Sunshine Coast

Living on the Sunshine Coast

sunshine_coast_bannerThe Sunshine Coast has a population of around 330,00 people and is an area of Queensland situated on the eastern coast, about one and a half to two and a half hours drive north of Brisbane. As with the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is an area with beautiful beaches and stunning hinterland, all in one.The Sunshine Coast Location

So what is the difference between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast? People in these parts can argue all day long about which is best but they’re both great. But they are different.

In a nutshell, the difference is that the Gold Coast is more commercial, it’s busier and it is the home of many theme parks. But if you like your beaches a little quieter, although not too quiet, go Sunshine Coast.

Right in the middle of the Sunshine Coast is my favourite beach, Mooloolaba. The towns of Mooloolaba and Maroochydore are so close together they are almost one. Between them they offer beautiful beaches, plenty of cafes and restaurants, large shopping centres and the beautiful Maroochy River.

Nearby, the “world famous” Eumundi Markets are open each Wednesday and Saturday morning until around 2 PM in the afternoons with over 1000 arts and crafts stalls selling their wares. Described as more than just a market, fabulous food and world-class music.

Another world-class attraction not quite within the area, probably about 15 km outside, is the Australian Zoo, probably one of the best zoos in the world.

The real beauty of the Sunshine Coast is when you’ve had enough of the beach, you are literally 10 to 20 minutes drive away from stunning hinterland. The scenic drive from Maroochydore to Mapleton via the Bli Bli Road is breathtaking. When you arrive, you can enjoy a relaxing beer in the historic pub whilst taking in the rolling hill views looking back towards the sea.

You could continue your scenic drive by taking in Montville and Maleny and even push on about 20 km outside the Sunshine Coast area to see the Glass House Mountains.

The Sunshine Coast may not be as popular as the Gold Coast but it is less expensive and still has plenty to offer.

What’s the weather like?

Sunshine Coast Annual WeatherAgain, being so close to Brisbane the weather is very similar to the climate in the city. So no need to worry about winter and like the Gold Coast, you can use the beaches all year round.

And it will come as no surprise that possible severe weather that may affect the area from time to time. Those looking to move to this area and concerned about flooding should do some research.

If you Google “Sunshine Coast flood hazard mapping” you should easily find the Queensland government page with that information. Unfortunately, last time I looked, Adobe Flash Player version 11.1.0 or greater needed to be installed in order to view it, and that particular software is no longer recommended due to potential security issues.

If you already have it installed on your browser though, then the map is certainly worth a look.

Here’s a map of the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Map
The Sunshine Coast can be broken down into three main areas:

Questions about Sunshine Coast?

If you have any question about living in Sunshine 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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{ 532 comments… add one }
  • Gus Ryan June 29, 2014, 11:22 pm |

    Thanks again to you both.

    I will scratch my head a bit as apart from kennels there is no-one in the UK to look after my dogs whilst I look for a longer rental in Oz unless one of us stays behind and comes over later.

    I may look into a relocation agent who may come up with something

    Cheers
    Gus

    • BobinOz June 30, 2014, 6:27 pm |

      Thanks Gus, hope you get it all sorted.

  • Gus Ryan June 27, 2014, 11:01 pm |

    Thanks for your advice Bob and Stefan. I will of course have a good look around when I arrive in late September.

    Do you know of a good relocation company who could help me find some temporary furnished pet friendly (I have two small dogs) accommodation for 6-8 weeks on the sunshine coast whilst I get myself sorted out.

    Regards
    Gus

    • Stefan June 28, 2014, 4:42 pm |

      Hi Gus

      With your pets I would suggest you have them sent out after you have settled in if you are coming straight from the UK. The rental market on the Sunshine Coast is extremely tight at the moment, I helped some family earlier this year and at each ‘open house’ I attended there must have been 15 to 20 couples looking. Most landlords do not want tenants with pets, and those that do allow them you will need to put down the breed on the application. As for finding something furnished short term it again is going to be even tighter for short term, you will most likely have to arrive here without your pets and go into a local resort/hotel for those 6 to 8 weeks while you find something. I believe pets need to go through quarantine here for 10 days upon their arrival anyway, so maybe you leave them there for the required time but I doubt you will find anything that quickly. Not trying to put you off but my family members had 2 small dogs and no kids in tow and it took them 8 weeks to find something decent and pet friendly.
      They also had to stump up 6 months rent in advance as they arrived on the coast with no offer of employment. They are living 20 mins drive from the beach. Agents/ Landlords are very choosy as they can afford to be. All the best with it Gus

      Stefan

      • BobinOz June 29, 2014, 1:18 am |

        Stefan is absolutely right Gus, finding temporary furnished accommodation that will allow pets on a 6 to 8 week let is simply not going to happen. You need to get here first, sort out accommodation that will allow your pets to stay and then bring them over.

        Cheers, Bob

  • Gus Ryan June 23, 2014, 11:57 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    We are migrating in September and would like to live on the Sunshine Coast as we don’t want to live in or near the city. How commercialised is the Sunshine Coast as would like to live somewhere in a community rather than living near loads of empty holiday properties?

    I read somewhere that about 2.8m tourists desend on the Sunshine Coast each year and the population is only 300k.

    I am looking at Mountain Creek and Buderim as they seem nice and an easy commute to the beach and amenities etc What do you think?
    Regards
    Gus

    • BobinOz June 24, 2014, 6:27 pm |

      Hi Gus

      I’ve never been specifically to Mountain Creek and Buderim, but I have heard that both those places are very nice indeed and quite sought-after. I don’t think you will have any problems with it not feeling like community. I’ve heard Buderim has a really good village feel about it.

      Hope that helps, Bob

    • Stefan June 25, 2014, 12:51 pm |

      Hi Gus
      Not sure about the 2.8 million tourists? I don’t think we get anywhere near that but I may be wrong. The busy periods up here are the school holidays, there are still quite a few caravan parks on the coast so family breaks are still affordable. Mountain Creek is a very large housing estate basically, they have crammed a lot of housing in there in to a relatively small area. Buderim is ‘nice’ an older more established area on the coast and currently the most sought after so you will be paying more here to purchase or rent. If you want the ‘community’ life style then Buderim is okay but the smaller towns on the coast tend to have more of a community focus but they will be further from the beach and amenities etc. All depends what you want. A lot of areas on the coast here have holiday homes so you really can’t pick an area. Employment is the biggest hurdle here as there is no ‘big’ industry. Retail & building trades are the largest employers on the coast.

