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 }
  • Sinead holt November 4, 2016, 12:05 pm |

    I have a question for any sc locals. I’m planning to move there with my husband and 2 young children next year. I’m a scientist and am hopeful for work in the new hospital being built and my husband is a cabinet maker and there seems to be work in good quality places.
    my q is about the areas surrounding the hospital. Originally I was looking at mountain creek, but the new brightwater estate, while at first looked idyllic, I think the houses might be on top of each other. so then I was looking at buderim. This seems like you can get more for your money here.
    There are so many little suburbs, all very close, it’s hard to know by on line research.
    We will be renting and are hoping to be able to arrange it from over here ( would that be possible do you think – you might be able to answer that bob) But would also like to rent in the same place that we will buy in when we are in that position.
    The top priorities are schools, playgrounds, nice walks, being close to beach, safe for kids and we hope to be able to have just one car for a while, so good public transport that either myself or husband could use for work.
    Any suggestions???

    • BobinOz November 4, 2016, 6:35 pm |

      Hopefully a local will help you out here, but I just wanted to say that I’ve heard Buderim is very nice and much sought after. I’ve also heard the schools are good there as well. As for renting before you get here, most agencies insist that you actually physically visit the place before they will allow you to rent it, so you may have to do jump on a plane and pop up here to sort that out.

      That’s me done, any locals got any advice for Sinead?

  • John October 22, 2016, 7:06 pm |

    The sunshine coast has it’s own sprit. My family and I felt more alive and happier, it was a very strange feeling because we have never felt this way before or noticed living in Melbourne was draining us as a family. We can’t help but miss the people and sprit of the sunshine coast.

    • BobinOz October 24, 2016, 5:17 pm |

      Sounds like you need to return to the Sunshine Coast then John, and I hope that is possible for you.

  • Romeo Castanares September 28, 2016, 12:05 pm |

    Hi Bob it’s good to have someone who is helpful to help people who wants to relocate in the sunshine coast. I live in Sydney for the past 24 years and I can’t stand the weather anymore my friends told me it is good to live in Queensland particularly in the Sunshine Coast. Can you please tell me what’s the best place in Sunshine Coast to live and most especially that is not flooded the whole year round. I appreciate it very much if you can tell me what areas in the sunshine coast that is overrun by foods every year. Thanks very much for your help have a great day!! Romeo Castanares

    • BobinOz October 2, 2016, 6:30 pm |

      Yes, I think you would love the weather in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland is not called the Sunshine State for nothing.

      There is a link in the above article to the flood maps, that will answer your question. Sunshine Coast has hinterlands that are about 20 minutes or so from the beaches and are high in the hills. That’s where I would be heading. Good luck, Bob

      • Jill October 22, 2016, 6:41 pm |

        Hello Bob,

        Can you please give us some advise!

        My husband and I are also from Sydney (Northern Beaches) and are thinking of relocating to the Sunshine Coast. We are wanting to build and have a budget of $800,000. We really like the Coolum area but there does not seem to be much land and the land that is there is steep and difficult to build on. We had a look at Peregian Springs but we are a bit put off with the amount of homes for sale in that area and the closure of the golf club. I’m worried the capital growth won’t be as good in that area.

        The main things that are important to us is Safety, good neighborhood, quiet, good schools and a max 10 min drive to the beach. Can you recommend any other suburbs.

        We have work opportunities in Birtinya but we are happy to drive 30 min for the right area.

        Thanks

        • BobinOz October 24, 2016, 5:16 pm |

          I don’t really know Sunshine Coast well enough to be able to tell you where the best places are to get that land deal you are looking for, so I will have to leave this to the locals.

          Hopefully somebody reading this who knows Sunshine Coast well will help you out. I would think pretty much everywhere up that way is safe and they have plenty of good neighbourhoods. I can’t imagine there would be good capital growth in the area though, not in the current climate.

          Anybody got any ideas for Jill?

  • Steph August 9, 2016, 11:23 pm |

    Hi Bob

    Great blog!

    We are a married Australian couple in our mid-30’s who have lived in the UK for the last 13 years and are looking to move back to Oz in 2 years time, with our daughter who will be 5 years old. We are considering Sunshine Coast or Northern NSW, as we’d like to live coastal. But open to other suggestions!

    Jobs are a non-issue. Our biggest consideration will be schooling. We’re happy for a state school for Primary, but would like an all-girls private school for High School. Which areas would you recommend?

    Apart from a good private high school within 30 mins, it would also be great if the town wasn’t overrun by 60+ retirees – we’d like to make friends our own age. Can you point us in the right direction?

    Many thanks x

    • BobinOz August 10, 2016, 6:09 pm |

      Well, both would be great choices for coastal living, there are beautiful beaches in both places.

      I think it’s safe to say that Sunshine Coast would be the more laid-back of the two, and it does have a bit of a reputation for attracting retirees. I don’t think it would be fair to say that the place is overrun with the 60+ though.

      On the other hand, northern New South Wales coast would be the livelier of the two, in terms of entertainment and nightlife, if that’s of interest to you. I really loved the Tweed Coast when I visited the other year, but I also love Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.

      As for private schools though, I have no idea which would have the best options, but you can research it on my page called Which school?

      That’s all I know, but maybe a local will help you out with more information. Good luck with your plans, Bob

    • hayley amos September 7, 2016, 4:51 pm |

      Hi Steph, we are also moving to the sunshine coast in 2 years time with a 5 year old (by the time we move) after having lived in the UK for 14 years. My husband is australian and we are currently applying for my daughter’s citizenship via descent but I am English. We are planning to move to Buderim as we got married in maroochydore and want that coastal lifestyle. We have visited the coast numerous times and although there is a much more laid back lifestyle I would definitely agree that it’s not just for retirement as there are alot of young families as well. We are in a luxury position that we are going to rent one of my husband’s parent’s houses until we get on our feet but I know friends who’s children go to Buderim primary and they love it. I’m not sure on secondary schools at all but im hoping that when we find our feet and settle into the area we’ll know where we want our forever home to be and obviously school catchment area will play the significant part.

  • fiona July 31, 2016, 7:10 pm |

    hi bob, what a great sight!! we are in our early 50s with a 14yo and live at Parramatta nsw, we have visited sunshine coast before (great sopt) we need a change and were looking at nambor or near by. im just not sure wether actually moving to there is such a good idea !! first of all I don’t like the thought of no daylight savings (dark at 5 ish no thanks). can you convince me what are the pros n cons? will it be a good move for our young daughter? I don’t know why but the only good thing we will be mortgage free.
    cheers fiona
    if possible I don’t want this seen on your sight. also I appreciate how busy you are but if I can have a mobile/phone no. I would like to talk to you.

