The Weekly Real Estate from Coast to Country, June 1, 2023

A tranquil life in Wooyung

By Jo Kennett

ITS NAME means ‘slow’ in the local Indigenous dialect and Wooyung is a peaceful haven from the increasingly frantic pace of life on the rest of the Tweed Coast.

Wooyung, with its nature reserve, wetlands home to rare double bora rings, and a long white sand beach flanked by littoral rainforest, is about as tranquil as life can get on the Tweed Coast.

The bora rings were the site of Bundjalung feasting and ceremonies, an enviable life undisturbed for thousands of years until cedar getters came along in the 1840s.

Then the schooner Swift was wrecked on Wooyung Beach during a cyclone in 1949.

Two of the timber cutters on board freed Captain Robb, who was trapped inside with another man, and according to Kathy Cherry’s history in The Big Volcano, the Robb family still live in the area today.

Henry Jones arrived and established a dairy farm along

Jones Road in 1902 and then sand miners arrived in 1935.

Wooyung has no township, no shop, or school (though there was a school built in 1919 that no longer stands), or any of the types of buildings that make up a village.

It’s an area that runs from just south of the Black Rocks sportsfield, out to Tweed Valley Way on the south side of Wooyung Road and halfway down into the Billinudgel Nature Reserve, inside Byron Shire.

At the heart of Wooyung is the Wooyung Beach Holiday Park.

According to a history written by Kathy Cherry and published in The Big Volcano, a Sydney insurance salesman came to Wooyung in 1963 and decided to build a motel and caravan park.

Apparently it killed him because in 1967 his widow put it on the market.

In 1968, Kathy’s parents, farmers Ray and Jeanne Thomson, bought the business and it has been in the family’s hands ever since. Kathy and her husband Frank Cherry bought the business in 1978 and now her son Mark

and his partner run the popular park. Tweed Shire Mayor (and former biophysicist) Chris Cherry was one of Kathy’s nine children. They have kept the simple, old school 1960s-style camping going and apart from planting gum trees for koalas, the bushland surrounding the campsites is all natural and a haven for birds and wildlife.

It’s just a short walk to the unadulterated delights of Wooyung Beach which is mostly deserted apart from the odd fisherman or surfer.

Wooyung may be quiet, but it isn’t boring. There has been a history of unsuccessful developments in the area, with one in 1990 involving former Councillor Tom Hogan (father of Muriel’s Wedding producer PJ Hogan and immortalised as the Bill Hunter character) and an ICAC investigation into alleged bribery and corruption.

In 2004, a Gold Coast motivational speaker and wouldbe developer was thrown in the slammer for defrauding investors of $2 million in his failed Water at Wooyung project, some of the money being spent on buying

himself a home.

A 2006 proposal for the same land included creating a new lake, three islands, restaurants, tennis courts, tourist accommodation and a golf course beside Wooyung Beach which enraged the nature-loving locals.

The NSW Land and Environment Court found a 1988 council consent for the project was still valid because they had hammered in one surveyor’s peg, but the development was ultimately knocked back.

At the 2021 Census, Wooyung had a population of 139 people living in 62 dwellings and the average rent was only $315 which sounds pretty darned good to live in paradise.

Wooyung includes places like Warwick Park Road, which has some truly lovely and spectacular rural properties with views across the cane fields and out to the ocean as far as Byron Bay.

One such property, on the other side of Warwick Park Road, is currently on the market with Craig Dudgeon at Elders Real Estate Tweed Valley for $1.85 million, but that is already under offer. These things do fall through

at times so it’s still worth while talking to local agents if you are interested in buying into this lovely area.

Although there aren’t enough properties at Wooyung to gather any significant data from, most are rural acreage, some with rainforest type settings and many with those million-dollar views. There are currently five properties on the market at Wooyung, all under offer, but still worth a shot if you are keen. It’s just over a 30 minute drive to all the shops, restaurants and beaches of Tweed Heads/ Coolangatta.

If you are looking for a haven from the rush of the rest of the Tweed Coast, you won’t find anywhere on the coast more lovely and peaceful than Wooyung.

This one is under offer but a taste of the tranquil Wooyung lifestyle

FOR SALE

4 Bed 1 Bath 1 Car

15 Stafford Street, Sth Murwillumbah

This charming property has undergone a recent, full renovation, making it a welcoming home that blends original 1930s features with a fresh, modern twist with a location that offers many possibilities for savvy buyers. Situated within walking distance of St Joseph’s Catholic School and parkland with a fully fenced yard, this home is perfect for the young family and their furry companions as well.

FOR SALE

3 Bed 1 Bath 2 Car

34 Ewing Street, Murwillumbah

Come home to this charming three-bedroom home on an expansive, elevated 1024 sqm block in Murwillumbah. It is perfectly presented and ideally situated with stunning views to Mount Wollumbin, Springbrook National Park and the Border Ranges, and is within easy walking distance to Murwillumbah CBD.

FOR SALE

5 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car

1 Tombonda Road, Murwillumbah

This beautifully renovated, Five-bedroom, double storey brick home on an elevated 663 sqm block in Murwillumbah is bursting with appeal. Fully renovated throughout, the new owner will be able to move straight in and enjoy gorgeous hybrid timber flooring, fresh white walls, a contemporary, stylish bathroom, and a fully-appointed kitchen with island bench, new stainlesssteel appliance, gas cooktop and all the mod-cons.

