Latest news with #BellarinePeninsula
News.com.au
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Award-winning Leopold home on Lake Connewarre notches big sale
An award-winning lakefront home that's played host to a string of well-known Aussie musicians has notched up one of Leopold's biggest sales. A buyer already living on the Bellarine Peninsula has bought the secluded four-bedroom house, designed by acclaimed architect Kerstin Thompson, after a seven-month campaign. Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads agent Levi Turner said he was unable to disclose the sale price of the 4.86ha property at 15 Maloneys Rd, Leopold. It was originally listed with a $5.75m price guide, which was slashed to $4.75m to $4.95m in February. At this price, it would be Leopold's most expensive home. Megan Washington, Vance Joy, Tim Rogers and the late Kinky Friedman are among musicians who have played in the home's on-site recording studio. The property on the shores of Lake Connewarre also features a pool, a sports oval/heli pad, an olive grove, fruit trees and three outdoor baths on a raised deck. Mr Turner said it ranked among the top 10 homes he had sold on the Bellarine Peninsula in 12 years of real estate. 'It was a couple of things – the views are amazing and the privacy. It's so tucked away but you are 15 minutes to get into Geelong,' he said. 'And the house won architectural awards. 'The buyers are going to do some internal cosmetic renovations to make it their own but from the outside, from an architectural point of view, you could still build it today. It was really cool.' The 22-year-old home received both the 2005 Victorian Coastal Award for Building and Building Design and the 2003 Australian Institute of Architects' Victorian Chapter Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award, which recognises each year's best residential project. Its long, black structure is designed to blend into the environment and features a folded roof that mimics the shape of an origami black swan. The residence is divided into three pavilions, including the main three-bedroom house, a guest apartment with recording studio and a garage/carport for five vehicles. Mr Turner said there was a solid response from the market throughout the campaign. 'You get these amazing properties on the Bellarine and the Surf Coast and Geelong and you think 'everyone is going to love it' and people do but to actually buy it, one, they've got to have the money and two, be in a position to buy and they are few and far between,' he said. The vendor was a self-confessed cricket tragic who incorporated an oval into extensive gardens by landscape architect Tim Nicholas. Paths wind through the property to Lake Connewarre where a raised deck provides storage for watercraft.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Henry Dwyer recalls last year's Royal Ascot triumph as Australian trainer returns to defend title - and his meeting with King Charles
There will be no surprises this week for Henry Dwyer, as preparations have been meticulous. For clarity, though, the Australian trainer is talking about himself rather than Asfoora, the beautiful mare with the lightning speed, who stands beside him. 'I'd have loved etiquette lessons,' says Dwyer, the smile on his face giving an immediate indication this story will be worth hearing. 'I had a chat with the King last year, which was completely unscripted, very unannounced and I was very unaware.' Dwyer was in the paddock, having just saddled Asfoora before the King Charles III Stakes when he suddenly found himself in the presence of the Monarch. Custom dictates that a man should remove his top hat when in conversation with the King and call him 'Your Highness', but this had not been made clear. So the pair stood together, with Dwyer explaining to the King the lengths he had gone to to get Asfoora from his stables on the Bellarine Peninsula, in the state of Victoria, to Berkshire — a distance of 13,359 miles, costing in the region of £120,000, all for a race over five furlongs that would be done and dusted within a minute. 'I had no idea what to call him but we had a good chat and talked about his time in Australia as a young fellow,' Dwyer continued. 'He asked me about the horse and I said, 'It's an amazing experience meeting you, Sir, but I'd love to speak to you again after the race with the trophy'. 'He said to me, 'Let's see if we can make that happen!'.' As they spoke, one of Dwyer's friends whipped out his phone and captured the moment. Not in their wildest dreams could they have envisaged things going any better, as Asfoora burst to the front when 110 yards out and won by a length for jockey Oisin Murphy, scooping £390,093.31 for good measure. 'Afterwards he had a big smile and he said, 'I told you I could make this happen!' and it was terrific,' said Dwyer, now beaming, who confirmed he took his hat off on the podium. 'What an amazing life experience. Racing takes you all round the world and introduces you to so many new people. 