  • Chhand Derasari July 27, 2016, 12:15 am |

    Hi,

    I am planning to accept 489 visa for queensland with regional conditions. I am from India and working as a web-programmer with 11 years expeirence. Could you please guide me which region is best for IT professionals in Queensland – regional area? Also my family with my 2 years daughter will also accompany with me so please suggest the place with good lifestyle also with good IT field. Thanks in advance

    • BobinOz July 27, 2016, 4:22 pm |

      Well, you won’t have too many problems finding a good lifestyle here in Queensland, but I really don’t know where the best place is to go regionally for IT jobs. You will need to research that yourself, my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship will help you with that.

      • Chhand Derasari July 27, 2016, 6:11 pm |

        Thanks Bob, appreciate your quick response!

  • Flick July 25, 2016, 2:36 am |

    Which state schools would you recommend for primary and high school on the sunshine coast?

    • BobinOz July 25, 2016, 11:56 pm |

      This is one I will have to leave to the locals Flick, I don’t know the schools up that way well enough. You can also get some help choosing a school from my page called Which school?

  • John Ryalls July 20, 2016, 2:43 pm |

    Hi there we live in Sydney currently with our 11 year old daughter and are considering moving to somewhere 40/60 mins drive north of Brisbane but must be coastal. Looking for a lifestyle change in a beautiful area…:) Any ideas would be most welcome! Someone mentioned Scarborough and surrounding areas??

    John

    • BobinOz July 20, 2016, 11:48 pm |

      Brisbane itself isn’t great for beaches, they do have a bit of sand on some of them, I think Scarborough included, but mostly it’s mangrove on the Brisbane coastline. See my post about it here…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/19529/the-beaches-of-brisbane-a-quick-tour/

      The best golden sandy beaches north of Brisbane start at Caloundra and get even better (in my opinion) when you get to Mooloolaba. These places are probably an hour and an hour and a quarter north of Brisbane respectively.

      If you’re happy with the distance, I would definitely go for Mooloolaba, you won’t be disappointed. Good luck, Bob

  • Ginger Grutzius June 27, 2016, 3:41 pm |

    Dearest Bob, I”m a business owner and for some time now I’ve wanted to relocate to Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Pretty sure that I can qualify financially, however to open a family business next to the coast, do we have to be concerned with hurricanes? What beaches would be best for my family ranging from 13 to a young grandma of 72, she’s a blast everyone in our area of the Texas Coast absolutely love her. PS How are Texan’s Received in Australia in general?

    Thank you.
    Ginger

    • BobinOz June 28, 2016, 1:36 am |

      You’ll be alright, we don’t get any hurricanes whatsoever.

      We do get cyclones though 🙂

      The Sunshine Coast is pretty safe though, I can’t even tell you when the last time they got a cyclone. It’s highly unusual that they get this far down south, most cyclones, if not all, are much further north. As for how Texans are received, that depends on the Texan 🙂

      See my post about Americans in Australia for more on this…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/13748/americans-in-australia-do-australians-like-americans/

      • Gail October 31, 2016, 12:39 pm |

        Hi Ginger, you’ll have no problem settling in here with being Texan. I’ve just spent 15 of my life in DFW and consider myself more Texan than Aussie and now making the Sunshine Coast my home. Aussies love Texans!! Just smile a lot, don’t take everything personally and you’ll be fine.

  • Mithilesh Boyina June 15, 2016, 3:07 am |

    Hey Bob,

    I am planning on moving to Australia from India. Which of the cities there do you think could possibly have a sea of options going forward in the IT space? And also, with a reasonably good lifestyle, what do you think a decent pay-pack in sydney/brisbane/adelaide/melbourne should be? I’ll be moving there alone. Have done a technical evaluation with a migration consultant and they say am good to get a PR.

    • BobinOz June 15, 2016, 11:17 pm |

      You can research the answers to all of your questions on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship, look out for the section on how to work out what kind of pay you might get.

      From what I’ve heard, Melbourne might be your best option for IT work, but do some research as I’m really not sure. Good luck, Bob

  • Tony June 14, 2016, 11:06 am |

    Hi There,
    My wife and I are retired (58 and 52 years of age) we are thinking of downsizing and making the move to the Sunshine Coast in the future. Is it it a good place for older people or is it the playground of the younger set?

    • BobinOz June 14, 2016, 7:24 pm |

      No, it is definitely not a playground for the youngsters, it’s the right place to go for retirees. If you’re not in love with the idea of living close to the beach, then I would suggest maybe looking up in the hinterlands a bit, there are some lovely towns up there with stunning views.

      And you’re still just 20 minutes or so from the beach.

      • Tony June 14, 2016, 11:30 pm |

        Thanks Bob that’s great to hear it certainly sounds like a great place to live out the golden years.

  • Noel May 13, 2016, 2:28 pm |

    With respect the opinion of Mooloolooba being the pick of Sunshine Coast Qld is plain silly piffle/waffle.

    NOOSA wins hands down not just in Qld but Australia for goodness sake!!!!! No contest!!!!

    • BobinOz May 15, 2016, 9:04 pm |

      I will take your ‘piffle/waffle’ and counter it by suggesting you are talking twaddle and tripe sir! 🙂

      In my view, Noosa is just that little bit too much further up the coast being an hour and three-quarter by car compared to an hour and a quarter from Brisbane and, for its location, way overpriced for housing. I just Googled it, because Google knows everything, and apparently the median house price in Noosa at the moment is $787,000, in Maroochydore it’s $515,000. That’s a massive difference.

      Noosa is nice, there is no doubt about it, although I feel it tries to be a little bit too fancy and posh in some areas. That’s why I prefer Maroochydore, but each to his own. If we all had the same opinions, what a boring world we would live in.

  • Charlotte Doughty April 15, 2016, 8:29 am |

    Hi!

    Me and my boyfriend are seriously considering moving here from the UK in around three years time when we graduate from university, however we have no idea where to start! We have agreed we would be looking for a family friendly place in a suburban area, any recommendations on where to begin looking?

    Thankyou so much! 🙂

    • BobinOz April 15, 2016, 7:22 pm |

      Moving to Australia is a very long and tricky process, I always think the best place to start is by first trying to find out whether or not you would qualify for a visa. Until you have bottomed that one out, there’s no point in looking into it any further.

      If you’re stuck with that, then I suggest you speak to a MARA migration agent, see my page Migration agents.

      Once that is sorted, then you need to find out which city or area in Australia you would be most likely to find work, see my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      Then you can start looking for that family friendly suburban area and we have anti-of those to choose from. Hope that helps, Bob

  • João Ivo April 12, 2016, 11:32 pm |

    Hi Bob! It was a good reading over your blog, thanks!
    You had explained things in a good and easy way.

    I’m from Brazil, and started to think about migrate to Sunshine Coast with my Family.
    thanks again for all the information!

    best regards,
    João, wife and kids

    • BobinOz April 13, 2016, 11:02 pm |

      My pleasure João, I hope the information has been useful to you. Good luck, Bob

  • Sandy April 12, 2016, 1:54 pm |

    Hi Bob, thank you for keeping this blog live. My question to you is do I need to have a visa to own a property in Australia. I am a US citizen and interested in buying an apartment in Sunshine Coast region.