      Cheers
      Stefan

      • BobinOz June 25, 2014, 4:23 pm |

        Good advice Stefan, especially about the smaller towns a little further from the beach. You’ll get more value for money, there is a high price to pay for the privilege of walking to the beach and an even higher price if you want to be able to see it from your window!

  • Kayla Rennie June 23, 2014, 8:01 am |

    Hi there,
    So my name is Kayla and I currently live in a small town outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada. I actually live in a place up here called the Sunshine Coast as well lol. I just graduated high school and am taking a year off to travel to Australia. I have been researching on many sites to find out where would be suitable for me and it is becoming a little overwhelming so just looking for some advice! I love the beach so it is a must to be near it. However, I am searching for a place that has nightlife and a younger population influence as well. I am not interested in living in a big city because living in a small town my whole life I can’t deal with the traffic, etc. I’ll be traveling on a working holiday visa so I will be looking for part time work as well. I’m just travelling by myself and hopefully am going to find a roommate as soon as I decide where exactly I am going. Since I am just a student I will be on a budget as well. If you have any advice or information that will be useful to me it would be GREATLY appreciated!
    Thank you,
    Kayla

    • BobinOz June 24, 2014, 12:22 am |

      Hi Kayla

      I think the first thing you should do is narrow down your search to the east coast between Sydney and Brisbane, maybe not for your whole year here, but for a starting point.

      The problem you have is you say you don’t want a big city but you do want a nightlife, small towns in Australia don’t really have much of a nightlife. For someone young who does like the beach and does want a nightlife I do usually recommend somewhere like Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, there’ll be plenty to do there and I wouldn’t describe it as a “big city” type of place.

      Another consideration could be Byron Bay, that’s a bit of a hippie town that’s got quite a buzzing nightlife and a surfer dude laid-back feel. The good thing about these locations is that you can move up and down the east coast if you want to try something different, who knows you may change your mind and want to visit Sydney or Brisbane, a couple of our larger cities.

      Try to make it to Cairns if you get the chance, I’ve not been myself but I’ve heard it’s very touristy with a good nightlife.

      Hope that’s given you some pointers, and more than that I hope you have an absolutely fantastic time when you come here on your WHV.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Lisa June 4, 2014, 2:29 pm |

    Hiya Bob

    We (me, hubby & 2.5yr old son) moved to the Northern Beaches (Sydney) in Aug 2013, it’s lovely here but house prices to buy and rent are crazy. My husband has been offered a transfer to Brisbane and so we went to check out the Gold Coast, which definitely wasn’t for us! (Maybe 20 years ago it would have!). So we are now considering the Sunshine Coast, I know you have recommended Mooloolaba, which looks great, are there any other areas which are family friendly (cafes, restaurants, child care, yummy mummies doing coffee, parks??).

    Thanks in advance!

    Lisa

    • BobinOz June 4, 2014, 8:21 pm |

      Hi Lisa

      So reading between the lines, sounds like you really want to be close to the beach. The downside is that it is a pretty intolerable commute from the Sunshine Coast down to Brisbane to work and back each day. Not recommended.

      Same problem from the Gold Coast to Brisbane as well.

      And as much as I love Mooloolaba, now that I’ve been there a few times I realise how quiet it is. There’s really not that much to do in the evenings, although there may well be those coffee mornings, cafes and restaurants to keep you going during the day.

      What I’m getting to is I’m not sure why you are discounting Brisbane as a destination. We don’t really have beaches, although places like Redcliffe and Margate have a bit of sand, but we do have plenty of places by the sea.

      On top of that, Brisbane has a very lively city, South Bank Parklands which is a lovely lagoon with sand, a great West End, theatres, or lots of restaurants, a museum and cafes and nightclubs and bars…

      I think you get my point 🙂

      Just trying to give you suggestions.

      Don’t get me wrong, I still love the Sunshine Coast, and maybe it will suit you down to the ground, but I think you can see why I don’t live there.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Lisa June 24, 2014, 8:03 pm |

        Thanks Bob! You weren’t supposed to give me more options to consider though!! 🙂 We don’t get out very much in the evenings and so the cafe culture of the Sunshine Coast might suit us. My husband might only have to commute a couple of days a week. Really appreciate your thoughts. All the best

        • BobinOz June 25, 2014, 3:45 pm |

          Check out Stefan’s answer to you below Lisa (thanks Stefan), you may find it helpful.

    • Stefan June 10, 2014, 4:45 pm |

      Hi Lisa
      I have live at Peregian on the Sunshine Coast for 20 yrs. It all depends on what you and your family want from the area here. I like it as I am not a ‘city dweller’ and I hate sitting in traffic etc. If we want the ‘City’ then we’ll do that as a day out. The area is paradise… but if your hubby is commuting from Brisbane each day it will be a hard slog, occasionally the Bruce HWay to the coast can be a very slow run home after a long day. If your still sold on the idea then the beach side areas like Kawana, Caloundra, Cotton Tree, Coolum and Peregian should all be within your means. There are heaps of cafes and other places where mums meet up after dropping the kids off at school.
      All the best

      Stefan

  • Jaycelyn March 12, 2014, 9:43 am |

    Hello!

    I am wanting to move to Australia from Canada around December. I will be moving with my sister. We are in our 20s so we want to live very close to the beach as well as in a busy area with shops, restaurants, night life.
    We are unsure of whether the Sunshine or Gold Coast would be better, and what areas of them to move to.

    Thank you so much !! 🙂

    • BobinOz March 13, 2014, 1:18 am |

      20 somethings? Nightlife? As much as I love the Sunshine Coast, the nightlife is even a bit too slow for me up there, and I’m a 50 something 🙂

      Go to the Gold Coast.

      Oh, and have fun!

