Carole Levy
Casey Grange Village, a fab community from RCA Villages for modern retirees, is right in the heart of Cranbourne, a wonderfully surprising base for a family break during the upcoming holiday season, writes Carole Levy.
If plans are afoot to visit grandma and grandpa at Casey Grange, families will be spoilt for choice of activities to join in with them: the luxe Clubhouse with pool/spa, library, and lounge/dining areas; a café with coffee machine (residents receive barista training); a licensed bar for happy hour and dinner dances; a game of table tennis or lawn bowls; and a terrific communal vegie garden.
While kicking back for a while with grandparents in their beautiful villa and exploring Casey Grange is enticing in itself, there’s so much to see and do in and around the area.
Kids are spoilt for choice, with no less than six playgrounds (plus a skate park) all within 10 minutes’ drive or less, while a 15 minute trip will have them at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife where crocodiles and other critters roam. Or head down the coast for 40 minutes to Boneo Discovery Park’s maze and giant games garden, passing through gorgeous coastal towns and beaches on the way.
Grown-ups have plenty to see and do as well. For a fine bite to eat, check out the Bear House, an Indian feast at Ajanta – either just five minutes away – or a fine family pizza at Zeppo a smidge farther in Clyde. And if a picnic or fish and chips is what you hanker for, head to the foreshore at Tooradin and watch the pelicans while you eat.
A plethora of famed Mornington Peninsula wineries are within 30 minutes or so, where food and great drops await to be enjoyed in the sunshine – Red Hill Estate and Polperro Vineyard are just two among many others. And find farm gate produce along the way.
Cascades on Clyde Wetland, 14 minutes away, is a beautiful spot to explore, as are the Royal Botanic Gardens even closer. If a family picnic is on the agenda, head to Stringybark Picnic Area (10 minutes) where prolific birdlife makes its home among the leafy surrounds – then take a walk along the trails to wetlands. Or if a fix of local history is on the wish-list, check out the majestic Old Cheese Factory 20 minutes away.
Casey Grange Village’s lucky residents have these choices on their doorstep year-round, but if they want to head overseas or travel around Australia, they get to return knowing everything is left secure and maintained.
And RCA Villages has produced a ‘faces from our places’ calendar featuring some beautiful, stereotype-defying images of residents from across their villages. There are 30 to give away in December – simply fill out the coupon on the back page to receive yours.
Casey Grange Village. 75 Evans Road, Cranbourne West. Enquiries: 1800 998 900 or www.caseygrange.com.au
