Patricia Blanco

Mareeba is situated 45mins from Cairns and 30 minutes from the the Tablelands. If you're looking for a place to raise kids that has a great community then this is it. There are three primary schools including two in town and one 5 mins out of town, as well as a state high and a Catholic college. There are two huge parks that are great for younger children and which also host markets. There is a skate park in town as well as swimming pool and swimming holes. The crime rate is average for the area and includes crime that is pravalent in other places such as vandalism, break and enters etc. There's plenty of clubs for kids to join whether footy or soccer, or the scouts, girl guides and the air force cadets. Having lived here most of my life, moved away then moved back to raise my family I'd suggest mareeba to anyone who wants a slow steady pace to life where everyone knows each other. Public transport includes taxi service and a bus service which can transport you to cairns or the rest of the Tablelands. Nightlife is limited but there are plenty of nice places to eat out and if you're looking for the odd clubbing outing the Gateway hosts a nightclub once a month.