FOR SALE

4 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car

8 Point Lookout Chase, Murwillumbah

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac of Murwillumbah, you will find a contemporary split-level brick home nestled behind a front garden designed with both kerb appeal and privacy in mind. This stylishly designed home has thoughtful additions including sliding decorative screens, barn doors throughout, LED skylights and stone inlay flooring detail all offered with a versatile, open plan living arrangement.

Tania Sheppard 0438 446 578

Shop 1/41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

Business for Sale

• Austral Cafe est 1919

• Originally established in 1919 the rare chance to secure one of the Tweed Valley’s most iconic cafes and bakery is now. The current owner of

over 20 years is planning to slow down.

• The Austral is renowned for its food and pastries and generations have fond memories shared with many.

• With excellent T/O and lease this represents outstanding buying with extensive plant and equipment.

• This thriving business is conveniently located with a captive customer base in an expanding Industrial area.

• Murwillumbah is a busy regional town located close

to the Tweed Coast and only 25 mins to the Gold Coast.

• Showing great figures this long established business presents further opportunities to improve and grow.

• T/O $10,000 pw

• Rent $250pw

• Figures available on request

1/33 MORTON STREET, CHINDERAH FOR SALE - CONTACT AGENT

MEDICAL CONSULTING | OFFICE SUITES | INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE IMPRESSIVE FREEHOLD COMMERCIAL PROPERTY - ONE OF A KIND

Do not miss this extremely rare opportunity to acquire this exceptional / one of a kind commercial property located in Chinderah 2487 NSW that did not succumb to flooding. This impressive concrete structure with complete internal fit out is approximately 600sqm over two well-appointed levels with a General Industrial zoning - the potential commercial applications are extraordinar elevated façade provides excellent signage opportunities, with ample on-site parking directly to the door.

SOLD

COUNTRY RETREAT WITH PICTURESQUE VIEWS ONLY MOMENTS TO TOWN

56 buyer groups toured through during the marketing campaign 1,320 views on domain.com.au & 4,823 views on realestate.com.au

4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, double lock up garage plus 3 open car spaces

We experienced a lot of interest on this property, however, as we all know, there can only be one buyer! There are still plenty of qualified buyers wishing to purchase in the area.

KIRRA WAVE - stylish oceanfront living'

501/46 Pacific Parade Bilinga

Experience the essence of living by the sea from this luxurious (3) bedroom split level apartment, positioned on the 5th level (North side) of this stunning establishment, directly opposite North Kirra Beach.

Relax in style and soak up the splendid ocean vista that extends from the lights of Surfers Paradise to the peeling point breaks of Kirra & Snapper Rocks.

KEY FEATURES:

• Gorgeous hard wood timber flooring throughout

• Open plan living

• Extensive bi-fold doors leading out to generous deck style balcony w/ stunning gas fireplace

• Gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, coffee machine, stone bench tops, integrated dishwasher & wine fridge

• Ducted zoned split-level air-conditioning throughout

• Master bed with fitted walk-in robe, ensuite, dual basins & spa bath with ocean views

• Bedroom (2) with ensuite & private balcony

• Separate powder room

• Lengthy study nook

• Lift access direct to unit

• In ground pool in complex

• Double lock up garage (side by side)

P 332

For Sale

Interest Over $2.750m

Open Saturday 3rd - 12:00 - 12:30pm

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

ESTUARY LIVING - with 4 car garage!

9/14 Thrower Drive Currumbin

Catch the next wave in to secure this sizable (3) bedroom walk up style unit, just one of (11) only & adjacent to the gorgeous Currumbin Estuary, that flows effortlessly out to the surf beach, which is a mere 800m to the North.

Your fully modernised abode is positioned on the top (3rd level) left-hand side of the complex, commanding morning sunshine & adequate cross ventilation.

KEY FEATURES:

• Light filled open plan air-conditioned living & dining

• Kitchen w/ dishwasher, near new appliances

and plenty of cupboard space

• 2 outdoor balconies capturing the morning sun w/ channel sun blinds

• Master bedroom w/ensuite & built in robe w/ & access to 2nd balcony

• Generous 2nd bedroom w/ built in robe, A/C, ceiling fan and access 2nd balcony

• 3rd bedroom w/ built in robe and ceiling fan

• Stylish bathroom w/ separate toilet

• Separate internal laundry

• 4 car parking within secure basement w/ 2 auto garage wire doors, power and lighting

• Inground pool in complex

BOUND FOR BOTANY BAY - over Tweed harbour

For Sale

Interest Over $895,000

Open Saturday 3rd - 2:00 - 2:30pm

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

9/4 Botany Crescent Tweed Heads

Relax in style and comfort in this generous fully renovated (2) bedroom (2) bathroom apartment, conveniently positioned on Greenbank Island with Tweed facilities at your grasp.

'Botany Bay ' is a very well-known quality establishment, overlooking the Beautiful Tweed River.

KEY FEATURES:

• Generous living area with Harbour views

• Great size modern Kitchen with Dishwasher

• Harbourside balcony

• Master bedroom with ensuite, walk in robe & Juliette balcony

• Good size second bedroom with built in robes

• Separate laundry, toilet and bathroom

For Sale

Price Guide $770k - $790k

Open Saturday 12:30 - 1:00pm

Deborah Bingle 0403 727 548

deborah@djstringer.com.au