'That's one of the amazing things about the sport and my job. It's not all about winning, it's about competing and meeting new people and I guess the King is not someone I ever expected to meet, but there we are!' They will meet again this week, with Asfoora back to defend her title in the prestigious Group One event, a jewel in Tuesday's opening card. No doubt the pair will discuss Reaching High, the King's heavily fancied runner in the Ascot Stakes later in the day and what a result it would be if both horses obliged. The very fact that Asfoora is here again, though, is remarkable in itself. The world is getting smaller and transporting horses is not as problematic as it once was, but the extent of the operation to get the seven-year-old from Dwyer's serene base to the biggest meeting in the world was enormous. It started with a nine-hour, 600-mile drive to Sydney before Asfoora spent the best part of two days up in the air. To see her jig-jogging around at Southgate Stables on Newmarket's Hamilton Road on Wednesday, her bay coat gleaming, you would think she had been here all year. 'She had two days off before the flight left, then it was Sydney to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Doha, then Doha to Stansted,' Dwyer explained. 'Each leg is obviously long enough itself, with two hours sat on the tarmac in between. 'Last year we got held up for six hours clearing customs at Heathrow, but thankfully this time we didn't have that issue. She walked in here with her ears pricked, nice and bright, knowing exactly where she was. She's just a seasoned traveller now.' And she is also a seasoned winner, her Ascot success in 2024 one of 10 wins in 24 starts. Asfoora has been the horse of a lifetime for Dwyer and owner Akram El-Fakhri, who runs a taxi business in Melbourne. All being well, she will be a fixture in all the big five-furlong races across Europe this summer, daring her team to dream big again. 'As a trainer, you don't really get a chance to take it all in,' said Dwyer, who has 'a boutique yard' with 45 horses in his care. 'Normally you are going day to day, grinding and getting up, going to work and repeating it. To be honest, though, last year probably still hasn't sunk in. On the plane back on the Sunday after Ascot, I had a chance to go through all the messages and reply to people. I might have watched the replay only three times since and it is still a pinch yourself moment. 'Now here we are, trying to replicate it. She seems well — let's see what we can do.' Five things to look for at Ascot The best week of flat racing is almost here and Royal Ascot anticipate bumper crowds, with close to 300,000 expected to flock through the gates. Mail Sport identifies five key issues to follow over five fantastic days: THE ROYALS ARE REACHING HIGH The King is becoming an increasingly enthusiastic racegoer, while the Queen's passion for racing is enormous and she was instrumental in the move that had led the masterful Willie Mullins to become the first Irish trainer to saddle a Royal runner at the meeting. Mullins is the all-conquering force over jumps, but he knows how to get one ready for Ascot and Reaching High will be all the rage in Tuesday's Ascot Stakes (5pm), not least as Ryan Moore is on the ride. The last Royal winner at Ascot was Desert Hero in 2023, but they have big chances here. Rainbows Edge, if declared for the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on Wednesday (3.40pm), would be worth following. ALL HAIL NEW KING? The Gold Cup is the centre point of the meeting on Thursday (4.20pm) and while it is a blow that the magnificent Kyprios has been ruled out because of injury, his stablemate Illinois can extend Aidan O'Brien's outstanding record in the race. He is a four-year-old rippling with stamina and class. KEANE AS MUSTARD Juddmonte's green, pink and white silks are synonymous with some of the greatest horses of all time and they will now be worn by Colin Keane, the six-time Irish champion who has been made Juddmonte's first retained rider since 2014. Keane was appointed eight days ago and has made as many flights in the last week to get to know trainers in Newmarket and Lambourn. Field of Gold, his mount in the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday (4.20pm), looks a certainty. Qirat, in Wednesday's Royal Hunt Cup (5pm), is a good bet too. 'It's the pinnacle of our sport,' he told me. 'It's where everyone wants to go. I'm very fortunate to have some nice rides.' WATHNAN WANT WINNERS Much has happened in the two years since Wathnan, the venture of Qatar's Emir, made a spectacular entry to British racing at Royal Ascot with their first two runners — Gregory and Courage Mon Ami — both winning. They doubled their tally 12 months ago and this is the place they want to be. You will see their peacock blue and gold silks in almost every race and you can be sure there will be success. Map of Stars (Prince Of Wales's Stakes, Wednesday, 4.20pm) is a class act while Haatem (Wolferton Stakes, Tuesday, 5.35pm) could outclass his rivals. FIRE UP THE REVE Japan have had 10 runners at Ascot down the years, but never enjoyed success. That could change in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Saturday, 4.20pm) with Satono Reve. Like the Royal meeting, his work at Newmarket has been exceptional.
