year like kitestock, lighthouse to leighton race, downwinders etc.

But as I said I wouldn't bother coming here in winter... summer is the way to go!

If you can make money somewhere else don't move to Perth.
15,000 male Irish construction workers have moved here since June last year.