    Thank you
    Sandy

    • BobinOz April 12, 2016, 11:28 pm |

      If you do not have Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship, I believe you need to get approval to purchase a residential property here in Australia, and you get that from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). So that’s who you need to get in touch with to get permission. Cheers, Bob

    • Noel May 13, 2016, 2:32 pm |

      Go to Noosa Sandy, will be the best decision you’ll make in your life – guaranteed!!!!

  • Nick April 3, 2016, 9:27 am |

    Hi

    Me and my wife are thinking about moving to Sunshine coast from Adelaide. What are the cost of living ? How quick I have to change car rego. Where is best place to live at S.C. Work wise I think You can always find something after while. We are looking for sea change. One we have already done ( moving form Poland to AU 15 Years ago ) now is the time for next one.

    Thanks

    • woj April 3, 2016, 5:16 pm |

      Hi Nick. We are also at the stage of moving to the sunshine Coast, but we are moving from Poland. Something you have done 15yrs ago 🙂
      I have done quite a bit of research as to the sunshine. Ive managed to dig up that maroochydore is a very primising place as it is planned that maroochydore will be the business capital of the SC. Theres quite a few movies on YouTube about sunshine coast. From what I remember the person with the yt Channel is Asia…. something something 🙂 she has heaps of sunshine coast info uploaded and also an email there where you can write and ask.
      If you would want to email me feel free to write a few lines. All the best and good luck with the move!
      Wojtek.

      • Nick April 3, 2016, 5:19 pm |

        Hi

        How it’s going with Your move from Poland ? How are You in organising Your stuff ? When Do You thing it’s happened ?

        Nick

        • woj April 3, 2016, 5:49 pm |

          Hi Nick.
          We are slowly getting ready. I plan to be there around june july already and the wife and kids probably around sept i hope, as soon as her partner visa comes thru. When are you Planning to make the move? Feel free to email me Nick 🙂

          • Nick April 3, 2016, 9:45 pm |

            Hi

            It still be a while, maybe 6-10 months. We have some family business to close.What’s Your e-mail ?

  • Dolce December 25, 2015, 9:37 pm |

    Do you know Meridan Plains? How is the area? Our organisation isnopening a facility there and wants to do a lateral transfer? Heard of Meridan State College? Is it good?

    Where to live if i will work in meridan plains.

    • BobinOz December 30, 2015, 8:46 pm |

      I don’t know the specific suburb you mention, but I know the area, generally speaking it’s a beautiful part of the country. Mooloolaba, a short distance north from where you speak, is one of my favourite places here. Hopefully a local may see this and give you more information.

  • Joe Langdale December 25, 2015, 2:05 am |

    Hello Im looking for electricians to talk to regarding which citys have a lot of work and if you really do have to have your license to work as I have heard mixed things some saying you dont because youd be working under a licensed electrician on paper.

    Many thanks in advance as I am struggling ive tried british expats and got not much luck, ive tried looking on indeed and seek at jobs and a few days ago ive contacted a few companies but not heard back yet.

  • Woj December 18, 2015, 4:13 am |

    Hello Bob!
    First of all Im sorry to torment again! But I feel that Im stuck on this one 🙂 I was pretty much sure that SC is the way to go for us (we are moving next year, My wife and me, along with our two small children aged 5 and under 2), but have finished talking to somebody who has been to Perth..

    First of all I perfectly know, that it will be difficult to obtain an objective opinion wether Sunshine coast or Perth is a better location for living, seeing as this part of the forum is SC orientated, but I thought I would ask anyway, maybe somebody has been or has had similar querries and will be able to give some usefull info?

    For a longer period of time I have been taking two destinations into account.The first destination was the Sunshine Coast Queensland, and the second has recently become PErth again. I have a few friends who have been (I never have) and absolutely loved it!

    The reason these two places I feel are ideal are that I am 42 next year,. My wife is younger but we have two great kids. We are not looking for party life, we want a very laid back lifestyle, sun, beaches, and just an affordable lifestyle meaning that the wages are normal in comparison to expenses (if I told you what it looks like in Poland at the moment you would be suprised why we are still here). So in short – sun, friendly people, and a place which is safe, sunny and most importantly – family orientated. Im looking for a place where we will be able to get to love and a place which will be a great home for my wife, our kids and me.

    Does anybody have a compariosn of Perth to the Sunshine Coast? I know that the job scene on the sunshine coast isnt that great, I dont know what it looks like in Perth. On the SC there are about 330thou people living. In perth – a LOT more. I have heard various theories. One is that in Perth the water in the ocean is a lot colder, true? Also the nights are a LOT colder. True?

    Job wise for us I think it would be ok here and here (allthough am not sure as I really dont know for certain what the job scene is in those places). My wife is very well organised and has pretty vast experience in office work and I am sure she would do great in a job like that. I am an experienced coach who has been teaching tennis for the past 15 years, so for us I am sure we would find something here and there. On the other hand I just came to thought – if in fact there is a LOT less people living on the sunshine coach, unemployment is bigger there, than am wondering if I would have a lot less possible clients for court play? Also am interested in doing a lot of sporting after school activities for kids. Which market do you think would be better? Do you think that in Perth there might be more people willing to spend on sport for themselves or their children? Or generally does every place in Oz have people willing to go into that sort of stuff?

    Also weather wise. Is it true that in perth the summers, even thjough they can reach 40degrees, the air is more dry and the summers arent as harsh?

    I am so sorry for these millions of questions, but am trying to get more and more info as I feel that the next 6 months will fly past very quickly. I need to more or less know my destination before I get on that plane, and I can only do it mainly from opinion of people who have seen this and that..

    Of course, if there is anybody who has an opinion, I would appreciate it if they threw it on here 🙂

    All the best, Woj

    p.s.
    I also put a copy of this post on the Perth section, as I am sure there would maybe be some people who would have an opinion there. If that is a problem and am rubbishing too much on the forum, feel free to delete one of them.

    Thanks and once again well done for such a great forum!

    • BobinOz December 18, 2015, 9:26 pm |

      Hi Woj

      As you know, I don’t live in either of these places, although I have been to both. That isn’t enough though to be able to help out with your questions, so I think I’ll need to leave that to the locals of each area.

      Posting the same question twice isn’t something I normally like to see, but I am happy to leave both comments up on each of my pages about Perth and Sunshine Coast on this occasion.

      Can anybody help with this?

    • Greg February 14, 2016, 8:08 pm |

      HI Woj

      I think i can answer few of your questions 🙂
      I have been living in Brisbane for the last 9 years and just few months ago i have moved to Perth for a year .

