Gold Coast

Living on the Gold Coast

Gold CoastThe Gold Coast has a population of just over half a million people and is an area of Queensland situated on the eastern coast, about one hour’s drive south of Brisbane. But unlike Brisbane, this place really is on the beach. And right in the centre of those beautiful beaches is Surfers Paradise, probably the area’s main attraction.

Gold Coast Location

But the Gold Coast is not all about beaches. The area is also enriched by the surrounding hinterlands, mountains and spectacular national parks, all of which are breathtaking. Tambourine Mountain is especially worth a visit. The Gold Coast also boasts over 400 km of canals and is home to a spectacular array of sea life and wildlife.

The Gold Coast also has a cluster of theme parks, it’s Australia’s theme park capital; with Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World, White Water World, Dreamworld as well as the Australian Outback Spectacular and for nature lovers, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

So, you see? It’s not all about beaches. But the Gold Coast does still have beaches aplenty, over 40 km stretching from Southport all the way down to Coolangatta on the New South Wales border. And these beaches are just perfect for surfing.

I’m not sure, but the already mentioned Surfers Paradise may well be the most commercial Beach in Australia, that’s what I am told. But I am a guy who has been to Blackpool and I was born in Southend. Both of those beaches resorts ARE commercial. To me, Surfers was quiet by comparison.

But I am told that late nights over the weekend it can get quite boisterous. But if Surfers is still too busy for you, there are plenty of other beaches to choose from in the area that are even quieter.

So beaches, mountains, hinterland, theme parks, canals, surely this has got to be the best place to live in Australia? Perhaps, but it is very much a tourist area. Some of the more prestige properties that back onto one of the water systems or maybe overlooks the ocean can be very expensive, but there are plenty of more reasonable priced properties in the area that still give great access to the beach.

What’s the weather like?

Gold Coast Annual Weather ChartBeing only around 70 kilometres south of Brisbane, the weather on the Gold Coast is not too dissimilar from that of the city.

Although it does boast even more sunshine, getting around eight hours each day. Again, winters are very mild so you can make use of the beaches all year round.

Possible severe weather around the Gold Coast are, again, as in Brisbane, cyclones and some flooding.

The areas of the Gold Coast:

Gold Coast MapThe Gold Coast can be broken down into four main areas:

Questions about Gold Coast?

If you have any question about living in Gold Coast, please please feel free to ask them in the comments below. Or if you know this city well, why not tell us what you think of it or maybe even help out by answering some of the questions people have about the area. I’m sure anybody thinking of moving here would be very grateful for any help you can give them.

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{ 398 comments… add one }
  • Carmen February 3, 2017, 4:44 am |

    Hello, I am an Italian student nurse living in Scotland. I will graduate as a nurse in 8 months time and I was planning to move to the GC. Would you recommend to get in contact with an agency for nurses abroad (However, I think they will be expensive!) or to do everything on my own? Also, do you have any general advice to give to a nurse?

    • BobinOz February 3, 2017, 4:45 pm |

      This is an area I don’t know too much about, what I do know though can be seen on my page called Nurses, doctors and dentists in Australia.

      The most important thing is that you will need to register before you can practice as a nurse in Australia, you’ll find some useful links on that page to help you work out how to do it.

      Hope that helps, Bob

      • Carmela Virzi February 4, 2017, 5:05 am |

        That’s great! Also, I know it’s different from person to person.. but do you know how long the visa process takes? Thank you for your great help here.

        • BobinOz February 5, 2017, 8:50 pm |

          No, as you say, it’s different from person to person, I’d say it’s anything from three months to a year and sometimes longer than that if there are problems.

  • LaDell January 28, 2017, 7:38 am |

    Hi Bob , I wrote to you a few months ago ,Ref to moving to Gold Coast Australia this year. its just myself and my four Children . Im trying to find a peaceful suburb close to quite Beaches
    good Schools for Childen aged between 7 years and 15 . Easy to find work in Children’s day care Centers, As a family we have had a lot of stress i would like to settle in a quiet friendly suburb where as a family we can go on walks and has that rural feel, yet easy to make friends for both my Children and myself. I would like to live where my Childen can walk to school . if possible where the houses have large gardens i like the old style Qweensland properties not new builds , I like older style homes with Character . Just want to settle in a good place to start over again some where we can call home and grow with a friendly communitie . Childrens Care Centers for my work is needed too Im happy to travel to work .
    Any recommendations would be much appreciated
    Many thanks
    LaDell

    • BobinOz January 29, 2017, 8:33 pm |

      Yes, I remember, and last time we spoke you were thinking about Sunshine Coast and I was suggesting it would be an ideal place for you. I still think it is, and as you have posted on this page, I would definitely suggest it ahead of Gold Coast.

      As for the work, there is no fun moving to somewhere new if you cannot find a job, so I would be inclined to research where in Queensland you are most likely to get a job in children’s care. You can do that on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      If you think you can find work up in the Sunshine Coast though, that is still where I would go if I were you.

  • Jozephine January 24, 2017, 7:10 pm |

    Hi Bob, we are french, are currently living in Sydney for 2 years and are thinking moving to GC. We’ve seen several nice houses in Helenvale and were thinking to Assisi for our 3 children (10, 13, 15). Does anybody have an advice ?

    • BobinOz January 25, 2017, 12:24 am |

      I don’t know the area well, so this is one I will have to leave to somebody who does. Can anyone help Jozephine out here?

  • jo January 11, 2017, 10:56 am |

    The place is full of crime who would want to live there, there is no work only scam tele marketing jobs. no place to park a car why the ocean is nice there are nicer oceans around the world, do not waste your money.

    • BobinOz January 12, 2017, 7:05 pm |

      Thank you for the most ridiculous two line summary of the Gold Coast I’ve ever read Jo. Well done, you actually made me laugh.

    • Scott January 22, 2017, 11:34 pm |

      Hahaha nice. No work? lol so everyone is unemployed? Well I agree with the tele-scam I have a S load calling me when I was trying to get work there. Crime is sensationalised unfortunately since there are some gang activity, however if you look at the crime rates per population it does not compare at any rate to other major cites.

  • Austin January 9, 2017, 3:10 pm |

    Hey Bob,
    My girlfriend and I, both 21, are interested in working on the Gold Coast for the summer (similar to a recent post on the blog). We are currently students, hoping to find a very cheap one bedroom apartment or floor. We are both experienced surfers and would like to be close to the best waves. Can you help?
    Signed, Austin

  • Barbara January 6, 2017, 4:54 am |

    Hi Bob,
    We are Barbara and Diego, from Italy, both of us 22 years old.
    It’s already 1 year that we’re living in London and working in a restaurant to save money for travel.
    We would like to move in Australia on september ( with the working holiday visa) we love sun and beaches!
    We saw your blog and we are actually thinking to move to the gold coast.
    Do you have any advise?
    Do you know a website to find a house to share or a 1 bedroom apartment?
    Is it simple to find a job ?
    Looking forward to hearing from you

    Sincerely

    Barbara and Diego

    • BobinOz January 6, 2017, 11:54 pm |

      The Gold Coast is a wonderful choice for a young couple like yourselves, plenty of sun, golden sandy beaches and fun to be had down there. Whilst there are never any guarantees of getting work, GC is very much a tourist area, probably Australia’s busiest tourist area, so there are plenty of opportunities in hospitality.

