Desperately Seeking Sea Change

A sea change is a dream of many Australians.  Defined by escaping city living and relocating, a sea change can be life transforming.   If you cannot resist the pull of the salty air and laid back atmosphere, then welcome to the club!

In Victoria, we are lucky to have many beautiful coastal locations that offer the idyllic setting yet in arm’s length of mainstream city.  This makes the transition to coast even more appealing without cutting all ties from the rat race.

Once you have succumbed to the sea and relocating is inevitable, which location will best suit your lifestyle?  Each region is characterised uniquely with a slightly different offering.

Surf Coast & Great Ocean Road

With easy access to Geelong & Melbourne, towns including Torquay, Jan Juc, Bellbrae and Anglesea make the sea change very livable offering work life balance.  Raising a family is supported by a strong sense of community and connection.  Enjoy the active coastal culture with a good dose of vigorous activities within the surf, sports and lifesaving clubs.

If retiring or seeking a slower pace, perhaps venture further down the Great Ocean Road for more seclusion in areas like Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Lorne and beyond.  There is exceptional scenery, a thriving arts culture and sustainable communities promoting a relaxed healthy lifestyle.

Bellarine Peninsula

The Bellarine is home to some quintessentially seaside townships that are rich in fine produce, restaurants and cafes – a foodie haven; oh and don’t get me started on the wineries.  If you are a keen golfer, Thirteenth Beach offers an exclusive lifestyle amongst one of Australia’s top 50 public access courses.  Continue east to Barwon Heads where the river meets the sea.  Cross the iconic Barwon Heads bridge to the largest township on the Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove.  Furthermore, Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and Portarlington take on a quaint heritage feel of the coastal lifestyle.

Choosing a sea change location may be easier with emotional connections and ties.  You may wish to return to a familiar place previously enjoyed on family holidays.  Nostalgic sentiments and reminiscing of simpler times or wanting to share the experience with loved ones may be your motivator.

The Surf Coast, Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula are destinations offering the best of both worlds when making the sea change.  Wishing you happy times ahead in your pursuit of your relocation to the coast.