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.

Visa Assessment Service
{ 532 comments… add one }
  • Tan August 9, 2018, 10:10 pm |

    Hi.

    I read a ton about Noosa and it sounds like a great place to live in but looking at the population, there are almost no chances of meeting anyone. I will be honest, I want to live somewhere that is near the beach, relaxed but not abandoned and where I can actually meet someone to date.

    I don’t want to live in a huge city with millions of people but Noosa and other small places seem too small and perfect for families but not for people who are single and actually want to meet someone before they are 30.

    Any advice where on the Sunshine Coast (or Gold Coast, I am open to both) I can find a place that has nature, is safe and has beaches but is also perfect for someone in her twenties that doesn’t want to retire and abandon all chances of meeting anyone because she doesn’t live in Sydney?

    I hope you or anyone else on this website has any advice.

    Thank you a ton,

    Tan

    • BobinOz August 10, 2018, 7:07 pm |

      Yes, it’s true, Noosa only has a population of around 4000 or so, but the population of the whole of Sunshine Coast is 280,000. It’s full of lots of small suburbs, for example Mooloolaba is one of my favourites, and that has a population of about 8000.

      But they all kind of merge together and the beaches are fantastic.

      That said, given your age and the kind of thing you want to do, I would not go to Sunshine Coast, there is very little nightlife and it’s not a place for young people really.

      I would definitely go to the Gold Coast which has a population in all of 570,000.

      Surfers Paradise is the busiest suburb, but given as you prefer quiet and safe, I wouldn’t go there. I would check out some of the suburbs a bit south of there if I were you, and if you look at my page about Gold Coast and in particular the comments, your see lots of talk about the suburbs and what they are like.

      Good luck, I hope you find somewhere and someone here in Australia that you very much like.

    • Cara December 19, 2018, 8:11 am |

      Hi Tan,

      I am 24 and want to move to Sunshine coast for the exact same reasons as you- nature, safe beaches and young people who enjoy the natural outdoor life! I am not into drinking or clubbing just love to be outdoors and active with people young and keen to have a good time!

      I am still in UK and want to move to Sunshine coast but no idea where to move where there are sociable young people and jobs- how are you getting on? Would love to hear from you?

      Cheers!

      Cara

  • Avril August 2, 2018, 1:27 pm |

    Re: the hinterland- I was wondering which towns aside from montville and malaney are good to live in/pretty/ have facilities? Also which beachside areas would you most recommended? Moving from Melbourne and need house with not too expensive rent (looking at low $400s as maximum for a 2- 3br) Also want somewhere friendly, artistic and safe- small child and actor. Thank you for any advice you may have- it’s hard to tell which areas aren’t just bland suburb on real estate.com and homely.

    • BobinOz August 2, 2018, 9:01 pm |

      Beach side, Peregian, Coolum and Mooloolaba are probably my favourites, but I don’t think I’m the right person to answer your question about the hinterland. I’m pretty sure the two towns you have mentioned are the biggest in the hinterland, and I’ve also been to Mapleton, which did have a pub but I’m not sure it had much else.

      Other than that, I think it’s all pretty quiet up in them hills, but hopefully a local who knows the area better than me can give you more advice on this. Eumundi has very arty markets a couple of times a week, but again, I’m not sure there’s much else there, but I may be wrong on that.

      Can anybody help more with this?

  • Kav July 26, 2018, 12:41 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    Thanks, I love your website, has so much info!

    would you say house prices are affordable in Sunshine Coast?

    Thanks
    Kav

    • BobinOz July 26, 2018, 7:50 pm |

      Yes, I would say so, certainly by comparison to other cities.

      Of course, that depends what you regard as affordable, so the best way to check is to use the link on my page Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia and have a good browse around the Sunshine Coast for prices.

    • Kav August 19, 2018, 3:41 pm |

      Hi Bob

      I’m hoping you or someone living in the area can help with this question please. We want to move to sunshine coast but will need to commute to Brisbane CBD for both our jobs. Looking for recommendations for a great suburb which is in the middle of sunshine coast and Brisbane with relatively easy commute, has great childcare options/schools and a family friendly?

      Thanks heaps
      Kavita

      • BobinOz August 20, 2018, 4:45 pm |

        I’m afraid it’s bad news, there is no relatively easy commute from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane CBD, the journey whether by car or public transport is an absolute pain.

        Google maps will tell you that you can drive from Mooloolaba, which is a good suburb, to the CBD in one hour and 25 minutes, but in reality that will not happen. The Bruce Highway is a congestion hotspot, not my words but those of the RAC. They also say that rush-hour now lasts for about four hours, from 5 AM till just after 9 AM as people try, but fail, to beat the traffic.

        It’s a horrible journey and I reckon on some days you can double that journey time to about three hours, so it’s not something I would recommend. It would drive you absolutely crazy.

  • Russ July 10, 2018, 4:06 pm |

    Hi Bob! Thank you so much for the work you have put into this site, it has been extremely helpful! I am a 47yr old American, never married, no children. I am a successful stock trader and can do my job anywhere with an internet connection, so employment is not an issue/necessary. I recently came to the conclusion that I haven’t been living my life for me, and now I am going to change that.
    I am planning an extended 3 month vacation this September with the intention of possibly finding/buying a vacation condo that I would use yearly in the Spring/very early Summer (September – December) and rent out for the rest of the year. Hopefully it can generate enough income to sustain itself.
    I have focused on the Sunshine Coast area because of the weather and because I don’t want to live in a big city like Brisbane (I already do in the USA). I also feel like the Gold Coast will have an Orlando, FL feel to it, which again I am not interested in (Walt Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc….) In essence, I am not 25-35 anymore, so staying up all night partying (or being kept up all night by party’ers), clubs, Electric Dance Music, etc. are not a necessity. But I don’t want to be bored either! lol
    Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and even higher up to Noosa are all points of interest. I am also aware that my options for buying are severely limited to new construction only, because I am a non-resident. I am a pretty simple guy: a nice beach, some local pubs/restaurants, a healthy grocery store, maybe a theater, local festivals, a decent gym to keep fit. But I crave community! I like to volunteer, help out when I can, meet new and interesting people.
    When I dig deeper into these areas, it appears that although not the Gold Coast, there are still many tourists and the industry attracts a large number of transient service type workers? Would you or anyone be able to tell me if these areas, or any other in the vicinity have more local, permanent dwellers than tourists themselves? I noticed many new condo builds in Maroochydore are retirement type dwellings, and that is of concern to me because of my age and because of my intent to rent out any condo I might purchase.
    My other concern is the type of lodging available to a guy who is not going to be in one place for very long. I can afford hotels (but don’t necessarily want to pay all that $$$ for a place that I won’t be in other than to sleep), I am too old for hostels, but was wondering if you had any ideas for something between the two? Even a short term rental for a week or 2 at a time would be desirable. I know I have forgotten a bunch of questions, but I think I have stated the basics. Any input from you Bob or anyone else would be much appreciated!
    Russ

    • BobinOz July 10, 2018, 9:46 pm |

      Thanks Russ, glad to hear you like my website.

      I love the Sunshine Coast, and in particular Mooloolaba, we go there quite a lot for long weekends. Plenty of tourists go to Mooloolaba, but Noosa is much more touristy and I would think therefore has more of those transient people, even so, plenty of people live there permanently as well. I know for sure though, that plenty of people live in Mooloolaba full-time and I’m sure many areas have a good community spirit.

      Surf Lifesaver clubs, bowls clubs and RSL’s are popular here and always create communities, and we’re quite big on fitness centres and gyms as well. Everything else you want can be found in Mooloolaba and they pretty much don’t have anything you don’t want.

      You seem to have done your research, so you probably know you will need permission from Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to buy a property here. Also, you will need a visa that not only allow you to stay, but work while you’re here as well. If you haven’t yet looked into visas, I really would, because you may struggle to get one given what you’ve told me about your age and occupation.

      I suspect you may be thinking it would be okay to come here for three months a year on a tourist visa each time, if so then I strongly suspect that if you continued stock trading online, you could well be in breach of that visa. I think even applying for a three-month tourist visa every year may raise eyebrows after a while, but I don’t know for sure.

      I highly suggest talking to a MARA registered migration agent about all that to clear up. Without a visa, your plan would be scuppered.

      For temporary accommodation that isn’t a hotel check out Airbnb and Stayz (Google will help you find them). Hope that helps, Bob

      • Russ July 11, 2018, 5:09 am |

        Hi Bob, thank you so much for your reply! I indeed have done a great deal of research on many things regarding living/visiting/investing in Australia, including the different type of visas available.
        My conclusion: the only way I will get permanent residency/citizenship (without getting married to an AU citizen) is through the Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405) or the Investor visa (subclass 891). I don’t age into the Retirement visa for another 8 years and the minimum investment for the Investor visa would also be problematic, but not necessarily impossible.
        “Without a visa, your plan would be scuppered.” You bottom line things very well! That stuck with me, so I went ahead and applied for the Electronic Travel Visa (ETA) subclass 601 a few hours ago for $20USD. I should get an answer within 24hrs. That at the least gets me into Australia for up to 3 months at a time, with unlimited visits, over a 12month period. I can still enjoy a long vacation and have time to see the places I want to see at the very least.
        In regards to real estate investment/buying new construction, I have researched this area extensively, including the annual vacancy charge and the fact they don’t mess around with breaking the rules/law. It appears the AU Govt. welcomes this type of investment and is considered a “rubber stamp” as long as the Foreign investor isn’t a criminal. In fact, it appears it’s easier to buy new construction as a non-resident than it is to get a permanent visa!
        From the FIRB website: “Foreign persons generally need to apply and receive foreign investment approval before purchasing new dwellings and vacant residential land for development. Applications to purchase new dwellings are usually approved without conditions.” “The decision maker has a statutory period of 30 days to make a decision from the date of full payment of the relevant fee on application, and a further 10 days to notify the applicant of the outcome.”
        One last hurdle is the “You must not work” while on the ETA in the country. I am not employed by any corporation, business, or individual. I am not “self-employed”. I do not earn/receive a paycheck. I buy stock ABC, and hopefully sell stock ABC for profit and/or earn dividend payments. After paying dividend and/or capital gains taxes to the USA IRS, whatever is leftover is what I got. We call it unearned income vs earned income. For instance, if I bought and rented out a condo in Queensland, is the rent being paid (income) equivalent to me “working”? I suspect the answer is no. Here we would call that unearned income. I imagine this goes well beyond the scope of your webpage, but I only offer this up for others who might read this.
        For all the help you and your site has given me, the very least I can do is use your VERY REASONABLY priced Visa Assessment Service and hope Simon can clarify everything and point anything else I might have overlooked.
        Russ

        • Russ July 11, 2018, 10:43 am |

          Update: My ETA visa was granted roughly 3.5 hours after I applied online. There were several optional add-on charges to expedite the process from 24hrs, but those would have been wasted dollars since it only took less than 4 hrs.

        • BobinOz July 11, 2018, 8:22 pm |

          Yes, I also did wonder how the rental income received by a foreign investor here in Australia would be treated, but as you say, that’s way beyond the scope of this website, or to put it another way, my knowledge.

          Hopefully Simon can help you out with the answers, although in fairness, the Visa Assessment Service is primarily about looking at your options when it comes to permanent or potentially permanent visas to live in Australia. Obviously you are keen to know whether you can get one of those, so the assessment will certainly be worthwhile, and I’m sure Simon would be able to give you some kind of advice on these other matters.

