Why Victorian retirees are chasing the sun north to Queensland's Hervey Bay
With State borders once again open, there’s never been a better time for Victorians to enjoy a warmer climate and become part of a friendly community by moving north to Queensland’s stunning Hervey Bay.
Why Hervey Bay?
Located just a three-and-a-half hour drive or 40-minute flight from Brisbane, and with a population of around 50,000 people, Hervey Bay is renowned for its visiting humpback whales and pleasant climate.
Hervey Bay boasts average high temperatures of 23 degrees, which compares very favourably to average August high temperatures of a chilly 16°C in Melbourne.
Hervey Bay’s relaxed appeal and pleasant climate makes it a perfect year-round destination for swimming, sailing, fishing, yachting, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and more.
The township’s golden beaches stretch for about 14 kilometres, with the gorgeous calm waters sheltered from winds and swells by Fraser Island.
The cosmopolitan and alfresco cafes on the main Esplanade running alongside the bay also add a further seaside charm.
About the Fraser Shores retirement villages in Hervey Bay
Many of Hervey Bay’s incoming residents are finding their way to the two conveniently located Fraser Shores retirement villages.
Operated by Blue Care (a service group of UnitingCare Queensland), these two villages are collectively home to some 441 single-storey homes.
Importantly, these villages are providing the social benefits and community interaction that research shows many over 50s are craving in the post-COVID-19 environment.
Residents at the Fraser Shores retirement villages came together to have fun and support each other during the worst of COVID-19.
This same great sense of community means it is easy for incoming residents to meet new friends and be part of an active and supportive network.
A well-organised residents’ committee arranges functions and social activities, including outdoor and indoor bowls, pool and billiards, movie nights, tai chi, line dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, exercise and computer classes.
Residents at the Fraser Shores villages can also receive individually tailored support and care for peace of mind from a range of Blue Care community services, if and when they need it.
In addition, the homes at Fraser Shores are surrounded by amazing resort style facilities, giving residents unlimited use of the full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, licensed bar, fitness centre, craft and computer room, outdoor barbeque areas, libraries and so much more.
Room to move in the Fraser Shores homes
COVID-19 has accelerated many over 50s housing trends already underway, including the desire for independent living and more personal space in or around the home.
More than half of respondents to a survey of over 50s Australians say two or more bedrooms are essential, up from 48 per cent in a survey undertaken before the pandemic.
At Fraser Shores, incoming residents can choose from a wide selection of spacious brick-and-tile, two- and three-bedroom homes – including an executive model with three bedrooms, two en-suites and a hobby room. Home prices range from $250,000 to $505,000.
All designs offer careful orientation and large doors and windows for maximum cross-ventilation. This helps village residents take advantage of coastal breezes. All homes are built at ground level for easy access and feature spacious modern kitchens, bedrooms and living areas.
Finally, each home is equipped with an emergency call system, which is monitored on-site 24 hours a day by trained staff with first aid certification.
Your perfect grey nomad adventure starting point
For the grey nomad brigade chasing fun, sun and adventure, the Fraser Shores villages represent the perfect home base. It’s an ideal starting point to explore the rest of Queensland’s coast and highly diverse inland environment.
For instance, Bundaberg, home to the famous rum, sugar cane industry and the Mon Repos turtles, is little more than an hour's drive away.
Maryborough, one of Queensland's most historic towns, is also a short trip, while further south, you can take in the natural beauty of the Great Sandy National Park with its massive dunes, wide ocean beaches and towering cliffs.
Fraser Shores residents can utilise onsite recreational vehicle, caravan and boat storage, while also knowing their home will be in a safe and secure environment when they leave to go on their travel adventures.
The villages are also close to a commercial and professional centre, housing medical specialists, a large general medical practice and a wide variety of shops and services. The new state-of-the-art St Stephen’s Hospital is also just down the road.
Conclusion
Given the above, it’s no surprise that so many over 50s are making the move north to Queensland.
In fact, during 2018-19, Queensland’s over 50 population swelled by 6,970 - more than any other State - thanks to interstate migration. At the same time, Victoria’s over 50 population dropped by 650 due to interstate migration.
Fraser Shores Retirement Villages embody quality, resort-style living among a friendly and like-minded community, in an attractive coastal environment which is the envy of the rest of Australia.
To make an inquiry about Fraser Shores, click here.