SusanneF

We moved to Macleay Island three years ago from Melbourne, after research, choosing Macleay over Russell (after holidaying on Russell). We rented first then bought a little place. I commute Monday to Friday to work via the ferry and it takes me 18 mins on the ferry plus about 50 mins in total to get to work. Yes, this does take some getting used to, but, all cities have this drama. If you have less than an hour's travel in Sydney then you are very lucky (many coastal dwellers there travel more than an hour for work). The ferries are frequent, and the trip is comfortable and friendly; and and I enjoy it. People know each other and chat or read on this service. I hop in my car a drive the remainder of my journey.

We are very happy on this Island. It is welcoming, peaceful and beautiful and has a low crime rate. Macleay has abundant marine life (dolphins, dugongs, turtles, fish), birdlife, delightful walks and a mild climate compared with the mainland (a degree or two warmer in Winter and cooler in Summer).

Macleay Island has much to do: Water sports - boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming; cycling, walking and public barbecue areas, state of the art skate park and a netted swimming area too. There are all the essential services: Doctor, Pathology, Dentist, Vet, Police, Ambulance, SES, Local Fire service, Primary School, Day care, Library, Chemist, Hairdressing, Petrol pumps, Bakeries, Pizza, Fish and Chips, Coffee Shops, home and garden supplies, Marine and Auto Supplies and supermarkets you require. Woolworths will home deliver as will Dan Murphy's if that is your thing (minimum quantities apply).

We have a Bowls Club (Club Macleay) and a Golf Club both of which also have food service and a regular entertainment line up. Both of these clubs provide courtesy bus services from the ferry, your home or rental accommodation. There is also a Boat Club that has a famous Fish and Chips night once per month; you can of course hire little catermarrans or kayaks.

Macleay has an Arts Centre and Gallery, with regular classes including pottery. We also have a modern Community Centre which is utilised by various groups, including a large crafters' group, which meet weekly. The Island offers Yoga, massage, and a number of artistic groups including a writers' network.

There are a number of annual events too including a round the island Kayak race, Inter-Island Tug of War, Barge Bash - great day out. Both clubs do a fabulous New Year's Eve night each year on top of their regular entertainment evenings.

So, what's not to like? Yes, there is a trade off with costs of commuting and having to navigate across the bay but if peace, reassurance and sense of community appeal, as it does to us, then it is well worth it.

With property prices some of the lowest in the whole of Australia, it truly is an affordable 'million-dollar lifestyle'.

The Fitzgibbons