          That ETA certainly came through pretty fast, so that’s good.

          I will leave it to you and Simon to dig deeper. Good luck Russ, Bob

          • Russ July 11, 2018, 11:09 pm |

            Thank you so much again for all that you do Bob! I paid/filled out my CIQ and sent it in to Simon with a few questions/thoughts with the email. I’ll keep you posted.

            Russ

            • BobinOz July 12, 2018, 7:43 pm |

              Thanks Russ, I hope it all works out. Cheers, Bob

  • Paola Dip July 6, 2018, 3:46 pm |

    Hi Bob!
    My partner and I we are moving from Hobart Tas to the Sunshine Coast… we been told that Noosa has plenty of jobs in the hospitality industry ( my partner is a chef and I am FOH manager) I was wondering if Noosa it will be a good place for work and how much is to rent a house in there?

    • BobinOz July 6, 2018, 6:09 pm |

      Noosa is definitely a very busy tourist destination, so if you are going to get hospitality jobs anywhere on Sunshine Coast, that would be the best place.

      You need to do your research though on both jobs and rentals, and my pages Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia will help you with that.

      • Paola Dip July 7, 2018, 3:22 pm |

        Thanks Bob!!!
        I will and your website is great!!’
        I have other question..some people said that in Noosa the people is not to friendly.. what is your opinion about it?!

        • BobinOz July 9, 2018, 6:58 pm |

          It’s hard to say, I think you have to live in a place to know whether it’s friendly or not, and I don’t live in Noosa. I think you’ll find like most places, it has friendly people and unfriendly people.

  • sofia geier May 21, 2018, 8:29 am |

    Hi Bob,
    I’m from Argentina and i’m planning to move to Australia the second half of the year, many places seem attractive to me, among them Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Gold Coast, wich one would you recomend upon arrival?
    And what about finding a job in those places?

    Thanks!

    • BobinOz May 21, 2018, 6:33 pm |

      Of the places you mention, my favourite would be Byron Bay, but houses down there are now are ridiculously expensive.

      So which of these places would be best for you?

      For jobs, Brisbane would probably offer the most and would also offer you the best entertainment options. If you want a lively place with nightlife and the beach, then Gold Coast. If you want quiet and relaxing, then Sunshine Coast. Jobs aren’t always easy to get, especially for new arrivals, but that would depend on what you do.

      Hope that helps, Bob

  • Rajen Jain April 14, 2018, 10:19 pm |

    Dear Bob,
    We are planning to Migrate to Sunshine Coast . We are planning to invest in Business around 1 mn and in house around 4 to 5 Thousand AUD. I have two children age about 14 and 10 . Please advise me on the following
    a) Which are the Prospective Business we can invest into. We are planning For Filling Station , say 7 Eleven or May be Shell. Can you suggest any other Business idea. How is the Staffing and Recruitment Business. We have been doing in India since last 10 Years.
    b) Which is a good place to live Caloundra , Mooloolba , Maroochy or Noosa keeping in view of education and Business both in Mind.
    c) what is the General Cost of Living if we own a house.

    • BobinOz April 16, 2018, 4:47 pm |

      I can’t really help you on what kind of business to invest in, you should really speak to some kind of business specialist for advice on that.

      As for a house, I assume you mean $400,000-$500,000? Pretty much everywhere on the Sunshine Coast can be described as a good place to live. My preference is for Mooloolaba, Noosa is really nice as well, but a bit more expensive and upmarket. To search for houses, use the links on my page Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia.

      I have a whole category on the costs of living here, so you have plenty to read there, and I also have my page The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything.

  • Virginia April 11, 2018, 8:15 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    My husband and I are considering moving to Sunshine Coast (sunshine beach, Noosaville etc). We also have a child who will be commencing school next year. My husband is a chef and I am a teacher. Do you think there is much chance of us securing employment? We are planning to make the move mainly for lifestyle (love the beach, outdoors, warmer weather, and relaxed feel of the area). Not into the hustle and bustle of city.

    Thank you!

    • BobinOz April 12, 2018, 7:59 pm |

      Hi Virginia

      It’s always difficult to estimate somebody’s chances of finding work here, and probably the biggest complaint I hear from new migrants is that they just can’t get a job.

      Jobs aren’t guaranteed anymore, and some people say it’s who you know rather than what you know, which certainly does disadvantage newcomers.

      That said, there are plenty of restaurants up that way, it’s very much a tourist area, and of course schools do need teachers. So I think given you and your husband’s professions, you have a chance.

      Do your research though, my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship will help you with that.

      You will certainly get the outdoor lifestyle up there though, it’s a great place to live.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Brett Hanlon June 4, 2018, 8:45 am |

      Hi
      We have a great food business for sale . Its a permanent lockup cafe at Eumundi Markets and a Food Truck / Trailer.
      Please give us a call if interested.
      Brett
      0438827381

  • Alicja March 21, 2018, 2:08 am |

    Hi all,
    can anyone suggest some websites with real estate for rent in Sunshine Coast? I’m planning to move there with my fiance on July.

  • Beatrice March 5, 2018, 1:48 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I’m a Montreal Canadian 29 y old and I’m going to Sunshine Coast University to do my MBA. I will be living in Sunshine Coast for approx 1 year and i have a few questions.
    – Will i have the chance to find a job like in a restaurant or a coffee shop?
    – I’ m doing crossfit in Montreal do you know if there is some box in Sunshine Coast?
    – How is the life style in Sunshine Coast for late 20?
    – I love surfing, do the sunshine Coast has good spots of surfing?
    i have much more questions but i will start with that 😉
    thank you Bob!

    • BobinOz March 6, 2018, 7:46 pm |

      Hi Beatrice

      I love the Sunshine Coast, it’s a great place to live, very laid-back, and I do visit a lot, but I’m not a local.

      I’ll do my best to answer your questions though, and with the first, finding a job, yes it’s possible, but not guaranteed. It is a bit of a tourist area though, so you will be in with a chance for the kind of job you’re looking for.

      Australians like to keep fit and I am told crossfit is very popular here, so I’m sure you will be able to find something. The nightlife in Sunshine Coast isn’t really great for someone of your age, plenty of pubs and restaurants, but it’s not much good for clubbing and live music.

      For that, you will probably need to pop into Brisbane every now and then, but you will probably need to stay the night as it’s an hour a half by car. And yes, Sunshine Coast is good for surfing, I’ve seen surfers at Caloundra and Alexander Headlands, but I can’t tell you which are the best spots.

      Hopefully a local will be able to give you more specific answers than I can. Cheers, Bob

  • Lisa March 1, 2018, 10:31 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I am so glad to have found your website, it is so so very helpful!
    My finace and I are from Canada but are living in the UK at the moment. My partner just received a job offer in the Sunshine Coast and we are so excited but are finding the decision to accept the offer very difficult. I am an artist and work in the art industry (art galleries and art fairs etc) and I feel as beautiful as the Sunshine Coast is I am unsure about how big the art scene is there and the lack of a downtown worries me. I do like the convenience of city living but I also love nature and beaches and sunshine! But I do worry that the Sunshine Coast is a bit too small with not much going on to keep me busy..and we would be moving there without visiting, so it is risky!
    My questions are: If we did go, where do you think would be the best suburb to live in with more action with a possible art scene? Also, is the Sunshine Coast a good place to live if you’re someone who likes city and nature, does it have enough of both? And is it possible to work in Brisbane and commute everyday?

    I would really appreciate any help or advice you have!
    Thank you!
    Lisa

    • Lisa March 2, 2018, 1:03 am |

      I will also mention that we are in our late 20’s early 30’s with no kids. Do any locals have any advice for young professionals like us?

      • BobinOz March 2, 2018, 5:13 pm |

        The Sunshine Coast is a truly beautiful place to live, but I get your concerns about whether there is enough going on or not. I think it’s fair to say there’s not that much of a night life, certainly not the kind of nightlife you would find in any of the major cities.

        Commuting from Sunshine Coast down to Brisbane on a daily basis is not a good idea, but visiting Brisbane to get your city fix every now and then, probably booking into a hotel, would work better.

        My favourite places to live in Sunshine Coast would be Mooloolaba, just pop that into my search box towards the top right hand side of every page and hit enter and you should get quite a few results if you want to read more. Then there is Noosa, which is a bit arty itself, and a bit more upmarket. Property is a bit more expensive, but it may be a better place from which to sell your art.

        Talking of which, check out Montville, that is a very touristy town that is most definitely arty, see…

        https://www.montvilleguide.com.au/

        And then there are the similarly arty Eumundi Markets…

        https://www.eumundimarkets.com.au/

        Both of these places would also be good for selling art. So there are some things going on up on the Sunshine Coast, and there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and pubs up that way, but ultimately your question is hard to answer. If you want to go clubbing and listen to live bands every week, Sunshine Coast is probably not for you, you’ll need to look towards Brisbane.

        If you love nature, beaches and the laid-back lifestyle, and can get by on the occasional city visit, then I say go for it.

        • Lisa April 22, 2018, 8:39 pm |

          Thanks so much for your advice, it was very helpful! So we decided to decline the offer. A difficult decision but we decided the small touristy town and lack of art culture just wouldn’t be right for us, although the beaches and beauty made it very tempting. We are still hoping to migrate to Australia one day (but in a larger city) so I may be back with more questions for you! Thanks again.

          • BobinOz April 23, 2018, 6:55 pm |

            Well, it makes me a bit sad that I’ve talked somebody out of moving to Australia, but hopefully you’ll get another offer very soon and in a major city. If you do, and you have more questions, then yes, do come back to me.

            If there is anybody reading this who lives in Sunshine Coast and thinks there is enough going on for those looking for an arts scene and nightlife, please do let us know your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Janette March 1, 2018, 2:20 pm |

    Hi
    We have a two bedroom furnished apartment in Maroochydore with lovely sea views. We would like to rent it for six months from October, do you think this will be difficult?.
    Regards
    Janette

    • BobinOz March 1, 2018, 7:14 pm |

      I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to rent it out, I assume you just want one family in the whole six months rather than doing short term holiday lets?

      If that’s the case, I would strongly recommend you using the services of a rental management company who can advertise it for you and hopefully let it out for six months, they usually just charge a finders fee of one weeks rent.

      There are, you’ll not be surprised to hear, lots of rules and regulations about renting out properties and you need to have a separate bank account to put the bond into and of course, you need to get legal documentation signed. That’s why I think you should use an agent, it’s well worth the 8% management fee for the peace of mind.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Olin March 2, 2018, 1:39 am |

      We can rent it! We are a family of 4, migrating this year from Singapore. We need a temporary place where we can stay because we have yet to find jobs there. Can we get in touch through email? I hope it is not too expensive, though. We are starting from scratch with our little ones.

    • Rodaline Foronda March 17, 2018, 6:35 pm |

      Hi Janette,

      I am interested to rent your flat in October. Could we get in touch through email?

      Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!

      Regards,
      Rodaline

  • Nathan E February 17, 2018, 8:54 pm |

    As a ypung professional that managed to snag of job on the SC would mountain creek or coolum be the place to rent?

