QLD Location recommendations for 3br waterfront apartment in QLD around $1m

We had our eyes set on Mooloolaba as our retirement location, but the kind of thing we're looking for is currently going for about $1.7m.

So, reaching out to the brains trust for suggestions.

We recently holidayed on Magnetic Island and stayed in an amazing 3br apartment where every room had 180 degree views of the water and the balconies were over the water. They're selling for under $1m. We would have bought one in an instant if the amenities on the island (lifestyle, restaurants, live music, cultural events, etc.) were there.

We were thinking maybe Townsville or Harvey Bay, but we just don't know enough places to make a shortlist. We will go and check the places out and then start looking for rea;. No better place to start the research than here where you have all been so fantastic in our property strategy.

We're after:
3 bedroom, main with ensuite
One additional full bathroom
Open plan rest of apartment rather than separate rooms
Ideally "breathtaking uninterrupted" views of the ocean (not glimpsed between buildings)
Larger rooms - the newer apartments in southeast Queensland would have trouble fitting in our bedroom
Storage and car spaces designated
No more than 1 hour from main airport - Sunshine Coast airport in good, 1 hour from Brisbane airport. Even Townsville gets us to Brisbane in 2.

Any suggestions of areas in QLD with lifestyle and access to air transport would be awesome.

Wife says no crocodiles

 

Or sea stingers (you can't swim up north during the wet season).

Magnetic Island, is great for a holiday but your main car is still on the mainland.

It's subject to cyclones & the wet season.

Property market on the island is quite poor, best to avoid buying and go there for holidays.

Hervey Bay is a town and still has mainland advantages. Plenty of towns to choose from.

 

Airlie Beach is nice.

Sharks Ok i presume?

 

Croc allergies.

 

Does it have to be QLD?

 

Have you thought about a 3 bedder in Redcliffe?
I think large apartments in this area seem to be more reasonably priced , you’ve still got a good lifestyle and close to ammenities and airport.
Your not to far drive from north lakes Westfield & Sunshine Coast.

I like Caloundra & Cotton Tree in the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba has more happening but will have more noise.
I think with prices around what you’ve mentioned its hard to find value at this time.

 

something like this?
https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-peregian+beach-139071567

or maybe a bit cheaper:
https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-marcoola-139044911

 

one a lot closer to the beach, but a unit
https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-peregian+beach-138563915

 

With the no crocs criteria you wouldn’t want to go much further north than Hervey Bay.

 

I like this...
https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bargara-138955847

 

This might be closer to 1.5mil:
https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-sunrise+beach-139101371

 

id be looking down Caloundra way on the Sunshine Coast. Rooftop apartment like this for around $1mill.

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-kings+beach-139010235

 

Newport canals

 

I agree with Caloundra / Kings beach or Golden Beach.

It's the cheaper more affordable end of the Sunshine Coast with plenty happening in regards to development. There is 3 new apartment developments not far away from starting.

My opinion is Sunshine Coast council is working there way down the coast line which is evident and its only a matter of time before Caloundra gets big cash injections and light rail etc.

It also has all the lifestyle drivers.

Sunshine coast airport is a 35 minute drive
Brisbane airport is 1 hour 10.

Feel free to reach out if I can be of assistance to you, as I'm Buyers Agent that lives in Caloundra.

 

Agree. Bargara is lovely.

And Brisbane only around 45 minutes from Bundaberg airport.

 

Bokarina/ Wurtulla on the Sunny Coast. Very nice new estate.

 

Perhaps Bribie Island.

 

Thanks @Scott No Mates, you're right, Magnetic is more for a holiday. That's why we're looking for somewhere that has a view like on Magnetic, and a lifestyle with choices. Will look into Harvey Bay.

 

Thanks @Toebig, will look into Airlie Beach. Yes, ok with sharks, in fact we travel to places specifically to dive with them

 

Thanks @Sezy22, it doesn't however would like that kind of weather. Northern NSW is a possibility. Where did you have in mind that meets the requirements?