      I am finding Perth very different to the east coast , more isolated and little bit backwards .This is of course only my opinion .I have spend some time in New Zealand and USA so Western Australia was a bit of shock to me 🙂
      I have to say that Perth is very modern and beautiful city but lacking a soul unfortunately.Weather is hot and dry (very hot atm 43C) i prefer Qld weather any time .
      Brisbane has Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and lot of things to do near by …… We are planing to go back to Qld next year , and settle on Sunshine Coast .We love sunshine coast i haven’t find better place to rise a kids yet :)The problem for some people is to find employment ,i am working in oil gas industry and doing fly in and out .When i spoke to the locals they have told me that ,there is always jobs there but money are much less then in big capital cities (its all about lifestyle).
      Send me a message if you need more info i am happy to answer your questions 🙂
      Greg

      • Woj February 29, 2016, 6:41 pm |

        Hi Greg! Thanks for your reply 🙂
        Yep, I also heard that paywise SC mite be a little bit less. But I suppose that its a something for something sort of thing. You earna little bit less, but probably spend less also as things mite be cheaper than in more modern and capital cities.
        Wha are places like Maroochydiore like? I have een doing a fair bit of reading and will priobably be looking for the bigger places on the SC due to thee fact that empployment might be easier to find. Have you been to Maroochydiore or the Noosa shire?

        All the best 🙂
        Woj.

        • Greg February 29, 2016, 6:48 pm |

          WOJ
          send me a emial on greada@ gmail.com i can give you more info , we are from Poland too 🙂
          Greg

          • Woj February 29, 2016, 7:47 pm |

            🙂 🙂 🙂
            Email sent 🙂

            Dzieki 😉
            woj.

    • Robyn February 15, 2016, 11:29 am |

      Hi Woj
      My sister and her family lived in Perth and now live in Paraburdoo.

      My sister comes to Queensland for holidays. The children enjoy the Gold Coast for the theme parks and the Brisbane city for shopping.

      They love staying on the Sunshine Coast due to it offering a laid back environment with only a short trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands such as Melany. They enjoy travelling up to Maryborough for the historical tours and then further up the Coast to Mon Repos at Bundaberg and then further up to the Coral Coast tours.

      My sister and her family would prefer the Sunshine Coast lifestyle to Perth’s due to the ability to find cheap air fares to pop down to Sydney and Melbourne for holidays. They stated that they feel very isolated in Perth and though the West Coast is beautiful it does not offer the affordable lifestyle which can be enjoyed on the Sunshine Coast and the cheap air fares or a pleasant and safe drive all up and down the East Coast to holiday. They would prefer Sunny Coast and its central position and consistent weather pattern. They do get paid very well though in their professions in Perth but they stated that is to keep people on the West.

      Their next trip to the Sunshine Coast will be this year ending where they plan to take trips inland to Longreach and Winton and follow the early settlers journeys establishing Queensland. Queensland seeps history and offers a lifestyle to suite everyone.
      I grew up in Melbourne, holidayed in Perth and Adelaide, lived in Sydney for a while, moved to Brisbane then west of Brisbane to the apple and grape and wine country of Stanthorpe then coastal to Bundaberg now back in Brisbane with work. We always holiday on the Sunshine Coast where we plan to retire or we may just pack up and move there due to the amazing lifestyle and friendly communities.

      Perth is beautiful but the feedback I receive from family and friends whom have moved there is that they feel very isolated and are missing out on the opportunity for safe and affordable travel and holidays. Great place to visit especially the Kimberley region but I and many prefer the lifestyle on offer on the Sunny side of Oz:)

      Cheers, Robyn.

      • Woj February 29, 2016, 6:37 pm |

        Robyn. Thank you very much for your reply!! Do you know if its really that difficult with work on the SC? And if Maroochydore is the best bet when iot comes to work there?
        Once again thanks for your reply 🙂

        Woj.

    • bernie April 15, 2016, 5:16 pm |

      Hi there.
      I am german.
      Lived in perth, now living in melbourne last 15years and moving to sc nxt year.
      Perth too far away from everything. U r closer to bali than sydney.
      Work will be better in perth, much harder in sc.
      Generally for foreigners like us melbourne is the best place if you have to work.so easy to get work here than in sc.
      I wont have to work anymore, so moving up there to enjoy climate.sc u r still close to brisbane and cold goast so you have 3 airports available.
      Plus new hospital built sc.
      I believe sc will boom soon since baby boomers retire 2016 to 2025

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

        The Sunshine Coast is a great place to retire, it’s perfect if you don’t need to look for work. I might well end up there myself one day.

  • Heyday November 16, 2015, 6:40 am |

    Hello Bob,

    Cool blog, I came here from my uncle google;) and I will definitely looked.
    Together with his family – wife and two children are planning to move to Australia. We currently live in Poland.
    We think the live in Sunshine Coast. Our concerns relate to cyclones (whether they are so very scary ??) and the labor market. I personally think over running their own business as a brand manager & webmaster, and the wife wants to to try your hand in gastronomy. In Poland, we run a restaurant. How to do business in Australia, whether they are big taxes? Does the law is simple and transparent?

    Greetings,
    Stephen

    • BobinOz November 27, 2015, 7:09 pm |

      The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful part of this country, if there is any concern about the area it’s probably the lack of work opportunities. If you are going to work for yourselves though, then maybe it could work out.

      For example, it is very much a tourist area so maybe a well-run restaurant would do well for you. I see no reason why you couldn’t operate your business as a brand manager and webmaster up that way either, there are plenty of active businesses that you can canvass for work.

      It’s not too difficult setting up a business here, and taxes are not too dissimilar to other major countries. So good luck with your plans, I hope they work out.

  • Charlie November 2, 2015, 6:21 pm |

    Hey guy, I need some advice please. Does anyone have any info about the schools in Caloundra? Our kids will be 6&8 when we move there. It’s hard to get a feel for them on-line, and you can’t beat local knowledge. Which schools are good?

    • Guy November 2, 2015, 8:16 pm |

      Hi yes the caloundra Christian college run by baptist church is small and encourages children both academically and character traits

  • Allie August 14, 2015, 5:08 am |

    Hi there Bob! I’m 15 and living in the USA at the current moment however a friend and I were planning on moving to Australia for a summer (winter in Oz) later after we are finished with school. The Sunshine Coast sounds like a good fit for us but I was wondering if moving for a season is as difficult as moving there permanently sounds? Thank you, your website has been very helpful so far!

  • Robyn Neil August 12, 2015, 11:03 am |

    Hi Mark

    A year ago we relocated from Bundaberg to Brisbane. My husband took a transfer with his work. We are not enjoying the city lifestyle and have an opportunity with my husbands work to relocate to Nambour.

    My son will be studying at The Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane and will have to commute to Brisbane from Nambour via train as he does not want to drive on the HWY. Do you know of other students who do this and are they successful in doing so. Our son is not the nightlife partying type and prefers the country lifestyle with the objective to eventually work in a country town as a music teacher.

    Our son is willing to travel so he can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am hoping you may be able to advise us on how to achieve this.

    Kind regards,

    Robyn and family.

    • BobinOz August 13, 2015, 6:42 pm |

      It’s Bob actually, not Mark, clue in the website name 🙂

      No, I don’t know anybody who does that commute, can’t imagine it would be much fun though but I’m not sure whether there is a fast train or not. Maybe somebody reading your comment will help you out. Anybody?