    Got 2 places lined up in those areas to rent unitl i can buy my own place around palmwoods/woombye

    • BobinOz February 19, 2018, 5:13 pm |

      Coolum is quite nice, but I suspect Mountain Creek has much more going on and nearby Mooloolaba has a quite lively seafront and great beaches. Of the two, that’s where I would go, but hopefully a local might give you more advice than I can.

      • Nathan E February 21, 2018, 10:55 am |

        Excellent, Thanks! Decided to go for Mountain Creek

  • Sandy February 4, 2018, 4:00 am |

    Hi we are thinking of making the move to Queensland. We have two daughters 15 and 11
    We enjoy spending time together as a family and would enjoy an area that is peaceful but is safe and enough for the kids to do without getting bored as well as good schools. I am a shopaholic and addicted to coffee.
    Do you suggest Maroocydore or Coloundra.

    Your advice would be greatly appreciated

    Many thanks
    Sandy

    • BobinOz February 5, 2018, 6:25 pm |

      Of those two, I would definitely suggest Maroochydore, it’s one of our favourite places. We often stay at Mooloolaba for a beach break, that’s just down the road from Maroochydore.

      Definitely peaceful and safe in the area, but I think you would need to go to Brisbane every now and then to satisfy the shopaholic in you. The beaches are great, but I don’t think there are huge amounts of things for the kids to do and when they get older, 18+, they might find the nightlife a little limiting.

      Hopefully someone local to the area will give you more advice on this.

      • Sandy February 5, 2018, 9:56 pm |

        Thank you so much Bob ?

      • Janice Fogg February 11, 2018, 6:15 pm |

        Hi. I haved lived here for 23 years.
        I have 5 kids.all grown up.
        We love Maroochydore and north.
        But if you want good schools i suggest Buderim or Palmwoods areas.
        Maroochydore is more holiday and business.
        Maroochy high is not that great.
        Towns near palmwoods are nice also if you love rural.

        • Sandy February 11, 2018, 6:19 pm |

          Hi Janice

          Thank you so much for the advise greatly appreciated. We will look at the other two areas you suggested.

          Thanks Sandy

          • Janice Fogg February 11, 2018, 6:37 pm |

            If you let me know your budget and private or public schools etc i can help more there are a lot of areas that are nice to live.
            Peregian is popular.
            But further from the plaza.
            Coffee shops everywhere.
            Loads of children and teenagers up here who manage to amuse themselves.

            • Sandy February 11, 2018, 8:12 pm |

              Hi Janice
              We are still in South Africa at the moment so it all depends on what jobs we can get. I am looking at getting a half day job and my hubby is a mechanic.We are hoping to have our visas in March and coming over shortly after. If it’s okay I would love to chat and get some advise closer to the time.
              Thank you so much for your friendly advise and assistance it is greatly appreciated.

              • Janice Fogg February 12, 2018, 7:33 am |

                Ok great.
                I have a South African daughter in law.
                I can connect you with her mother who has a large network of South African friends.

                • Sandy February 12, 2018, 4:36 pm |

                  Thank you so much Janice
                  Would love to keep in touch.
                  My email address is sandygoble11@gmail.com

                • Kirsty April 28, 2018, 4:38 pm |

                  Hi Janice, would you be able to recommend a high school for me?
                  We are moving to Sunshine coast at the end of this year and I am finding it all a little overwhelming as we are flexible with locations. My husband will be starting a carpentry/handyman business so I’m guessing (hoping) he can go anywhere. My main concern is getting the kids in to a good school. I have a one in Kindy, one in year 5 and then one starting high school next year. Can you recommend a good highschool between between Mooloolaba and Caloundra? Preferably a public school.

                  • Janice Fogg April 29, 2018, 7:41 am |

                    Hi Kristy
                    It will depend on where you live. You have to enrol in a school in your catchment area. Unless private.
                    Brightwater, Talara, Kawana Waters State College.
                    Currimundi.
                    I wouldn’t worry. Just find where you will be living then decide.
                    All the schools will be ok. None with any serious problems.

  • Sue January 30, 2018, 4:21 pm |

    Hi, we re a couple in our late 50’s (young at heart!) coming to Sunshine Coast in April for six nights. Would you say Noosa or Mooloolaba is the best place to stay? Can we get from one to the other without a car? We like pretty towns, strolling, nice beaches, harbours, nothing to rowdy. Both places look great, Mooloolaba cheaper, thanks xx

    • BobinOz January 30, 2018, 8:46 pm |

      One of our favourite long weekend breaks is going to Mooloolaba, it’s a reasonably lively beach town with a good esplanade with shops, cafes, all overlooking a rather wonderful beach.

      Noosa, as you’ve noticed, is a little bit more upmarket but definitely worth a visit if you can. Noosa has a marina and slightly fancier shops. I’ve never tried to get public transport, but I just looked it up, Google ‘sunbus’ to see the timetables. It’s only about 30 kilometres or so between the two, but it looks like you may have to get three different buses and enjoy a two-hour ride each way.

      Worth it though, but might be worth looking into whether somebody does a coach along the coast?

  • Shannon January 20, 2018, 3:53 pm |

    Hi Bob! My other half and I have just made the move back to Australia (I’m a Londoner and he’s an Aussie). We would love to make the move up to the Sunshine Coast, but am wary about the work situation. Other half is a scaffolder, and a few friends where we are near Sydney, have said there’s not much work up that way. We would like to take the chance, but could anyone advise if the work situation isn’t that great? Love your site and it’s really given us some feat advice. Keep up the good work Bob!

    • BobinOz January 22, 2018, 6:42 pm |

      Yes, your friends are probably right, getting work in Sunshine Coast isn’t easy. The problem at the moment is that the vast majority of jobs seem to be in Sydney and Melbourne, but of course property prices in both those cities are through the roof.

      If Sydney is our London for jobs, then possibly Sunshine Coast is our Cornwall. That said, a few people have mentioned more recently in these comments here that some big companies have started to relocate to Sunshine Coast, with Maroochydore being the most popular destination.

      So maybe it’s improving, but it’s really hard for me to say. My page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship will help you researcher though.

      That’s about the extent of my knowledge on this, but if any locals of Sunshine Coast can give us any kind of update on the job situation, we’d love to hear from you.

      Anybody?

      • Shannon January 23, 2018, 8:32 am |

        Thanks for the reply Bob!

        We thought the Sunshine coast due to it only being an hour or so from Brisbane. And Brisbane being a city, more chance of finding work.

        We will keep an eye on jobs before we make the move, but I suppose you never know if you don’t take the chance, right?

        Melbourne was mentioned to us, as another place with lot’s of scaffolding work, and I do love it there, but the winters are just like being back home!!!! Too cold for me lol.

        Hopefully someone maybe able to comment more.
        Thanks Bob!

        • BobinOz January 23, 2018, 8:23 pm |

          Just like to add that you really don’t want to be commuting from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane each day for work, it’s not a pleasant journey. It might look like an hour, but during rush hour you can sometimes double that or even more depending exactly where you live and where you need to get to.

  • robyn letourneau November 30, 2017, 4:07 pm |

    Hi Bob my husband and I are downsizing we live in Camden NSW He is 60 and would still like to work if possible an accountant .Where should we go we were thinking Townsville but Sunshine Coast also We have family we are leaving behind we aren’t very sociable so we don’t need of community interaction we prefer the quiter life but we want to be around nature and beauty we like eating out and outdoor activities Wher do you sugest We will rent for a while till we are sure Love your feedback Robyn

    • BobinOz December 1, 2017, 4:15 pm |

      I think the unemployment rate up in Townsville is much higher than average, I don’t think it’s that easy to find work on the Sunshine Coast either. So if finding work for your husband is important, you really should look into that thoroughly.

      My page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship can help you with that.

      Of the two areas, there is no doubt in my opinion that Sunshine Coast has much more to offer, and it is only an hour and a half or so from Brisbane, which is a bonus. Both places though will give you the quieter life and everything else you’re looking for. Also remember that the further you go north in Queensland, the more humid it gets, so if you don’t like humid, stay closer to the south of the state.

      Hope that helps, Bob

    • Janice Fogg February 11, 2018, 6:43 pm |

      Please dont go to Townsville. My son lived there for 5 years.
      Hot hot and not a lot to do.
      Nice to visit.
      Sunshine Coast is expanding.
      And i know an accounting firm that has had trouble securing good staff.
      Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place.
      But be prepared it is hot for 7 months of the year.
      You will need aircon.

      • David April 29, 2018, 5:32 am |

        We are a family who have just been granted permanent visa’s from the UK (I have asked questions on this site before). We are aiming for the Sunshine Coast but finding a teaching job is proving tricky. Should we expand our search to Townsville, we want a relaxed lifestyle, the most for our money as we will rent, safety and a beautiful location.
        Townsville looks good on the internet and would appear to have more opportunities for teaching and low rental prices. But having never been to Australia we are really gambling, perhaps you know more of Townsville?

        Should we stick to the Sunshine Coast and wait for the right job to come up or would you switch to Townsville. Coming from the UK we know they both will be hot, its more the idyllic lifestyle we are looking for. Your thoughts?

        • BobinOz April 30, 2018, 5:37 pm |

          Well if I had a choice of living in either Townsville or Sunshine Coast, I would choose Sunshine Coast all day long and you can see what Janice thinks of Townsville in her comment just above yours.

          So if it’s possible to persevere with Sunshine Coast, I would if I were you. That said, if it is so much easier to get a job in Townsville, then maybe that’s what you need to do. I’m sort of guessing here, but I think the terms of your visa might just say that you need to stay regional for a minimum of two years, so if you end up really not liking Townsville, then you would only have to stay there for two years before you can start looking anywhere in Australia for work.

          If that was the only way in for me, I would do it. If you check out my page about Queensland, and scan through the comments, you will see what others say about Townsville.

          Also, check out the following post and the two that I wrote immediately after that from when I was in Townsville a couple of years ago….

          https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/20887/a-stroll-around-townsville-north-queensland/

          Good luck, Bob

  • Paige Marie October 30, 2017, 7:05 pm |

    Hi Bob! Just found your website – you have so much useful info, thanks! I am 20 years old and planning on moving to the Sunshine Coast from New Zealand in January 2018 and just had a couple of questions!
    1. Can I sign a lease somewhere from here in NZ or do I have to actually be in the country to do so?
    2. Do you know if there is anything super important I need to organsie before I go over? I know I need to get a Tax File Number, and suss my bank account but what else is there? Medicare? Insurance?
    3. Is the job market competitive in hospo? I have worked in hospo for the past four years so this is what I would be looking to do
    4. Might sound a bit lame, but I;m wanting to start fresh etc, make lots of mates. Any idea how I can do this? Is there local netball clubs? How much is the gym on average?
    Any help would be much appreciated, thanks so much! Paige

    • BobinOz October 30, 2017, 8:44 pm |

      Hi Paige, glad you like.

      It’s very difficult to sign a lease before you get here, in fact I think it is the law that you must physically inspect the property before signing a lease. So I think you will need to wait till you get here.

      I never wrote any kind of checklist of things to do when you get here, too scared to do it in case I miss something important off 🙂 It’s a sort of follow your nose thing though, definitely do the things you’ve mentioned and other things will fall in place as you go. For example, you will need to register with Centrelink, but I think that all happens at the same time as registering with Medicare.