      Cheers, Bob

      • Jaycelyn March 13, 2014, 4:52 am |

        Thank you so much, greatly appreciated !

  • sarah February 13, 2014, 7:34 am |

    Me and my partner and my 1 year old are in the process of going through the visa to come and live in Australia . My partner is a air conditioning and gas engineer, I work in a sales office. Was looking at your site on best places to live and I just wondered if you could recommend where we should be looking to live. I like the sound of sunshine coast but just so confused …. please help and advise if you can 🙂

    Sarah uk

    • BobinOz February 14, 2014, 12:06 am |

      The Sunshine Coast is nice, very nice, but it’s not so easy to get work up there, so I’m told. If you are going to live there, try and get your jobs sorted out first.

      Other than that, all I can suggest is that you take a look at my page A Quick Guide to Choosing a City in Australia, be sure to click on all the links and read the comments, it may help you decide.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Leah February 9, 2014, 8:34 am |

    Hi Bob-
    I am 14 and i have always wanted to live in Australia. I was wondering where one of the least expensive places to move to in the Sunshine Coast is. Or is there is any place that is similar to the Sunshine Coast that has housing that is not very expensive. By the way, your blog has helped me so much to narrow down where I am looking to move.
    Thanks!

    • BobinOz February 10, 2014, 2:43 pm |

      Good to hear you are planning ahead Leah 🙂

      House prices on the Sunshine Coast are not known to be hugely expensive. I haven’t studied the area myself, but I suspect the further from the coast you choose to live, the cheaper it will get.

      Have a look at my page called Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia and use the links to go virtual shopping for housing in that area.

      Thanks, by the way, glad my blog has been helpful to you.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Peter January 19, 2014, 8:13 pm |

    I am wondering if there is any job recruitment agencies in Sunshine Coast region which will provide entry level job or provide job placement after training.

  • Wifey-Downes January 16, 2014, 4:44 pm |

    Hi bob, great article! 🙂 my husband, mum in law and almost 3 year old are looking at relocating to qld from nsw for a change but am hoping to find somewhere that has new estates/builds. We were looking in coomera/Gold Coast but it seems to worsen with crime each day unfortunately so we have no idea on where to go. Work is not a drama as we both work from home, we just want family friendly type area if this is possible up that way? Thanks 🙂

    • BobinOz January 16, 2014, 9:49 pm |

      You mean up on the Sunshine Coast? Yes, I’m sure there are plenty of places up there, have a look around the Mooloolaba and Maroochydore areas, not sure where the new estates are, but I know they have them.

      If you can work from home, I think the Sunshine Coast is much better option, it’s nowhere near as commercialised as the GC but much more laid back and family friendly.

      Good luck in your search, Bob

  • Steve January 14, 2014, 6:25 am |

    Hi all,

    I am one of the lucky ones who lived on the sunshine coast. When I was 26 in 2007 I moved with my family to the UK. I can honestly truly say I want to come back. My girlfriend and I are planning a holiday at the end of 2014 and she will make a decision if its what she wants.
    I love the sunshine coast.

    • BobinOz January 14, 2014, 10:47 pm |

      I’m not surprised Steve, I know where I’d rather be between the UK and the Sunshine Coast.

      I hope you get to come back soon, I’m pretty sure your girlfriend will love it as much as you do.

  • aashish January 11, 2014, 3:16 pm |

    Hi I am aashish from Nepal. wanted to know about the Federation University Australia in Sydney. It used to be called University of Ballarart. Why the change in Name? It might not be yur area of expertise but i wish someone culd help me know.
    More importantly if every thing goes right I might fly to Australia in March, more specifically sydney and the uni lies in George Street so could you please provide me about the weather, jobs,rentals, expenses in george street in sydney for students.

    • BobinOz January 13, 2014, 2:28 pm |

      If you ask this question on my page about Sydney, you’ll be able to see details about the weather and maybe somebody, back to student, will help you out with the other stuff.

  • Irene January 9, 2014, 2:39 am |

    Hi. I’m from the Philippines and I’m planning to move to Australia later this year but I’m still contemplating on where i should go. I’m moving there because I want to finish my studies there and eventually live there for good. Where do you recommend is the best place to live for a student and where there will be a lot of opportunities for work after studying in a university? (Business grad).. And also i’m moving out there by myself and it is my first time being independent. Hoping for your feedback. Thanks.

    • BobinOz January 9, 2014, 7:41 pm |

      May I suggest you ask my expert on the subject, you can read about his service on my page about Student Visas.

      I’m not the right person to answer this question, I’m sure he will be able to help you far more than I can. Good luck, Bob

  • Sue January 2, 2014, 3:01 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I am in my early 60’s looking to sell up and move from Brisbane to Sunshine Coast this year. Looking at possible suburbs such as Tewantin, Noosaville, Kawana. Any particular thoughts on either of these (for an active retiree). Initially I was thinking about Coolum, and was told internet coverag is very bad there.

    I would appreciate your feedback. Thankyou, Sue

    • BobinOz January 5, 2014, 9:07 pm |

      Hi Sue

      I don’t really know those areas well enough to advise, all I do know is that my favourites are Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. It might also be worth looking up in the hinterlands if you don’t need to be right on the beach, Mapleton looked like a nice town.

      Maybe one of my readers who lives up that way can help you out, anyone?

  • Sanjay December 29, 2013, 7:50 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    Awesome site ! It’s very informative and clear cut without all those frills of being politically correct or neutral. It certainly helps in ones decision making.

    I am currently in Mel and due to work reasons am looking at relocating interstate with fly – wife and two lil girls aged 4 and 7. Initially I looked at WA but the points highlighted in your site made me drop it. I then looked at Qld, dropped the Gold Coast because of too much commercialism/tourists and have narrowed it down to Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast – Buderim….two places I have been offered a job.

