When I decided to make my seachange two years ago I worried about how I’d fit back into life on the Fraser Coast. I was a very different creature to the 17 year old who left home for Uni almost thirty years before. I’d lived in a range of cities and countries and worked in a myriad of different professions.
My decision to live in Hervey Bay was a very conscious one based on lifestyle. I’d been back a lot over the years and thought I knew what to expect. And… in all honesty my biggest fear was that I’d struggle with what was on offer.
- Could I really live in regional Queensland (particularly in one of the poorest regions in the State and country)?
- Would I find myself in a cultural wasteland?
- Would I find any kindred spirits?
Almost exactly two years later and when I noted the anniversary on Facebook last weekend a friend asked if I was happy with my decision.
My response? Abso-bloody-lutely. (Or similar!)
And in case you’re wondering I thought I’d share:
My Top Five Reasons I’m loving the Fraser Coast
5. The region’s one of contrasts
In Maryborough (my childhood hometown) you have stunning old Queenslander houses and the lovely heritage (Portside) precinct. The area around the Bond Store Museum and Gataker’s Artspace is charming and I hope that area continues to grow. Unfortunately the town itself feels like it’s stalled but I like to think that will change again some day.
In Hervey Bay the esplanade stretches its length. A fabulous walking / cycle track allows the energetic to exercise (or get from A to B) with an almost-constant view of the ocean. And although there are a few high rise buildings, the esplanade still retains some of its older properties. (I have to admit I hope the bay continues to – vaguely – resemble the ‘fishing village’ of my childhood!)
4. The whales
Hervey Bay became famous for winter/spring-time whale watching over twenty years ago. The industry has flourished over the years and – despite competition from down south – continues to draw crowds every year. Bizarrely I haven’t been since I’ve been back in the area but I keep promising I will.
3. Fraser Island
The largest sand island in the world is on our doorstep (indeed I can see it from my verandah). Again I haven’t been for a while but as a youngster we were regular visitors. My relatives had (and some still have) two ‘huts’ on the eastern side of the island at Yidney Rocks. It can get busy during holidays, but there’s something to be said for the vastness of the place. Of course once upon a time getting there was traumatic but although ‘development’ has been thankfully minimal, there are now heaps of transport and accommodation options including the lovely Kingfisher Bay Resort.
2. The cultural activities
When I first arrived I had a local FB page and blog and so I tried to go to everything and was bloody exhausted. I had festival and social activity fatigue.
Which is why I get grumpy when people say there’s nothing to do cos many I know don’t bother to try what’s out there. There are Council-run events (Relish Food Festival, Whale Festival, Mary Poppins Festival plus a heap of other regular activities), art galleries, local theatre and a 900-seat theatre in Maryborough which attracts larger acts. We get everything from the ballet to comedians and the stuff in between. And there are an increasing number of decent cafes and restaurants (though more so in Hervey Bay) which offer a range of quality dining options.
1. The lifestyle and tranquility
My view every day.This has obviously been instagrammed. It’s blue but not always this blue. Sometimes it’s overcast. Just the other night lightning was thrashing about on the horizon. The next day there was a rainbow. Sometimes there are even dolphins. But THIS is the reason I moved (well, this and my mum!).
I was so astounded by the lack of hubbub on the day of my arrival I joked about a zombie apocalypse. It’s true I’ve cut back and only work part-time and so forth, but there’s something to be said for the pace of life outside larger cities.
So, there you have it. Why I’m loving the Fraser Coast.
Have you visited the area?
Are you tempted?
Linking up with Trish and My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.
PS. Not sponsored in any way obviously…
November 5, 2014
Yes!
I agree with you about the activities, my one complaint is the lack of communication/advertising before an event.
There was a Family Fun Day celebrating International Mental Health Day recently… I don’t know anyone who knew about it unless they work in the community or have family/friends that do.
There’s not a lot for teens to do. I vote for a permanent, ideally council subsidised, rock climbing wall #justsayin
November 5, 2014
I agree on the communication thing. I had no idea the Migaloo Starlight Swing thing was on last week (just down the road from me) and better coordination between activities / events would be handy.
As for the young people thing – I wonder if that’s a problem everywhere (trying to remember what kids in the city do…)
November 5, 2014
It certainly looks beautiful up there Deb! It has been on my wish list for absolutely ages to go whale watching up at Hervey Bay. Still haven’t done it! Really want to do it! Maybe next year?!
November 5, 2014
And you can force me to come with you! I blame my finances but have managed to budget for other entertainment!
