BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
ISLAND LIFE
Phillip Island is famous for its little penguins which waddle up the beach each night to the delight of tourists. It is also a popular surfing destination. And it’s a fairly easy drive, usually taking less than two hours, from the Melbourne CBD.
For Liz and Graeme Bowyer, this is their ideal retirement spot. They moved from Melbourne to the island to retire from their jobs in transport and retail. They wanted to live on the coast, and previously had a holiday house at Golden Beach, on Victoria’s scenic Ninety Mile Beach. While they enjoyed that quiet seaside community, it was a fair distance from Melbourne. “We were always going to retire to Golden Beach but as we got older we decided that we wanted to be closer to Melbourne,” says Liz.
The couple started to look at the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast. They both love the beach and the fresh air and were fortunate not to have to search for too long as a chance visit to Phillip Island made up their minds. “We drove to Phillip Island and fell in love with the place.”
They inspected real estate and facilities before buying their home. “Phillip Island has a feeling of country and coast and we believe we have the best of both worlds here,” says Liz.
The Bowyers have also found there is a good 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.
Graeme has bought a boat and enjoys fishing and chatting with mates at the boat ramp each morning. “Here you can walk up and talk to people, which is something I wouldn’t do in the city. I also feel more secure here and there’s plenty to do if you choose.”
Liz has joined one of the three “seachange” groups on Phillip Island and has found it beneficial to meet other newcomers. “I’m involved in a lot of activities, including exercise, social and gardening groups.” Their move has also been popular with their family, who enjoy the many attractions of 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.