      • Robyn Neil August 14, 2015, 10:30 am |

        Thanks for your reply Bob. I am so sorry for calling you Mark, my nick name is Bobby so I should have remembered your name. Thanks for providing such a valuable site.

        I have been reading your replies to others trying to decide on moving to the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane and we have decided to move to either Beachmere or Northlake’s. Thanks for helping us to make this decision.

        Cheers, Robyn

        • BobinOz August 14, 2015, 7:35 pm |

          That’s okay Robyn, I’ve been called worse 🙂

          Good luck with your plans, Bob

        • CC October 19, 2015, 2:03 am |

          Hi Robyn, I just saw your comment that you are thinking of moving to either Beachmere or North Lakes. My suggestion would be try renting before you buy. I know people who have lived in Beachmere (they moved from Vic. and had no idea how bad it was and bought there because it was so cheap and regretted it and their house hasn’t increased in value for decades. Two people I know lived there 30 years ago and they thought it was full of bogans back then) Beachmere has got a high crime rate, very low socio economic area, high unemployment/drugs problem. 2 x Policemen I know well, have said Beachmere is bad news so is Deception Bay, Caboolture, Morayfield, Nerangba, Strathpine. I personally wouldn’t live anywhere north of Bald Hills (maybe I’m just a snob) but if you want to be north of there, then North Lakes would be the better option of the 2 – FAR better schools, shopping, closer to a decent hospital(Prince Charles) and public transport. Beachmere really is about as bad as you can get – only thing going for Beachmere is that is a house on a 1,500m2 block is cheaper than a tiny 400m2 block of vacant land or a flat/unit in a half way decent suburb in Brisbane – I personally find Beachmere really backward and depressing. Try and rent first if it’s not too late.
          Good luck with the move 🙂

    • Stefan August 14, 2015, 2:27 pm |

      Hi Robyn

      A family member of ours does the commute from Nambour to Brisbane and back 5 days a week. All i can say is that him and his wife say it takes him all weekend to recover from the commute before Monday comes around and it all starts again.
      I know he is looking for a job closer to the coast. It’s not a good commute

      Stefan

    • Guy November 2, 2015, 8:21 pm |

      Hi I live in nambour the trip is long by car till the fast train comes.
      There is a christian distant ed school “jubilee” that a number if students attend in brusbane and a few teachers travel back and forward .. They maybe able to help . Plus a few churches flame tree baptist and suncoast both eorth a shot as far as opportunity to find a travel oartner .., don’t duppose you are looking to buy in nambour or rent ?

    • Guy November 30, 2015, 7:34 am |

      Hi Robyn
      We live in nambour and love it.
      The best way I think to see about yr son going to the conservatory of music could be to ring or go see them to see they could contact people on sunshine coadt who travel to the conservatory or whom will be nex year.
      I love nambour but maybe moving to Gold Coast. please keep in contact I may rent or sell my house if you are interested anonymouscounselling@gmail.com

  • Mark June 28, 2015, 2:12 am |

    Hello Bob,

    I will be moving to Queensland in the future on a skilled regional 489 visa. I would need to live in an area of low population growth I have been given a list of postcode areas. I think It best to live as close to Brisbane as I can, there or the Gold Coast for job opportunities as I will be going there as a general fitter. can you recommend any areas that you know to be close to Brisbane or Gold Coast and that might be a decent area with reasonable transport links as I won’t have a car right away. Sorry about the long list the postcodes are 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4211, 4270 to 4272, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287, 4307 to 4499, 4515, 4517 to 4519, 4522 to 4899. Any advice would be great.

    • BobinOz June 28, 2015, 9:46 pm |

      Hi Mark

      I have no idea where all of these postcodes are, and it would take ages for me to put each one in to the search boxes and then check them out and assess where they. Sorry, this is an exercise you will have to do yourself.

      • Mark June 29, 2015, 12:28 am |

        No problem, just thought you might know of some of those postcodes. Are there any areas you know of that’s just outside of Brisbane or The Gold Coast that would be nice to live in? Any suggestions would help to narrow my search down and I can check to see whether or not it would be classes as regional. Thanks again

        • BobinOz June 29, 2015, 8:32 pm |

          I found this page, made things a little easier…

          http://www.postcodes-australia.com/state-postcodes/qld

          Seems to me as though you have pretty much every postcode in Queensland with the exception of Brisbane and parts of the Gold Coast.

          Mount Tambourine is nice and would probably be my choice from the list just because of its location, it is close to the coast. I really don’t know enough about the other areas simply because they are quite remote. 90% of them, or more, I’ve never heard of, until you get to 4522 and a few of the ones above it, they appear to be all in the Sunshine Coast. Very nice up there, especially Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and surrounds, so worth a look.

          All the postcodes after that appear to be further north and for information about what it’s like living in some of those places, check out the comments on my page about Queensland. Obviously of primary importance to you though is would you be able to get work in some of these places and that’s a question you will need to consider when making your final choice.

          Hope that helps, Bob

          • Mark July 6, 2015, 4:53 am |

            Thank’s bob it was a big help.

            • Sachin July 9, 2016, 3:49 pm |

              Hi Mark,

              Just read through your post, I have also been granted the same visa this year with the same list of areas under Finance ,Accounts and Banking background

              I guess by now you would have already landed in Australia. Any inputs would be appreciated as it would ease my task of looking for the right place to live in.

        • Guy November 2, 2015, 8:24 pm |

          Hi the 42 codes are Gold Coast side the 45 codes are the Sunshine Coast side I think

  • julie June 17, 2015, 8:35 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    thanks for your page
    how far north of Brisbane can u live to drive one hour to Pullenvale,
    thinking about an acre or two
    thanks
    Jules

    • BobinOz June 18, 2015, 11:45 pm |

      Depends on traffic really, but I’d say North Lakes, Deception Bay, maybe Burpengary and a few kilometres beyond. I think when I drove to Dayboro that was only about an hour.

  • Stefan May 21, 2015, 12:24 pm |

    Hi Bernard

    I live at Peregian on the Sunshine Coast. Okay from Caloundra to Aspley its going to be a 1 hr 20 min run into aspley on a good day. Coming home its more like 1 hr 40 mins.
    From Mooloolana add a further 10 mins in each direction
    I dont recommend it. The Bruce Hway is becoming a nightmare. Most of the worst traffic is Caboolture to Aspley and back.

    • Bernard May 21, 2015, 12:33 pm |

      Thank you for that! I appreciate it. It looks like my partner will be working in Noosa and I will be in Aspley so we are working out the best way to proceed. Thinking Mooloolaba is best, I’ll just have to suck it up and wake up a bit earlier each day haha. Find something useful to do on the drive so it’s not all a waste.

  • Bernard May 21, 2015, 12:14 pm |

    I’m thinking about moving to either Caloundra or Moolooaba and working in Aspley. During peak hour traffic of a morning and afternoon, how long is it likely going to take me to get home and get to work? I’m worried that a one hour trip could turn into a 2 hour trip. Thanks!