      So yes, I think you would stand a good chance of finding work. For accommodation, Google gumtree, it’s an online trading magazine and you can search for accommodation there. I’ve written about it, see…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/16335/finding-a-job-and-somewhere-to-live-in-australia/

      You might also want to read Working Holiday Visas and Backpacking in Australia

      My best advice you though is have as much fun as possible. Good luck, Bob

    • Barbara January 7, 2017, 3:26 am |

      Many thanks Bob!
      We’ll follow your advise 🙂

  • Faye January 3, 2017, 4:20 am |

    Hi there,
    I’m hoping for some advice, my husband and two children (11 & 8) and I are considering moving to the Gold Coast at the end of 2017. My husband should be transferring through work to Brisbane and his company will sponsor 457 and PR after 2 years. We have family in the GC and lived there 13 years ago for 8 months and have always wanted to go back. I recently had a near death experience and it made me realise life is short and we want to fulfill our dream of returning permanently . So the questions are:

    How stressful is the relocation process with kids? Eg house, school, etc And how long does the stress last?

    We’re thinking North GC so husband can commute to Brisbane by car or train, can anyone recommend family friendly suburbs and good schools ?
    Also were moving from Surrey so property cheaper but how can we find out the average cost of utilise food etc
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
    Thanks Faye
    Ps great website?

    • BobinOz January 3, 2017, 9:39 pm |

      Well, it’s difficult to say about the stress, everybody is different, whether it be adults or children. Seems to me the older they are the more difficult the relocation, it’s easy when there are only three or four years old, but yours are a bit on the cusp of when it starts to get more tricky.

      I think your 8-year-old will probably settle quicker than your 11-year-old, but it gets even harder when they are 13+, for example. That said, you are going to the Gold Coast, what kid would not like the Gold Coast? Beautiful golden sandy beaches, more theme parks than you can shake a stick at and gorgeous weather.

      Most kids I’ve seen come here easily settle in within a year.

      My page called The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything will help you work out prices, but I can’t help you with Gold Coast suburbs, hopefully somebody local will give you some advice on that.

      For schools so, see Which school?

      Good luck, Bob

  • Y December 29, 2016, 9:48 pm |

    I’ve been looking into moving from Sydney to Gold Coast (in the future! Similar to your long term plan to move to France 😉 ) so have stumbled across your site. Just curious as you mention in this article “probably one of the most expensive area in Australia to live in. It’s a close call between it and Sydney.” Living in Sydney for most of my life I am thinking of moving to GC because it’s so much cheaper!!

    Can you elaborate why you think it’s expensive? Is it the cost of living outside of the housing costs?

    Thanks.

    • BobinOz December 30, 2016, 6:03 pm |

      Well, I’m mighty glad you have asked me this question, because I wrote this page in 2011 and at that time that was the case. Since then though we all know what has happened to property prices not just in Sydney, but also Melbourne; they have skyrocketed.

      So you are absolutely right, moving to the Gold Coast will be much cheaper, certainly for housing, than it is in Sydney. Updating all of these pages is top on my list ‘to do’ for 2017, your comment is a good reminder for me to do that.

      I will now go make those words about the expense of GC magically disappear.

      Thanks again, Bob

      • Y December 31, 2016, 12:49 pm |

        Thanks Bob!

        You do great work and are inspiring me to work on my ‘blog’ idea.

        Have a happy new year!

  • garvit garg December 24, 2016, 2:57 am |

    respected sir most of the information on the blog is usefull but i want to ask some question that sir
    1. what is the scope for hospitality students
    2. what is the leaving cost in goldcoast
    3.what is a payscale of a day if working in restraunts

  • Manchi November 30, 2016, 12:31 am |

    Hi Bob,
    Thanks for creating this helpful blog! I am a US student studying in college over in Gold Coast next year. (near Southport)
    Any suggestions on where to buy bedroom or kitchen appliances near Southport? Also, how do grocery costs usually range for a single person?
    And any MUST see attractions while staying in Gold Coast?
    Is it true there’s a lot of spiders and deadly bugs in Aussie?
    Also (sorry I have so many questions to ask!!) what’s an affordable, good quality phone company for a single or family plan on budget?
    Thank you!(:

    • BobinOz November 30, 2016, 11:22 pm |

      My word Manchi, I’ve written about all these subjects and more. I think you need to acquaint yourself with my website, the Google search function on the right-hand side will help you with that.

      Have a good read, you will learn much.

      • Manchi December 2, 2016, 2:15 am |

        Hi Bob,
        I’ve read several pages on your site already and found them very useful. These infos are definitely helping me prepare for the move.
        Thank you for creating this site!!

        • BobinOz December 2, 2016, 8:24 pm |

          Thank you Manchi, glad to hear you are finding my website helpful. Good luck with your plans, I hope it all works out well.

          • Manchi December 4, 2016, 1:14 pm |

            Hi Bob,
            If I were to commute from Palm Beach, (around thrower drive) up to Griffith Uni Gold Coast, how much would taking a bus approximately cost? I’m trying to figure out transportation costs and couldn’t find an exact estimate.
            Thank you.

            • BobinOz December 5, 2016, 12:13 am |

              Google Translink and take a look at their journey planner. I think it quotes the prices of each fare.

  • Charles Ojie Ogbebor November 29, 2016, 12:11 pm |

    Am Charles from Nigeria a graduate of social work. I need advise and a sponsor to help me come over to Australia. I will love to know the place where I could get good job, and also low cost of living and free from this snakes bite. I don’t like snakes .

    • BobinOz November 29, 2016, 9:14 pm |

      Then I have all the advice you need here on this website, about 1400 pages worth. Have a good read 🙂

  • Laszlo November 29, 2016, 10:09 am |

    Hi. I have question but is it possible in email and not i ln comment? Just email me your email adress. Thanks

    • BobinOz November 29, 2016, 9:11 pm |

      That depends what the question is about, please click on the link to my contact page which will find in the footer. If it’s a question about Gold Coast or anything general about life in Australia or moving to Australia, then yes, you should ask it in the comments. That way other people can answer you as well as myself. Cheers, Bob

  • Christina October 29, 2016, 2:40 am |

    Hey Bob, my husband is being transferred to the Gold Coast this December and were really not too sure where we should live. We have two children ages 5 and 6 so we’d like to be near a good school. We love the beach so we don’t want to be too far inland. Is there a place along the coast that is quiet and laid back. We’re moving from Vancouver so we’re really looking to just slow our lives down from the city life.
    Looking forward to hearing back from you,
    Christina

    • BobinOz October 30, 2016, 7:05 pm |

      I don’t really know Gold Coast well enough to advise on this, but I do know that it is not an area known for being ‘quiet and laid-back’. You definitely need to avoid anywhere too close to Surfers Paradise and my suspicion is that you will be better off at the southern end, maybe in or around Coolangatta.

