Many Australians dream of living out their retirement years within the comforts of their home, but an increasing number of older women are opting instead for life on a houseboat, as it’s more affordable.
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00:00From above, this Gold Coast marina looks like the perfect spot to moor your boat, but for
00:08some owners, like Virginia Frost, it's home.
00:13The 73-year-old sold her Surfers Paradise unit to pay off her credit card debts and
00:18mortgage.
00:19And with the leftover funds, she bought this houseboat, which she berths for $930 a month.
00:26You couldn't rent anything for that amount of money on land with your own privacy and
00:33you'd have to live in someone else's house, basically.
00:36Widow Stacey King also chose to sell her home because the thought of retiring on land was
00:42daunting.
00:43I found living in a house, especially when I was on my own and having to face losing
00:50your partner and all the plans that you had and shared, it can be so isolating.
00:55Her neighbour Lynn Emmett, who lives aboard this boat, built by her late husband, says
01:00it's a stark contrast to living at a marina.
01:03It's peaceful, it's free, it's easy, there's constant movement, which is beautiful.
01:09Queensland is one of the few states in Australia that allow liveaboards.
01:14While there is plenty of space out on the broadwater, getting a berth at a marina like
01:19this one can be difficult.
01:21The Boating Industry Association says there are berth shortages across the state, with
01:26the demand expected to continue to increase in the future.
01:30But if you love the water, come and do it.