      For the job market, do some research on my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      Finally, making friends. We have lots of clubs and gyms here, people are big into sport and fitness. Make the effort to join them, and you will soon make friends and meet people. The gym market is very competitive, prices can vary massively, but there are some good offers around. I think you can actually pay as little as $10-$15 a week. We have netball clubs as well, my daughter plays, there are a load of netball courts over in Graceville and probably loads more elsewhere.

      I’m sure you will be fine, good luck with your move.

      • Bubsymc November 2, 2017, 4:34 am |

        Hi Bob
        We’re looking to move to Noosa and are currently looking for rentals before buying. I will be working remotely but I heard internet connections are not great. We’re expanding our range from Coolum to Noosa. So we’re basing our decisions on which suburbs to live in on that. And also quiet and safe suburbs. Looking for some guidance. Thank you!

        • BobinOz November 2, 2017, 8:58 pm |

          I think you’ll find it’s all pretty safe up towards Noosa, and mostly quiet as well. It is a bit of a tourist destination in the coastal areas though, so those areas are busy. I can’t really help you with the civic suburb information though, so hopefully a local will see your comment and help you out.

          • Bubsymc November 3, 2017, 5:21 pm |

            Thank you Bob

        • Charlie November 3, 2017, 8:14 am |

          We live in Sunshine Beach, just outside Noosa and the internet is crazy bad. The NBN was a complete let down. New builds further down the coast towards Marochydore have nodes to home, so they don’t rely on the old copper wiring for the NBN – if internet speed is very important go for a newer property; possibly Peregian Springs or the Breeze? There is also an internet service called ‘My Community Broadband’ that is a satalite wifi service which might be worth a try. We couldn’t have it at our home as we have too many trees around us but I’ve heard good things about it, if you’re in the right area.
          Safety wise – it’s all really good here, so take your pick. Good luck!

          • Bubsymc November 3, 2017, 5:32 pm |

            Thanks heaps Charlie! We are looking around your area and only for rental at the moment. Not getting much help from some of the real estate agents. I’ll have a look at your suggestion as I would be working remotely. I was also told Telstra, Aussie broadband and telecube would be ok.

            • Charlie November 4, 2017, 11:41 am |

              We really struggled getting any response from a real estate agent when we were looking to rent a property from the UK. I think it’s because the demand for rentals is so high (especially this time of year) that the properties are snapped so quickly. In the end we rented a property without viewing it. We paid 6 months upfront and also paid from the date it became vacant, which was 4 weeks before we even got here. It was the only way to get noticed and beat the rush.

        • Janice Fogg February 11, 2018, 6:47 pm |

          In new housing estates internet is good.
          But on acreage poor.
          In Tewantin some houses are on a wait list for internet.
          My friend purchased without knowing her house didnt have a connection.it was in an established old estate.

  • Kayla October 27, 2017, 3:52 pm |

    Hi, I am moving to the Sunshine Coast coolum early next year . I’m late 20’s and wondering if there will be enough to keep me busy? I’m active and love catching up over drinks and dancing etc. love a bit of everything. May seem like a silly question, I just know the main part of Coolum is quiet but I guess other places are quite close?

    • BobinOz October 30, 2017, 6:47 pm |

      In truth Kayla, I really don’t think there’s enough going on in Sunshine Coast, certainly not in Coolum, to give you the kind of nightlife I think you would want.

      Even if you travel a bit, say to Mooloolaba, or Noosa, you still won’t find a very active nightlife. Yes, there are a few bars and restaurants, but I’m afraid you would have to visit Brisbane for a proper night out.

      That’s my view, but maybe somebody else knows where all the nightclubs or lively bars are up that way? Anybody got any additional advice for Kayla?

  • Carol October 26, 2017, 7:36 am |

    Hello Bob,
    I’m an Australian expat moving back to Australia after many years living overseas. I’ll be coming with my 16 year old daughter and we want to settle down in Noosa.
    I am looking for advice on settling into Noosa, and also finding a furnished rental property in the vicinity of the local high schools (in particular Sunshine Beach State HS). I’ve looked online and found only a few properties and most are rented within a few weeks of their publication.
    So I’m hoping to find a place once I get there.
    I was wondering how easy/difficult it would be and where best to look. Aside from real estate agencies, are there local classified ads on the newspapers with more properties than what I already find online?
    How much time should I give myself to find such property?

    I left Australia (Darwin) when I was a uni student, and am coming back for the first time in 17 years. So I am quite unfamiliar with life nowadays down under. I have read that coming back to Australia after years away, can be a culture shock. My daughter also does not speak English fluently as she has grown up in Italy, and she will probably have to attend English classes first, before attending normal classes. I’m a little concerned how easy it will be for her to make new friends, but at the same time, Noosa sounds like it is a really nice place with friendly people. I wonder if there are any other families with similar experiences who can give us some advice or tips.

    • BobinOz October 26, 2017, 6:57 pm |

      Hi Carol

      Well, I was going to start by saying you are probably going to find it difficult to get furnished accommodation, but then I checked online. If you go to my page about Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia, you will see a link to Australia’s biggest real estate portal, and you can search for properties in Noosa.

      Usually it is very rare to find furnished rentals, but if you click on the link to ‘More refinements’ which will see towards the top right hand side of the search results, you can select ‘Furnished’ from the options. I was surprised to see there are currently 18 (out of 117) houses for rent in the area that are furnished. Noosa is a bit of a tourist destination though, maybe that is why. So, hopefully that answers your question about the best place to look.

      Securing a rental before you get here though, that could be quite difficult, it may even be impossible unless you go through a property relocating service. Agents are reluctant, in fact it may even be against the law, to rent to tenants who haven’t physically visited the property in person. I think the concern is a tenant could get out of the contract simply by saying the place doesn’t look as good as it was in the photos or is not as described.

      Outside of real estate agencies, try looking in gumtree, Airbnb and also homely, they are all online, but probably more geared to short term rentals. I wouldn’t worry too much about your daughter, lots of children arrive here for whom English isn’t their first language and schools do know how to cope with it, they have plenty of experience.

      As for where you can go to be close to that school, I can’t help, but hopefully somebody who knows the area well will see your comment and help you out further.

      • Carol October 29, 2017, 8:37 pm |

        Hi Bob,
        Thank you for the information.
        I had actually already checked out that website for real estate and I have seen those furnished rentals. So it’s good to know that that is indeed the best place to look at. Thank you for the info on the other short term websites, I looked there too.
        I do understand about actually visiting the property. It does indeed make sense. So if there are various furnished rentals available, as there seems to be, I will try my luck once I get there.
        Thanks so much for your help.

  • Fais October 11, 2017, 2:21 am |

    Hi Bob,
    I have applied for skilled independent visa for Queensland as my occupation (Architectural Associate) was on BSMQ skilled occupation list. I now have to write a Commitment of Statement to BSMQ, and have to choose a town in sunshine coast with a postal code of 4560 ( as I have chosen it already but BSMQ wants me to elaborate further).
    In my small research, I found out that bli bli is the town where I can live at peace with my wife and my daughter ( 3years old), Plus it has a lot of new housing schemes, good shops, malls restaurants, schools and hospitals.
    I would really appreciate your guidance in this regard, as to which town in the postal code should I go for where I can get good schools, hospitals, restaurants. etc. Plus, I figured out there are a lot of good Architecture firms around too where I can try my luck for job.
    Please Advice.
    Thanks.

    • BobinOz October 11, 2017, 9:45 pm |

      Bli Bli itself, from what I know, doesn’t have all the things you think it has, but you will find them in the surrounding suburbs. I can’t recommend a decent school to you, I don’t know them well enough, but you can research them on my page called Which school?

      Nambour, which is the same postcode, doesn’t have the greatest reputation, but other places nearby are fantastic. Mooloolaba and Maroochydore are a couple of favourites of mine, we go there often for long weekends.

      Finding a job in architecture I feel may be challenging for you, I wouldn’t know where to start, but you can research it on my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      Maybe a local of Sunshine Coast will see this and be able to give you more information than I can.

      • Fais October 12, 2017, 12:36 am |

        Thanks for the reply Bob.
        After having read your comment, I feel that I am only going to live in bli bli and try to find work(possibly in Architecture) in some other towns which are not restricted in 489 visa, would you think it is a good idea?, since the two towns you mentioned are not far from bli bli itself. I can go there when ever I want for fun/outing.
        Besides, nambour is out of my list already after your comment as I read other stuff too about it from your website. So I think as far as 4560 is concerned, bli bli is the good option for me.
        Please advice.
        Thanks

        • BobinOz October 12, 2017, 9:05 pm |

          I think you would need to check the full terms and additions that apply to your visa, it may be the case that you should be seeking work in the regional area for which your visa has been granted. I think that is the point of sponsorship.

          I don’t know the rules though, so you would need to check with either your MARA agent or the immigration department here. I don’t know specifically if Bli Bli is a good option for you, but it certainly in a good area and from what I know appears to be a nice place to live.

        • Janice Fogg February 11, 2018, 7:51 pm |

          I have one son who has lived in Nambour for 2 years. A beautiful street with lovely people who all owned there own homes.
          I have lived in Bli Bli for 12 years anddo all my shopping in Nambour and have for the last 20 uears actually as i worked at the hospital.
          I love Nambour it is a generous hospitable country town. It has great schools.
          It is affordable but not for long.
          Those that give it a bad name dont live there.
          I no loner work at thw hospital there but still shop go to the gum and visit the best cafe in Queens street.
          And it has the best fruit shop on Howard st.
          Bli Bli has grown in to tradies town.
          Pushy rude people.
          I will be selling my property here soon.

  • Craig October 7, 2017, 4:00 pm |

    Bli Bli is the place to live it’s really booming and the community is absolutely wonderful. New School, housing developments and shops all happening right now.

    Nambour is terrible and not safe, the main street has many business closed up and resembles a ghost town. No offence intended to anyone living in Nambour but it’s many years away from changing for the better.

    • Janice Fogg February 11, 2018, 8:00 pm |

      Nambour is safe where do you get your statistics from.
      Have you lived there?
      Everywhere on the coast has areas that have lower socio-economic groups.
      The coast has drugs and theft on a much higher scale than the hinterland towns.
      The coast has more rental properties.
      Nambour is a quiet unpretentious town.

      • Mark February 12, 2018, 12:15 pm |

        Just as I love statistics and funnily enough had only been reading crime reports last night These are the theft reported crime fugures from QLD police for the 12 months to July 1st 2016 arguably 18 months out of date but not a lot will have changed
        The 11 suburbs you’re most likely to be robbed are:

        1 Caloundra: 1038 incidents
        2 Maroochydore and Kuluin: 1009
        3 Nambour, Cooloolabin, Mapleton, Bli Bli: 646
        4 Wurtulla, Warana, Buddina: 583
        5 Sippy Downs and Buderim: 495
        Mooloolaba and Mountain Creek: 411
        Coolum and Peregian: 367
        Noosa Heads and Sunrise Beach: 269
        Eumundi and Belli Park: 124
        Tewantin and Cootharaba: 185
        Twin Waters, Mudjimba, Marcoola: 115

        The least likely places came in as
        Landsborough: 60
        Beerwah: 42
        Glass House Mountains: 16
        Beerburrum: 3 Im intrgued what these three where lol
        Conondale area: 48
        Mooloolah and Palmview: 81
        Eudlo: 8
        Palmwoods: 113
        Woombye and Diddillibah: 76
        Cooroy and Tinbeerwah: 76
        Noosaville: 240
        Alexandra Headland: 69

  • Linda October 6, 2017, 7:05 am |

    Hi my husband and I have dual nationality (British and Australian) we lived in Perth, WA for approx 6 years but returned to the UK due to my father’s ill health. Our children have now left home and we are both retired. We want to retire to Sunshine Coast. As we have current Australian passports, we do not require visas etc but are concerned that our UK pensions/income may not be enough to live on (especially as they will be frozen when we leave the UK). Can you recommend any areas where cost of living is reasonable? We do not need to think about jobs or live close to the coast or but would like to be within an easy drive of a beach, maybe 20mins or so. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

    • BobinOz October 7, 2017, 12:56 am |

      This is a really tough one, especially with those frozen pensions, and I’ve written about that before, see…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/13160/british-expats-and-retirement-the-frozen-pensions-scandal/

      From what I know, you won’t find anywhere cheap on the Sunshine Coast that is 20 minutes drive from the beach, but if you go an hour or more inland, then maybe you might. But that still doesn’t solve the problem of your dwindling pension which effectively means you getting poorer and poorer each year.