  • bob May 2, 2015, 1:58 pm |

    Hi Bob

    Great Comments. My wife and i are seperating and she is moving to Mackay from sydney- and we have a 3 year old.
    I’m considering moving to QLD to be somewhat closer to my son – At the moment looking at all the options between Bris and and mackay. I dont want to move to Mackay – but considering the sunshine coast – even though its still quite a drive.

    I’m noticing the lack of work ops form this thread in Sunshine Coast – i gather you would suggest Brisbane if i need work?
    How is the rental market in the Sunshine coast for a 2 bedder?

    • BobinOz May 4, 2015, 3:03 pm |

      There is a link in the above article to properties for rent, you can check out the prices for yourself. I wouldn’t recommend commuting to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast to work though, it’ll drive you mad.

  • kiran March 3, 2015, 3:04 pm |

    Hello Bob, can u help me in suggesting which is the best place to live in,i mean the cheaper to live and the best way to get work. My wife is planning to study in Australia and i am accompanying her too.we got 2 options either sunshine coast or Wollongong.we are in a confusion to choose the place were it is the best to live and work .

    • BobinOz March 3, 2015, 11:13 pm |

      I can’t really give you an accurate answer, but I do know that most people say there simply isn’t much work on the Sunshine Coast. Wollongong may therefore be your better bet for work, Sunshine Coast may actually be cheaper to live. I’m afraid cheap to live and good for work opportunities don’t really go together.

  • Milli February 20, 2015, 11:38 pm |

    Bob can u help me in suggesting which is best regional areas for jobs in accounts or otherwise,what about mackay and cairns?

  • Milli February 20, 2015, 1:01 am |

    Hi
    Bob i wanna come to qld on 489 visa but i dont know which regional area i should choose to settle and work,as i m a chartered accountant from india and my wife is also into accounting field.can u pls suggest the best regional area where we could get the jobs of our profile.i have sunshine coast in my thoughts.

    • BobinOz February 20, 2015, 9:45 pm |

      The Sunshine Coast isn’t the best place to head to if you’re looking for work. It’s all a bit quiet up there in that respect. Check out my page about Getting a Job or a Sponsorship for more guidance.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Stefan January 15, 2015, 11:26 am |

    Hi Natalie

    Adelaide is def more quieter and cheaper to live than the Gold Coast. Can get very hot down there in summer. Best thing is once your here to get out and take a look. Both are different and it all depends what you are after? Nothing is perfectly ‘rosy’ here and every suburb has it’s pro’s and con’s. All the best with your move

    • BobinOz January 15, 2015, 9:46 pm |

      Yes, Stefan is right, it’s really best to take a look around for yourself. It’s impossible for somebody else to pick the perfect place for you, because everyone has different ideas about what is perfect.

      Check out my page A Quick Guide to Choosing a City in Australia, hopefully it will give you some pointers.

  • Natalie January 15, 2015, 3:41 am |

    Confused !! We emigrated as a family of 3 in 2013 and was pregnant for the move with my second child over to oz. I recently moved back to the uk at the end of May last year and now I am thinking it is a bad move. We lived in nsw northern shore and my husband still works out there but we are looking to relocate to aderlaide or Gold Coast, any advice and best areas for family’s? I want to give this another go but want the perfect place. Any advice??? Thanx x

    • BobinOz January 15, 2015, 9:44 pm |

      You will be pleased to know you will not the only one to do this kind of thing, I’ve written about this before in my post about ping-pong poms 🙂

  • tt January 14, 2015, 9:58 pm |

    dear Bob, above flood map link has been archived and I was unable to navigate and find a new flood map in the council website. would be grateful if you could help with a new link. I have a potential job opportunity near Morayfield and thinking of staying and commuting from somewhere in Sunshine Coast or from brisbane. I haven’t decided yet but guessed living in Brisbane could be more expensive than living in Sunshine Coast. please share your thoughts and I would be very grateful. I have been thinking of moving to Australia for a long time and had asked you questions before, but somehow plan didn’t go ahead and now planning again!

    • BobinOz January 15, 2015, 1:21 am |

      Yes, that link was broken, the council appear to have moved the page. I found a new one and fixed it in the article above, there is a new link which does work at the moment.

      I think it would be cheaper to live on the Sunshine Coast and if you have work out that way, it would make sense. Brisbane is more lively though, but as long as you have access and can get into the city, I think you will have the best of both worlds.

      I couldn’t specifically recommend a suburb up that way, I just don’t know the area that well. I know some are better than others though, so I’d have a good look around if I were you before you choose to settle down.

      Hope it all goes well, Bob

    • Gabriel January 15, 2015, 7:55 am |
  • tt January 14, 2015, 9:40 pm |

    Dear Bob, How’s Pelican waters? I found photos on Internet and very beautiful. how are the practicalities like? ( schools, transport, shops, is it really far out etc?, and snakes? with this proximity to water). many thanks. another thing is Morayfield, outside Brisbane, is it a good area? many thanks.

    • BobinOz January 15, 2015, 1:26 am |

      I really don’t know enough about the area to advise you here, hopefully someone else who lives up that way might help you out if they read your comment. I’ve explained more in my answer to your next comment below.

    • Stefan January 15, 2015, 11:23 am |

      Hi TT

      Pelican waters is a fairly nice development. I see you have a job at Morayfield, the commute is something that will take you about 50 mins each way each day. The Bruce Hway towards Morayfield is usually a pretty good run but it does get congested some mornings. Doing the run is not something I would do personally. I would maybe be looking at North Lakes or Bribie island if I were you TT. Take in to account fuel, wear and tear and stress especially the Bruce it can be hairy!!!

  • Nicki Z January 3, 2015, 3:01 am |

    Hi Bob

    We are moving to QLD in Jan 2016 and are hoping to live around the Sunshine Coast. I’m a Headteacher and I’ve been told that I have to do 20 days continuous supply work before I can apply for permanent jobs. This unfortunately means I can’t get a job until we get there.

    I wondered if it is possible for us to rent houses without having work. We would be able to offer a couple of months rent upfront??

    Thanks

    • BobinOz January 5, 2015, 1:57 pm |

      Hi Nicki

      Yes, I think that’s perfectly possible, it’s quite normal for people to arrive here without having yet secured a job to be able to rent a house, especially with a professional background like yourself.

