Why East Coast buyers are looking at the WA coast
Space, the coast, a clear price and a different pace of life. Here's what draws buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Hidden Valley, and what to weigh up.
Hidden Valley’s enquiries come from all over Australia, and a large share are from the East Coast. People in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond are looking at a 2.5 acre lot on WA’s Mid West coast. Here’s what they tell us draws them west, and what we suggest they weigh up.
1. Space
A Hidden Valley lot is around 10,000m², or 2.5 acres. For people used to suburban blocks of a few hundred square metres, that’s a big change. It means room for:
- A home designed exactly how you want it
- A big shed or workshop
- Boats, caravans, trailers and vehicles
- Gardens, orchards and outdoor living
- Space between you and the neighbours
2. The coast
The beach is 900m away. Between the estate and the Indian Ocean there’s only a flora and fauna reserve. Dongara’s beaches are long and uncrowded, and the sun sets over the ocean. Port Denison Marina is 12 minutes away and the Abrolhos Islands are 43 nautical miles offshore.
3. A clear price and a small deposit
Lots are from $420,000, with a $10,000 deposit and nothing more to pay until settlement, expected in mid-2027. For buyers planning ahead, that structure gives time to organise finance, sell another property or save.
4. Serviced land
Every lot has 3-phase power, town water and high-speed NBN. A $25,000 fence and gate package and $10,000 towards clearing your building envelope are included. For buyers comparing acreage, that’s a lot of work already done. Read what $420,000 includes.
5. Freedom to build
No covenants and no time limit to build. Many new estates on the East Coast come with design guidelines and build-by dates. Hidden Valley lets you build what you want, when you want, subject to WA building regulations and Shire approval.
6. A different pace
Dongara is a small coastal town with what you need day to day: shops, cafes, a hospital, schools and a golf course. Geraldton, the Mid West’s regional city, is 45 minutes away and Perth is 3.5 hours. For people tired of traffic and crowds, it’s a welcome change.
7. Planning for the future
Many East Coast buyers aren’t moving immediately. They’re securing land for retirement, a future sea change or a family base. With no time limit to build, the land waits until they’re ready. Read buy now, build later.
8. Working from anywhere
High-speed NBN makes remote work realistic. Some buyers plan to keep their East Coast jobs and work from the coast. Read working from home on the coast.
What to weigh up
Moving or buying across the country is a big decision. We encourage buyers to think honestly about:
- Distance from family and friends. Visits take planning.
- Work. Remote work, a local job or retirement?
- Healthcare. Dongara has a hospital, and Geraldton has larger regional services. Check what you need.
- Lifestyle fit. Small-town life suits many people, but not everyone.
- Costs. Budget for settlement, holding costs, the build and travel.
- Your timeline. Are you comfortable with settlement in mid-2027?
Doing your homework
- Explore the lot plan and location map.
- Read our guides for buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Talk to Terry and ask for the survey plan, aerial photos and sample contract.
- Get independent advice on the contract and finance.
- Visit if you can.
No predictions, just facts
We don’t make predictions about future prices or returns. We present the facts about Hidden Valley so you can make your own decision. Do your own research and get independent advice.
What a move west can look like
Every buyer’s story is different, but a few patterns come up often. These are general illustrations, not specific people.
The early retirees
A couple in their late fifties secure a lot now, spend the waiting period designing a single-level home with a big shed and plan to move when they retire. They visit twice before building and use a local builder.
The remote workers
A family with jobs that can be done remotely buy a lot, build within a year of settlement and move. High-speed NBN means work carries on, with an early start to line up with East Coast hours.
The future-planners
A buyer in their forties secures a lot for the long term, holds the land and plans to build in their fifties. There’s no time limit to build, so the timing is entirely theirs.
The family base
Siblings buy a lot together as tenants in common, with a written agreement, to build a shared coastal base for their families.
Why now?
People buy for their own reasons and on their own timelines, and we don’t push urgency. What we can say factually is that Stage 1 (19 lots) is sold out and Stage 2 (19 lots) is the current release. The lot plan shows exactly what’s available today.
East Coast and Dongara at a glance
| Typical East Coast suburb | Hidden Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Block size | A few hundred square metres | Around 10,000m² |
| Beach | Varies, often a drive away | 900m |
| Services | Standard suburban | 3-phase power, town water, NBN |
| Fencing | Varies | $25,000 package included |
| Building rules | Often design guidelines | No covenants |
| Time limit to build | Common in new estates | None |
| Pace | Busy | Relaxed |
Questions to ask yourself
- What do I want my everyday life to look like in five years?
- How important is space?
- How important is the beach?
- Can my work come with me?
- How often will I need to travel back east?
- Am I comfortable with a small-town community?
Honest answers will tell you whether Hidden Valley is worth a closer look.
Talk to Terry
Call Terry McBratney on 0408 554 444 or send an enquiry. He can answer questions about specific lots and send the contour survey plan, aerial photos and a sample contract.
What comes with every lot
Power, water, NBN, fencing and clearing, all included. See the inclusions →
Common questions
Where do most enquiries come from?
All over Australia, with many from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
What’s the deposit?
$10,000, within 7 days of acceptance.
Can I buy now and move later?
Yes. There’s no time limit to build.
Is the land serviced?
Yes: 3-phase power, town water and high-speed NBN.
Are there building rules?
No covenants. Plans need WA building approval through the Shire.
Will the land go up in value?
We don’t make predictions. Property values can rise or fall.
Can I work remotely from Dongara?
High-speed NBN makes remote work practical.
How far is Perth?
About 3.5 hours by car.
Is Dongara very isolated?
It’s a small town, but it has a hospital, shops and schools, and Geraldton is 45 minutes away.
What should I read next?
Try buying land sight unseen and how to buy land in WA from interstate.
What kinds of East Coast buyers buy here?
Retirees, remote workers, families and people planning for the future, among others.
How many lots are left?
Check the live lot plan for the current availability.
Can siblings or friends buy together?
Yes. Tenants in common with a written agreement is a common approach.
Questions? Talk to Terry.
Ask about lots, the contract, building or visiting and Terry will call you back.
- $10,000 deposit secures your lot
- Nothing more to pay until settlement in mid-2027
- Construction commences October
Keep reading
Buying WA coastal land from Sydney: a practical guide
What $420,000 buys on the WA coast, how to buy from interstate and what to expect, for buyers in Sydney.
Read the guideFrom Melbourne to the WA coast: buying 2.5 acres in Dongara
The land, the lifestyle and the buying process for Melbourne buyers looking at Hidden Valley.
Read the guideBrisbane to Dongara: WA coastal land for Queensland buyers
For Brisbane buyers weighing up 2.5 acres on the WA coast: the land, what's included, the easy time difference, getting there and buying from Queensland.
Read the guide