      I wish I could help you more, but I can’t. Hopefully someone will see your comment who does know Sunshine Coast and those small towns inland a bit, maybe they can help you more than I can.

      Anyone got any ideas on this?

      Good luck with your plans, Bob

    • Charlie October 7, 2017, 12:30 pm |

      Hi Linda, We live at Sunshine Beach, near Noosa – it’s a great lifestyle; you’ll be very happy here.
      It is expensive here but the prices do reduce somewhat as you leave the coastline. Doonan, Cooroy and Nambour are all cheaper alternatives that are still only 20 mins away.
      Good luck!

      • Linda October 7, 2017, 9:44 pm |

        Thanks for the reply. Apart from housing costs, we are interested in how much the day to day living costs are for a moderate lifestyle. Mainly enjoying the beach and surroundings not eating out all the time etc. A ball park figure of what it costs for utilities, groceries etc either weekly or monthly would be really helpful. Not expecting a detailed breakdown just a general estimate of how much it costs to live day to day! Thanks everyone for your help and interest.

        • BobinOz October 9, 2017, 7:21 pm |

          Linda, it’s really difficult to give a ballpark figure, everybody eats different amounts and different kinds of foods, everybody’s budgeting needs are vastly different.

          If I were you I’d take a look at my page called The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything and use the links to carefully work out how much you think you would spend to get by leading the kind of lifestyle you want.

          It may take you a few hours to do it, but even if it takes 10 or 15 hours, it is a worthwhile exercise. Hope that helps, good luck, Bob

  • Olivia September 25, 2017, 10:39 pm |

    Hi,
    My husband, children and myself are looking to move January next year from south Australia. Looking for a change in lifestyle, pace and jobs. We stayed in Caloundra earlier this year and loved it….is it an ideal place to bring up a family or is it an area to avoid? What are some good schools that we should look to get the children in? Our daughter will be in year 6 next year and our son in year 3. Thanks

    • BobinOz September 27, 2017, 12:00 am |

      I love Sunshine Coast, but I’ve only been to Caloundra a couple of times, so I can’t really help with your questions. Hopefully a local will see your comment and give you some advice. Generally speaking though, SC is a great place for kids and definitely not a place to avoid. My preference, fwiw, is Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.

  • No Name September 18, 2017, 4:47 pm |

    I live in Sydney but I used to live in the Sunshine Coast and it is a wonderful place to visit. Did you see I used the word “visit”, unfortunitly the Sunshine Coast is growing bigger just like all the places in Australia. If you want somwhere quiter I suggest moving somwhere that hass less people because believe me Sydney is not the place you want to be. But other wise the Sunshine Coast isn’t all that bad. The Gold Coast is the place to be though.

  • Allie September 15, 2017, 9:39 am |

    Myself and my husband and our three boys (13,10 and 6) are thinking of moving to Noosa but we only have a place for all three boys in a school in Buderim. Is this doable distance wise? Thanks so much for any help.

    • BobinOz September 15, 2017, 8:43 pm |

      I suppose that depends what you mean by doable. It’s a fair old drive to be doing twice a day, I think it’s going to be at least two hours round-trip for you during rush hour. That’s a lot to put yourself and your kids through each day, I would think. Whoever takes them, you or your husband, are going to end up spending close to 4 hours a day in the car. That’s a lot.

      Buderim itself is apparently a very nice place to live, quite well sought after. May be worth a consideration. Remember as well, there will be after-school activities, with each of your kids doing different things on different days, that trip could become a nightmare.

      • Allie September 15, 2017, 9:02 pm |

        Yeah thanks for this. I was hoping you’d say ‘sure that would be fine’, but realistically I think not. Hmmm… so now it’s a question of getting positions for 3 children into a school in noosa 😉 Thank you for your time. Love your site!

        • Amanda September 26, 2017, 7:16 pm |

          My understanding is that a state school is obliged to take your children if your residence falls into its zone. Worth finding this out.

          • Allie September 27, 2017, 5:08 am |

            Thanks Amanda.

  • Laura Robson September 14, 2017, 7:50 pm |

    Hi

    I am really interested in moving to the Sunshine Coast. We are in the very early stages of the visa process.
    I am a nurse and my husband is a social worker, the only thing putting me off SC is the job opportunities.

    We have 3 children, our oldest will be looking to go to uni my other two will be 9 and 7.

    Can anyone advise recommend areas to look at ?

    Thank you in advance… much appreciated ?

    • BobinOz September 15, 2017, 8:20 pm |

      In the absence of a local giving you more specific advice, I would suggest looking to live somewhere close to Maroochydore as that seems to be the hub of Sunshine Coast.

      Work traditionally has been a problem in SC, but there is a big hospital in Nambour and I believe one opening very soon in Kawana. That’s all I’ve got, hopefully somebody else can add more.

    • Sharyn October 20, 2017, 11:19 am |

      I live in Melbourne so I’m no expert but I love visiting the Sunshine Coast & my friend lives there (we are both ED nurses). She works at the newly opened Sunshine Coast University Hospital & she raves about it….apparently state of the art! You should look into that as you both work in health care

  • Scott August 23, 2017, 4:05 am |

    hey,

    What can you tell me about flies and midges on the Sunshine Coast? We are moving be Feb 2018 (healthcare workers, so jobs are not an issue.) My kids are really looking forward to the move, but I am also concerned because we want a quiet neighborhood and lifestyle.

    So,. again,-
    Quiet lifestyle, affordable, but near the water, and what about flies and midges?

    Thanks much!

    • BobinOz August 23, 2017, 7:53 pm |

      I love the Sunshine Coast, and I’m sure it will give you everything you want. It’s certainly a laid-back lifestyle up there, with many quiet suburbs, and it’s all very safe and friendly. I go there quite a lot, I’ve never noticed a problem with flies or midges.

      Midges can be a problem in this country though, and they can just turn up pretty much anywhere at any time. There are measures you can take to prevent them being around though. I certainly wouldn’t let the thought of midges stop you from moving to Australia though. Here are a couple of posts you might like to read…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/8602/no-see-ums-those-pesky-biting-midges-are-back/

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17020/flies-in-australia-how-bad-is-it/

      • Scott August 24, 2017, 2:15 pm |

        Thanks so much for your response. I feel like a celebrity.

        Appreciate your comments, and that your site is so positive. Note every site is the same, and with our eye on the prize, it is really nice to see.. . Owe you a schooner!

        • Elle March 8, 2018, 5:11 pm |

          Hi Scott and Bob, thought I’d contribute to the mozzies/midgees discussion since my partner and I have been doing some research and have asking around in our quest to decide between Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast.

          From our personal experience, we noticed that midgees were the worst in sheltered beaches and coves at low tide, particularly around the bush. We’ve heard they like mangrove areas too. Also talking to a resident of the Gold coast who used to live on a water canal front home, he said they are particularly bad at the end of water canals because they tend to congregate there. If there has been a few days of rain, expect an influx of both midgees and mozzies.

          Regarding mozzies, we’ve noticed they have quite a presence around the bush (particularly rainforest) but it wasn’t so bad when up high on a mountain in a national park on a trip to Wallaman, so maybe it’s to do with low lying areas.
          The best form of protection is loose long sleeves and long pants. We don’t use Deet based repellants due to toxicity, have tried a number of natural repellants which weren’t foolproof and were told that the old school forumla used by bushmen and fishing enthusiasts is a 50/50 mix of baby oil and dettol.

          We looked up the ingredients and found that baby oil is just mineral oil which isn’t that good for humans. So we deviated a little and found this to work best:
          1/3 Cold pressed olive oil, 1/3 euclyptus oil and 1/3 dettol
          Mixed into a cosmetic spray pump bottle and shaken before use.
          The oil creates a barrier which prevents the suckers from being able to bite, the smell of the eucalypt and dettol deters them from landing on you.

          • BobinOz March 12, 2018, 7:16 pm |

            I’m not surprise you have experienced more midges around beaches and coves at low tide, midges need stagnant water to breed, so there would be plenty of that at low tide. Certain breeds of mosquito just love mangroves. I’m pretty sure they do not have a problem with altitude though, but they will need there to be water up in those hills, stagnant preferably. Maybe that’s why they were not there.

            Thanks for the recipe, very handy for those who, like yourself, prefer to avoid the deet.

  • Josie August 17, 2017, 12:46 am |

    Hi Bob,
    My husband and I are hoping to move from Artic-like Melbourne winters (a welcome return for him) to the beautiful Sunshine Coast. As he is originally from there I’m hoping employers won’t see us (ok, me) as an “alien’ and getting a job fairly easily. In fact I have a Skype interview next week with the local university, USC (Sippy Downs) so at least I’m being given a chance. My only real concern isn’t the summer heat, I can handle those, we get a few here that are stinkers too, but rather the humidity, which (after visiting Cairns recently) left me wondering if Queensland may be prove a mistake? What are your thoughts on summer climate in the SC?

    • BobinOz August 18, 2017, 12:05 am |

      I’ve been living in Brisbane for 10 years, I wouldn’t swap this climate for any other, even though it can get a little humid at times in the summer. I’ve written about it, you can read the article here…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/18200/the-truth-about-humidity-and-the-weather-in-brisbane/

      The thing is though, humidity is a very personal thing, everyone has a different level at which it becomes a problem. If you read the comments on the article you will see what I mean. What I can tell you for sure though is, Brisbane, which is very much the same climate is Sunshine Coast, is nowhere near as humid as Cairns.

      I think you’ll be fine, our sometimes humid weather, I’m sure, will suit you much better than those ‘Arctic’ conditions in Melbourne. Good luck with your move, I hope it goes well.

  • Sharon August 7, 2017, 2:32 pm |

    Hello, my husband and I are looking towards retirement in about 6 years (2023). Currently living in Western Sydney, but looking to retire close to the water as my husband loves to fish – we have a boat (I like to drop a line myself as well). I love to see live music, pub rock, blues, just about anything. We currently enjoy living in our quiet suburban street, with neighbours we know, without living in each others pockets. My parents were both from Queensland (Kingaroy and Mackay) and my roots are drawing me back….
    My questions are:
    What would be a good Sunshine Coast suburb for us?
    How far would I have to travel to see live music, regularly (say once a month)?
    Are there many traditional ‘Queenslander’ homes about?
    Thanks.

