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One buyer scored an oceanfront unit in a marina development at Cardwell, halfway between Cairns and Townsville, for $157,000 - almost $300,000 less than it sold for in 2006. The unit had been on the market for three years.
A penthouse with ocean views in the same development sold for $570,000 less than its 2007 sales price.
"I would suggest it is the cheapest marina land in Australia," said Cardwell realtor Robert Boothey, who handled the sale. "With the environmental issues now, it will never happen again."
Property searches by The Sunday Mail found buyers were knocking $50,000 to $200,000 off the price of other popular holiday spots. Investors were also eyeing off less well-known locations in the hope they could become the next 1770, or Noosa.
RP Data has named Halifax, 130km north of Townsville, and Rollingstone, 54km north of Townsville, as among Queensland's 10 most-affordable coastal locations.
The sleepy seaside town of St Lawrence, about two hours drive south of Mackay, was the cheapest with a median house value of $135,695.
Median house values for Rollingstone and Halifax were $252,070 and $254,699 respectively.
Other coastal districts with property going cheap included Deeral, south of Cairns; Alva, south of Townsville; and Lamb Island in the Redlands.
They fail to mention, that Cardwell bore the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Yasi, and was almost destroyed. The Marina area is the most exposed to the cyclones, and I hope you like sand-flies, because it sits at the northern end of the mangrove between the coast and Hinchinbrook Island. All the millionaires got a little scared when their beach-side retreats had boats in the front yard.
I also know the area well between Townsville and Mackay.
Halifax sits on the flood plain of the Herbert river, and regularly has a metre to 2 metres of water through the town. Sometimes for weeks. It also is not on the coast but inland about 15kms.
Rollingstone is also not on the coast, but inland about 10kms from Balgal Beach. It is one of the hottest areas between Ingham and Townsville. It also sits in a rain-shadow, and is often a dry dust-bowl. The houses at Balgal Beach are still going for around the $400,000 mark.
There is only a pub at Deeral, and Alva Beach near Ayr, is a fishing village on the mouth of the mighty Burdekin River. The beach is subject to erosion, and houses have been lost in recent decades due to the beach "moving". In the wet season you have to negotiate Plantation Creek, which can remain flooded for some time, if the Burdekin has a good flood.
And lastly - St Lawrence.
If you've ever been there, you will know that this is unlikely to become the next boom city. There is not a lot in St Lawrence. I lived 40kms north of there for most of my younger years. Its great fishing, but beware the tides!! It used to be the local council chambers for the St Lawrence Shire council. With the amalgamation of councils in Qld, they lost this privilege to Clermont. I'm actually surprised that houses in St Lawrence are actually demanding that amount of money!!
The houses are mainly weather-board, or fibro, 2 -3 bedroom. I have been in St Lawrence when it has been nothing but a dustbowl.
Anyhow, best wishes to you, if you decide to purchase in any of these places. Make sure you do your homework.
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