Australia is known for beautiful places, lively cities, and good people. However, not all the places within this gigantic country hold pristine living conditions. Some towns carry an array of problems that include high levels of crime, no amenities to speak of, or environmental hazards. Here are ten bad places to live in Australia.
Mount Isa, Queensland.
Mount Isa is a mining town in Queensland that has hot summers and mild winters. Mining activities are known to bring poor air quality, thus occasionally affecting the residents’ health. Moreover, Mount Isa does not offer many amenities or other types of entertainment; therefore, many people would not like to reside in Mount Isa.
Because of its remoteness and few opportunities other than mining, Mount Isa is rated as one of the worst places to live in Australia.
Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
Tennant Creek is a very small town in the Northern Territory with a high incidence of crime and with very little facilities. Indeed, the town has many alcohol and social problems. The standards of education and health facilities are not up to that of elsewhere in Australia, which can prove to be quite a problem for families.
Tennant Creek is so remote, and there’s limited employment opportunity, and not much goes on. It’s hard living in such a location.
Western Australia
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a mining town but has a number of issues. There might be some mining-related employment prospects, but it’s an expensive place to live and house oneself.
The town has a high rate of crime, and residents are often plagued by problems associated with isolation and a lack of facilities. It can also be difficult to live in such a hot desert climate.
Broken Hill, New South Wales.
Broken Hill was a mining town in New South Wales. It is overpopulated with unemployed people, and the local economy has never been able to flourish. There is no good healthcare or education available in this town, and entertainment is also lacking.
The weather may also be rather challenging for living. It is such a beautiful area in regard to historical value, not easy to live in, with limited facilities and opportunities available in the area.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Alice Springs is a town in the Northern Territory. It has a high crime rate that mostly includes crimes related to the abuse of alcohol and social problems. It is very expensive in living cost and accommodation. It is also remotely located, and facilities like food, medical assistance, and education are quite hard to access.
The temperatures can be extreme in this region, with very hot summers and very cold winters. Alice Springs has beautiful natural features and cultural relevance; however, these aspects make the location less desirable to reside in.
Dubbo, New South Wales
Dubbo is a city in New South Wales that has a lot of crime and problems regarding its society. The town seems to be suffering with unemployment, offering very few employment opportunities. Dubbo enjoys some facilities and services, but they cannot be compared to those offered by bigger towns.
The remote location of the town may also discourage many young professionals and families from settling, along with a lack of entertainment.
Port Augusta, South Australia.
This is Port Augusta, a small town in South Australia with high unemployment rates. With the closure of the coal-fired power station, there were limited jobs in that town. Also, it faces social issues and crimes.
This place is difficult to live in because of the hot summers and dry winters. It is a gateway to the desert, but it is hard to stay because there are not many things or places of amusement nearby.
Burnie, Tasmania
Burnie is a coastal town in Tasmania. It has high unemployment, and the local economy has been brought to its knees. There are limited career opportunities available to young people in that town. Burnie also faces many social problems and a high volume of crime.
It’s hard on families and, obviously, the retired, with very little to do or see. While there is some lovely coastal scenery in and about Burnie, it’s tough living here.
Geraldton, Western Australia.
Geraldton is a town in Western Australia that has far more than its fair share of problems. There appears to be no escaping the permanent sense of unemployment at a reasonably high level, and jobs are few. Geraldton also has its share of crime and social problems.
It’s really expensive to live in the town, and just about everything else that you’re going to want or need is a pretty fair distance. Geraldton has beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, but its dire economic and social prospects have lessened the appeal for many people seeking to move there.
Moree, New South Wales
Moree is only a small town in New South Wales, and it is farming-oriented. High levels of unemployment and limited avenues for employment characterise the town. Moree also faces social problems and a relatively high crime rate.
The town was therefore isolated from all sorts of facilities, health services, and educational sectors. Climatic conditions can make living tough in a very hot summer season and sometimes drought conditions. While Moree is known for its hot springs, these challenges make it one of the worst places to live in Australia.
Conclusion
Australia is a beautiful country filled with wonderful places to live, but many of its towns and cities are riddled with problems. High crime rates, lack of job opportunities, issues in society, and harsh climates are what make living in such places pretty hard.
While these towns bring along their own unique attractions and a sense of community, quite often the negatives of a lack of amenities and opportunities outweigh the positives. Moving to Australia requires one to think through those factors and decide on a location that will offer you and your family the best quality of life.