    • BobinOz August 7, 2017, 7:31 pm |

      Maybe a local who knows Sunshine Coast better than I do will correct me on this, but my thinking is to see decent live music you will probably need to travel into Brisbane, SC is not renowned for its nightlife.

      On that basis, you don’t want to go too far north, my preference would be to head close to either Mooloolaba or Maroochydore. I’ve heard good things about Buderim and I wouldn’t discount living in the hinterland either, say Montville, Maleny or Mapleton. Still close enough to the beach but the beauty of the rolling hills and countryside.

      And yes, there are plenty of Queenslander homes around here still.

    • Renee Stiles August 18, 2017, 11:19 pm |

      Hi Sharon you should look
      At Noosa it is a lot more natural and fishing live music is at your door. The hinterland towns of Eumundi, Pomona and Cooroy are also lovely.

    • Ali September 2, 2017, 8:34 am |

      I’ve lived here a very long time to understand it is who you know on the Sunshine Coast when it comes to work so expect to be out of work for at least 6 months. It is a beautiful place to live but the work is extremely limited and the wages don’t stack up in comparison to general living cost and housing. I also think that the Sunny Coast is declining when it comes to the standard of living because too many people want a piece of its beauty and it’s becoming unsustainable in terms of infrastructure and work. It saddens me to see the way it has changed and it has lost its ‘everyone knows everyone’ charm with the inundation of new faces. I have lived here for so this is the only place I truly know but if I was moving from somewhere else, I’d really consider your options. Lots of Brits and people from OS last only for a short amount of time as they soon run out of money.

  • Faisal July 9, 2017, 6:28 am |

    Hello,
    I am looking to move to one of the regions in queensland, heard a lot about Sunshine Coast. Can you please let me know if there is any architecture firms out there where i can get a job to survive with my family? Also, any good Architecture Universities around?
    would love to hearing from you.
    Thanks,
    Faisal

    • BobinOz July 10, 2017, 6:28 pm |

      No, that’s not information I have to hand, maybe somebody else will see your comment and help you. If not though, my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship will help you research it.

  • Jason Davis June 26, 2017, 5:30 am |

    Hi there

    I’m planning to move to the Sunshine Coast in around 2 years with my wife and three children aged 11, 3 and the other one is on th way! We currently live in Wales, UK.

    I’m a qualified electrician and have had my own company for ten years now. I am looking for a change of lifestyle so want to work for somebody else.. can anybody tell me if there is a demand for experienced electricians in the Sunshine Coast area ?

    Also we would love to know which parts of the Sunshine Coast have the best schools and the nicest areas to live in?

    Any comments would be greatly appreciated ?

    Many thanks

    Jason Davis

    • BobinOz June 26, 2017, 8:56 pm |

      It has been mentioned that quite a few companies are relocating to Maroochydore in Sunshine Coast, and that the place is expanding with new buildings going up. One would assume that means there is some work for electricians in the area, but I couldn’t tell you precisely what the demand is.

      You can do research on that through my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and maybe somebody local will be able to give you a more accurate answer than I can. I’ve heard good things about some of the schools up that way and I think if you stick close to Maroochydore you won’t go far wrong. Again, a local may be able to give you more on that than I can.

      • Jason June 27, 2017, 2:12 am |

        Thanks very much for your time I’ll take a look at that 🙂

  • Lesley June 4, 2017, 11:38 am |

    Hello,
    I am thinking of moving to the Sunshine Coast and wondered which area would be the cheapest in terms of rent and other cost of living expenses. Id like to live near the beach and not in a dodgy area but wondered if any areas were a little cheaper than others?
    Thanks

    • BobinOz June 5, 2017, 7:35 pm |

      Yes, Caloundra at the south end is probably cheaper than the bit in the middle around Maroochydore and definitely cheaper than Noosa which can be quite expensive.

      Best thing to do is research it over on my page called Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia. Cheers, Bob

    • Peta June 26, 2017, 7:53 am |

      Hi nambour is cheaper ATM but apparently rising
      15 mins to beach or mountains

  • Glenda May 15, 2017, 10:46 pm |

    Hi I am one of the Australia Awardee for the Australia PNG scholarship/fellowship program.

    We will be the at USC QLD on the 20th of this month till first week of July. I read the weather pattern but wish to know how people are dressed during the summer and winter and where closer shops I can find clothes to suit the weather.
    Thanks

    • BobinOz May 16, 2017, 9:02 pm |

      Even in winter, it’s still very warm here in Sunshine Coast during autumn and winter, usually 20°C to 25°C. I wear nothing much other than T-shirt and shorts, most people, especially at university, will dress very casually.

      It does get a bit chillier at night time, so you might need a sweater or a fleece or maybe even a very light jacket. Plenty of shops near where you will be, I think the biggest shopping centre will be in Maroochydore.

      Hope you have fun whilst enjoying your studies, good luck, Bob

  • Woj April 18, 2017, 8:56 pm |

    Hi 🙂
    I have written numerous times regarding the sunshine coast. Our arrival date is getting closer and closer – we fly out to Oz in september 🙂
    One question. We are a family with young children. We lived in Coolum for 2 weeks this year (to activate my wifes partner visa) and simply loved it, but like I wrote before in one of the posts – would be thinking about Mooloolaba as its closer to Marroochydore, so more chance for work etc.
    But what about places/suburbs like Buddina or Kawana Waters? They seem awesome on the map! but how are they in real life? safe? work potential? crowded or laid back? would also be interested in a place with good schools (our kids will be 3.5 and 7 so will be primary school level).
    Thanks upfront 🙂

    • BobinOz April 19, 2017, 12:15 am |

      Woj, this is Sunshine Coast, it’s all safe, it’s not crowded, it is laid-back. Work potential isn’t linked to a particular suburb, just get work anywhere in Sunshine Coast, the closer to where you live the better, and your commute will be fine assuming you have a car.

      How are they in real life? You will not be disappointed 🙂

      • Woj April 19, 2017, 3:36 pm |

        Bob. Thanks again 🙂
        Simply cannot wait for this move!! 🙂

  • Katya April 8, 2017, 12:35 am |

    Hi everyone!

    My husband and I going to move to Queensland next year. We currently live in Namibia. I am a qualified primary and secondary teacher from Ukraine with international experience and my husband (Namibian German) is a qualified and experienced diesel mechanic who has worked in marine industry for the past 3 years. Particularly, he does propulsion engineering. We would like to consider moving to the Sunshine Coast, but we are not sure whether we will find jobs as a teacher and a mechanic/propulsion engineer.

    Could anyone advise us?

    • BobinOz April 10, 2017, 9:24 pm |

      I’m afraid this is one of those almost impossible questions to answer, whether or not you will find jobs. The job market is quite tough here in Australia at the moment, so there are no guarantees that anyone can find a job, and sometimes it’s even more difficult for new migrants.

      Have a read of the following post and especially the comments…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17033/whats-it-really-like-trying-to-find-a-job-in-australia-2015/

      I know we are now 2017, but not much as changed. All you can do is research the numbers of opportunities available in the area via the link on my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and compare the numbers of vacancies on Sunshine Coast with the vacancies available in other parts of the country.

      That will give you the best idea of what might be available to yourself and your husband. Good luck, Bob

    • Vishalini April 14, 2017, 10:08 am |

      We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for almost 14 yrs. We came with extremely strong portfolios & experience. We submitted over 100 applications and did not get even one interview. Finally we started a registered charity/ incorporated association with its own funding base and served the community giving substantial material aid and an array of free services. Only then did we get offered appropriate employment. Our experience is the job market on the Sunshine Coast is a closed shop that preferences locals, family/friends etc.

      • Dan April 30, 2017, 1:24 pm |

        Hi Vishalini.

        I’m writing this from Melbourne. After living for 26 years thinking of moving to Sunshine coast mainly due to better weather. . My worry is about job perspective .

        Are you able to shed some light please.

      • Julie Adamson August 4, 2017, 4:00 pm |

        Sadly Queenslanders do not like outsiders, they have had this mentality for years & years. I recall a couple from Sydney (born in Australia) moved to Brisbane it took them both nearly a year to get jobs (office worker & Fitter & Turner). They found out this was the norm looking for a job in Qld.
        I don’t know if the mentality has changed but if you were not born in Queensland you are considered a Foreigner. Hopefully with many Australian Retirees moving into Coastal areas in Qld from other States may help to broaden Queenslanders opinion of Aliens (not born in Qld).
        People in Sydney & Melbourne do not judge other Australians from interstate or from overseas because these cities are very Multicultural.
        Queensland is a long way behind Sydney with things to do & places to go –
        I have been to Qld (Noosa, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast) these area are much quieter than Sydney except for the Gold Coast which has a bad name for violence & drugs.
        My Brother (retired) lives 60 minutes from Noosa (in the Bush) he loves it but….there are no jobs & a lot of unemployed people & druggies, perhaps a bit like the wild Wild West.
        Many parts of Qld is like the wild Wild West – Hunting is a much favoured Sport killing Kangaroos, Wild Pigs/Goats etc is very popular & lots of Pig Dogs. It is not uncommon to see Utes (cars) with Pig Dogs in Cages in the back.
        Personally I find that side of Queensland horrible….& the locals love their Guns for Hunting.
        Men & women head off at weekends into the Bush to Hunt – I did speak with a Professional Roo & Pig Shooter he told me a lot of women love Hunting.
        If you love Sunny, warmer to hot days Queensland is the place to live.

        • BobinOz August 7, 2017, 6:11 pm |

          This is hilarious Julie, I assume you meant it to be funny? Sadly I suspect you didn’t, I think you’re being serious, which makes this a really quite ridiculous comment. You simply cannot generalise over 4 1/2 million people like this, humanity doesn’t work like that.

          Very amusing though, thanks for making me laugh out loud.

          Dan and Vishalini, please take Julie’s comment with a pinch of salt. She has no idea what she’s talking about. I moved to Queensland from the UK 10 years ago and I’ve never once been treated as though I am an ‘alien’ by any of my fellow Queenslanders here, whether they are Australian born and bred, born in this state, or moved here themselves from another country as I have.

          I’ve driven the length and breadth of this state, covering thousands of kilometres, I’ve never once met or spoken to a roo or pig hunter, male or female, or seen pig dogs in cages hanging off the back of utes. We will have pig hunters here though, because we do have a wild pig problem, see…

          https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/9729/australian-animals-of-the-outback-another-imported-pest/

          But really, calling this place like the wild west, that’s really very silly, because the vast majority of Queenslanders live one of the major cities here, not the outback. Sure, farmers in very remote areas will use guns to protect their stock, as farmers elsewhere in Australia would and the rest of the world. But to label all Queenslanders as some kind of gunslingers is just plain daft.