    From a career point of view – all things equal in both these places, I am unable to decide on one. I tend to work at least 6 days a week so the emphasis is on the fly – schools, security etc. Whilst the coast has got it’s beaches, Toowoomba has it’s parks and they both are within driving distance to Brisbane etc. The sunshine coast kinda gets my attn but I am apprehensive of the floods and snakes. I have looked at your rainfall/storm site as well.
    Could you kindly give me your view of what would be better for a young fly with Dad working 6 days.
    Much appreciated.
    Cheers
    Sanjay

    • BobinOz January 1, 2014, 10:48 pm |

      Hi Sanjay

      Well, it’s only my personal opinion but I would choose the Sunshine Coast over Toowoomba all day long. The worst thing about the SC is finding work, but you have a job to go to. Toowoomba is a bit remote and it can get quite cold there too, SC has great weather (forgetting the floods for now) and glorious beaches, just make sure you choose a house that didn’t go under in 2011.

      As I say though, just my opinion.

      Cheers, Bob

  • BobinOz November 26, 2013, 12:10 am |

    Well, isn’t that a coincidence? Sorry guys, can’t help you, it’s not what I do, but Google is your friend.

  • Deepak Thapa November 25, 2013, 4:11 pm |

    hi bob

    i’m comming to university of sunsine cost on december but i don’t have any known people ovethere. i’m having hard time to find a cheapest room near by uni can you help me out to find a room.i would be thankful

    cheers brother !

  • Mubeen Hamza November 21, 2013, 1:36 pm |

    Hi bob
    i am an international student and going to uni of sushine coast next month please tell me where exactly i could found a cheapest room for mine near 5 km of uni

  • Trevor October 24, 2013, 12:36 am |

    Thank-you!!

  • Trevor October 22, 2013, 6:26 am |

    Hey there! I’m 17 years old and I live in the United States, my dream has been to move to Australia since I was a little guy. I love the outdoors and I love the beaches. Can you recommend any tips for moving to Australia? Like what is the process like and where should I look to move to that would suit my interests? I love surfing and I’m looking to get dive certified here very soon. I also would like a little bit of breathing room but close enough to the city for work

    • BobinOz October 22, 2013, 2:06 pm |

      Hi Trevor

      I have something like 1000 pages worth of tips about moving to Australia, it’s what this entire website is all about. Maybe you should have a look around.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Stephanie October 15, 2013, 8:01 am |

    One can only hope 🙂
    Thanks Bob, for the ideas. We will definitely contact LJ Hooker when we arrive.

  • Stephanie October 13, 2013, 1:30 am |

    We just got our work visas approved for our family of 5 to relocate to Australia within the next 3 months! Because my husband will be traveling around and out of the country for work, we can pretty much live anywhere. However, we have narrowed it down to the Sunshine Coast.
    Bob, do you have any recommendations for how to choose a reputable realtor who could help us navigate the local rental market? Thank you so much for any help, and for your fantastic, informative website!

    • BobinOz October 15, 2013, 12:28 am |

      A reputable realtor? Is this a trick question? 🙂

      The rental market here is quite competitive, and it seems to be more of a landlords market than a tenants. Most people just grab the first suitable accommodation they get accepted for when they get here. On the realtor side everybody is bound by the same regulations; LJ Hooker is one of Australia’s biggest realtors and they sponsor my website, so I’m sure they will treat you right.

      But no, I don’t know anyone specifically at the sunny coast, I’d sign on to all of them and see who gives you the best service. Good luck, Bob

  • Clint Bauer October 11, 2013, 5:22 pm |

    Great write-up Bob! I’m often asked by friends and family who live in other parts of the country about what it’s like to live here and I find it hard to answer because there’s so many aspects of the Sunny Coast. Explaining the differences between the different coastal suburbs, and the hinterland is hard. And with so many events and things to do, I could talk to them forever! But now I can easily direct them to this post!

    Thanks mate 🙂

    • BobinOz October 11, 2013, 6:49 pm |

      You can send as many of your friends and family here as you like Clint 🙂 cheers mate!

  • Tito September 26, 2013, 11:50 am |

    alright, thanks Bob!

  • Tito September 25, 2013, 12:34 pm |

    Hey, great artical. 🙂 i’m 17 from usa and have always had a facination with Australia, and am planning to move there in a few years after i’m done with school.
    I have looked around to see what part of Aus i would like to live in and i think the sunshine coast sounds best, but i don’t really know where to start and the few people i have talked to were not much help.
    i know you have to sign up for a visa and go through all these things but it just seems kind of scarey to just leave to another country cause you must have a place to live, work, ect in the country. So i’m just wondering is it easy to find a place to live? as far as costs go and places to work. Do i have to apply online? if i want to find a job out there before moving.. thanks.

    • BobinOz September 25, 2013, 9:49 pm |

      You are at the early stages of this idea, you have a great deal of reading to do. I suggest you to start on my page called Migration Advice and check out all of the links from that page, your learn a great deal.

      You have a lot of time in which to sort this out being so young, if you follow the advice from those links I’m sure your make it to Australia. Good luck!

  • shaban September 14, 2013, 12:00 am |

    how do i need to start a small scal business ?

    • shaban September 14, 2013, 12:01 am |

      how much in cash ?

      • BobinOz September 16, 2013, 2:23 pm |

        Sorry, I don’t do business plans.

        • shaban September 16, 2013, 5:19 pm |

          tks a lot ,
          am planning to aus , but confused where to start from …..

  • Lorraine September 4, 2013, 12:07 pm |

    Hi

    We are a couple in our 30’s moving to the Sunshine Coast with work. We have no children and like an active social life but also like to have a chilled/beach type environment at home. I suppose a quite(ish) area with easy access to bars/restaurants would be ideal. I’ve heard there is a lot of retirees in the area so would like an area with similar aged neighbours, oh and not lots of vacant holiday homes. Might be asking for too much…

    Another quick query – we’re bring our dog over (he’s going through all the checks just now so thats at hand). He’s never had any time in kennels as we have family able to look after him so are worried about quarantine. Any thoughts on that too would be great.

    Thank you
    Looking forward to our new life in the Sunshine Coast.

    • BobinOz September 4, 2013, 4:58 pm |

      Hi Lorraine

      Yes, it’s true to say that some parts of the Sunshine Coast attract retirees, for example I read that the residents in the town of Mapleton in the hinterland have an average age of around 50.

