Searoad Ferries

Searoad ferries have long had a route between Queenscliff and Sorrento, encouraging visitors and locals alike to take the scenic route across the bay. 

Whilst on a Searoad ferry, you’ll find an onboard cafe, as well as plenty of comfy seating, both inside the cabin  and out on the deck for those nicer days (or braver travelers!) There’s mounted binoculars to help you catch a better view of Pope’s Eye or the Black Lighthouse, and keen eyed visitors may even spot dolphins riding in the wake of the ferry. 

Not only is the ferry a great transport option, it can be part of the experience, with events often held on the ferry itself. Sundays see High Tea on the High Seas, and throughout the year they have shows and entertainment for both young and old, with plenty of experiences for the kids over the school holidays. 


The ferry docks in Sorrento, a beautiful seaside town with a historic feel. It has everything you could ask for in a port town, from a perfect pub to fresh seafood, as well as a strip of boutique local shops, boasting wares you won’t find anywhere else. 

Then after a day in Sorrento, catch the sunset on the way back, with special 7pm services running throughout the summer and over Easter. Finish the night at one of the many beautiful restaurants and bars in Queenscliff. 


With a ferry leaving Queenscliff and Sorrento every hour between 7am - 7pm, there’s plenty of time to make the day amazing. 


Benefits of living in Torquay

Kithbrooke Park Country Club is located in the beautiful coastal town of Torquay, down in southeast Victoria. 

Whilst we and our residents could list countless reasons to make the seachange, here are just a few. 

  • Gateway to the Great Ocean Road 

    • A global landmark, the Great Ocean Road is a point of pride for any Torquay local, with beautiful scenic ocean views and the smell of eucalypts as you wind through the Otways.

    • Walk, drive, cycle, the Great Ocean Road has a trail for you!

  • Ever growing community

    • Torquay is ever growing and changing for the better

    • Always something new to see and do

  • Small town feel, with easy access to Geelong and Melbourne

    • Torquay still maintains its small town charm, with easy public transport access

    • Direct link to freeway and Geelong Ring Road 

  • Extensive Coastline

    • Health benefits. It's been proven that sea air encourages respiratory health, and salt water can aid joint issues.

    • With over 15km in beaches, there’s always somewhere to feel the sand on your feet or the salt in the air.

Make the seachange today.

Keeping Warm while Keeping Fit

Exercise can help prevent and reduce symptoms of arthritis, dementia, depression, and fatigue. As the weather gets colder, it's ever more important to keep our bodies moving and blood flowing.

You don't need to have a load of fancy exercise equipment or spend hours in the gym.

Use canned food or water bottles as dumbbells/weights, keep the arms moving while watching tv, or even as added weight for a tough powerwalk!

Put on some music and have a dance around the house, or put some music on as you go out for a walk, add some pep into your step!

Go for a stroll, speedwalk, or even a jog! Research shows that even a five minute stroll gets the blood moving and brain pumping.

Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and even some forms of Aerobics are nice and gentle ways to get moving. Kithbrooke even offers these as classes, so check in the Clubroom for schedule.

Swimming is also incredibly good for the entire body, and luckily Kithbrooke has lovely hydrotherapy pools so you don't have to brave the cold.

Another easy one is adding a few repetitions when you get up or down from a chair, sitting and rising a couple times.

With all this, make sure to listen to your body, stop if anything hurts, and think outside the box to find creative ways to keep warm and active, whilst having fun.

Pickleball!

Pickleball has taken the world by storm in recent years. It's a great, low impact way to stay fit, and a fun way to make new friends. Here's a snippet from a great article by Mike Hess, the former President of the International Federation of Pickleball:


“The founders of Pickleball have created the perfect balance among court dimensions, rules and equipment. The result is a game that allows all skill levels and age groups to enjoy. It is not by chance, but by intention, that points are not easy to score. Pickleball is not a game full of “winning shots.” Rather it is a game full of “tactical shots” and patience and easy strokes. The dynamics of pickleball work extraordinarily well, making it the fastest growing sport on the planet.