      It’s a good idea to offer more advance rent than the landlord is asking for, it may help you secure the rental. By the way, it’s actually illegal for a landlord to ask for extra upfront, but it’s certainly not illegal for a prospective tenant to offer, so you will have to be the one to mention it.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Guy November 2, 2015, 8:31 pm |

      Hi I have a place for rent just would need to know your needs and family size .. The house is on hill back drop to bush close to Nambour Christian college

  • Sabrina Miller December 30, 2014, 2:59 pm |

    My friend and I have been contemplating about moving abroad for several months now, and your website has helped greatly in where we want to go. I’m only 18 and have done a semester of post-secondary, I’ll be finishing my next semester and then heading off to Australia, which is exciting. And because of your site I have a proper idea what I should be doing in order to make this happen. Thank you so much and keep up the excellent work! 🙂

    • BobinOz December 30, 2014, 8:37 pm |

      Glad to have been of help Sabrina, hope all your plans work out and we see you here in Australia sometime soon. Good luck, Bob

  • Amy December 12, 2014, 7:54 am |

    Hello,
    My husband and I are thinking or relocating form melbourne to the sunshine coast. We have a lot of family up there, My husband works in accounts and would be working in brisbane. We were thinking of around the caloundra area. Would this be a long drive to Brisbane Daily? As we are wanting the beach lifestyle and this area seems to be the closest beach from brisbane! Is there any other area you could suggest. we have 2 year old and 4 year old so near good schools aswell

    cheers

    • BobinOz December 12, 2014, 5:35 pm |

      It’s about an hour’s drive when there is no traffic, so it is commutable and plenty of people do it. I’ve heard it’s torture though, because the rush hour traffic can sometimes double the amount of time it takes. It’ll drive your husband bonkers.

      There aren’t any beach options in Brisbane really, there’s a bit of sand at Margate and Redcliffe, might be worth a look, but no decent waves for surfing or anything because it sheltered round that way.

      Don’t know about all the schools, but check out my page Which school?, you might find it helpful. Bob

  • Mukesh Chaurasia December 7, 2014, 12:24 am |

    Hi Bob

    Myself Mukesh and i am from Nepal.I have completed my Bachelor of Physiotherapy and would like to enroll for masters programme in the University of Sunshine coast. i would like to get information regarding part time jobs in that area. Is it possible to live in Brisbane and studying in University of Sunshine coast. howmuch tym will it consume according to the transportation.??

    thanxx

    • BobinOz December 8, 2014, 4:24 pm |

      If you visit my page about Getting a Job or a Sponsorship you will be able to search for jobs in the area to see what comes up.

      I certainly would not advise living in Brisbane and studying on the Sunshine Coast, the travel will be exhausting. Anything from an hour and a half to 2 hours each day each way, maybe more if the traffic is really bad. It will wear you down.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Victoria Beazley October 16, 2014, 10:11 am |

    Hi Bob
    We are wanting to move to the sunshine coast with a teenage (15) boy
    He loves tennis and we would like a repeatable High School
    Where would you suggest?

    It is all very confusing, every town looks so beautiful

    Cheers

    Victoria

    • BobinOz October 16, 2014, 7:37 pm |

      Hopefully somebody who knows the Sunshine Coast better than I do will help you out here Victoria, all I can offer is that I’ve heard that Buderim is one of the most sought after suburbs in the area and I have also heard the school in the area is very nice.

      By the way, I believe there is a quite large tennis training complex here in Brisbane, I think it’s somewhere close to or in Yeerongpilly, so you may want to Google that to find out more.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Stefan October 17, 2014, 3:31 pm |

      Hi Victoria
      I have lived on the coast for 22 yrs so know it very well. Okay, Bob is correct Buderim is very popular as a lace to live and has some excellent schools both public and private, real estate is not cheap here but it is a leafy green town and is quite ‘sleepy’ at night and safe. There are quite a few tennis clubs so your son will have no problem finding one. Best thing for you is to come and stay on the coast for say 4 or 5 nights and get a feel for the place and visit some of the schools.
      All the best
      Stefan

    • Guy November 2, 2015, 8:34 pm |

      Hi
      Best thing is to look around when you arrive
      Good to secure a short term rental and then look without being tied to a place ..

  • Jay September 27, 2014, 11:25 am |

    Hey Bob,

    Hope you are doing fine.Myself Jay. I’m a 29 year old guy from India, planning to study Bachelors of NURSING(graduate entry) in 2015 for 2 years in Australia. I have already received a confirmation letter from University of sunshine coast and also from Flinders University respectively. I have been to Australia (Brisbane, Gold coast sunshine coast, cairns but never been to Adelaide ) couple of times as a tourist as I work in Papua new guinea which is a neighbor country to Australia. At present, I am so confused after reading all those above comments about sunshine coast and Adelaide. As you know that those two places are so different .so, I was wondering in which place would I get more opportunities in the future(of course after grabbing my degree) and also which place will give me better offer in “STUDY WHILE WORK’’.

    I would appreciate if I have your exert opinion on that !

    Cheers
    Jay.

    • BobinOz September 29, 2014, 4:24 pm |

      I simply don’t know Jay, both areas are known to be difficult to find work in, and I have no idea which might give you the most opportunities in the future.

      If I tried to offer advice here, I’d be making it up 🙂

      Good luck, Bob

  • Alfred September 24, 2014, 8:04 am |

    Hi Bob
    im a 30 years old migrant from west Africa, i have been living in sydney for 10 years with my wife and son who is 3 years old. We want to move to QLD but have no idea which part would be family friendly for us. we both work in health. can you help.

    • BobinOz September 24, 2014, 6:33 pm |

      That’s a big question Alfred, Queensland is a large place. I live in Brisbane in the western suburbs, that’s very family friendly. I’m sure huge swathes of Queensland are family friendly, so I think it’s up to you to narrow your search down a bit more to the type of place you and your family would like to live.

      Once you’ve done that you can ask more questions on the relevant page for the area to see if anyone can give you further suggestions about the most family friendly locations in the area.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Sara September 14, 2014, 7:21 am |

    Hi Bob!
    I’m a 20 year old girl from Norway planning to study business for 3 years in Australia. I lived with my family for a year in Mooloolaba when I was only 10, and I fell in love with the Sunshine Coast. Since then, I have also become very fond of surfing, which made me pretty determined that the Uni of Sunshine Soast would be the place for me. However, I have done a lot of research and the other alternative I’ve ended up with is Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, where the campus is right in the middle of the city (you probably know this though, as you live in Brisbane).

    So I’m faced with one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make, especially since these two places are so different. I definitely see the advantages of living in a city when studying business, and I also know that QUT has a really great business faculty. There is also, as you’ve mentioned earlier, a lot more to do in the evenings in a city. However, I’ve never been a “party girl”, and I prefer being active, near nature and the ocean, so I don’t know if a wild nightlife is something I’d miss if I were to live on the Sunshine Coast.

    On the other hand, I still am a normal teenager and I enjoy being social and attending events and so on..I also want a good education, and of course it will be possible to do weekend-trips to Sunshine Coast if I choose the university in Brisbane. It definitely won’t be the same as living there though! As you can tell, I’m having a really hard time choosing.. Even though I’m the one who has to make the decision, I’d really like to hear your opinion about this, and if you have any good advice!

    Sara

    • BobinOz September 15, 2014, 7:07 pm |

      Hi Sara

      Yes, I can see your dilemma, it’s a tough call. I would usually have absolutely no doubt is suggesting Brisbane above the Sunshine Coast because it really is quite quiet in the evening up there on the coast, so I’m pretty convinced most young people would get bored pretty quickly. That said, I’m sure there are many students at that university, they must have found something nearby to do with themselves to have fun, surely?