      Incidentally, and this probably doesn’t help, but the beaches just the other side of the border in northern New South Wales are definitely quieter and much more laid back.

      Check out the following post which does also include Coolangatta:

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/16463/a-beachy-weekend-in-northern-new-south-wales/

      You can research schools on my page called Which school?

      Hopefully though, somebody local will see your comment and give you some more meaningful advice. Good luck, Bob

      • James November 16, 2016, 12:08 pm |

        Hi,

        I stumbled across this website, great SEO work Bob.

        I actually live on the GC and have been here for 3 years. It’s got to be my favourite place in Australia, and certainly the best place I’ve lived for raising kids (Having lived in Melbourne and Sydney also).

        We have a 3 year old and currently live in Mermaid Beach which is 15-20 minutes south of Surfers Paradise, This suburb is one of the best you will find in the entire state but it does come with a price.

        As Bob said, Surfers Paradise should be avoided, as a local, We have only been there once, it’s nothing but a tourist hub.
        However, Coolangatta probably isn’t the best place for a family to live, it’s another hub for holiday goers, however attracts a whole different, relaxed surfy crowd.

        It depends if you want to be closer to the beach, or on the canals if your into boating and fishing? The Gold Coast has thousands of homes across canals with direct access into the ocean.

        These are some suburbs you should consider:

        Mermaid Beach
        Mermaid Waters
        Burleigh Heads
        Burleigh Waters
        Palm Beach
        Currumbin

        If your budget is a little stretched, then some good affordable suburbs close to the action are:

        Robina
        Varsity Lakes
        Elenora

        The best schools up here are:
        All Saints
        Sommerset
        The Southport School (Boys)
        St Hilda’s (Girls)
        Kings College

        • BobinOz November 16, 2016, 5:59 pm |

          Excellent roundup James, I’m glad you found me 🙂

          This is great information about Gold Coast, I’m sure a lot of readers will find it very useful. Obviously, as I don’t live in the area, it’s impossible for me to know what it’s really like to live there, so it’s great to hear from someone who actually does.

          Sounds like you are loving life down that way, always great to find a place that ticks the boxes. Thanks for taking the time to help out here, cheers, Bob

        • Scott Verney November 24, 2016, 9:53 pm |

          I stayed at Palm Beach recently, such a great area. A few years back I lived in Parkwood just for 2 months while travelling but it did not have that Gold Coast vibe. The areas you mentioned between the airport to Surfers are much better. Never been to Coolangatta though all I know is Mick Fanning used to live or does live there.

          • BobinOz November 25, 2016, 9:45 pm |

            I was in Palm Beach myself just last weekend Scott, I agree with you entirely. It’s a really lovely area. For those who want to take a look, check out this post…

            https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/21182/tugun-currumbin-and-palm-beach-a-weekend-break-on-the-gold-coast/

            And yes, Mick Fanning does come from the area, we did have a beer in his microbrewery.

            • Scott December 23, 2016, 3:53 pm |

              Hi Bob

              Yes I actually made an unorganised attempt to move to Gold Coast a few years ago. I stayed in Parkwood north westish of Surfers. It’s a nice area, I just find the southern areas feel more local and there is a nice blend of locals and tourists. I stayed at a hotel for $79.00 per night right near the beach, and public transport was easily accessible to Surfers. Coffee shops around there open at 5.30am which am not so used to. I am hoping to return once I gather work experience and finish a few courses in SA…

            • Scott December 23, 2016, 3:55 pm |

              That link is superb, I seen all the people standup paddle boarding, surfing etc. I actually took a walk along the beach at night, don’t think it’s unsafe at all, and the houses are superb, during the day walked around just off the main road into the suburbs, I would like to own a house around that area.

              • BobinOz December 23, 2016, 9:40 pm |

                Thanks Scott, and yes, it is a good area, it certainly much more laid-back and less commercial than the glitzy Surfers Paradise. Hopefully one day you will own a house around there, it definitely looks like a good place to live.

  • Michelle Maree September 21, 2016, 12:26 pm |

    Dear Bob,

    My compliments and many thanks for your awesome website! I think it will help many people like me.

    I’m planning to move to Australia in a year and I’m looking for a corporate job (like business development or marketing/pr) and I would like to continue with working as an artist with art made out of reclaimed materials and driftwood, please check my website so you have an idea http://www.designbynudu.com. I am looking for a place to make my homebase in Oz with a warm climate, an open minded and artistic enviroment and also a large corporate market, and where I can find driftwood/lumber/reclaimed wood to continue my artwork. I like to meet new people, love to party and I’m also a nature freak. I was told that the Gold Coast or Brisbane would be a good place for a girl like me. What would be the best place for me you think?

    My ‘strategy’ would be to just move there, first start with a ‘simple’ job in a restaurant/bar, meet people and search for a corporate job from there. I was told that you have to be there and just meet some recruiters to find a good job. I’m qualified so there are no worries about that. Is it easy to find a ‘simple’ job and what do you think about my ‘strategy’?

    Thanks in a million!
    Michelle from Suriname/The Netherlands

    • BobinOz September 21, 2016, 7:43 pm |

      Yes, I did take a look at your video, you make some very interesting stuff. Nice work.

      In the current climate, jobs aren’t that easy to get here in Australia. So whenever people wonder where they should live, at the moment I’m saying go where the work is. I’m talking about the corporate job you say you will look for, I imagine a major city would be best for that.

      Which one, I don’t know, it would probably be between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but you can check my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship to search for opportunities that would suit you.

      Now your artwork, that’s a different story really, if you were just doing that I’d really recommend you look at Byron Bay. That’s a very arty, hippie, touristy kind of surfer dude town that I think would suit you and your work. You’d probably do well down the way for driftwood as well. They also like to party down there.

      I doubt you’d get a corporate job in the area though, but worth looking.

      You are definitely looking in the right area for the warm weather though if you stay in the northern parts of New South Wales or south-east Queensland. Hope that helps you a bit and good luck with your plans.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Nico September 16, 2016, 2:45 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I’ve been living in Sydney for 10 years and thinking of moving to the Gold Coast. I am thinking Burleigh Heads. I have a corporate job so I would probably have to work in Brisbane. What do you think about the commute? is the rail line any good? or would it be better to drive to work? I heard the traffic is horrendous at peak time. Can you let me know if I should consider the move? my other option is sunshine coast but I guess it would be the same issue right?
    Thanks a lot

    • BobinOz September 16, 2016, 8:36 pm |

      Hi Nico

      Well, I’ve never done the commute, but so many people have told me just how horrible it is. Burleigh Heads to Brisbane and back each day would drive you mad, whether by car or train. I don’t think the train line is very good, but again, I’ve never used it.