      So choose where you live carefully, try to check out the demographics on one of the many online websites that give this kind of information. The Sunshine Coast is one of my favourite areas of this country, I’m sure you’ll find somewhere fantastic to settle.

      Maroochydore and Mooloolaba are definitely worth a look, you might also want to check out Coolum, the beauty of it all up that way is it is very understated, you won’t be surrounded by vacant holiday homes from what I’ve seen up that way. Check out the whole coastline along the way, it’s all beautiful.

      As for your dog, my wife went through the same trauma when we brought our dog over and it inspired her to start a business, check out her website Dog Walks and also Baggy’s story.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Lorraine September 5, 2013, 11:38 am |

        Thanks Bob

        We’re coming for a job in Coolum so that’s good news…

        Checked out your wife’s biz – fab idea and will definitely use this.

        Thanks L

        • BobinOz September 5, 2013, 4:36 pm |

          Where ever you choose up that way, I’m sure you will love it. The hardest part of that area is finding work, but if you can, it’s a great place to live.

          My wife, Karen, would love to look after your dog, just get in touch with her when you’re ready.

          Cheers, Bob

  • Tim August 7, 2013, 11:25 am |

    Thanks Bob and hopefully someone will. Looking forward to being warmer that’s for sure,kind regards Tim.

    • BobinOz August 14, 2013, 12:38 am |

      Somebody has Tim, Cheril, above you. Thanks Cheril, I was pretty sure it would be safe up there.

      In some ways it is that part of the country where it all started for me. I had a great time on Teewah Beach a few years back, and It was during that holiday that we had the idea about moving to Australia. To keep me motivated, I stuck a picture on my larder door of my very young daughter, who was just 18 months old at the time, playing in the sand on that beach.

      You can see that picture, and a video about Teewah Beach in my post called An Idea.

  • Tim August 4, 2013, 1:26 pm |

    Hi Bob, we are moving up to the Sunshine coast from Portarlington in Vic and we were wondering which of the Sunshine Coast suburbs…Doonan, Eumundi, Tinbeerwah or Tewantin are good safe low crime suburbs? Thanks so much for your help,kind regards Tim.

    • BobinOz August 5, 2013, 2:14 pm |

      Hi Tim

      All of these suburbs are very close to each other and I would be very surprised if any of them have any kind of crime problem. It’s all very laid-back and quiet up that way.

      But I can’t answer your question specifically, I just don’t know the area well enough, hopefully someone from up that way will see this and swing by to answer you.

      Anybody?

      • Cheril August 13, 2013, 11:28 pm |

        Hi there, I live in Noosaville/Tewantin area and it is very safe and family friendly.If you take a stroll along the side of the Noosa River to the Tewantin main street you will step into a small village of friendly laid back community minded people. Even if you don’t know anyone, you will by the time you take the short walk from the post office to Taits Corner at the other end. Then if you want the Noosa Main Beach a 15 minute push bike ride on the specially designed bike paths, and you will be able to take a swim, before taking in a coldie and fantastic food, and views from the surf club.
        Hope this helps a little Tim.

        • Jan December 6, 2014, 7:51 am |

          Hi Cheryl, thinking of moving to your area from Brisbane next year. Is it still as wonderful as you made it sound in your post? Jan

  • Gab July 9, 2013, 10:38 am |

    Hi Bob,

    What can you say about the floods,and cyclones, is it really bad in the Sunshine Coast, or is something possible to handle

    Thanks
    Gab

    • BobinOz July 10, 2013, 6:16 pm |

      No, it’s not that bad, I think you just need to be careful where you buy your house, just make sure it is not in a flash flood or flood zone area. It would be rare for a cyclone to come down this far south, the danger is further north.

      The default state of the weather is hot, sunny with clear blue skies.

      Bob

    • Alan April 26, 2015, 3:54 pm |

      Just to clarify a few points re the Sunshine Coast.

      the weather on the coast is great.! People ask about cyclones …. a cyclone hasn’t hit the Sunshine Coast for some 23 years!.. However we HAVE felt some of the effects of a cyclone from afar — some heavy rain and occasionally high winds.

      Do we have floods on the Sunshine Coast ….Yes …. there are few places where you can rule out floods anywhere in Australia.

      For flooding we need an extreme weather event — and they do happenfrom time to time — but they happen anywhere….

      Luckily for the Sunshine Coast, any flooding recedes quickly… but like anywhere, just check you local area — look for “high spots” … there are plenty of them in the hinterland, and in some parts the hinterland starts within minutes of the coast.

      Coolum Beach offers good opportunities — Buderim .. even the hills behind Nambour … all are good and most are within affordable price ranges.

      cheers.

      • BobinOz April 27, 2015, 4:29 pm |

        Good advice and tips Alan, thank you.

  • Jonathan May 27, 2013, 9:52 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Your information is quite helpful and thanks a million for putting up such good information on the net.Me and my wife are planning to come to sunshine coast university in July as she is taking a Masters Course. Can you please advise what would be a suitable area to live which is the near the university? What type of jobs are available in sunshine coast?

    Regards

    • BobinOz May 28, 2013, 7:29 pm |

      Sorry Jonathan, I can’t help with this, I don’t know the area well enough. Hopefully someone from the Sunshine Coast reading this will be able to help you out. Anybody?

  • Nikki May 10, 2013, 8:21 pm |

    Hi Bob

    My husband & 3 girls (8,5 &2) are looking at moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2014. We’d like a safe suburb, close to the beach, playgrounds, schools and any child friendly activities. My husband will be flying in and out for work so we’d like somewhere that has a pretty direct route to Brisbane airport.

    Any help would be great. Thanks!

    • BobinOz May 11, 2013, 1:32 am |

      Buderim is very nice, apparently, and I also love it around Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. But I don’t live up that way, so hopefully someone who knows the area better will give you more advice.

      Cheers!