November 5, 2014
The view from your place must be spectacular when there’s a storm rolling in. I love storms but rarely get to see how majestic and powerful they are because we live at the bottom of a hill.
November 5, 2014
Oh yes, the storm last weekend and the lightning out to sea was amazing!
November 5, 2014
I’ve been to Hervey Bay for whale watching some years ago, but I’ve never visited Fraser Island (I think all the dingo talk has put me off lol).
November 5, 2014
I haven’t been for ages but we didn’t really have any trouble with dingoes back then. Brumbies (wild horses) were more of an issue. I certainly used to go on long beach walks and walk on the ‘roads’ alone with no problems. Nowadays there are heaps of great day trips to the island which give you a taste for the place and some nice resorts.
November 5, 2014
It really does look gorgeous. I’d love to be able to see the ocean from my window whatever colour it was. Very jealous here.
November 5, 2014
At least you have wide open spaces Annaleis!
November 5, 2014
I’ve been camping at Hervey Bay a few times as a kid, and took the barge over to Fraser when I was 12. We didn’t go anywhere once we were there, just went fishing on the beach, but boy we caught a lot! Last time we went camping there, my kids were 4 and 2 (now 20 and 18) … we went on a whale watching trip which was awesome! Will have to visit again one of these days
November 5, 2014
Yes, I think the bay pretty much stayed the same for a very long time (at least that’s how it felt even though the population continued to grow) but has changed a lot in the last 10 years!
November 5, 2014
I love this part of Australia. I could live there at the drop of heart beat. Sadly a few circumstances would ever prevent us from moving at this stage. I love your photos.
November 5, 2014
Thanks, it is a nice spot. A few more work opportunities would be good, but…
November 5, 2014
Wow! What a stunning and relaxing view. I’ve been to Hervey Bay twice and as I think I mentioned my brother lives there. I like living in a smallish city too because you don’t have to fight the crowds everywhere you go. I prefer a slower pace although we are moving to the Gold Coast in 12 months.
November 5, 2014
Oh – definitely not a slower pace unless you’re in the hinterland etc!
November 5, 2014
I would love to visit one day. I am so tempted! Loving your view!
November 5, 2014
Ah yes…. absolutely!
November 5, 2014
So what kept you from coming whale watching this season? You know the invite was open.
November 5, 2014
Mostly budget Jill. As I only work part-time I have to prioritise quite a bit… (alas). Finally budgeted for 1+yr overdue dentist appt and 5mth overdue car service this month! 🙂
November 5, 2014
You are just up the road from this Gympie girl. My favourite spot is Pialba beach where we come home with those gorgeous tiny shells….beautiful colour and shape. I love the Fraser Coast too 🙂
November 5, 2014
Oh lovely! I have to admit I’m not much of a beach-goer. I like to look at the sand and sea but not actually set foot in it. Not sure what that’s about but I have been only the beach less than half a dozen times in the two years I’ve been here. It’s on my to-do list at the moment though. I’ve been contemplating a walk on the beach lately!
November 6, 2014
It sounds (& looks) like absolute sea change paradise.
November 6, 2014
Indeedy Jo.
November 6, 2014
I’m in!! Looks divine.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
November 6, 2014
🙂
November 7, 2014
I have been twice cause it is amazing! The first time I spent a week with a day trip to Fraser and Lady Elliot Is. Was the most beautiful part of the Reef I have ever seen. The second time I used it as a leap pad to Fraser island. It is one of the best trips I have been on. I went hiking and camping with my cousin for 4 days. We walked on average 40kms a day, but it was unreal. And the walkway along Hervey Bay is so beautiful!
November 8, 2014
Ah yes, the walking track along the esplanade is one of the best things ‘done’. Not sure if it was a Council initiative but I recall when it was built (in the early – mid 1990s I think) it won some healthy-living awards. It’s constantly used by joggers, walkers, cyclists, scooters etc.
November 8, 2014
I would love an old Queenslander one day, my grandparents had one in Bundaberg, so atmospheric. We had a fantastic family trip to Fraser Island in the late 70s when it was an adventure to go there. Yes, Deb, you are in a wonderful spot. 🙂
November 8, 2014
My (paternal) aunt and uncle retired here and renovated a lovely old Queenslander and live right on the esplanade. I like the Queenslanders but prefer something modern or the 1970s school-house look!
November 12, 2014
I love the Fraser Coast too – gorgeous pics . Fraser Island was one of my favourite places .
Thanks for linking up last week – I am on double catch up today.
November 12, 2014
Ah, well I’m very late in linking up this week…