      You’d have the same problem if you chose the Sunshine Coast. Personally I’d live in Brisbane and drive out to the coast, whichever one, at the weekends. That’s just my opinion though, based on what I’ve heard, but maybe somebody else reading this can let you know what they think.

      Does anyone here commute each day from the Gold Coast to Brisbane? It would be great to hear what you think of it.

      • Nico September 19, 2016, 9:03 am |

        Thanks Bob,
        I don’t really want to live in Brisbane.. anyone doing the commute to work from the GC here? how long is it each way?
        Thanks

        • Scott October 1, 2016, 3:07 pm |

          Hi Nico

          I lived on the Gold Coast and caught the train a few times into Brisbane. It’s about 1 hour each way, and there might be a peak hour train with limited stops I am not sure but that should take 45 minutes. The train goes fast so you at least feel it’s not that long, which it really is not. Then you factor in train stations to work and home time also, and it would be around 3 hours per day. I used to catch it around Helensvale I believe it was and it was very hard to get parking during the day, and considering QLD has no daylight savings you would always be getting home at night time. I am the same though would probably rather do this than live in Brisbane maybe try it for 6 months and see how it goes.

          • Nico October 13, 2016, 3:00 pm |

            Hey Scott,
            thanks for the message. An hour each way is actually not bad at all. It will then also depend how far from the station I live and how far my workplace is from the station in Brisbane. I tried to find trains with limited stops but couldn’t find it. Do you know a website with timetable for the train?
            Thanks mate

            • BobinOz October 14, 2016, 12:45 am |

              Ah, I can help with this one; Google ‘Brisbane Translink journey planner’. You can put in what time you want to arrive, and it will plan your journey for you, which buses and/or trains you need to get and at what time.

              Just having a look around Translink will probably be useful as well.

            • Scott October 31, 2016, 11:25 pm |

              Hi Nice

              Bob left the website, also added bonus the trains have free wifi. Like you said it’s really dependant on how close you are to the station, having said that though, the buses do run there so if you live walking distance to a bus stop you should be fine. Just think you can spend your weekends at the beach, surfers, drive to Byron etc. I think Brisbane is a great city just not my thing, I would easily just train it to Brisbane and live in the GC, plus it’s probably cheaper housing too. All the best.

        • Melinda October 14, 2016, 4:25 pm |

          Hi Nico,
          I live right at the end of the train line at Varsity Lakes, which is about 10 minutes inland from Burleigh and I think it would be your closest station (possibly Robina, depending on where you are). It takes me an hour and a half on the train to get to my office in Fortitude Valley (one stop north of Brisbane central). The trip is generally comfortable and uneventful for me, and reliable arrival times, but it’s quite expensive – almost $30 for a round trip – so I’ve arranged to work from home a few days a week.

          • James November 16, 2016, 12:12 pm |

            Living in Burleigh Heads is one of the best areas on the Coast but to travel daily to Brisbane, you’d want to be getting paid a bucket load of cash and be happy with what your doing because you would be spending 4 hours a day in getting from your house to the station, then train to Brisbane, then station in Brisbane to Work and repeat daily. If you want to do it, good luck, but as a local living in southern GC, I wouldn’t advise it

            Either
            A) Get a job on the Gold Coast
            B) Live at the Northern End of the Gold Coast (Helensvale)

  • ross September 12, 2016, 10:01 pm |

    considering moving into gold coast..
    leaving in 10yrs sydney ..working in one of 5 star hotel senior staff..
    i dont see many job as much as sydney..from seek.com..
    any other job sites people use a lot..

  • Diogo August 22, 2016, 6:38 am |

    Hi, my name is Diogo, I am portuguese and moving to Australia is my dream.
    I just didn’t yet decide if I want to go to Sydney or Gold Coast and my question is:
    Are there job opportunities in gold coast? That is my only fear..
    And what about childcare in general in Australia? Is it very expensive?

    Thank you, your website help me a lot !

    • BobinOz August 22, 2016, 4:42 pm |

      Impossible questions to answer really, because what you pay for childcare depends on what kind of visa you are on, what you earn and whether you qualify for any government support. As for jobs on the Gold Coast, yes there are jobs, but whether or not you could get one depends on what you do and what your qualifications and experiences are as well as your ability to convince somebody at the interview stage to give you a start.

      So I can’t answer your questions, but there are pages here that will help you. You can search for jobs on my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and find out more about childcare from…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/12566/childcare-options-for-children-in-australia/

      You say finding a job is your biggest fear, but for most people it’s actually qualifying for the visa to move to Australia in the first place. Have you looked at that yet? If not, that’s what I’d do next if I were you. Good luck, Bob

  • Arlinka June 6, 2016, 1:53 am |

    Hi, Bob!
    I’m going to study at griffith univ in gold coast. I will move there with my son (4 y.o). I am a moslem and lil bit worry about people who may anti-muslim. Can you tell me the perception of people there about muslim? Which area that has moslem community but still close to griffith univ in gold coast? Thank you, bob! Your blog is very useful!

    • BobinOz June 6, 2016, 5:57 pm |

      That is a very difficult, if not impossible, question for me to answer as I am neither in the Gold Coast nor am I a Muslim. What I can tell you though is that Australia is very much a multicultural country and we do have lots of Muslims living here already.

      There will be a Muslim community somewhere in the Gold Coast, of that I am sure. Hopefully somebody who lives locally will help you out with that one.

      There will be a very small minority of people who are racist, every country has those, but there will be also the vast majority who are very supportive of all cultures.

      • Vishal June 21, 2016, 12:55 am |

        Hi Arlinka, There are a lot of Muslims on the Gold Coast from all over the Middle east and Asia. There is a Mosque very close to Griffith University, Southport Campus. The mosque is in Biggera Waters, 5 to 7 minutes drive and 10 minutes by bus. Also Griffith University provides prayer rooms for Muslim Students. The best bet would be to search for a temporary accommodation through gumtree.com.au and once you have seen the place, met some people around you can make a decision for yourself. Muslims on the Gold coast are widely spread, so there is no particular place where you can say a Muslim area. Gold Coast is a very multicultural city, just as the rest of Australia, an racism on the Gold Coast is negligible unless you want to wander around Surfers and Broadbeach (night club areas), then you are inviting for trouble, most locals who like quietness stay out of that area. hope this will help ease any tension there may be. Gold Coast is open to all.

        • Dhi August 16, 2016, 11:02 am |

          Hi Vishal,
          Thanks for your valuable comments.
          I am getting a permanent job offer from Gold Coast based company. I am currently based in Sydney.
          I was told that there are lot of crimes, Bikies, Drugs, Club wars happening and not good for long term settlement for family.
          It will be great if you could let me know the situations there as I am completely new to Australia and don’t want to get any risk by moving to Gold Coast.

