Why retirees are dropping everything to move to North Queensland
By Mark Skelsey
Retirees are increasingly willing to abandon their southern State homes and instead migrate to what is arguably Australia’s best climate in North Queensland.
According to retirement village operator Blue Care, some 50 per cent of incoming residents to its Carlyle Gardens Townsville village come from outside the local area, including from Tasmania, Victoria and NSW.
A significant proportion of incoming residents to Blue Care’s Carlyle Gardens Mackay village also move there from other States.
For both villages, the region’s warm climate is a major drawcard. It isn’t hard to see why.
Townsville’s average minimum temperatures range from 24 degrees in summer to 14 degrees in winter. Meanwhile, Mackay’s minimum temperatures range from 23 degrees during summer to 13-14 degrees during winter.
This compares to Sydney’s minimum average winter temperature of eight degrees and Melbourne’s very chilly winter minimum of six degrees.
Here’s some more information about both of these villages, including why they are attracting so many people from across Australia.
Carlyle Gardens Townsville
Located in a city of 178,000 people that combines small-town warmth with big city facilities, the Carlyle Gardens Townsville village offers spacious, affordable, free-standing homes and duplexes surrounded by resort-style facilities.
Carlyle Gardens is situated in the Townsville suburb of Condon. From your village base, it’s easy to explore so many of Townsville’s natural wonders, including the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island. The site is also close to the Ross River’s walking path to the Riverway Lagoons recreation area and nearby Riverway Arts Centre (including Pinnacles Gallery).
There are also many urban delights on your doorstep, including a major shopping precinct within a four-minute drive (including on the village bus) and a world-class sporting and cultural entertainment within walking distance.
The village’s 458 two and three bedroom homes are designed for modern living, with spacious bedrooms and living areas, large modern kitchens with ample storage and air-conditioning in the master bedroom and living area. A variety of floor plans are available, with prices ranging from $290,000 to $505,000.
The village has a wide range of recreational and social facilities, including a licensed restaurant and bar, large swimming pool with BBQ facilities, well-equipped gymnasium, bowling green, hobby workshop, arts and craft rooms, billiard tables, library and caravan and boat storage.
A key facility – which sets the village apart from most other retirement communities – is its 500-seat auditorium. This fully air-conditioned space includes professional lighting and sound equipment and hosts a wide range of concerts and events.
Carlyle Gardens Townsville also has a real sense of community, with an ever-changing social calendar offering residents the opportunity to stay connected, try new things and enjoy what they love.
Residents routinely walk around the village or local area, go on ‘grey nomad’ trips together, form hobby or fundraising groups or take part in weekly trips to the nearby golf course.
Carlyle Gardens Mackay
The North Queensland city of Mackay has historically been known as the sugar capital of Australia, because its region produces more than a third of Australia's sugar.
More recently, the town’s easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, uncrowded and unspoilt beaches and abundant and friendly wildlife, earned it the title of Australian Town of the Year.
This award was given to Mackay in 2018 by travel and accommodation website Wotif. To win the award, Mackay beat other major contenders such as the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.
Carlyle Gardens Mackay is centrally located within Mackay and has 282 quality two and three bedroom homes, with prices ranging from $280,000 to $408,000. The homes come complete with designer kitchens, modern bathrooms and beautifully landscaped gardens.
The village is within easy reach of Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, Mackay Golf Club, and North Mackay Bowls Club, and a short drive to Mackay’s coastline and marina.
Carlyle Gardens Mackay has a comprehensive range of village recreational and entertainment facilities including:
- Community Centre with bar and dining areas
- Swimming pool
- Well equipped, air-conditioned gymnasium
- Auditorium for concerts and events
- Well-stocked library
- Barbecue and outdoor entertaining area
- Hair salon with on-site hairdresser
- Large craft room and computer room
- Hobby shed complete with range of machinery and tools
- Covered and uncovered caravan storage area (subject to availability)
Like Carlyle Gardens Townsville, the Mackay village has an active social and recreational agenda, which is likely to see residents meet up with friends in the community centre’s bar and dining area or enjoy a show by visiting entertainers or village residents in the auditorium.
Enquire now
The Carlyle Gardens villages at Townsville and Mackay allow retirees to embrace North Queensland’s enviable climate, environment and lifestyle, and enjoy resort-like living, at a price point which delivers great value for money.
To make an inquiry about Carlyle Gardens Townsville click here and Carlyle Gardens Mackay click here.
Scroll through the gallery to see why retirees are dropping everything to move to North Queensland.
This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Blue Care, an agency of UnitingCare which manages more than 30 retirement villages across Queensland.