You will find Clarkson in the northern suburbs, 33km from central Perth.  It is situated parallel to Mindarie with Marmion Avenue separating the two areas. Clarkson is split into two distinct areas: The established area of Clarkson has a range of 3 and 4 bedroom homes, (often with swimming pools) which are both privately owned and tenanted.  The new development (known as Somerly) is growing quickly and will eventually boast 1900 new homes.  Somerly is centred around Clarkson train station which opened in September 2004.  The properties consist of family homes and town houses suitable for couples and professionals. 

As well as being 5 minutes from the ocean, the facilities at Clarkson are excellent.  Ocean Keys shopping centre is the largest in the surrounding area and is currently undergoing expansion. At present it has 2 supermarkets, newsagent, post office, chemist, fashion stores, hairdresser, dentist, beauty parlour to name but a few.  Future plans also include a tavern and K-Mart store.  Adjacent to Ocean Keys, you'll find the new Clarkson Library which also has internet access, an electrical superstore, discount warehouse, bedroom superstore. Nearby there are also car showrooms, auto servicing, many fast food outlets, video/DVD hire, DIY warehouse and many others.

Near the primary school in Clarkson there is also a small group of shops which include a deli, karate/dance studios, dentist, womens fitness gym and the focal point of any Australian community – “the bottle shop” with particularly good looking assistants! There is no GP surgery in Clarkson at present but neighbouring suburbs of Merriwa and Quinns Rocks both have doctors who bulk bill. 

Currently Clarkson has one public (government funded) primary school, split into two campuses. A new purpose-built primary is planned to replace the current main campus and school-in-houses when the number of pupils increase as Somerly grows. Clarkson also has one private primary school, St. Andrews Catholic Primary. Clarkson public High School is the only public high school in the area and is a soccer academy, which may be of interest to any budding David Beckams - although AFL still seems to be the favourite sport with the Australians.  Day care is well covered with at least 4 centres in the suburb, all of which offer before and after school care.  There is provision for vacation care at the YMCA centre in the nearby suburb of Butler. 

Clarkson has come a long way in 12 years with the expanding facilities attracting a new generation of homeowners.  The streets may not be as polished as some of its more affluent neighbours but it doesn’t mean that Clarkson is a place to avoid.  If you are looking for affordable housing in a convenient location, close to the ocean with a community spirit then give Clarkson a second look.

As far as other amenities are concerned, Clarkson is:

• 5 minutes drive from the beach at Mindarie and Quinns (which also has a dog beach),

• 5 minutes drive from the Marina at Mindarie,

• Large choice of fast-food, takeaways and DVD rentals - all within 5 minute drive

• 15 minutes drive from the large retail park at Joondalup

• 35 minutes on the train to Perth CBD

• 30 minutes drive to Perth CBD (longer at peak commute times)

(original text contributed by DianeC)

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