  • Lori April 25, 2016, 6:46 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Just like to get advice from you, i am planning to apply as an international student at envirotech at gold coast maybe this Sept 2016. Perhaps my course will run for 2 years time and part time jobs will be helpful in my future expenses. You have any idea if there are plenty of part time jobs for international students there? Also, if you are familiar with the school, would be glad to hear feedbacks from you. Lastly, is gold coast fine in terms of lifestyle for international students like me?
    I find the blog really helpful. Thanks in advance!

    Lori

    • BobinOz April 26, 2016, 4:41 pm |

      Hi Lori

      No, I am not familiar with the school, so I can’t help with that. Maybe somebody else will see this and help you out.

      As for getting work on the Gold Coast, it is quite a commercial area, so I suspect there are plenty of hospitality jobs in bars, restaurants and hotels. So I think you would have a chance, but obviously there are no guarantees. As for lifestyle, I would imagine it’s perfect for students, it’s hot, sunny, has golden beaches and a very bustling nightlife.

      Have fun, Bob

    • ronny August 13, 2016, 5:25 am |

      Hi lori

      Gold coast is a heaven on earth.. its the most beautiful place in australia with wide variety of multiculturism & nice people.

      Its one of the biggest tourist attraction around the world which makes local very tolerant about people from all walks of life.

      As far as a job is concerned, to be very honest, it gets bit difficult to find one for international students if they can’t speak good English. Also most students I have seen are not very much of adabtable nature to the new culture & shy mingling with people.

      So my experience was if you are confident, got good command over the language, passionate and focused in life, you will succeed here, as australia is the land of opportunities.

      • Liz September 14, 2016, 9:46 pm |

        I lived on the Gold Coast for 16 years and only worked to 5 of them I’m a qualfied secondary teacher, don’t even think about working in the government system its terrible the kids are even worse, private schools are extremely hard to get employed in as all the teachers want to work in them. You either need a lobotomy or are a hairdresser of waitress to get a job.There is very little infra struture on the coast most jobs are in hospitiality of some other brainless low paid position.

        • BobinOz September 15, 2016, 12:37 am |

          Hmm. I am speechless. I think it’s best I stay that way Liz.

        • Grace Alleman October 17, 2016, 1:01 am |

          great truthfully said reply for those who can’t stand the truth. I too am a teacher and it’s not always “fairies and unicorns and butterflies” for those who can take the truth.

  • Edward February 19, 2016, 7:52 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Have spent a lot of time looking at statistics for unemployment rates and applying for some jobs on the Goldcoast. I’m just wondering if you know where the jobs (unskilled) are in QLD as even though unemployment rates may be low although when job hunting there are few jobs advertised. Looking at all places anywhere on the coast in QLD. Cheers

    • BobinOz February 22, 2016, 4:46 pm |

      No, I don’t, but if you use the links I provide on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship, some of them provide a breakdown of jobs region by region or city by city if you search Australia wide. Hope that helps, Bob

  • Jen February 6, 2016, 10:39 am |

    Hi Im writing an essay for my school abt Australia 🙂
    Do you know any peaceful (by peaceful, i mean small little towns surrounded by forests) in Australia? Not beaches, but towns 🙂
    Do you know any huge hospitals?
    Any big fields for tennis competition or something like that? (By the way, what is Australia’s favourite sport?)
    Any police stations?
    If possible, I hope all these places are in the same area. But if not possible, just give me the places is just fine 🙂
    Thank you for your attention 😀

    • BobinOz February 8, 2016, 4:48 pm |

      Nice try Jen, but I haven’t done homework for over 40 years and I’m not going to start now 🙂

      • Jen February 13, 2016, 7:19 pm |

        Aww. Fine, Im just gonna go Google Maps then. Thanks for replying anyway.

    • C campbell March 8, 2016, 8:47 am |

      Yes I know a few places . About 40 mins from the Gold Coast in the hinterland .its called Canungra and also mount tambourine . It’s surrounded by forests

    • Grace Artist October 17, 2016, 1:04 am |

      Have you heard of Google? You can google all these questions instead of wasting his time.

  • Joseph October 13, 2015, 6:25 am |

    Hello, Do you know of any resources to help decide what area to live in the Gold Coast?
    Work is taking me to the Gold Coast for about 18 months and would like to know what areas to look for/avoid in terms of cost/accessibility/transit/crime/noise, etc.

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Cheers

    • BobinOz October 13, 2015, 9:18 pm |

      Yes Joseph, check out my page called Which Suburb?

      It has got several useful links to help you research suburbs and see what people are saying about them. Good luck, Bob

  • AM September 19, 2015, 12:51 am |

    Hey Bob! I’m a medical student from Portugal and i would love to live in australia once i graduate. I’m taking some english courses and i was even thinking of specializing in australia after i graduate. I would like to ask how the general scenario is for for foreign doctors finding a job in oz (specialy for those like me who want to specialize there) and if it’s easy to choose a particular area to live.

    • BobinOz September 21, 2015, 12:47 pm |

      Sorry, that’s not a question I can answer. You would need to talk to a medical recruitment Specialist for the latest situation on opportunities for doctors in Australia.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Jude September 17, 2015, 12:39 am |

    Hey Bob,

    Hows it going mate? You know I am an avid follower of your blog. I got a working sponsorship visa in Gold Coast in Benowa area. I am currently residing in Bendigo Victoria, and travel a lot to Melbourne. Would you compare Melbs from Gold Coast. Apparently, Melbourne is the most livable city in the world! How would Gold Coast differ from Melbs, aside from the weather. Can you suggest a good place that is near Benowa area to stay? How about safety and public transport?

    Cheers
    Jude

    • BobinOz September 17, 2015, 4:30 pm |

      Hey Jude

      Sorry, you must get that all the time 🙂

      The Gold Coast is very different to Melbourne, Melbourne is a major city, the Gold Coast isn’t so major. But you are only an hour or so away from Brisbane, so you will have access to city life. Gold Coast, certainly around Surfers Paradise, is very commercialised, lots of nightlife, pubs, and of course surfers.

      It’s a safe place, transport is pretty good, and there’s nothing wrong with Benowa, is quite a nice area. If you’re looking for somewhere else to stay though, I will leave that to the locals, I simply do not know all the areas well enough.

      Good luck, enjoy the beaches.

  • Ben Savage September 10, 2015, 7:08 am |

    Good morning Bob,
    My partner and I along with our 8 month old Son are moving to The Gold Coast mid October and are looking for some short term accommodation before we get all the required documentation to rent as well as being in Australia to view the property.
    Do you know of any good websites or anywhere in the GC that offers accommodation around $300-$400 per week that would suit a family of 3?