ABC News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum head up Queenscliff Music Festival 2025 line-up
Each year in November, music lovers of all ages flock to the Bellarine Peninsula for a weekend away. Their destination? Queenscliff Music Festival — the beachside Victorian event beloved for its family-friendly atmosphere and ripper line-ups. This year is no exception, featuring Australian faves alongside a a dash of overseas acts and up-and-comers. Let's take a peep, shall we? Do you really need to be told why The Cat Empire remain one of our country's must-see live bands? The headliners are certain to delight all sorts when their genre-fusing, party-facing ruckus takes over the main stage, celebrating their tenth album, Bird In Paradise. Gamilaraay singer-songwriter Thelma Plum has been touring solidly behind her latest album I'm Sorry, Now Say It Back . And we'll let you in on a secret: her world-class tunes sound even better on the live stage. Is there a better beach-y fit than US surfer turned professional strummer, Donavon Frankenreiter? He began his music career with a self-titled debut released under Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records, and like his good buddy Johnson, Frankenreiter excels at simple, soulful sing-alongs. Yolŋu rock sensation King Stingray seem incapable of delivering a limp performance, so be sure to fit their life-affirming anthems into your viewing schedule. Also in the mix is two Western Australian legends: homegrown folk heroes The Waifs and alt-rockers Little Birdy (who are touring their 2004 debut album later this year). Punk rock institution Cosmic Psychos will be QMF's resident mosh pit inspectors this year, while Minor Gold will flex the golden harmonies that have made them Double J faves. If you're after a boogie, the cosmic Squid Nebula, talented Sex On Toast or soul-funksters Suneden will be happy to supply. You've also got stomping siblings Pierce Brothers, close collaborators Didirri + Rowena Wise, the swampy blues of Opelousas, plus Fenn Wilson & The Weather. The little tackers will go gaga for Teeny Tiny Stevies, heading up QMF's stage dedicated to kids programming. And if all that wasn't enough for you, know there's more names to be added to the 2025 line-up, rounded out by local produce, arts, and community offerings. The three-day extravaganza takes over Princess Park, a short stroll from the historic Queenscliff Foreshore, with its gorgeous piers, cliff views and coastal walks. Plus, there's camping nearby if you prefer the outdoors. Queenscliff Music Festival runs from Friday 28 to Sunday 29 November on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people, proudly co-presented by Double J. Here's the line-up so far: The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, Donvan Frankenreiter, The Waifs, King Stingray, Little Birdy, Cosmic Psychos, Pierce Brothers, Didirri + Rowena Wise, Squid Nebula, Minor Gold, Sex On Toast, Opelousas, Fenn Wilson & The Weather, The Smith & Western Jury, Riley Catherall, Suneden, Teeny Tiny Stevies Early bird tickets are on sale now.
News.com.au
16-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Geelong suburbs where sellers home prices hold or fold revealed
Fresh data has revealed the Geelong suburbs where buyers or sellers have the upper hand when it comes to sticking to their guns on price expectations. The PropTrack figures for vendor discounting – where homes sold by private treaty saw the biggest drop between the original advertised price and what buyers ultimately agree to pay – reveals the suburbs where buyers are able to negotiate the best deals. Coastal areas remained the best buyers' markets over the past 12 months, with prices sliding a median 8.3 per cent in Anglesea and Point Lonsdale between listing and sale, and close to 8 per cent in Portarlington and Barwon Heads. Barwon Heads has experienced an overall 20.7 per cent drop in median house price in 12 months to May (to $1.42m), PropTrack data shows, with the vendor discounting data showing sellers continue to grapple with where value sits in the Bellarine Peninsula hot spot. Pricing homes proved more stable across urban Geelong, with discounting most prevalent across the expensive inner suburbs, especially central Geelong, but also Manifold Heights, Newtown and Geelong West. Prices ebbed the most for central Geelong apartments, with a 5.7 per cent median discount between listing and sale. Sellers had it best in areas such as Armstrong Creek, Belmont, Corio, Grovedale, Lara and Newcomb, where the PropTrack data recorded a median vendor discount of zero. Hayeswinckle, Highton director Michelle Winckle said discounting price guides was more prevalent in more expensive inner suburbs where there were fewer buyers competing for homes. The data shows prices were most stable in Geelong's northern and southern suburbs. 'It's at a lower level where there's more people competing,' she said. Geelong's property market has endured a turbulent 24 months, with prices overall trending down until recently. Ms Winckle said price expectations were often changed to make homes more competitive in the marketplace. 