Stuck in the Middle and Not Looking Back!
Where would you go to find year round blue skies, stunning landscapes and a vibrant, diverse community?
Also known as the ‘The Alice’, this location -
Testament to this notion is Andrew Doyle, Principal of Frampton First National in
Andrew’s business partner, David Forrest, who arrived in
“You tend to find that people come here for an above average income and are rewarded with above average opportunities,” David said.
Only a two hour flight from most Australian cities,
The history of
A great base from which to explore its surrounding natural wonders – Uluru or Ayers Rock,
“Alice Springs is like a suburb located in the middle of
Frampton First National is located on the southern side of the town’s central business district and opened in October 1987.
“We are just coming up to our 20 year anniversary,” Andrew said.
Currently, Frampton First National is operating in probably the most unique real estate market in Australia for two reasons: (1) the town is currently land-locked resulting in a shortage of land due to a native title claim over all vacant crown land, and (2) due to the isolation of Alice Springs from the rest of Australia, the town isn’t impacted by trends happening around the rest of the country.
At the moment, these two situations aren’t having a significant impact on the business which is enjoying a 30-35 per cent market share. The team is currently seeing a growth in rental returns with the town experiencing record lows in vacancy rates. The residential sales market has remained strong with a stable median house price for the last 12 months.
To advertise, the office utilises the local newspaper twice a week, including a major spread in the real estate guide each Friday. The team also use a weekly radio programme and the internet as their major advertising mediums. But, their main source of gaining new business is via a strong networking system.
When asked, what advice would you give to someone wanting to move to
The uncomplicated yet vibrant personality of
Hervey Bay, QLD
Werribee Estate Agent, Angie Wallace and husband Mitch on their first FNQ holiday arrived in Hervey Bay for a couple of nights & stayed 5!
Fraser Lodge caravan park provides many accommodation options, & we chose to set up the camper on a beautiful grassed site near modern facilities . There's a small lake which serves as a bird sanctuary - the birds love to be fed by young children, but beware!! They will help themselves over night if you leave anything outside - we lost a beautiful ripe pineapple to them!!!!
An interesting feature of most camping grounds in Qld is the Communal Kitchen providing a shaded area to cook your meal, park style tables to eat & sinks to clean up afterwards. At Fraser Lodge, all this overlooks an immaculately kept pool/ spa area (1 of 2) The relaxed environment encourages impromptu conversations with total strangers... we met people from France, Sydney & Tasmania!
Run by professional & friendly people who helped us book a fishing trip on the Princess ll - a wonderful day of excitement, sunshine & fresh air - fishing for coral trout & anything that would take our bait!!
Hervey Bay has a thriving cafe scene - opened to the sunshine by large bi-fold doors, Hotels galore & a huge shopping strip (more for camping/ fishing equipment than clothes!) October was probably a bit humid for Ang but, Mitch loved the heat - and we can attest to the excellent Hospital (Mitch broke a toe trying to land a big fish!!)
I could tallk for hours - Hervey Bay was the jewel in the crown of our trip to Queensland - so much to do & so little time !!!!
http://www.hervey.com.au/PrincessIIFishing/default.htm
http://fraserlodge.com.au
Launceston, TAS
A favourite holiday spot for Werribee resident, Ann Bitans is Launceston, Tasmania. Ann has family who live in the Swiss style village called Grindelwald.
Ann enjoys the variety of restuarants in Launceston A special favourite for Ann is a coffee break while shopping is the French Bakery for an almond croissant & a latte.
Beautiful Tasmanian Baby Blankets were made by nearby Waverly Woollen Mills & sent to the newest Danish Royal. The Mill sells Australian-made rugs & blankets in a rainbow of colours from their factory door.
Outside the Launceston CBD is Cataract Gorge where you can marvel at the rock formation from the walking track & for those who dare, cross the Gorge on the suspension bridge or use the chairlift. The Tamar Valley Wineries also deserve a mention, many have restaurants & Strathlynn boasts a restaurant that serves fabulous food with a view of the Tamar River.
Shepparton, VIC
First National Westwood's Sharon Nielsen recently spent a few days in Shepparton. She stayed at the Paradise Lakes Motel which she claims is fantastic, and very family orientated. Her large, comfortable room overlooked the lake. “A very relaxed setting, with a sail covered pool, BBQ area, you can just sit back, relax & watch the kids at the same time!” Says
A short distance away is the
Blue Mountains NSW
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Werribee Real Estate Manager, Lyn Emmerson, stayed at this comfy old fashioned guesthouse in May 05 at Medlow Bath . Only five minutes drive to the garden village of Leura and the Three Sisters at Katoomba. The locals tell us the Yuletide Feast is a must but book early. |
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http://www.chaletbluemountains.com.au
Echuca/Moama MURRAY RIVER
"Our family have been coming to Echuca/Moama almost every summer & Easter for as long as I can remember. Mum & Dad love it so much so that they left Wyndhamvale & now live in Moama!" says Leonie Hegarty, the former webmaster at First National Westwood
We now have free accommodation at Mum & Dads, but prior to that we used to stay at Cottonwood Caravan Park www.murrayriverholidays.com & have stayed in the self-contained cabins at Rich River Tourist Park. Both have all of the usual facilities, kids rooms, pool areas etc.
Enjoy the memories of the gold rush at the Echuca Port, take a cruise along the Murray in one of the many paddle steamers (personally, I love the Emmy Lou for dinner on a busy night during the tourist season – it’s great!), mini golf, paint ball, go carts, craft markets, a cool dip in the Murray…the list goes on! See http://www.echucamoama.com for all of the tourist attractions.
Mildura VIC
Westwood Real Estate Agents, Bob & Judy Westwood stayed at Hotel Mildura in June 2004 when visiting colleagues at Collie and Tierney First National. Only recently refurbished at that time, it's up-to-date decor and centrally location (within the City) meant easy access to restaurants and shops The International ballooning championships held bi-annually were taking place and Mildura was a hive of colour and activity
http://www.milduraballooning.com.au/
http://www.hotelmildura.com.au/
MOTEL - WERRIBEE
Werribee’s Best Western Werribee Park Motor Inn 112 Duncans Rd - in central Werribee
Located opposite Werribee Secondary College, Best Western, Werribee Park Motor Inn is handy to Werribee Park Mansion, Werribee Open Range Zoo, State Equestrian Centre, Werribee Park Polo field, Victorian State Rose Garden, Werribee Tigers Football Club, Werribee Bowling Club & Werribee shops, banks, restaurants & Werribee R.S.L.Club. Ring Janet & Bob Dowdell on (03) 9741 7222
http://werribeepark.bestwestern.com.au/
Australian Travelling Info
TRAVEL SITE for activities, travelling tips, eating out, Australian general knowledge, currency & more http://www.australianexplorer.com
