St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School

Hocking is a genuinely family-first suburb, with a calm, leafy feel and a strong sense of community. Most homes here are owner-occupied, and the streets are full of couples raising kids—the predominant age group is 30 to 39, so you’ll find plenty of neighbours in the same life stage. It’s an affluent area, with median house values sitting well over the million-dollar mark, and the workforce is largely professional. Native bushland and several parks give it a relaxed, outdoorsy character, while still being close enough to everyday amenities. If you’re moving from overseas or another state, you’ll likely find the pace here easy to settle into—it’s a place where kids can ride bikes, neighbours chat over fences, and the school becomes the heart of your weekly routine.

St Elizabeth’s has a warm, welcoming ethos summed up in its motto, “Together we grow.” The school places a real emphasis on nature-based play areas, so children have room to explore and learn outside the four walls of the classroom. It’s a Catholic school, which means faith and values are woven into daily life, but the atmosphere is inclusive and community-focused rather than formal or rigid. While specific clubs or after-school programs aren’t publicly listed, the school’s approach is clearly about holistic growth—academic, social, and personal. For a family new to the area, this kind of environment makes it easier for kids to find their feet quickly, and for parents to feel confident that their children are being looked after in a nurturing setting.

For working parents, the school has you covered with a dedicated Outside School Hours Care program run by Camp Australia. Before-school care operates from 6:30 to 8:30 in the morning, and after-school care runs from 2:50 to 6:00 on school days—so you can manage a standard work schedule without scrambling. During school holidays, vacation care runs from 6:30 to 6:00, which is a lifesaver for those long breaks. The service holds a ‘Meeting NQS’ rating across all quality areas, which is a strong indicator of safe, well-run care. It’s worth noting that the school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements if you need specific details, but the structure is clearly designed with busy families in mind.

When you don’t feel like cooking, Hocking has a few solid local options for casual family meals. Gusto Mexitalia on Gungurru Ave serves up a mix of Italian and Mexican dishes and offers pickup—perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. For classic fish and chips, David Chippy’s Fish Cafe at 21 East Rd is a local staple, open daily with squid rings, prawn skewers, and burgers alongside the usual fare. For everyday groceries, you’ve got an IGA and a Coles Supermarket on Wanneroo Road nearby, covering the basics without a long drive. If you’re after specialty Indian ingredients, Namaste Indian Supermarkets in Joondalup is a short trip away, though you won’t find a dedicated ethnic supermarket right in Hocking itself.

As a Catholic school, St Elizabeth’s typically charges tuition fees that are lower than independent schools, but exact figures aren’t publicly listed—so it’s best to contact the school directly for the current fee schedule. On the commute front, Hocking is served by Transperth trains and buses, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Many families in the suburb drive, given the spacious, car-friendly layout, but public transport is a viable option for those who prefer not to.

Start by reaching out to St Elizabeth’s directly to arrange a tour—it’s the best way to get a feel for the school’s culture and ask about fees, enrolment, and any upcoming open days. If you’re relocating with school-age kids, also check the OSHC provider’s website to lock in care spots early, as they can fill up quickly. For the suburb itself, take a weekend drive around Hocking to explore the parks and bushland, and pop into the local IGA or Coles to get a sense of daily life. If tutoring might be on the cards, Success Tutoring has a dedicated centre right in Hocking for English and math support. Finally, use the Transperth journey planner to map out your daily commute so you know exactly what to expect before you move.