  • soliha Loone April 13, 2013, 1:35 pm |

    Hi Bob. I live in Kalgoorlie at the moment. me and my husband planning to move to sunshine coast. we don’t worry about the job because my husband works fly in fly out but worry us is floods in sunshine coast. could you give us advice please as I like live in Buderim or Mountain Creek. Thank you

    • BobinOz April 14, 2013, 9:33 pm |

      I’ve already answered this on Facebook for you. For anyone else interested, check out the link on this page to the Sunshine Coast Councils flood maps and also read my post… http://wp.me/p1BtF8-2kl

      I’ve heard Buderim is very nice.

  • Leanne April 9, 2013, 1:55 am |

    Hi, I’m looking to move here this year or beginning of 2014 from the UK. I am married with 2 boys age 13 & 10. Would love some advice re subs and schools. Would like close to beach , say approximately 20 – 30 mins drive away.
    Thanks

  • jim April 6, 2013, 1:03 am |

    great little site you have here.. I have been to (OZ) 4 times from the USA, with a plan to come again within the next year.. I have not been up to the sunshine coast for quite some time however. Please give me your thoughts on the ‘weather’ … Do I have a better chance for good weather in (fall), march/april, or (springtime) Oct/Nov ? thanks mate … jim

    • BobinOz April 7, 2013, 9:16 pm |

      You could almost decide that one with a toss of a coin, but both are probably good times to visit this part in Australia. Both times you mention aren’t too hot, but you can usually expect 75° to 80° F and it is also less likely to rain during these months as they are in our dry season.

      No guarantees though!

      Cheers

      Bob

  • Jules March 29, 2013, 10:38 pm |

    I was hoping someone could shed some light on kawana Island and Twin Water areas for me. Also are snakes really a problem there?

    • BobinOz April 1, 2013, 8:33 pm |

      I don’t know what it’s like to actually live there, but I have visited the area many times and it’s absolutely beautiful. If we fancy a short break, it’s one of our favourite destinations. But hopefully someone who knows the area better will be able to give you more info.

      As for snakes, no, they are not really a problem, but they are responsible for a couple of deaths a year on average across all of Australia. They are here, no denying that, but I don’t think anyone who lives here regards them as a major problem.

  • Chris March 12, 2013, 7:12 am |

    Awesome site! Moving to Sydney from New Zealand in two months, plan to set myself up in Sydney and move up to the sunshine coast to live, work and surf. Sounds good!

    • BobinOz March 13, 2013, 12:51 pm |

      Not sure how you are going to work that Chris, but however you are going to do it, you might just end up with the best of both worlds. The liveliness of Sydney and the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast.

      Hope it goes well for you.

      • Chris Street March 13, 2013, 4:14 pm |

        Working hard – Starting my own business 🙂 Fingers crossed all goes well!

        • BobinOz March 15, 2013, 12:50 pm |

          Hope it all goes well Chris!

  • stanley March 5, 2013, 8:56 am |

    Hello I’m stanley I’ve always loved sunshine coast been going on holiday the for about 8 years I’ve always wanted live there and never return to the uk loved it the people the sites the beaches and I’ve got hairdressing levels 1 and 2 behind me just keeping my fingers crossed incase a job pops up and I can start living

    • BobinOz March 5, 2013, 9:46 pm |

      Yes, the Sunshine Coast is amazing, hope you find that job soon so that you can come over here and start living the dream.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Colleen February 27, 2013, 10:59 pm |

    Hi there,
    Great post! My husband and I are moving to the Sunshine Coast in July this year. He will be attending the Univeristy of the Sunshine Coast. Is it a far drive from mooloolaba to the university? mooloolaba looks like a fantastic place to live but the commute is a concern.
    Thanks,
    Colleen

    • BobinOz February 28, 2013, 12:53 am |

      No, it’s about 10 minutes drive. I really don’t think that should be too much of a concern.

      Bob

    • aashish October 1, 2013, 4:58 pm |

      hey colleen sorry to intrude in the conversasn I myself am thinking of applying to the University of sunshine coast,,how is the university? how good is the environment for an international students??

  • Larna February 18, 2013, 7:36 pm |

    A great help, thanks both 🙂

    Debs, you can get me at larna.davies@hotmail.co.uk

    Thanks again

    L

    • Debs February 21, 2013, 4:03 pm |

      Hi Larna
      I emailed you with that information hope it went to your inbox but thought id let you know here so you can keep an eye out! Such a big move moving countries but so worth it, such a lovely place!!

      Take care
      Debs 🙂

      • Charlene April 22, 2013, 5:37 am |

        Hi debs. I’m sorry to but in on your conversation but I found it really helpful. Wer moving over in October time and I was wondering when this hospital is opening?
        Thanks Charl x

  • Debs February 18, 2013, 3:58 pm |

    Thanks so much for your comments Bob 🙂 we are working on it!!

    Hi Larna, there is a private hospital half built in Sippy Downs on Sunshine Coast and tgey are planning to build a public hospital there too to make it a big health hub so you could investigate this for job prospects, a friend of mine sent me some info on jobs so people could register their interest i see if i still have it and post my email address if you are interested in emailing me and i send it to you 🙂
    Im with you, its the place for us also so will be trying to find jobs im in the IT industry so hope there is something going!
    Cheers
    Debs 🙂

  • Larna February 17, 2013, 6:15 pm |

    Hi Bob
    I’m currently a student midwife here in Cheshire, my family and I would like to move to the Sunshine Coast once I qualify in 2015. We’ve researched heavily and with 2 previous visits, QLD is for us. We wouldn’t want the commercialised location of the Gold Coast but would be happy to commute to some family attractions. Kids will be 7 and 10 and enjoy outdoors, dining out etc. With a midwifery career in mind, do you think the Sunshine Coast is a good starting point? I believe a new hospital is being built there? Any advice gratefully received.

    Thanks

    Larna

    • BobinOz February 18, 2013, 3:05 pm |

      Hi Larna

      I love the Sunshine Coast, it’s a beautiful part of the country. The only downside is that there’s not much work up that way, so if you can secure a job in that new hospital, then I say go for it. If it helps, we particularly like it around Mooloolaba, so do check it out.

