P
hillip Island is famous for its little penguins
which waddle up the beach each night to the
delightoftourists.Itisalsoapopularsurfingdesti-
nation. And it’s a fairly easy drive, usually taking less
thantwohours,fromtheMelbourneCBD.
ForLizandGraemeBowyer,thisistheirideal
retirement spot. They moved from Melbourne
to the island to retire from their jobs in transport
andretail.Theywantedtoliveonthecoast,and
previously had a holiday house at Golden Beach,
onVictoria’sscenicNinetyMileBeach.Whilethey
enjoyedthatquietseasidecommunity,itwasafair
distancefromMelbourne.“Wewerealwaysgoing
to retire to Golden Beach but as we got older we
decidedthatwewantedtobeclosertoMelbourne,”
says Liz.
The couple started to look at the Mornington
PeninsulaandtheBassCoast.Theybothlovethe
beachandthefreshairandwerefortunatenotto
have to search for too long as a chance visit to Phil-
lipIslandmadeuptheirminds.“WedrovetoPhillip
Islandandfellinlovewiththeplace.”
They inspected real estate and facilities before
buyingtheirhome.“PhillipIslandhasafeelingof
country and coast and we believe we have the best
of both worlds here,” says Liz.
TheBowyershavealsofoundthereisagood
sense of community, with supportive and caring
locals. It’s been easy for them to make friends and
there are lots of activities to enjoy.
Graemehasboughtaboatandenjoysfishing
andchattingwithmatesattheboatrampeach
morning. “Here you can walk up and talk to people,
whichissomethingIwouldn’tdointhecity.Ialso
feel more secure here and there’s plenty to do if
you choose.”
Lizhasjoinedoneofthethree“seachange”
groups on Phillip Island and has found it beneficial
tomeetothernewcomers.“I’minvolvedinalotof
activities, including exercise, social and gardening
groups.”Theirmovehasalsobeenpopularwith
theirfamily,whoenjoythemanyattractionsof
the area.
There are few things they miss from their
previous life in Melbourne, and the only frustration
is that occasionally, at peak times, it can take quite
a while to get off the island.BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Many retirees move to trade down, and selling in
their current locations allows them to release funds
for investment, travel or hobbies. But not all retirees
areabletodothis,particularlyiftheyliveinanarea
that has had little economic growth and future oppor-
tunities look bleak.
The opportunity to spend more time with family
is an attractive option for many. However, a word of
caution:inthesetimesofamobileworkforceitmay
meanthatthefamilywillmoveseveraltimes.Willyou
move to be near them each time?
Onecouplewemetonaresearchtripdecidedto
retiretoPortDouglasbecausethey“hadniceholidays
there”. After 18 months they discovered that it was too
hot,sotheymovedtoPortMacquarie.Thehusband
adaptedtohisnewhomereallywellandenjoyedthe
relaxed atmosphere, the camaraderie of new friends
andleisurepursuits.Thewifesaidshefounditdifficult
tosettle.Sothenextmovewasfurtherdownthecoast
to Merimbula.
But the story doesn’t end there, as although they
like the NSW south coast the pull of family back in
Melbourne is strong. Unfortunately, property in their
LOCATION
PICKSVICTORIA
BASS COAST
(eg Phillip Island)- Natural habitat
- Fresh air
- Proximity to
Melbourne
GOLDFIELDS &
SPA COUNTRY
(eg Castlemaine)- Active arts scene
- Diverse range of
medical facilities - Relaxed village feel
NSW
SOUTHERN
HIGHLANDS- Close to Illawarra
coast - Relatively close to
Canberra and Sydney - Weatherislargely
free from Sydney’s
humidity - Rural setting close
to the beach
NORTH COAST
(eg Por t Macquarie)- Commercial airport
- Range of shops
- Medical facilities
QLD
SUNSHINE COAST
(egBuderim,Bribie
Island)- Close to Brisbane
- Choice of living
inland or on coast - Varied housing
options