Merriwa is in the northern suburbs of Perth, some 36km from the centre. It is a established community (around 15 years old), now undergoing expansion with a large estate just newly developed in the last 18 months (Seagrove Estate). Merriwa is on the Eastern side of Marmion Avenue (not the beach side) and has inland instead of ocean views. Historically, it has been classed as an affordable suburb with many smaller houses, popular with lower income homeowners and tenants. Some people suggest that Merriwa has a bit of a rough reputation - but we have friends that live there - and they've had no problems at all.

Merriwa has its own retail development located in the heart of the suburb. This contains a Dewson's supermarket (open 7 days), take aways, cafe, craft shop, DIY/hardware, hairdresser, bakery, bottle shop (off-license) and family-friendly tavern. It also has a Pharmacy situated elsewhere within the suburb. Additionally, Merriwa has its own bulk-billing doctor's surgery (no consultation fee for Medicare card holders) found in one of the 2 RAAF retirement villages that are located within the suburb.

Currently Merriwa has one public (government funded) primary school. The nearest public high schools are Clarkson (5 min drive) and Mindarie Senior College (5 min drive). A nearby private primary/high school is Peter Moyes Anglican College in Mindarie (5 min away).

As far as amenities are concerned, Merriwa is :

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

• 5 minutes drive from the Marina at Mindarie,

• 5 minutes drive from the main supermarket at Clarkson

• 5 minutes drive from the station at Clarkson

• 5 minutes drive from the Library at Clarkson (internet access)

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

• 20 minutes drive from the large retail park at Joondalup

• 35 minutes on the train to Perth CBD

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

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