      Cheers

      Bob

  • Debie101 February 1, 2013, 7:11 am |

    Hi Bob
    Great site and article. We are looking at moving to the sunshine coast in early 2014 and have been doing lots of research. I think Sippy Downs, Maroochydore, Maloolaba or around there somewhere. We want to get jobs (for me) and buy a business (for husband) before we go or at least have that all sewn up. We have two teenagers, one working one in NCEA year this year that will come, are there good high schools in the area? We also have a dog (jack russell) and two cats. Worried more about the ticks and cane toads really but I’ve heard that if you live in a suburb that’s not near forestry or creeks etc that it might be ok and taking a bit of care? I don’t think we’ll have a lush garden due to that! but wasn’t sure if you guys have good dog parks over there for off leash, it’s a bit hard looking at all that by map and website and trying to figure out distances.
    Also, Is it easy to get a rental property for the short term that is pet friendly? I thought that may be the best idea due to the low dollar here in NZ and trying to transfer money for a deposit on a house. I’m excited, LOVE the sunshine coast but hopefully we don’t lose too much money in exchange rate, and can find jobs. Idealy the time is now as the house market doesn’t look too bad over there, cmpared to nelson anyway.
    Sorry about all the questions, just want to be very prepared before we really bite the bullet
    Many thanks if you can answer anything here
    Debs 🙂

    • BobinOz February 1, 2013, 4:56 pm |

      Hi Debs

      Lovely part of the world up there, although they tell me work is quite hard to find around there, so make sure you secure something if you can. It would help having a neat and tidy garden away from the bush, but the truth is ticks and cane toads are everywhere. You can get a tick treatment for your pets which you apply each month, that helps but isn’t formal proof. Dogs and cats usually stay away from cane toads, although I’m sure there are some exceptions to that.

      You’ll find Australia very dog friendly, plenty of off leash dog parks and certain areas of the beach allow dogs as well.

      Rentals aren’t always easy to get and most don’t like pets, so again you have reduced your chances. Not impossible to find somewhere though. Yes, I’m sure there are some very good schools up there, check out my page
      Which school? for more help.

      Good luck, hope your move goes well.

      Bob

  • Peter Gluckstein January 31, 2013, 8:23 pm |

    hi Bob
    Great site, very informative, thanks. Any info you can give us on Bramble Bay? we’re on a rtw trip and will stop in QLD for 3 months for my wife to have our 2nd baby! Looking at renting in Bramble and wondered if you had any big positive or negative thoughts on it?
    Many thanks
    Peter

    • BobinOz January 31, 2013, 11:48 pm |

      Hi Peter

      Firstly, I had to google it to find out where it was, I’ve never heard it called that before. Turns out it’s the bay to the north east of Brisbane where you will find Brighton and, a little further up, Redcliffe. This is definitely not the Sunshine Coast!

      If you’re looking for an idyllic bay with golden sandy beaches, this isn’t the place for you. It’s not a bad area, but there’s only small pockets of sand here and there, the rest of it is all mangrove. It’s a nice enough place to be with good access to the Sunshine Coast and, if you want to go in the other direction, the Gold Coast. But it’s not what you would call the beach.

      The Sunshine Coast starts at Caloundra I think, then up north from there to Noosa.

      Anyway, it’s got good access to the city of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, if that’s what you want.

      Hope your trip goes well, cheers

      Bob

      • Peter Gluckstein February 1, 2013, 12:00 am |

        Cheers Bob, you’re a good man! That’s very helpful… Can I be cheeky and ask about Bribie Island? We’ve also seen a property for rent there which looks good, but looking at some of the other places on offer it all looks like a bit of a time warp – don’t know if you’re familiar with the Isle of Wight in the UK, but they say that’s 30 years behind…am I being unfair to think that of Bribie??

        Regards

        Peter

        • BobinOz February 1, 2013, 4:37 pm |

          Bribie is not bad, nothing like the Isle of Wight, you drive onto it via a bridge, so access is pretty easy. I liked it when I went, probably quite a nice place to live, although I’ve heard it’s a bit quiet and again, no golden sandy beaches.

          Hope that helps

          Bob

        • Bazza September 21, 2013, 2:52 pm |

          As an ex pat I can safely say Bribie Island is the best kept secret on the S.E. Coast of Queensland and nothing like the IOW. Have lived in Tweed Heads NSW, the Gold Coast and for the last seven years here on Bribie Island. Great beaches, great climate, friendly people. Only problem is we have a bridge and others can still access the Island. Nah you wouldnt like it here. 🙂

          • BobinOz September 22, 2013, 9:26 pm |

            Well Bazza, you’ve let the cat out of the bag now, haven’t you? Let’s hope not too many people read this otherwise everyone will be living on Bribie!

            I have to agree with you though, I really like Bribie Island, and interestingly it was the subject of my second ever post here on Bobinoz. Check out Christmas and Boxing Day in Australia, the video was shot on the island.

            The funny thing is the one negative I’ve heard about the place is “it’s a bit too quiet”, but for some people, you included by sound of it, I think that’s the charm. Glad to hear you have found your paradise here in Australia.

            Cheers, Bob

            • Bazza September 24, 2013, 11:51 am |

              Not so quiet now Bob we even have a set of traffic lights on the Island 🙂

              • BobinOz September 24, 2013, 7:05 pm |

                Don’t you just hate it when the 21st-century starts to catch up with you? We had our first set of traffic lights installed in our suburb about 18 months ago, so I know how you feel 🙂

  • Aira December 8, 2012, 1:05 am |

    Hey Bob!
    Great article! By far the most helpful I’ve encountered. Btw, I’m Aira. I’m from Sydney but planning to study at Sunshine Coast uni early next year. Can you give me any tips or recommendations? Lastly, how is the job opportunities Around that area? I am looking for hospital jobs as an undergraduate nurse. are there hospital nearby? If non then what are the available job plan that area?

    thanks so Much,
    Aira

    • BobinOz December 8, 2012, 8:11 pm |

      Work is supposed to be quite hard to find up there, but there is a big hospital in Nambour, maybe you should try to see if they have any vacancies there. Good luck!

