It’s no wonder we Aussies love to live by the water. With over 35,000kms of mainland coastline not to mention stunning rivers and lakes, we’re certainly not short of waterfront real estate. Although, somehow demand still seems to outstrip supply given the price tags that go with waterfront properties.
Even if we can’t quite scrape enough pennies together to snag our own piece of waterfront paradise, it seems we still want to be as close to the water as possible.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 90% of Australia’s population lives within 100kms of the coast.
It’s easy to see why.
Our warm climate and outdoorsy lifestyle mean the we can’t help gravitating toward the water whenever we’re given the sniff of an opportunity.
And with some of the world’s most spectacular coastline and beaches, why wouldn’t you want to live as close to them as possible?
In South East Queensland, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to waterfront property with hundreds of kilometres of beaches, coastal rivers and man-made canals.
If you’ve ever thought about dipping your toes into the waterfront real estate market, a riverfront or canal home could be the perfect choice. While these options are, of course, typically more expensive than their landlocked neighbours, they’re generally still more affordable than a shack on the beachfront.
Aside from spectacular water views, a home with deep water frontage also comes with some amazing advantages. Just imagine just how different life would be if your boat was moored just metres from your door ready to go with a moment’s notice.
This waterfront lifestyle is epitomised in Endeavour Foundation’s $1.3 million Kawana Island Prize Home on the Sunshine Coast.
Like New York’s Manhattan Island (but on a slightly smaller scale), Kawana Island is a largely residential island flanked on both sides by the Mooloolah River in the midst of urban Kawana.
Endeavour’s Prize Home holds a prime spot on the prestigious island with deep water river frontage and its own private pontoon jetty. (Just the spot to moor your new Quintrex boat that’s included as part of the prize.)
The developed banks of the Mooloolah River, lined with stunning homes and their jetties jutting into the river, has a distinctly luxury canal vibe. It’s the breadth of the water, however, that hints that this is a major waterway. Jump on your boat (included with the prize) and the river will take you out past the canals of Kawana Waters to the river mouth at Mooloolaba and the Coral Sea beyond.
Waterfront living, canal style, is undoubtedly a popular option in this part of the world.
For decades, South East Queensland has been famous for its residential canal developments that can be found all the way from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast and in the coastal suburbs of Brisbane in between.
In fact, the very first canal estates of Miami Keys and Rio Vista (now part of Broadbeach Waters) were constructed on the Gold Coast way back in the 1950s. Marketed as ‘Australia’s first man-made waterway development’, the visionary project enabled even more people to enjoy a waterfront lifestyle and gain direct boating access to the Broadwater and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Not surprisingly, the canals were a hit and created a whole new category of real estate of which Queenslanders couldn’t get enough. Today, there are more than 800kms of canals on the Gold Coast alone.
On the Sunshine Coast, the first canals began appearing as residential development ramped up in the 60s. ‘The Kawana Canal’ was the first off the blocks with work commencing in1967. More canal developments followed including the likes of Maroochy Waters at Maroochydore, Twin Waters on the northern side of the Maroochy River and Pelican Waters south of Caloundra.
Today, demand for waterfront property is as high as ever with homes being snapped up, often only to be razed for palatial new builds.
It would seem that by the water is the only place to be.
While a mountain scene is right up there, for most us, a water view is still our favourite thing to gaze upon. Which is why so many of us flock to highrise waterfront apartments and beach shacks for our holidays year in, year out, soaking up the million-dollar views before heading back to reality.
However, if you’re one of the lucky few to snag a permanent waterfront address like our Kawana Island Prize Home, you can gaze out at the water 365 days a year.
From the moment you wake up to enjoying drinks on the deck at sunset, the ebb and flow of the tide will be a constant in your life.
Gently close your eyes and imagine you’re sitting in the warmth of the sunshine, looking out across the water, watching the sunlight shimmering on the water’s surface, sparkling on the peak of each ripple as they travel across the water.
Sound relaxing?
That’s because it is. Studies have shown that just looking at a body of water can have a calming effect on your mind and body, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, the more time we get to spend looking at water or being on the water, the better we feel (unless that water is a feisty sea and you’re in the little boat rocking and rolling over it).
Ok, so this one is obvious, but it has to be said. Having access to the water (and fingers crossed a boat or jet ski) at your back doorstep is truly a game changer.
Forget the hassle of having to hook on the trailer and cart your boat to the ramp or waste time driving to the marina. Imagine walking straight out the backdoor and straight onto your boat. Within minutes you’re out on the open water and the adventure has begun. And if you love to fish, how good would it be to be able to throw a line in the water without even leaving home? It sounds almost too good to be true, but it’s all part of the waterfront lifestyle.
Watersports are a fantastic way to get out there and get moving and with a waterfront property, it couldn’t be easier. From wakeboarding behind your boat to jet skiing from your pontoon, there’s thrills-a-minute to be had. Or for a great morning workout, drop the kayak or your stand-up paddle-board in the water and get paddling. Even taking a walk by the water’s edge is a whole lot more inspiring than thirty minutes on the treadmill.
You could turn a $10 investment into your own slice of waterfront real estate valued at $1.3 million. Snap up a ticket in Endeavour Foundation’s latest Prize Home lottery and if you’re drawn as the lucky winner, the waterfront lifestyle you’ve dreamed of could be yours.
This amazing Kawana Island home is just five minutes from the beach and less than 90 minutes from the heart of Brisbane.
To explore this home and check out the incredible waterfront location, take a virtual tour now.