Originally Posted by Alfresco

What's the attraction?

Originally Posted by Buzzy--Bee

Yes - we loved driving the track to West Point and watching the sunset - was a real highlight of our stay, I think we did it three times.

BB

Originally Posted by carling black label

The Senario.....................thoughts?

Retired, do not smoke, do not gamble, run an old car, and pay rent. Enjoy fishing, reading, relaxing, and like to have a few beers every night, whether at home or down the pub/RSL. No kids, no wife, no dependent, could you survive on a fixed income of $700.00 bucks a week living here. I ask not for me but for a friend who is not computer literate. Its just on the mainland, trying to find fully furnished accomodation with air con, with either one or two bedrooms is nigh on impossible for half the above income. Whereas, you can get a nice place on the islands for $350.00 bucks per week all in.

Originally Posted by Broad Shoulders

agreed, although it does seem to polarise people

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

We lived on Maggie for a year. Mr TE worked in Townsville and I stayed at home finishing a masters. It's beautiful but can get dull. Your friend would need a car too as nowhere is really walkable. It depends what sort of person he is - I wouldn't expect to find good conversation down the pub to be honest. Everything opens sporadically and the IGA is one of the most expensive places i've ever shopped. If he really fancies a year doing nothing I can probably think of better places.

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

If he really fancies a year doing nothing I can probably think of better places.

Originally Posted by carling black label

Suggestions, any idea's, where......in Qld, same criteria, but a more cost efficient place?

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

It has to be Queensland? In fact does it have to be Australia? Australia and cost effective don't really mix!

Originally Posted by carling black label

I know you mean well, and i know what you mean, ok, yes in Qld, then yes other than Qld, where in Australia, then ok anywhere in the globe, three scenario's, a fixed income of say £450.00 per week Sterling......You seem to be well travelled, i am not, but my old work colleague only has UK and Oz citizenship, so a visa could be a problem anywhere else?

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

With a UK income Australia is a tough place as the cost of living is high coupled with the fact that sterling is very weak right now. Expect a loaf of multigrain bread to cost $7 bucks on Maggie - almost £5. I'd look at places like Mauritius, Vanuatu, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia etc May involve a bit of visa jiggery pokery but in my opinion there's more to offer there, would provide a far better standard of living and lead to meeting similar people,

Originally Posted by Alfresco

Yep, the old north vs south divide again.

Originally Posted by Seasider

Nip into the Far East forums, read up on the MM2H (Malaysia My 2nd Home) scheme, and chat to a few people living it.

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

With a UK income Australia is a tough place as the cost of living is high coupled with the fact that sterling is very weak right now. Expect a loaf of multigrain bread to cost $7 bucks on Maggie - almost £5. I'd look at places like Mauritius, Vanuatu, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia etc May involve a bit of visa jiggery pokery but in my opinion there's more to offer there, would provide a far better standard of living and lead to meeting similar people,

Originally Posted by Both Worlds

OK I am doing around the world best places to retire and Magnetic island is on the list as we have lived there back in the 90's.If you can supply your expenses on the island then I will post my costs here in the UK and the island of Tenerife- to compare if thats OK-
1. gas
2. Electricity
3. Council tax or rates
4. house insurance
5. water costs
6. food
7. car tax/disc
8. internet broadband + phone
9. car insurance
10.petrol

If you can think of anything else thats needs costing-such as prescriptions and health for instance.