      If you are really not too much of a party girl, and you really want to live by the sea, there may be the Sunny Coast is your choice, and there is no denying the beaches and even the hinterland up that way are stunning. But you would be trading that for Brisbane’s much busier nightlife and the cultural offerings of South Bank Parklands and surrounds.

      So you do have a big choice, I’m wondering if there’s any way you can contact both universities and ask if there is some kind of online forum or somehow you can get in touch with students and ask them for help?

      Good luck, I hope you make the right choice in the end. Cheers, Bob

  • sunny September 10, 2014, 7:14 pm |

    Hi bob,
    I am sunny from india, an i come with my wife to study in bridbane australia but we are worried about job is which areas can easy to find part time or full time job any type

  • 911Riaan September 4, 2014, 12:04 am |

    Good Day

    I would like to know if you Bob, or any of the readers can assist me with some information on Emerald, Blackwater or Moranbah – which would be the best for a family of 4 (2 young pre school boys) to settle in coming from South Africa?

    Thanks in advance.

    Riaan

    • BobinOz September 4, 2014, 9:49 pm |

      I can’t help you, never been up that way, but I suspect you’d have plenty of space around you in any one of those places 🙂

      If no one here helps you, may I suggest you ask your question on my page about Queensland, you can get to it from the navigation menu at the top underneath Australian States.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Elena September 3, 2014, 5:22 am |

    oh god..Im totally confused after reading all comments. Im a moscow citizen and Im 26, I wanted to go to Australia for 6 months (to study english). And I decided to go to SC (Maroochydore or Noosa) because its laid-back life style, climate and the ocean. I really did want to stay NOT in big city because Im a bit tired of ”Big city life” in Moscow. But now Im not sure I wanna go to SC bcs it seems like a village without any entertainment districts (sometimes clubs too). I cant say I party often but ofc I want to have some abilities going out sometimes. Is the big difference between Maroochydore and Noosa? Or I really need to think about Brisbane? ;(

    • BobinOz September 3, 2014, 9:48 pm |

      Hi Elena

      In my view, yes, you really do need to think about Brisbane. Brisbane is a pretty laid-back city, I’ve never been to Moscow, but I’m sure Brisbane is totally different. Don’t get me wrong, I love Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and (maybe not quite so much) Noosa, but as beautiful as the Sunshine Coast is, I think you will get to the stage where you wished there were more to do in the evening.

      On the other hand, if you study in Brisbane and visit the Sunshine Coast at the weekends every now and then, you’ll have the best of both worlds.

      Just my view, but I hope it helps you with your decision.

      Cheers, Bob

  • arun September 2, 2014, 9:00 pm |

    Hi Bob
    I have got queensland state nomination for489 regional visa. I have searched various websites on internet.But i am confused which regional area is better for me as I am working as a production manager in a manufacturing unit in India. Sunhine coast has a population of around 300000 people. My first choice is sunshine coast because of large population. I have read earlier posts above and came to know that work is scarce in sunshine.That’s why I confused now.plz suggest me some good regional area(except brisbane and gold coast) in qld which has better job opportunities for me(manufacturing)?

    • BobinOz September 3, 2014, 9:27 pm |

      If only I knew, but I don’t. I know I’m stating the obvious, but the best place for you is the place where you can get a job, so I think that finding work comes first, where you decide to live follows that.

      I know that’s not very helpful, and hopefully someone else reading this might be able to advise if they know specifically about your industry, if not you could use the links on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship to the online employment agencies to search for work in regional Queensland.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Stefan August 18, 2014, 10:24 am |

    Good comments from Kareen. My sis in law and husband moved here from Mel in March. He has just started work so had 5 months no income and the same went for her. Plus could not buy or get a house due to no income so no mortgage. I reckon it has cost them 70k in lost wages as i know what they were earning in Melbourne. Unless your a good tradie please beware before having starry eyed dreams of moving to the sunshine coast. I am one of the fortunate few living and working here on Sydney wages but its who you know not what you know!

    • BobinOz August 18, 2014, 9:31 pm |

      Yes, when it comes to the Sunshine Coast, I think the rule of thumb should be don’t go there looking for work, go there after you have already secured a job.

  • Kareen August 17, 2014, 10:40 pm |

    Oh God I shudder when I read the hopeful comments from Victorians, Tasmanians etc about their relocation dreams to Qld.

    Been there – done that. At 39 ! Back to Vic by 42.

    My mistake – we moved to the Gold Coast and we should have gone to Brisbane.

    2 years of working harder than ever (and I’ve always been a hard worker) and I just started wondering why the hell I was there. Wages are lower than Melbourne / Sydney and yet the cost of living was higher due to its electricity-reliant culture and transportation costs. Couldn’t find a single reliable tradesman in 2 years, nor could you do business on a handshake. There is a dog-eat-dog culture there that is just awful.

    I’m sure Brisbane would have been totally different but I was so disillusioned after 2 years I just made the move back to Melbourne.

    Mooloolaba is beautiful – we also love Montville / Maleny / Glass Mountains.

    For Victorians I highly recommend going to Brisbane and avoiding the Gold Coast – and holiday on the Sunshine Coast !!!

    Work availability is a massive problem and the wages are about 20-30% lower than Melbourne.

    • BobinOz August 18, 2014, 1:06 am |

      I have to agree with you on that Kareen, the Gold Coast isn’t my cup of tea either. Mooloolaba is indeed beautiful as well as those wonderful hinterland areas you mention. But, not much work up that way.

      If people want to move up this way, like yourself, I think Brisbane is the best choice. Come back, give it another go 🙂

  • Shaun August 7, 2014, 10:45 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Great article!

    I’m thinking about moving to the Sunshine Coast from Tassie and was wondering your thoughts on the best area to buy a house in terms of price and people etc? Or even other places around Queensland that you think a 22 year old would enjoy living.

    Thanks, Shaun

    • BobinOz August 8, 2014, 9:32 pm |

      I’m not sure a 22-year-old would like living in the Sunshine Coast at all if I’m to be honest Shaun. It’s a great place to visit for the beach, but it’s very hard to get work and there really isn’t much nightlife.

      I think you’d be better off living in Brisbane and then just going to the Sunny Coast for visits, unless, of course, you really like a quiet lifestyle. Have a think about it and do come back if you have more questions.

      Cheers, Bob

    • Stefan August 10, 2014, 7:05 pm |

      Shaun

      Bob is bang on the money. There is not a lot here for a 22yr old guy to be honest. Yes we have great beaches and some of the ‘local girls’ look spectacular but I think you’d be bored after a month or so here Shaun. Like Bob said try Brisbane first, we are only 80 mins by car so it’s an easy day out for you from Brisbane and from there you’ve got the choice of doing the Gold Coast as well. Cheers and all the best with it

      Stefan

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