'You often don't know until you've started a campaign and it's just not grabbing the market, so it needs to be adjusted,' Ms Winckle said. 'Quite often, it can still sell at what they originally wanted. It's just about changing up the strategy.' Buyers advocate Michael Ramsay said more properties were selling in coastal markets since interest rates were cut, though there were still examples of homes being listed at prices well above what the market considered fair. That was a sign that prices guides were getting closer to buyers expectations compared to the start of the year, Mr Ramsay said. SuburbData analyst Jeremy Sheppard said there's a correlation between higher discounts and softer demand. Buying in an area where vendors were accepting offers well below list prices often came with a downside, Mr Sheppard said. 'Bargain hunting is great if you're simply seeking a roof over your head and you plan to stay in the property for 20 years, but from an investment point of view it's not always good,' he said. '(In a high discount area) you'd have to be confident that you wouldn't need to sell for some time as it will be more difficult for sellers … if you're holding for the long term, this won't be an issue as the market will eventually balance out. All areas will eventually grow if given enough time.' GEELONG MEDIAN VENDOR DISCOUNT FIGURES Suburb Property type Median sale price Median vendor discount Point Lonsdale H $1,207,500 -8.3 Anglesea H $1,350,000 -8.3 Portarlington H $863,500 -7.9 Barwon Heads H $1,420,000 -7.8 Jan Juc H $1,270,000 -5.9 St Leonards H $720,000 -5.8 Geelong U $615,000 -5.7 Ocean Grove U $741,000 -5.4 Winchelsea H $650,000 -5.1 Geelong H $880,000 -4.4 Torquay H $1,175,000 -3.6 Newtown U $575,000 -3.4 Manifold Heights H $1,260,000 -3.1 Newtown H $1,150,000 -2.7 Ocean Grove H $955,000 -2.6 Geelong West H $850,000 -1.8 Drysdale H $710,000 -1.3 Lara U $447,500 -1.3 Belmont U $538,000 -1.1 Norlane H $451,000 -1 Grovedale U $496,250 -1 Highton H $861,000 -0.9 Clifton Springs H $652,600 -0.9 Leopold H $650,000 -0.7 Bannockburn H $785,000 -0.7 Hamlyn Heights H $720,000 -0.6 Herne Hill U $368,000 -0.6 Wandana Heights H $925,000 -0.5 Marshall H $630,000 -0.1 Armstrong Creek H $650,000 0 Lara H $680,000 0 Corio H $490,000 0 Belmont H $700,000 0 Mount Duneed H $700,000 0 Grovedale H $663,000 0 Charlemont H $615,500 0 Highton U $500,000 0 Bell Post Hill H $660,000 0 Bell Park H $611,000 0 Curlewis H $638,250 0 Newcomb H $550,000 0 Waurn Ponds H $765,500 0 St Albans Park H $585,000 0 Whittington H $529,000 0 Herne Hill H $700,000 0 North Geelong H $610,000 0 Geelong West U $387,500 0 East Geelong H $765,000 0 Hamlyn Heights U $530,750 0 Thomson H $512,500 0 Lovely Banks H $840,000 0 Source: PropTrack. Median vendor discount for homes sold in 12 months to May 2025. Excludes suburbs with less than 30 sales.
News.com.au
08-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Retired Supercars champion Paul Dumbrell finds buyer for beachside Barwon Heads pad
Retired racing car driver and former Total Tools boss Paul Dumbrell has wrapped up the sale of a beachside Bellarine Peninsula home he originally planned to bulldoze. Records show the Bathurst 1000 champion traded the five-bedroom house overlooking 13th Beach in Barwon Heads for $7m. His family splurged a combined record $10.2m on the exclusive 1275sq m property at 2 Stephens Pde and an older neighbouring home during the Covid coastal boom of 2020. The prized location, wedged between Barwon Heads Golf Club and the dunes, was intended to be the site of a new $6m luxury beachside mansion. But plans to demolish both existing houses to build a contemporary double-storey, seven-bedroom pad with basement parking for seven cars and an underground gym hit a snag when the City of Greater Geelong rejected the proposal. Both properties were relisted for sale separately through Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads agent Christian Bartley early last year, with a combined asking price upwards of $13m. The newer Swaney Draper architect-designed residence constructed from rammed earth, sandstone and timber at No. 2 was the pricier part of the package, advertised with $7.8m to $8.5m price hopes. Designed to blend into its natural surrounds, the house has commanding ocean views and a north-facing entertainer's deck overlooking the golf course's seventh fairway. A path directly across the road delivers you to 13th Beach within minutes. The property was withdrawn from sale in July but is understood to have later changed hands in a private off-market deal. Mr Bartley, who was not involved in the sale, declined to comment. He did, however, help broker the $3.3m sale of its four-bedroom weatherboard next door neighbour at 4 Stephens Pde, Barwon Heads after a seven-month campaign. At the time he said the new owners also planned a knockdown rebuild to capitalise on untapped views. Earlier this year Mr Dumbrell and his stepmother Lisa also sold a luxury Portsea pad for $5.7m. The successful businessman won two Super2 titles and seven Supercars Championship races before retiring from racing in 2018. He later became chief executive of Total Tools and in January this year was appointed chief executive of civil and construction supplier Jaybro Group.