          • Julie August 7, 2017, 10:00 pm |

            Sadly what I have written is true –
            Are you aware of the Dog Fights –
            I am involved in Dog Rescue in Victoria, Qld, NSW.
            Council Pounds in the Bush & in Qld are full of dump Pig Dogs – I have spoke with Hunters on FB. One of the Hunters told me he loves his 3 Pig Dogs he knows of many Hunters who shoot their Dogs in they do not do their job or they just take them for a drive & leave them in the Bush to starve or die of thirst. Woman in Rockhampton told me she isn’t getting any more Little Dogs because they keep disappearing. I asked what happened to them she replied, “When I’m at work idiots jump the fence & take the Dogs – I asked her what happens to the Dogs – she said they are used for Dog Fights up here it’s a wild town.
            Bob if you’re beers involved with Animal Rescue you would be appalled at the cruelty toward Sogs & Cats & the offenders walk away with usually a Good Behaviour Bond which makes people involved with Rescue angry.
            Once you leave the Capitol cities in Australia – it is like another World – Guns are rampant in the Country the excuse is they live or work on a Farm & they need the Vuns for control of Feral Animals….you cannot compare city life to the Country Life.
            Bob you think you are an expert on Australia after just a few years. I have lived in Australia 74 years (before you were born).
            I have an English Friend friom Yorkshire she has travelled the World extensively (off the tourist track). She commented to me one day Sydney & the Gold Coast seemed to attract some very bad types for some reason & she has lived in London, LA, New York, Indonesia even the Solomon Islands…Brisbane is like a Country Town in comparison to Sydney.

            • BobinOz August 8, 2017, 8:56 pm |

              Julie, my issue with your comment is that you have pigeonholed the entire population of the State of Queensland as gunslingers, narrowminded, unwelcoming, pig hunting dog killers.

              It’s just not true. Sounds to me like the last time you came to Queensland was in 1973.

              Yes, there are illegal dogfights in Australia, I’m not denying that. They do happen in Queensland, but they also happen in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and also in Melbourne, Victoria. I’m sure they happen all around this country and in other countries as well.

              Yet you seem to imply it only happens in Queensland and that everybody’s doing it, which is laughable.

              Just because you have lived in Australia for 74 years doesn’t mean you know more about Queensland than I do having lived here myself for 10 years. And really? You have a friend from Yorkshire who tells you the Sydney and the Gold Coast seem to attract some bad types?

              I prefer hard facts and confirmed statistics to find out how safe or not a place is, like…

              https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/21582/crime-statistics-in-australia-finding-safe-suburbs/

              Bless you Julie, bless you.

            • Jazzy October 2, 2017, 7:26 am |

              I live interstate and have many friends living in Qld and dog fighting is a real issue. Sadly this is a real problem. My friend has had two pet Staffys stolen for suspected dog fighting. Terrible and really does happen.

              • Julie Adamson October 2, 2017, 9:16 am |

                I have to agree – Dog Fighting is very popular in Qld. There are lost & found Dog FB Pages in Qld so many Stolen Dogs sadly they are never seen again. The other hobby in QLD is Hunting check FB QLD Council Pounds the Shelters are full of large Dogs that have been bred to go in for the Kill. Beautiful Bull Arab’s, any large Breed is used X Mastiffs, Staffies, Pit Bulls. FB has pics of young Qld Hunters with their Kill, Pigs etc & their Dogs. Sadly I never thought Australia would become such a violent Country. I have been abused by Hunters on FB because I have Shared their revolting pics. Once you leave the big cities the mentality of people changes the lack of compassion toward all Animals is very obvious. I recall years ago watching an ABC TV programmes. 2 English ladies had a small Farm in UK they had much loved Border Collies to round up their Sheep – they entered the Dogs in Dog Trials with Sheep. They travelled to many Countries watching the Dog Trials. They announced the worst Country they had seen that the owners neglected their working Dogs – Australia won.
                The Ladies said after the Trials with their Dogs they always bought their Dogs an ice cream. They said working Trial Dogs in Australia were lucky if they got a bowl of water – I’mAustralian & ashamed at the Animal Cruelty in Australia.
                We have many immigrants & yobbo Australians the drug problem in Country area is out of control – we have been told ICE has now taken over many Country towns….

                • BobinOz October 3, 2017, 7:08 pm |

                  Of course you agree Julie, you started this conversation in the first place. That’s like agreeing with yourself. Jazzy was agreeing with you, no need to agree back again, otherwise this could go on forever 🙂

                  • Julie Adamson October 4, 2017, 11:51 am |

                    Gosh – thanks Bob for reminding me of what I was fully aware of.
                    Keep smiling & have a nice daY!

        • Renee Stiles August 18, 2017, 11:23 pm |

          No things have changed lol ? we love welcoming new comers. I think most Qld’s love animals more then Sydney people as we have way more pets lol I rescue wildlife and animals. Noosa and it’s hinterland is a lovely place it’s different to most other qld towns. Come visit and see.

          • Julie Adamson August 19, 2017, 11:46 am |

            Renee, Sadly I have to disagree – I am involved with Animal Rescue on FB. I am Friends with many Animal Rescue Groups mainly in NSW/QLD/VIC. I check the Rescue Groups every day & Share the Dogss/Cats in Pounds many are on the KILL LIST. I noticed a few years ago QLD Pound Dogs were very large X Breeds. I found out these were failed or abandoned Pig/Roo Dogs. Last night I checked the Qld Pounds & Rescue Groups so many desperate large Dogs waiting to die in the Pounds ie Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay etc. The Dogs are not given the Green Dream (euthanised) they are SHOT by the Council Ranger (Country people have told me Bullets are cheaper). Having spoken with RSPCA Officers in HO Brisbane even they despair at the indifference of the Qld Councils & Dog owners. Nothing has changed it is the mentality of the inhabitants of QLd. My Brother lived inI Mackay now moved down to Curra he has a failed Pig Dog from Mackay Pound. Rescue Groups in Qld are desperate for Foster Carers for large Dogs Rescued from Pounds. There are virtually no little Dogs they are all rejected Hunting Dogs & the Pounds can’t keep up with the Dumped Hunting Dogs. The Dogs are killed within 7-14 days Councils aren’t interested in Saving them locals have told me . The Hunting Dogs are usually not aggressive they have been forced to Kill when they would prefer to be living the life of andomesricayed Dog Please go on FB tou will find countless Rescue Groups in Qld who need Volunteers etc. Google Pig Dogs Hunting Qld. Having discuses Animal Rescue with Qlders Puppy Farms are growing in Qld – Rescue Groups they have told the owners of the Puppy Farms they have Shop/S & want to buy Puppies what they saw was like from a Horror Movie. Puppy Farm owners Inwas told have Guns & you would never visit one unless invited. Your female Premier Anna ? Did say she was going to bring in New Laws in Qld regarding the cruel Puppy Farms too date she has done zero…& the Dogs die !!! She is just another useless, indifferent Politician.

  • Carly March 29, 2017, 1:21 am |

    Hi Bob
    My Husband and I (29&31) and our 2 children (4&5) are hoping to be moving out to Oz realistically end of 2018. I am a newly qualified nurse and my husband is a bricklayer. (he’s been self employed for 6 years and doing really well)

    Just a few questions…
    Will my Husband have to be employed when we first move out, or can he go self employed straight away?

    We really liked the look of Perth (mainly the weather) but are worried it will be too boring for the kids as they get older. We were also told jobs are few and far between and that my husband would struggle for work.
    We also like the look of Sunshine coast, I hear a big hospital has just been built and its not too commercialised like the Gold Coast, but still closer to the action if we wanted to venture down there. I did read that it rains ALOT there is this true? I have looked on a few forums and everyone seems pretty undecided on decent areas.
    We ideally want a 3/4 bed house (be nice to have a pool)
    Close to the beach (ideally walking distance)
    Lots of parks and activities for kids locally
    Good schools and not too far off the beaten track to commute to work.

    Thank you to anyone who reads this or can offer some advice.
    Things are starting to get real with the visa and we are getting nervous x

    • Mark March 29, 2017, 6:43 am |

      Hi Carly I cant answer all your questions exactly but can chip in with some bits. Your husband, Not sure, is he having skills assessed in UK for the Visa? Which will help but here in Australia as a tradie (that covers most disciplines in trades people) he needs to be registered. To work as a builder or trades person in Australia you must have a licence or be registered (depending on your state or territory). A licence or registration may require a combination of technical qualification, experience, skills and knowledge prior to application. Now he may be able to take a course on line before arriving or his skills assessed in UK . What I think may be wise is certainly enquire with the registration authorities in at least one state, what he needs to do?. Id certainly be collecting a portfolio of work and get customers to sign them off as he has done it otherwise its just a bunch of pictures.
      Perth I am not sure you may fall lucky you may not, There is its been suggested two economies in Au one is Sydney and Melbourne one is the rest of Au. I have met in the last few months four families from Perth All moved over from Perth to Melbourne two originally from UK. Their almost common bond a better prospect for them and children. Of course not living in Perth not sure anyone is going the other way.
      What I can say is look at the two big cities as well but not right in them where its become expensive. As these two cities expand they need more houses. Melbourne 17 new suburbs are being built. As those get built further out where its cheaper to live so will the need for infrastructure Hospital’s etc come. Now I appreciate you want a job when you land almost but maybe a half hour commute for a few years may not be so bad. As an example Mornington Peninusla which has more building work than I can shake a stick at going on and is commutable for your husband to three of the new suburbs also has a new hospital at Franskton its about an hour from Melbourne but still Melbourne Metro area I am sure similar must exit in Sydney. Maybe Wollongong have a look at. I am not suggesting these may be better but have a look. I personally have no idea on the SC or GC but your 4 last lines of what your looking for are achievable most places your looking at. One tip though close to beach is pointless with pool you dont go much,I have found, premium house prices close by and a house full of sand, it gets everywhere. With a pool ten minutes drive is good and car is easier to vac out than house.

      • BobinOz March 30, 2017, 12:10 am |

        Mark has made some very good points, your husband would certainly need to satisfy the rules and regulations and probably get some kind of registration in place in order to ply his trade here. Can he be self-employed though?

        I’m guessing that your visa application is based on your skill as a nurse and that you are the main applicant? If that’s the case then your husband would be able to work for whomever he wants, including his self, provided he proves his qualifications and gets that registration.

        As for where, I tend to advise people to go where the work is as that’s usually so important. One of the big pluses for Perth is that it is a great place to bring up kids, and your children are very young. It’ll be a long time before they start to get bored and it is easier to live closer to the beach in Perth. They just have so much of it.

        Sunshine Coast is great as well, and as you say, they have a new hospital and again, it would be a great place to bring up your children. But as Mark has pointed out, I can’t imagine either Perth or SC having as much building work going on as Melbourne does.

        It’s difficult to decide, I know, but in truth it’s really hard to pick somewhere to live in Australia that is really horrible 🙂 That’s why I tend to say go where the work is, because if the money isn’t coming in, life just isn’t as bouncy and wherever you go, I’m sure you will get to love it.

