7 cool businesses that might just entice you to escape the big smoke

• Norfolk Island’s most popular restaurant on the market as owners need to return to Australia
• The best business to buy if you want a sea change

It can be tempting to get caught up in the hype and excitement of making a sea or tree change but to really make it work you’ll most likely need an income.

Here are some businesses waiting for new owners to take the plunge.

Mission Beach Charters, QLD

Mission Beach Charters, QLD.

If you’ve always dreamed of zooming about the Great Barrier Reef on a boat, and getting paid for it, this might be the perfect job for you. 

Mission Beach Charters currently operates fishing charters, snorkel charters, scenic island tours, island picnic and island camping drop-offs, island transfers, scientific research charters and whale watching tours during whale season.

The business has been operating for eight years and has “huge potential for continued expansion,” according to the listing.

Located on the coast of Mission Beach, between Townsville and Cairns, the business is seeking offers of more than $290,000.

Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences

“Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences” and “Bushwalker Transport” businesses are for sale in Tasmania.

For the first time two Hobart tour guide businesses are being sold together, “Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences” and “Bushwalker Transport”.

“As a business model, one business complements the other or they can be separated. Whichever way, it is a lucrative enterprise in a market sector that is growing year on year,” according to the listing.

The businesses are for sale for $250,000 and offer a hands-on opportunity to get on board the booming tourism industry in Tasmania.

Island Whole Foods, VIC

Island Whole Foods, Phillip Island.

Interested in making a sea change and becoming a hipster?

Island Whole Foods is located on Victoria’s Phillip Island, which gets a whopping 1.85 million tourists a year according to the Victorian Government.

The hip cafe has been described as ‘a totally unique and innovative plant-based café based in Cowes, Phillip Island.’

Situated 150 metres from the foreshore, the cafe is seeking expressions of interest.

Nanga Bay Resort, WA

Nanga Bay Resort, WA.

Nanga Bay Resort, WA.

This oasis on the beach at Nanga Bay, about 770 kilometres north of Perth, is being sold on a freehold title for the first time in 17 years.

The resort comprises of 24 motel units, 12 cabins, 15 backpackers rooms and beach-view units.

There are also 83 caravan sites and the picturesque fishermen’s cabins on the beach (pictured above).

The site is almost more like a small village with a licensed restaurant and liquor store, a general store, a children’s playground, barbecues and a spa fed from a hot artesian bore. 

Black Springs Golf Resort, Qld

Black Springs Golf Resort

Black Springs Golf Resort

Black Springs Golf Course is a family-owned and operated business, incorporating 25 hectares at Baker’s Creek.

The property includes a 9-hole course with small lakes and dams, sand traps, billabong and remnant native forest.

The site also has a clubhouse, while an aqua-golf driving range was added in 2010.

The sale of a stand-alone golf course is rare and the freehold title of this course, nine kilometres from Mackay, is on the market for $2.4 million.

Wharf Rd Restaurant & Bar, NSW

Wharf Rd Restaurant & Bar.

The Wharf Rd Restaurant & Bar has built a name for itself as an up-market venue on the Shoalhaven River, at Nowra, south of Sydney.

The restaurant comes fully equipped and seats 130.

It has recently undergone a renovation, including works to upgrade the bar, fit out and commercial cooking equipment.

The vendors are seeking offers of more than $250,000, in a walk-in, walk-out deal.

Environmentally Friendly Moorings, NSW

Environmentally Friendly Moorings is a patented boat-mooring system that protects marine ecosystems rather than damaging them.

The unique business venture is operated out of Williamstown, north of Newcastle, but could be relocated.

The business is on the market for $1.3 million, which includes all assets, the Australian patent and training for the new owner.