For several years Warwick had dreamed of ditching suburbia for a life on the water. July 2016, we moved onto our newly purchased 42ft motor boat Too Easy, with three kids and one dog in tow. Downsizing from a four bedroom, two bath room house to a boat was a challenge, but we had a light bulb moment! We had too much stuff! We didn’t need more space, just less stuff.
The kids needed a little more convincing about the move, in the end they didn’t have a choice so they had to climb on board and experience it for themselves.
“At first, I didn’t want to live on a boat, but now I love it,” exclaims our youngest son, 12 years old Ben McLeod. “I like that we live on the ocean, not just by it. Pulling in the ropes and motoring off to Magnetic Island for the weekend is fun.”
Breakwater Marina is conveniently located at the eastern end of Townsville’s premier, waterfront esplanade The Strand. With easy access to the city, parks, public transport and the perfect gateway to spectacular Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef, Breakwater Marina is a must stop destination for any boatie.
There are currently 62 live aboards moored at Townsville’s Breakwater Marina and short term visitors are always welcome. The winterless, dry season in the tropical north boasts clear blue skies, sunny days and temperatures averaging 24º making Townsville the ideal climate and location for a lifestyle on the sea.
The staff at Breakwater Marina pride themselves on their friendly, personal service and premium quality facilities. All berths are fully serviced with power and water, 24-hour security and CCTV, on-site marina office and dock master assistance available seven days a week, ample on-site car parking, clean and modern amenities block, 24-hour coin operated washing machine and dryers, social room, communal BBQ area complete with herb and vege garden, ice and gas refill service and 24-hour fuel wharf.
The unique aspect about marina life is the floating pier becomes your suburban footpath with the stand out difference (apart from the stunning backdrop) everyone is friendly, says hello and often stops for a chat. You really get to know your neighbours, the Marina has that friendly, old fashioned neighbourly atmosphere.
Breakwater Marina tenants Franz and Beth have enjoyed living on their motor boat Quetzal II for eleven years.
“The marina has a strong community spirit and active social life. You could party every night if you wanted to,” said Beth.
Breakwater staff regularly organise events and social gatherings to bring the Marina community together. Footy on the big screen, Melbourne Cup luncheon, Christmas party to name a few! Regular Friday night sunset drinks at the BBQ area is a great way to catch up with friends, make new ones, relax, unwind and see the weekend in.
Marina tenants Pete and Jean loved Whitsunday’s Dingo Beach and always dreamed of retiring there. A few years later when they were ready to make the move the real estate had sky rocketed and there weren’t many properties in the area for sale.
“We were staying at Dingo Beach Eco Resort one weekend and I looked out the window and saw a boat anchored in the bay. As soon as I saw the boat I thought that’s it! I looked at Pete, pointed to the boat and said let’s do that!” Jean explained.
Pete and Jean purchased their boat Orion, rented out their house and have been living on their boat for 6 years.
“We never looked back once. You can enjoy the benefits of living in the nicest part of town for a fraction of the cost” Pete said. “Another bonus is if you don’t like your neighbours you can untie your ropes and move berths.”
You might think you can’t have all the luxuries and conveniences of a modern day house on a boat. Not only do we have air conditioning for those hot and balmy tropical summer days but with two teenagers on board Wi-Fi and a flat screen TV were a must.
There are many pros to living on a boat, living the simple life, no yard maintenance, housework takes a fraction of the time and you don’t have to do the dreaded packing and unpacking for a weekends break.
Warwick sums it up best “the sea is like a magnet, revitalising and relaxing. Pulling into the picturesque marina after a hard day’s work, there is nowhere else I would rather be.”
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