    Kind Regards
    Ben

    • BobinOz September 10, 2015, 3:55 pm |

      No I don’t Ben, that’s one for a Google search, and it may not be easy to find. Good luck though.

  • Alexis September 9, 2015, 11:53 pm |

    This is such a wonder website ! Very helpful.
    My girlfriend and I are looking to move to Australia from South Africa.
    We are absolute beach bums, hate the cold and love the out doors so are thinking that the Gold coast would be the best move for us?
    I’m looking at starting my own business in Australia, an upmarket watch/jewellery store with the top watch brands.
    Do you think a store like that would do well on the Gold coast?

    • BobinOz September 10, 2015, 3:28 pm |

      I don’t know, but if it’s going to work in Australia, that’s one of the places it would. And you’ve got the beaches 🙂

  • Sophie August 29, 2015, 10:33 pm |

    Hi,
    Me and my partner are planning the move to Australia in September 2016 and are just starting to plan. What we would like to do is find an area in Australia to work and live and in our holidays/ spare time use this to explore and travel the rest of the country. The only problem being is deciding on a place to live! I am a teacher and my partner works as a welding inspector. We are both in our early 20s so want a nice vibrant place with beaches, bars and restaurants but also affordable. Could you recommend a great place for us? I have been looking at Melbourne and the Gold Coast (however picking a suburb seems impossible!!). Also we have friends who live in Perth and suggest this as being a fantastic place for young people to live? Thanks in advance.

    • BobinOz August 30, 2015, 6:05 pm |

      Nobody else can choose the best place for you to live in, only you can know what’s right for you when you’ve tried it and then love it.

      From the sound of it, any one of your potential destinations could suit, but I’d suggest Perth is too isolated to explore the rest of the country during holidays easily, Melbourne has great beaches but not so much the weather to enjoy them, and Gold Coast may well be exactly what you want but for some people is just too commercialised.

      Only you can choose though.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Jo August 4, 2016, 8:49 am |

      Hi Sophie
      We live in Helensvale on the Gold Coast which is an awesome suburb good train services close to beaches and really cool places to visit – email me at jorhodes68@hotmail.com as I may have a rental property you might be interested in

  • Jessie parsons August 20, 2015, 11:27 pm |

    Hey Bob, me,my mum and dad all want to move to Australia hopefully in the next couple of years,we are mostly interested in moving to the gold coast as it looks like the ideal sort of lifestyle we would be after and the ideal location, we are going on holiday there in december to look around and view properties,the place itself and activities there to do and also possibly college and universities there or near to there,however I do not know what age you go to college there or start I am studying in the UK at the moment for my a levels in biology and chemistry and am 17 years old i am hoping to do a university course In some sort of science subject maybe even study to be a doctor but I don’t know yet,really I wanted to do my studying in Australia and just go there as soon as I can?my question is do I need to wait till I am 18 to study at college here in Australia or should I just move to Australia when I have completed my a levels in the UK and just study at university in Australia,in the UK we start college as soon as we leave school at 16/17 so I need to get myself orgabised and decide what i am doing,it is also stressing me out that i do not know where to go to find out about getting student visas or any of this information which is why i was hoping you could help,my mum can move there and work there as the company she works for is over in Australia my dad works offshore so I think he could still work for his company over there too,we are only now really looking into the move and going to Australia now we have saved up some money and we are getting closer to our holiday

    • BobinOz August 21, 2015, 9:09 pm |

      Hi Jessie

      You don’t have to wait until your 18, you can come over any time to suit you and you will fit in somehow or other. If you check my page about Student Visas and complete the free assessment form you can get there, I have an expert who can guide you.

      It’s worth you knowing though that whilst you are under 18 you are regarded as a dependent child and therefore can easily be included in either your mum or your dad’s application. Once you turn 18 you become an adult, and would need to apply in your own right if you are fully independent, but if you are continuing in full-time education then you can still be regarded as ‘dependent’ and therefore still included with your mum or dad’s application.

      Because of this, I really think you and your parents should consider discussing your options with a MARA registered migration agent. Good luck, Bob

  • Barry August 12, 2015, 5:18 pm |

    Hi Everyone ,could any body recommend a suburb to move to just outside the Gold Coast as I’m here on a 489 visa and cannot live in the Gold Coast it’s self for another year ,cheers Barry

    • BobinOz August 13, 2015, 6:55 pm |

      I don’t get it Barry, you just said your visa is for South Australia?

      • Barry August 13, 2015, 7:14 pm |

        Hi Bob ,I am allowed to change States as long as my job is on the skills list which it wasn’t in Queensland at the time I started my visa application.

  • Barry August 8, 2015, 10:38 pm |

    I would dearly love to live on the Gold Coast ,but we only have a 489 visa….does anyone now how I could swap States? Please!!!!!!!

    • BobinOz August 9, 2015, 7:54 pm |

      You have a regional visa Barry, you really should observe the terms and conditions upon which that visa was granted to you. There are many many places you could choose to live in that are regional, so why not go to one and give it a go, 100%.

      No sense in pining for what you can’t have, instead enjoy what you can have.

      • Barry August 12, 2015, 5:45 pm |

        Hi Bob I forgot to mention my visa is for SA that’s why I asked if anyone could advise as I only know the Gold Coast and would like to move as close to it as possible to it without actually breaking the rules. cheers

  • Josh June 19, 2015, 5:38 pm |

    Hi,

    Not sure if this site is still monitored :). Me and my partner are migrating to Gold Coast in November and are looking to secure some temporary accomodation. Can anyone reccommend a good company / website for this information?

    Thanks

    Josh

  • hassan April 17, 2015, 1:49 pm |

    Hi,bob i am planning to study in australia i have to 2 options adelaide and gold coast which city is good for students and can i find job in gold coast? i like to party hard by the way 😀

    • BobinOz April 17, 2015, 8:22 pm |

      Not many parties in Adelaide, so it’s Gold Coast for you. It’s one great big party all the time there 🙂

      No guarantee of work anywhere, but you have a good chance on the Goldie, it’s a tourist area, so waiters, bar staff, hospitality work, it’s there.

  • Mike Dunn April 8, 2015, 1:11 pm |

    G”Day Bob
    I want to thank you for your comment back on my last posta few years ago. Since then i have been working real hard here in my state of colorado here in the US. Still working on moving to Gold Coast Australia but instead of a work visa i have decided to go back to school instead. I will be attending Griffith University in 2018. Will be working on my second bachelor’s degree but in wildlife biology instead of business.

    Still wanting to open my own zoo and aquarium in the gold coast and dedicate it to Steve Irwin and the Irwin family.

    I am trying to decide on a location still. Either north or south stradebroke islands or someone else in the gold coast where i can access the ocean water to fill my aquarium with.

    • BobinOz April 8, 2015, 7:03 pm |

      Hi Mike

      Good to hear back from you again, and that your plans are still in place. Plenty of time to open that zoo and aquarium, Australia will still be here and it’s a good idea to get some further qualifications first.