    • aashish October 1, 2013, 4:41 pm |

      hi Aira,,saw ur comment,,have u joined the sunshine coast university? I am from Nepal and planning to apply there as it seems quite cheaper to other universities throughout Australia for an International student. If u are currently studying there please do let me know, I would be thankful.
      Also, BOB can you help me give the idea for living expenses there in Sunshine coast Sippy downs for an international student,,though it depends person to person but what about rents food etc?

  • Real estate maroochydore December 4, 2012, 4:34 pm |

    Hi Bob, I agree with your earlier comments, work is a bit scarce on the coast (depending on the profession) so if anyone is looking to move to the Sunny Coast, ideally they should lock in a role before making the move. Personally, I think Maroochydore is a great place to settle, it has some fantastic beaches nearby (Alexandra Headlands), and some lovely little areas too such as Cotton Tree. It is the major shopping hub, with Sunshine Plaza, and quite centrally located on the coast (in comparison to somewhere like Noosa which is beautiful but quite far North, and Caloundra which is on the southern end). But let’s face it, it’s a tourist mecca for a reason, because the whole stretch of the Sunshine Coast is all fantastic!!

    • BobinOz December 5, 2012, 8:07 pm |

      I wouldn’t argue with you at all, I also think it’s a wonderful part of Australia and yes, try and secure some work before making the move. A friend of mine lives up that way, Buderim, has to drive down to Brisbane for work, not the greatest way to start the day.

  • Beck October 27, 2012, 12:43 pm |

    Hey,

    I’m a Queenslander originally (born and raised on Gold Coast) and have been living in Melbourne for the last 6 years all with the intention of being closer to family. The call of Queensland now has been too strong and we are moving back. My only condition was I never wanted to live on the Gold Coast again. I have always preferred the Sunshine Coast as it is what the Gold Coast used to be before it became too commercial and crowded.

    My husband works for a company that has stores up there so he looking for a transfer and I work in Community Corrections but also have a customer service/administration background so if I have to go back to that for work options then so be it. Never been interested in living in Brisbane but appreciate the need to commute for employment.

    I always loved around area and we have also been looking at Maroochydore and Buderim. Being I haven’t been on the sunshine coast for a while, would you recommend any area for families? My research finds me looking at Mountain Creek zone for schools and i remember well Sunshine Plaza as the main shopping precinct.

    • BobinOz October 29, 2012, 5:39 pm |

      I don’t really know the area well enough to make recommendations and certainly don’t know enough about the schools. You can check out my page Which school? which I think you will find helpful. Friends of mine have just moved to Buderim though, and they love it there. So you’re on the right track.

      Cheers!

    • Peta May 6, 2015, 9:21 am |

      Hi
      There are lots of people commuting to brisbane – this will get less expensive and faster once new rail link is completed.
      I have very large home 6 bedrooms 2 kitchens 3 living areas that I have over time had students from the uni and Tafe board and lodge in. It has been a great experience and if run more like a job than a ministry it would be a great sourse of income etc.

      • BobinOz May 6, 2015, 7:15 pm |

        I suspect there probably are lots of people commuting down to Brisbane, but don’t they all hate it? Is not the best of drives, is it? Certainly not during rush hour.

        The rail link will make it better, any idea when it will be finished?

  • john raff October 22, 2012, 12:29 am |

    Hiyah Bob,
    Unlike other websites,you have an opinion which is great.
    I`m 56,got 2nd family (3 girls : 8 (x2) and 3);wife is 36.I understand that the key is to match your current life postion and any envisaged future ones (sounds easy,eh?) to a location.We`ve narrowed it down to Queensland .Am stuck between Brisbane (in the West,eg Bardon/Ashgrove and in the NW,eg Upper Kedron and along the railway line into the city) on the one hand and,on the other,the Sushine Coast (eg Maroochydone -Mooloolaba stretch).Our life position:don`t need to work (but our kids will eventually), thanks to hard work/share options ; need good schools/further education options ; want to be near to and have public transport access into Brisbane ; want to be near to beach ; low crime/safe.I appreciate that I will have to visit in order to see the `reali life` of these places,but can you give me any advice/opinion as to the `fit` between the locations and our `life position`? Many thanks

    • BobinOz October 22, 2012, 9:35 pm |

      Well, wanting public transport to Brisbane and being near the beach don’t really mix, Brisbane isn’t on the beach, it’s on a mangrove. The beaches on the Sunshine Coast are fantastic and Mooloolaba would be where we lived if we didn’t live here in Brisbane.

      The problem is you wouldn’t want to be trying to get public transport from Mooloolaba to Brisbane, I really don’t think you’d enjoy that. I’d go Sunshine Coast if I were you, but I think you need to decide whether you want Brisbane or the beach as a first priority.

      And thanks, glad you like my website!

  • Josh September 7, 2012, 8:17 am |

    Hi Bob,

    My Wife and I just got married and are thinking of moving over to the sunshine coast from New Zealand. What areas do you recommend are nice to live in? Do you think there are many jo opportunities there?

    I am a recent gradate with a double degree and my wife is a journalist/writer for a magazine.

    Thanks,

    Josh

    • BobinOz September 7, 2012, 2:30 pm |

      Hi Josh

      I love the Sunshine Coast, particularly around Mooloolaba and the hinterland behind it. The one problem with it though, is there is not much work, apparently. So if you are going to move there, I would really try to secure the job first, to be on the safe side.

      Good luck

      Bob

  • Mary August 17, 2012, 11:53 am |

    The Sunshine Coast sounds great! I am 12 yrs old and from the U.S.A. I really want to move to Australia when I’m older and this website really helped me choose where I want to live. The winner is…. the Sunshine Coast! Thank you so much for this blog, Bob. It’s terrific!

    • BobinOz August 17, 2012, 4:27 pm |

      Good to see you are planning ahead Mary, I think you will do well in life 🙂 The Sunshine Coast is a great choice, see you here soon. Cheers

      Bob

    • Isabel April 19, 2014, 8:33 am |

      I’m in Mary’s same position! I’m 12, and Sunshine Coast is a winner.

      • BobinOz April 22, 2014, 5:19 pm |

        Well I hope you make it over here one day too Isabel, and maybe even meet up with Mary 🙂

        Cheers, Bob

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