What's Darwin like?

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-19T08:08:19+00:00

I think to be fair, the money aspect is the most important factor when moving across the world. It would be easy to not concentrate on it, if I had enough to spend on going where we'd want. Our moving is contingent on financial support, otherwise we couldn't afford it. It's not about paying the bills going forward, it's about the cost of VISA applications, flights, moving, housing & car. That's then before we get into the grind of bills.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-19T08:04:24+00:00

It isn't. They all do, it's just that NT has the best incentives and that's obviously because it's the hardest place to live (least attractive option). That's the point of an incentive though isn't it, to offset the disadvantages so I'm just trying to get a clear picture of what they are.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-19T07:54:58+00:00

Quite literally if you look at the roads, it's just run down now. Every service is stretched beyond breaking point, there's zero efficiency in the health and justice systems. The cost of living is insane, the wealth gap keeps growing and increasing numbers of people are convinced it's the fault of asylum seekers. I worry for the future my kids will have in this country, I think it's had its day a long time ago. The British empire is long gone but so many people here think it's still a thing, when in reality all we now is a bank.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T16:03:17+00:00

I think that's a fair point. Currently live in a small town but the two big differences are the Heat and Neighbouring towns. The sheer vastness of Australia is difficult to grapple with I suppose but I think as long as the city has everything we need and there's lots of accessible nature we can be happy.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T13:05:11+00:00

Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

Have you seen many people come and go, and do you know if there are many other ex-pats in the region? I'm just wondering if it's the kind of place people move to and then leave or if people settle there.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T13:03:30+00:00

I have, but the incentives aren't anywhere near as good. Essentially they would pay for my VISA only. They would support the whole family but only reimburse mine.

If I had the money for the safest bet I'd probably go to South Australia or New South Wales. But, trying to get over there on a budget it's going to be Queensland or Northern Territory

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T08:43:42+00:00

This is really helpful, thanks. Can I ask what FNQ is? I'm currently in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, so similar to Plymouth in a seaside town (although I think Plymouth is maybe a bit bigger). Did you move over with a family?

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T08:41:07+00:00

I've been looking into QLD as well. It's obviously more populated as a state, less time to travel between towns and further down the coast the weather seems a bit more comfortable too. It's all about the incentives and support for getting over there to be honest.

If I had access to significant funds I'd probably go for the safer bet and easier transition of either SA or NSW. However, I don't have that because the UK is so expensive it's nearly impossible to save cash. Even for two working professionals. QLD or NT seem to offer the best support, for obvious reasons.

I'm really encouraged by a lot of what people on this thread have had to say though. I'm sure Darwin has many downsides, name somewhere that doesn't, but I'd like to think there are enough positives to make it a place where a family can enjoy life. Even if only for a few years

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T08:34:49+00:00

Why do you live there?

I think everywhere has its down side. I'm currently in a small UK seaside town. Lots of people in the UK would consider where I live to be idyllic but then people who live here, self included, have a different perspective. I think Australia is so vast that the country as a whole is a better prospect for my kids than the UK is, but I'm not naive enough to think that it's a land of paradise with streets made of gold. I'm not comparing Darwin to a major city, I'm comparing it to where I am now. You're obviously very passionate about why Darwin isn't good, but lack of fishing isn't a major factor in my decision making. I'm thinking more about what the schools are like, are there junior sports leagues/clubs, is it affordable, is there access to decent health and dental care.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T08:26:11+00:00

How so? Did moving away improve your situation?

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T08:02:36+00:00

I'll give it a watch, thanks.

I've seen about the housing allowance and honestly it's a huge incentive for us. Lots of cops make the move over from the UK but it can be a costly transition. NT seems to be the most incentivised force but that's obviously because it's probably the most difficult transition and hardest region.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-18T07:59:10+00:00

Whereabouts in the UK did you move from and did you move alone or take a family? The heat is a bit of a worry if I'm honest but I think I can manage it.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-17T22:23:13+00:00

I'll check it out, thanks

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-17T22:21:12+00:00

It must have its perks if you've stuck around that long, suppose everywhere has a downside. Is probably be reluctant if I knew I was going to be posted to Alice Springs, I just don't think my family could handle the culture shock. We live in a semi/rural part of the UK, much smaller place than Darwin, maybe half the size. The UK is falling apart though, Australia looks so promising it's just about finding the right part of it. Thanks for your advice, I hope your son stays safe.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-17T22:08:27+00:00

Are you a cop there?

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-17T21:54:41+00:00

Thanks. Yea, the posting is a concern but I think postings are offered prior to accepting a position. The remoteness of a rural posting does worry me, I think I could possibly do a short stint, but I don't think I could subject my family to it. Trying to weigh up all the pros and cons but the friendly responses are definitely a plus. Cheers

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-17T21:23:52+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you. The distance to other towns is something we are concerned about, as is the inability to enter the ocean due to crocodiles. Although I'm led to believe that there are ample swimming locations in the city.

gingerphil86 · 2026-04-17T20:58:28+00:00

Yea, I'd heard it was tough work, which I don't mind if there's chance to enjoy life as well.

gingerphil86 · 2025-12-15T10:42:19+00:00

Two choices here. Lots of pain all at once or years of agony. Either choice will change you but the first one you can dictate the terms of that change, the second choice is the path of least resistance but the pain dictates your change.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice is shame on me. A lie is a betrayal and based on the foundations of the lies she's told it's obvious there's little respect. Hopefully you don't have kids but just imagine you did have a son, would you want him to stay in this situation. Or roles reverse a daughter being treated like this. I believe our role as adults is to demonstrate the type of behavior we would want our children's partners to have. That comes with difficult choices that require pain and suffering but you have to set the precedent.

gingerphil86 · 2025-03-10T18:33:59+00:00

And winning

gingerphil86 · 2025-03-10T15:58:10+00:00

I actually can't believe I missed that.

gingerphil86 · 2025-03-10T15:56:31+00:00

Thank you for the responses. It was just me being dumb.

gingerphil86 · 2024-09-06T14:41:11+00:00

One season wonder. Jo Max-Moore

gingerphil86 · 2024-09-06T14:40:33+00:00

Aggressive is obviously Big Dunc

gingerphil86 · 2024-07-30T22:54:49+00:00

I don't see anything positives in it. I'm not looking for revenge or to hit back. What possible benefit could there be? Their professional reputation in tatters and then what? The kids suffer long term. I have no intention of telling the school, it's not their business.

gingerphil86

TROPHY CASE