      Good luck with your plans, I hope it all goes well and I’m looking forward to seeing your setup on the Gold Coast sometime soon.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Jaden April 7, 2015, 2:37 pm |

    I just recently got myself a working holiday visa. At first I was thinking about starting out in Melbourne, but lately I’ve been looking into living on the Gold Coast. I’m 23 years old, hoping I can get a job there and it will be a good fit for me.

    Does anybody know what the job market is like over there?

    • BobinOz April 7, 2015, 6:55 pm |

      Hopefully somebody who knows the Gold Coast well can give you a clue on this one, but if it helps you can use the links on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship to see what kind of work is currently available in the area.

  • Sumit kashyap February 22, 2015, 8:20 pm |

    Hi bob i am planning to move to australia for living there for study as well job with my spouse..I just want to know about the gold coast life style to Live whether this is better then perth?

    • BobinOz February 23, 2015, 5:57 pm |

      Both places have the ‘beach’ lifestyle, and great weather, I think the major differences are that the Gold Coast is more commercial and probably livelier with a lot of nightlife, Perth is very remote so has less options if you want to jump in a car and drive and is probably more of a family environment.

      I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, they are just different.

  • Belle February 21, 2015, 12:32 pm |

    Hiya Bob

    I’m Currently living in Melbourne, moved here in Jan last year from NZ. I’m a primary school teacher and was wondering if you knew how easy/difficult it would be to get work there? Wanting to move at the end of the year very desperate to get out of Melbourne.

    TIA
    Belle 🙂

    • BobinOz February 22, 2015, 9:02 pm |

      Always difficult for me to answer these kinds of questions Belle, they are so specific to the kind of work you do and the area you are looking at. All I can do is point you towards my page about Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and suggest you follow the advice there.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Belle February 22, 2015, 11:08 pm |

        Cheers Bob I’ll look into it

  • tristan February 15, 2015, 7:14 pm |

    Hi bob,

    Thinking of moving to the gold coast this year. Just wondering regarding the flood in the gold coast is it really bad? thanks hope for your response

  • Marcos December 28, 2014, 7:30 am |

    Hi Bob and Karol, thank you very much for the info provided.

    I am still looking for the best place to live in Australia and got in love with Byron Bay. Would you mind exploring a little more about what you know from this place? Let me tell you a little more about what am I looking for, as it sounded that I am searching for the same as I have here in Brazil (a busy businessman life). I want the opposite, actually, I want to be a small town, simple life, pitoresque, eccentric, artisitic, trendy and adjectives alike… as close as I can to the sea and have the opportunity to get in touch with different kinds of people.

    Hope you could get the idea and we can talk a lot more about it, Marcos.

  • Jen B December 27, 2014, 11:57 pm |

    Hi bob.

    My family and I have been planning to move to goldcoast, but am not sure if its the right place to raise a family?? We’re from Bunbury, two hours south from Perth, WA, and we find that this town does not provide that much opportunity for sport, education, jobs, etc. I was just wondering if goldcoast is the way to go. Whats the lifestyle, community, crime, etc. like?? (we also have family in nz, and it would be easier for travelling)

    Jen

    • BobinOz December 29, 2014, 10:51 pm |

      Hi Jen B

      I think it’s fair to say that the Gold Coast is a ‘safe’ place to live for a family and I think it will also offer the opportunities you are looking for. That said, the crime rate seems to be higher in the Gold Coast than it is elsewhere in Queensland, so that is a negative.

      Friends of mine moved down there three years ago, they have two young children, they are still there and they seem happy. But I do know they are also a little uneasy about the level of crime at times, because when they lived here in Brisbane, especially coming from the quiet western suburbs where we live, bad things very rarely happened.

      Personally I think the only reason to live in the Gold Coast is if you really love going to the beach a lot, if not maybe choose Brisbane; no decent beaches up here I’m afraid, but only an hour or so away from either the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.

      Good luck, I hope you find somewhere that really suits you and your family sometime soon.

      Bob

  • Karol December 19, 2014, 7:10 pm |

    I agree with Bob Sydney has the nightlife, beach & more culture.. Very busy but u will b used to that but with many more other different cultures.. Sydney is very expensive to live rent or buy.. Definitely more job opportunities but depends on the field.. Coming from a Latin background Sydney has small communities of different countries but living on the Gold Coast is great for the weather again we r used to the tropical climate I found Sydney too cold but that’s just me.. All the best with your choice you can always move & try new states..

  • Marcos December 18, 2014, 2:27 pm |

    Dear friends, this is a brazilian looking for info on the best place to live in Australia. Trying to go for a beach city (I suf) with lots of music/cultural/nightlife (accostumed to huge capital down here, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro). How would you rate/compare Gold Coast, Sidney, Byron Bay and Brisbane? Would be amazing if we could consider job opportunities/career development on the opinions.

    Thanks and regards, Marcos

    • BobinOz December 19, 2014, 6:35 pm |

      Sydney would definitely be the liveliest of your choices and as Brisbane is no good for beaches or surfing, you would probably want to discount it. The Gold Coast would probably not be big enough for you and Byron Bay would be the hippy’s choice, very laid-back, but again probably not busy enough for you.

      So I’d go Sydney. Maybe somebody else can give their views?

  • Jessica November 21, 2014, 11:18 am |

    Hi Bob,

    I am am a dual citizen (born in the states) planning to relocate to the Gold Coast. It’s been a long-time dream of mine, and I plan on making it happen next year. Based on the research I have done, there seems to be a lot of public transport. Is it fairly easy to get around from town to town on the Gold Coast? I won’t have a car initially, so I am trying to figure out where to live/work, etc. Is there a town you recommend where it is convenient to get around without a car?

    • BobinOz November 22, 2014, 7:17 pm |

      Ah, I don’t know is the short answer Jessica, I’ve only ever driven down there by car so I’ve not had much to do with the Gold Coast public transport. Hopefully someone who lives that way will help out.

      Anybody know the answer to this?

  • Tanahya November 2, 2014, 12:16 pm |

    Hey Bob,
    I’m a Noosa girl born and bread, traveled around the country a few times to check out other places but nothing compares to the Sunny Coast. Currently moved tdown to Mooloolaba for better hopes of work, but there is nothing & its slowly killing me (26yo). So I’m thinking about the GC. What’s the jobs situation like (mainly for retail and hospitality)
    Cheers

    • BobinOz November 3, 2014, 5:25 pm |

      Well I’m pretty sure the job prospects down on the Gold Coast are better, but I don’t know exactly what they are like. Hopefully somebody who lives down that way will help you out and answer your question Tanahya.

      Can anybody help?

