Earlier this year, Michelle Bingham joined the growing group of downsizers who’ve embraced everything on offer in Australia’s beautiful Murray River region.
For 24 years, Michelle lived in Meringandan, a small town located north of Toowoomba in regional Queensland. However, in June this year, Michelle made the move to the “mighty Murray” - and hasn’t looked back since.
While Michelle primarily moved to be closer to her children and grandchildren, she’s fallen in love with the river lifestyle, which is akin to being on a “permanent holiday”.
“There are plenty of trees for shade, paths to go bike riding and I have found so many hidden beaches where you can go swimming,” Michelle said.
“There are also many relaxing safe places to take the kids and have a BBQ.
“From my home I can also walk into town, which means that sometimes I don’t touch the car for three or four days in a row.
“I’ve also found the weather here is beautiful and mild.
“It’s very similar to where I was previously living near Toowoomba but nothing like the heat or humidity of the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
“I think having the river here makes a big difference to the temperature.”
FIND OUT MORE: Find out more about Springtree’s Murray River communities
Great regional attractions
Michelle moved into Springtree Cobram, an over 55s community located within the riverside town of Cobram in northern Victoria. It’s one of two Springtree communities in the Murray River region, the other being around 45 minutes to the east in Yarrawonga.
The river region is known for its seemingly endless outdoor recreation opportunities, including cruises, houseboat hire, water skiing, fishing and waterside picnics. It also has a wide range of golf courses and wineries, and history and heritage to explore.
For instance, visitors to Cobram can enjoy the sandy shores of Thompson’s Beach, which is Australia’s largest inland beach and perfect for picnics, swimming and family gatherings.
For nature enthusiasts, the Cobram Regional Park is a treasure trove of outdoor experiences.
This park is home to pristine spots like Big Toms Beach, Scotts Beach and Dead River Beach, where adventurers can enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, Cobram Barooga Boat Hire offers houseboats to explore the river’s secluded beaches at your own leisure.
Picnic alongside the Murray River
Golf enthusiasts will find their paradise at Cobram Barooga Golf Club, featuring both a famous old course and a modern links-style course with wide fairways and large greens.
Cobram also sits at the heart of Victoria’s ‘food bowl,’ renowned for its fertile soils and incredible produce. A defined farm gate trail around the town guides visitors to the best locations to collect sun-ripened stone fruits, hand-picked strawberries, award-winning cheeses and boutique wines.
Yarrawonga, meanwhile, is best known for Lake Mulwala, an artificial waterway which features a majestic and ghostly submerged river red gum forest.
The lake offers popular activities including boating, waterskiing, kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors can also book a guided fishing tour with experts or set up camp along the banks with their rod and reel to catch the famed Murray Cod.
The Yarrawonga-Mulwala Golf Club is known as the largest public access golf course in Australia. It has a beautifully maintained 45-hole course with stunning lake views and challenging play.
Just a short drive away, the Black Bull Golf Course features a spectacular 18-hole layout with lush fairways and strategic design, and is perfect for golfers of all skill levels.
The Murray River is a golf lover’s paradise
Like Cobram, Yarrawonga also has a rich farming hinterland, with a range of wineries, modern cuisine and farm doors, along with the ability to embrace nature by hiking or biking through Barmah National Park, or by exploring Kyffins Reserve and Quinns Island Wetland Sanctuary.
These attractions, along with the easy access to Melbourne and the relative affordability of homes, are luring more downsizers to the river region.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the Murray website
Springtree Cobram residents at a visit to a local winery
Low-maintenance and modern homes on offer
Across both Springtree Cobram and Springtree Yarrawonga, buyers can choose from a wide range of low-maintenance home designs, featuring generously-sized bedrooms, open plan living, large outdoor spaces, modern finishes and high-quality appliances.
New two and three-bedroom homes are available at Springtree Cobram from $399,000. Meanwhile, home prices start at $424,000 at Springtree Yarrawonga.
Michelle Bingham at her new home in Springtree Cobram
These homes are available through the well-established and increasingly popular land lease model, where residents purchase a home secured by a long-term lease.
Thanks to this model, no stamp duty or council rates are payable, and residents may be able to access Commonwealth rental assistance.
Springtree’s purchase contracts are transparent and easy-to-understand, with no hidden fees.
An important aspect of these contracts is that residents keep all their home’s capital gains when the time comes to move out.
Springtree’s Cobram and Yarrawonga communities are located near the centre of their host towns, including the main shopping strip and medical facilities.
When complete, both communities will have extensive resort-like clubhouse and sporting facilities, including swimming pools, bowling greens, pickleball courts and dog parks.
Proposed bowling green at Springtree Cobram - scheduled for completion in January
Michelle is loving her new home, and her time in the Springtree Cobram community.
“I couldn’t believe the price, to be able to move into a brand new place, with all the community amenities and security,” Michelle said.
“I could have found a house somewhere else in Cobram, but it wouldn’t come with this security plus also be in a community with good neighbours.”
Springtree Cobram has its own community manager, who has organised resident trips to local wineries and on the Murray River’s own historic paddle steamer.
FIND OUT MORE: View homes for sale across Springtree Cobram and Yarrawonga
This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Springtree
Interior of a display home at Springtree Cobram