Therefore, the essence of the sport needs to be protected. The balance achieved is unlike any other sport ever invented, attracting aficionados of both genders, all skill-levels and all ages. From the novice to the elite, the sport is both fun and challenging, and what occurs during a 15 minute game to 11 is unique to pickleball - long rallies, participation of everyone on the court and an enjoyable blend of soft and rapid-fire rallies. This mix of strokes, sensations, body movement, reaction time and player interaction work incredibly well and have attracted what is arguably the widest range of participants (gender age and skill level) of any sport played today.

There is no need for “mini” pickleball as often occurs in other sports, because the “full” version of pickleball is accessible to all. That is an amazing accomplishment. Nearly all sports have to adapt their rules, or “dummy down” to allow young kids or seniors to play. Pickleball is the rare exception."

Want to read more? Check the full article here: http://www.pickleballoceania.com/culture.html

Want to play Pickleball? Come down to the clubhouse and put your name down for our weekly games.

Tranquility for your Golden Years

Kithbrooke Park Country Club is a beautiful and serene retirement community designed to offer residents the perfect balance of independence and support. Located in the heart of Torquay, this senior living community is situated on 18 acres of pristine gardens and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the ocean.

Residents of this luxury retirement home in Torquay are provided with a wide range of amenities and services that cater to their every need. From daily housekeeping to personal care assistance, Kithbrooke Park Country Club is committed to providing its residents with exceptional care and service.

The retirees can enjoy a wide range of activities that are designed to keep them engaged, active, and healthy. There are several activities available throughout the week, including swimming, lawn bowls, pool, and fitness classes, to name a few. The retirement home also offers events and social gatherings which help residents to build friendships within the community and participate in stimulating activities.

The staff are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to its residents, and the facilities are always kept in excellent condition. There are various living options available for retirees, ranging from one-to-three-bedroom apartments with balconies or patios offering views of the stunning surrounding countryside or the ocean. The expansive grounds are maintained by a dedicated team, keeping the gardens beautiful whilst ensuring the paths remain clear and safe.

Apart from the stunning views and the luxurious amenities and services, the retirement home is conveniently situated near Torquay’s town centre, providing easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other local amenities. It provides easy access to the Great Ocean Road, one of our most beautiful landmarks.

Kithbrooke Park Country Club is an ideal choice for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in a beautiful and tranquil setting. This retirement home in Torquay offers residents the chance to fully enjoy their retirement with the comfort of luxury amenities, beautiful scenery, and an active lifestyle. It contains everything that one wants to have during their golden years.

Benefits of hydrotherapy and water based exercise

As we age, our body begins to change, and muscles and bones may start to weaken. This can make it difficult for us to stay active and maintain good health, especially when traditional exercise can put excessive stress on the joints.

Swimming is a low-impact way to exercise that can help improve flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health, whilst also strengthening muscles, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress.

Hydrotherapy can ease the symptoms of arthritis and chronic joint pain, and it can even help with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis. The water and gentle movements reduce muscle spasms and improve motor control.

In addition to physical benefits, swimming and hydrotherapy can also improve mental health. There’s plenty of research to show how being immersed in water can ease anxiety and reduce depression, and exercise is a proven mental health booster.

In conclusion, swimming and hydrotherapy have many benefits that can help older adults maintain good health and improve their quality of life.

This is why we have four purpose-built Hydrotherapy pools right here at Kithbrooke!

Qigong

Interested in trying Qigong? Two classes run each week here at Kithbrooke, and it's a great activity for the mind and body! Qigong works toward resetting the body to neutral by releasing blockages in the energy flow through a variety of techniques.

• The body is regulated through posture.

• The mind is regulated through focused concentration of mental activity (meditation), quiet and relaxation.

• The breath is regulated by the movement of the limbs and self-massage.

From the wikipedia page for Qigong:

“Qi (or chi) primarily means air, gas or breath but is often translated as a metaphysical concept of 'vital energy', referring to a supposed energy circulating through the body; though a more general definition is universal energy, including heat, light, and electromagnetic energy; and definitions often involve breath, air, gas, or the relationship between matter, energy, and spirit. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. Gong (or kung) is often translated as cultivation or work, and definitions include practice, skill, mastery, merit, achievement, service, result, or accomplishment, and is often used to mean gongfu (kung fu) in the traditional sense of achievement through great effort. The two words are combined to describe systems to cultivate and balance life energy, especially for health and wellbeing.”