  • Jaime Castro October 18, 2014, 11:01 am |

    Hi Bob, congrats on ur website, you must be a very patient person to respond all questions..amazing! My family and I are planning to move to oz sometime near March. We have to little girls, 1 and 4, we’re from Latin America, so we like tropical weather. We’re also into the health industry, sports, triathlon, wellness and zumba. We’re also a catholic family, not fanatic, but beleivers and we’re moving because of the unstability of the country we live in both politically and securit wise…so we’re doing it because of our girls’ future. I have family in Melbourne, but i don’t like the VIC weather, so we’re looking into WA, Scarborough and the second choice is near GC, QLD, specifically Burleigh Waters is the place we have been searching, as they both have a catholic school near by.

    However, it’s not everyday you get to move to the other side of the world with your whole family and experience a sudden culture change. We can addapt rapidly, but my main question is, Out of all the questions and comments you get, which city/area would you say is best for your kids to grow up, with a secure community, vibrant and happy people (not necesarily surfers type) and that if you had the chance to move from Brisbane, where would you choose in my case?

    thanks

    • BobinOz October 19, 2014, 9:07 pm |

      These are tough questions Jaime, I’m not sure I’m in the position to do the answers justice. Firstly though, I love Brisbane, so if I had the chance to move from here, I wouldn’t take it. But if I HAD to move from here, then Sydney would be attractive to me, but I could not afford to live in the part of Sydney that I would really want to live in. The best areas can only be afforded by the very well off.

      You say you are looking at WA, Perth would probably be a better place to bring children than perhaps the Gold Coast is, because the Goldie does have a bit of a bad reputation and it comes to crime. That said though, I’m sure you will find everywhere in Australia to be way more secure and safe than where you are coming from.

      The downside of Perth though is it is a very long way from everywhere else and if you were to choose the Gold Coast it would be much easier and cheaper to visit your family in Melbourne every now and then.

      Tough choices, I hope I’ve helped a bit and I certainly hope you make the right choice for you in the end. Good luck, Bob

  • Jo June 17, 2014, 1:10 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    I emigrated to Sydney 7 months ago on a permanent visa. I’m a nurse but it look me 5 months to find secure work. The agency I was with kept cancelling my shifts. They said for nursing in Sydney, jobs are at a 20 year low.
    Sydney didn’t feel right from the moment I arrived, and even though I’ve got a casual job I enjoy, I’m now thinking of moving to the Gold Coast. I’ve done my research and the consensus is that there are plenty of nursing jobs.
    I’m intrigued by your comment that it’s a very expensive place to live. How so?
    Rent for us is about 250 per week cheaper, travel seems a similar price. Is it food or bills that are more expensive?
    Thanks

    • karol June 17, 2014, 3:40 pm |

      Hi Jo,

      I’ve just moved to QLD from Sydney my job got relocated.. I’m loving the lifestyle here especially the weather! Rent yes its definitely cheaper here i used to live in a 2 b/room unit & now i live in a 3 b/room house & still pay cheaper. Travel is very expensive more than double i work in Brisbane and live on the GC but its definitely worth it… If you can find work close to home thats def a bonus. I have a friend that works in Nursing & she says there’s a lot of work for sure i live in Southport & theres a few retirement villages around not sure what kind of Nursing jobs your after. Food and bills is the same well you just need to know where to shop.. If you make the move you wont regret it.. It feels like your always on holidays so much to see and do expecially if you are an outdoors person.. In sydney i could never live 10 min from the beach. Good luck if you make the move…

      • BobinOz June 18, 2014, 1:23 am |

        There you go Jo, Karol has given you a much better answer than I could have (thanks Karol).

        When I say the Gold Coast is expensive, it is relative to most other places, but not Sydney 🙂

        Good luck, Bob

  • Ignacio June 10, 2014, 4:20 am |

    Hello BOB!!! Thanks for your website, it is amazing, and very useful for us. We are a couple from Argentina, we are 28 years old. And we are looking for a new place to settled down, and we want it to be Australia. We got a work and travel visa, but we want to stay longer.
    One possibility is Gold Coast, because we both love living outside and the beach, and we want to learn surf.
    What do you think of our choice? Do you have any recommendation? Also we need to find a job or a sponsorship?

    THANKS

    • BobinOz June 10, 2014, 4:21 pm |

      Anywhere on the east coast from Brisbane down to Sydney and across to Melbourne would be good for you to visit. The Gold Coast is a good choice if you like surfing and a good nightlife. See Working Holiday Visas and Backpacking in Australia for additional information.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Scott June 8, 2014, 10:09 am |

    Moving there from Adelaide next week, should be a good change of scenery.

    • BobinOz June 10, 2014, 1:04 am |

      The surf will be a bit livelier, that’s for sure. Nightlife even more so. Have fun!

  • adams May 28, 2014, 8:23 am |

    Hi Bob! so excited about the good work you are doing.I’m 26yrs,male and wish to come when i take my annual leav dis year.I would love to work.Where do you think i will get instant job.I’m actually a nurse but would love to do any related work.
    Stay blessed and wish to meet you should my dream come thru

  • Roger May 2, 2014, 11:56 am |

    The GC is the BEST place on Earth! Seriously even now coming in to winter we all know how many sunny days we have to look forward to, wouldn’t be anywhere else 🙂

  • pete April 28, 2014, 2:53 am |

    Hi Bob,
    my wife and i will be moving from California USA (but we’re Brits) to Brisbane in July.
    Was just curious as to which part of Brisbane you are in?
    Enjoying this site… Good work.

    • BobinOz April 28, 2014, 5:29 pm |

      I’m in the Western Suburbs Pete, it’s all a bit green around here, like living in the countryside. It’s not for everyone, some say it’s a bit too quiet. I’m talking about suburbs like Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Bellbowrie, Moggill & Anstead, Brookfield, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Karana Downs, Kholo and Mt Crosby.

      • pete April 30, 2014, 3:08 am |

        As it happens Bob, that’s right we we’re thinking we wanna be!
        I think we’ve drawn a line at Pinjarra Hills being the furthest point down as we’d need to get to the CBD daily.
        The whole area between there and Indooroopilly look our cup of tea.
        I reckon you get a much bigger bang for your buck when it comes to Rental property too.
        Just a little concerned on how far it’ll be to the nearest pub!

        • BobinOz April 30, 2014, 8:55 pm |

          You won’t be going on a pub crawl, that’s for sure. They have just done up the Kenmore Tavern, it’s actually very nice now, but if you need regular access to the CBD, that’s as far out as you would want to be.

          We are not blessed for pubs out this way.

          • pete May 2, 2014, 7:29 am |

            Thanks for that!
            we’re leaning towards Kenmore/Indooroopilly. How on earth do you actually pronounce that?…. In-doo-roo-pilly or some other wayward way?
            Hoping you may still have a small Advertising spot available by the time we get there too.

            • BobinOz May 2, 2014, 9:04 pm |

              Indrapilly will do it, much easier. I’m sure I will find an advertising spot for you, let me know when you get here. Good luck, Bob

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