        • Naomi Gerardin April 5, 2017, 1:59 pm |

          Hi Carly, I agree that the bigger cities will definitely offer more work opportunities, but just want to point out that the Sunshine Coast is expanding very quickly. There is currently not enough housing and many new estates being build with future ones in the pipeline. Between the new private hospital, plans to extend the local airport to an international one, the smart city project, and Queensland Government empowering new businesses here, the job opportunities on the Sunshine Coast is growing fast to. We are blessed with amazing weather, the best beaches and a lifestyle difficult to match. A few people do the daily commute to Brisbane (100km), but I would honestly not advice it. In good traffic it takes 90 minutes, but in heavy traffic (peak times), it can easily more than double. Best of luck and I am sure you will make a happy home wherever you land 🙂

        • Deb July 1, 2017, 9:21 am |

          Yes and no as far as the ‘wherever you go’ Bob, I’m in Vic on the Mornington Peninsula and although its pretty its also freezing here coming Winter.. Our family wants to relocated to SC and have been looking at Nambour.. Weather plays a huge part in how we feel, we have money coming in here and thats great, but we feel we are locked up for a big chunk of the year as its so bloody cold :(… I grew up in Perth so moving to VIC 20 years ago (Gulp) was something I did for career, but I have been wanting to relocate for a few years now.
          Me and hubby both do our own businesses so thinking the time is right, can’t do another Winter here.. If people like the cold, traffic and literally 4 season in one day Melbourne is great, however if you like the outdoors, a more chill atmosphere and want sunshine in your life – QLD is worth a pay cut, if that what it takes… My thoughts of course 🙂

          • BobinOz July 2, 2017, 7:44 pm |

            Well I do agree on this, weather it is a big influencing factor, I specifically chose Brisbane because I wanted a warmer climate. It’s interesting that you moved to Melbourne from Perth and can’t stand the winters, I know many people who have moved from the UK to Melbourne can put up with it, simply because England is actually colder.

            Maybe if I’d moved to Melbourne direct from the UK I’d put up with it, but now that I’ve enjoyed 10 years in Brisbane, I don’t think I could hack it either.

            Sounds like Sunshine Coast would be a good move for you, you’ve done your time now in Melbourne 🙂

    • deepika April 6, 2017, 12:56 pm |

      Hey bob
      Can we get flat for rent in gated community has all amenities in Sunshine coast.

      • Naomi Gerardin April 6, 2017, 1:22 pm |

        Hi Deepika,
        Yes there are gated communities/estates all over the Sunshine Coast to suit most budgets. In Peregian Springs (Sentosa, Caprice) you will find smaller units and most have a community pool, close to school and shops. A few more examples: Whitehaven – Yaroomba; Pelican Waters and Noosa Springs. Caloundra and Mooloolaba have many appartments that require key foyer entries, with underground parking.
        Why are you looking for a gated community? I use to live in one, but if safety is your concern I do not think you need to worry too much. It is safe in most places and I find that since I moved I get out more and meet new friends. It was like living in a bubble at the time.

        • BobinOz April 7, 2017, 6:55 pm |

          Yes, I agree with Naomi, it doesn’t get much safer than Sunshine Coast, not the sort of place where a gated community is of any real benefit.

        • deepika April 12, 2017, 4:31 am |

          Thanx for reply. actually Noami in India we used to stay In hatred community only so I am bit nervous about independent house.
          Tomorrow midnight travelling to Sunshine Cost. Hope will get your help whenever needed by reply my mails

          • Vishalini April 14, 2017, 10:15 am |

            Deepika we lived in India 15 years previously. Now we have taken Australian citizenship and been on the Sunshine Coast for almost 14 years. It is such a safe place to live. Please be peaceful that coming here is worth the journey and adjustments to settle. The Sunshine Coast is a very special place.

            • Deepika April 20, 2017, 9:06 am |

              Hi vaishalini
              Thanx for reply. Already in Sunshine coast.Loving the place. Just looking for apartment.

              • Trupti shelar April 28, 2017, 1:07 pm |

                Dear Deepika,

                Kindly share your experience of settling in Sunshine coast. I m an Indian too and planning to settle in Australia too. Visa is under process.

                Regards,
                Trupti Shelar

                • deepika April 28, 2017, 4:10 pm |

                  Hi trupti
                  R u moving to sunshine coast ?

                  • Trupti May 10, 2017, 1:11 pm |

                    Hi Deepika,
                    Yes planning to move to Sunshine coast.
                    I am an Indian single female and want to understand initial challenges to get settled there and what basic stuff I need to carry to start with.

                    Warm Regards,
                    Trupti

    • Eva October 9, 2017, 1:35 am |

      Hi Carly,

      Having lived in Perth the past four years, and considering a move to the Sunny Coast, I have to say, it’s a pretty difficult choice. Perth is wonderful for families. There is loads to do here. And to be honest, I want ‘boring’ when my kids are older. =) The coastline is also, really beautiful here in Perth. Clearer, blue waters, but COLD and full of sharks. The availability of jobs is better here in Perth also, from what I understand.
      The pluses for SC, is that the weather is way better. Perth’s weather can be all over the place! You can leave home, sun blazing, in your summer wear and find that you need a winter jacket by midday… and the opposite too. If you suffer with your sinuses and allergies, Perth is not going to be easy on you! It’s the only thing driving us away from this beautiful place.
      For me Sunny Coast also offers that lovely, smaller town feel, whereas Perth feels a little like ‘every man for themselves’. Coming from a small island in the Caribbean, with that great community feel, Perth has taken some getting used to. I did find Sunny Coasters to be more friendly (as their reputation implies).
      Hope this helps a little!

  • Karol March 28, 2017, 4:24 pm |

    Hi Bob, I’m living in Sydney a only one month, but since I decided to move to Australia I really wanted to live in Sunshine Coast/Brisbane! I just came to Sydney because I have a cousin here, but I don’t like the winter, so I probably wont enjoy here so much! I have 5 years experience in the industry area, as waitress/bartender, and I would like to know how is the Job area there, and how expensive is to live there! And do you think it would be a good change to make more money? Thank you!

    • BobinOz March 28, 2017, 10:54 pm |

      Well, you won’t make more money here, the best places to make money I would say are Sydney, which you don’t like, and then Melbourne, which has even colder winters than Sydney. They are definitely the places with the most jobs.

      That said, Brisbane is a lot cheaper to live in than both of those other cities and Sunshine Coast is a wonderful part of the country with some great beaches. Not commercial, really quite laid-back but all the better for it.

      Whether or not you can get work up here, I really couldn’t tell you. There are jobs about, but landing one is something only you can do, and I can’t predict whether that will happen or not. If you work in hospitality, then maybe you should also consider Gold Coast which is far more commercial, so more restaurants and bars, and again has great beaches.

      The weather up here is great for all those who do not like winter, so perfect for you. Research jobs on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Mark colgan March 22, 2017, 1:06 pm |

    Hi bob , I’m living in Sydney for the last 8 years with my wife and two kids , we would like to move up to the Sunshine Coast to live , we have friends living up there for a few years, we have visited the Sunshine Coast many times, I work in construction as a site foreman, what are the chances of me getting a full time job up on Coast .thats key to moving is getting jobs . Can you give me some advice, Cheers Mark.

    • BobinOz March 22, 2017, 9:59 pm |

      Well, that’s always been the downside of Sunshine Coast, the lack of work. I couldn’t tell you whether or not you’d find a job there, but what I would suggest is you do everything you can to line one up before you make the move.

      At least research it thoroughly, you can do that via the links on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship

  • Poonam February 16, 2017, 11:40 pm |

    Hi Bob
    Ll there b any fee for public school for children coming on 489 regional visa?

    • BobinOz February 17, 2017, 9:05 pm |

      Well you have asked exactly the same question on a different page and I have answered you.

      • Poonam February 17, 2017, 11:11 pm |

        Thanku so much bob.

  • Krista February 11, 2017, 3:26 am |

    Hi Bob,
    We used your visa assessment service which I have raved about on that page of your website. We submitted our application for a 189 visa and we’re now at the waiting to hear back stage of the process. In hopes that we do have a successful application I’ve been looking into potential areas to live in Australia. Would you or any of your website readers know if the Sunshine Coast has strong baseball and tennis programs? We are from Canada which may explain our love for baseball (Go Blue Jays!) and we foresee our 3 year old son playing baseball as he grows up. Tennis seems to be very popular in all of Australia so I don’t think we have any worries finding tennis clubs. If yourself or any readers have any insight to provide it would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks.
    Krista
    Newfoundland, Canada

    • BobinOz February 12, 2017, 7:55 pm |

      Hi Krista

      Yes, I remember you, I think we may have exchanged some emails at some point. I have my fingers crossed for you, I hope your application is successful.

      Hopefully a local will be able to give you more information about baseball in Sunshine Coast, but I know we do have baseball going on around here and in Sunshine Coast. Check out qld.baseball.com.au/

      As for tennis, yes, extremely popular here, I don’t think you will have any problem finding decent tennis clubs and facilities. I know there are loads here in Brisbane, but I’m sure they have them in Sunshine Coast as well. Hopefully though somebody will read this and give you more information about what is actually up there.

      By the way, quite a few houses have tennis courts in the back garden, not loads, but they are about. Might be worth searching for if you are that keen.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Christy March 16, 2017, 7:02 pm |

      Hi Krista!

      I am an Aussie/Canadian, my husband and I recently moved to the Sunshine Coast. It is a beautiful place with so much to offer. In answer to your question, as Bob mentioned, tennis is a very popular/prominent sport here. Baseball is not as mainstream but there certainly are opportunities to join baseball teams here and be involved in the sport. Young kids usually start with T ball and progress from there. My husband plans on joining a team once we are settled. Best of luck with your application and do keep in touch if you end up here! Always great to meet fellow Canadians 🙂 (Go Blue Jays!).

      Christy

    • Woj April 5, 2017, 7:27 pm |

      Hi Krista.
      I was at the Sunshine Coast in March this year. Asking around for work as a tennis coach, I did visit a few clubs. Small club in Coolum Beach, a fairly larger one in Mooloolaba (which we really enjoyed BTW), few clubs in Maroochydore – so in a nutshell, there are clubs (smaller or larger) nearly everywhere, so I am sure you will find a tennis centre or courts which will be close by..

  • Jodie February 5, 2017, 8:08 am |

    Hi Bob

    Good to see a more recent blog about living on the Sunshine Coast. I have a teenager who is just about to turn 16. I worry about stories you hear about youth that live on the ‘coast’. Are there any such issues with bored teenagers etc?? What are your thoughts on moving from Sydney to a coastal area such as the Sunshine Coast? we are over Sydney and would like a change. Thank you.

    • BobinOz February 5, 2017, 9:24 pm |

      Hi Jodie

      It’s hard for me to give an accurate answer, simply because I do not live on Sunshine Coast. I’ve been there though, plenty of times, and I’ve heard from many people who do live there, I really can’t see this being a problem.

      Sunshine Coast is very much a laid-back and quite quiet area, it’s the opposite of the commercial areas of Gold Coast. I really don’t think you’re 16-year-old is going to be led astray by anyone. Hopefully though, a local will read about your concerns and give you a better answer than I can.

      One thing for sure though, Sunshine Coast will definitely be a big sea change from Sydney.

    • Cathy February 6, 2017, 1:03 am |

      Hi Jodie,

      I brought up my three sons up on the Sunshine Coast as a lone parent and all went to state schools there and didn’t have a problem with ‘bored’ youth. Like anywhere, it depends upon your own kids, who they mix with and what their interests are. Mine were not beach goers or surfers but quieter computer types who played ice hockey. There is plenty to do for teenagers, sports, the beach, hinterland, music events and the like held at Moffat Beach and places like the Gold Coast theme parks for the day. I think you also need to consider what direction your teenager is likely to take as he progresses through school to adulthood – TAFE or Uni or apprenticeship or job and check out the likely availability of each. And don’t forget about yourself, what you want as remember your teenager may not be with you for very much longer as he forges his own way in the world. Where do each of you want to call home?

      Cathy

    • Naomi April 5, 2017, 12:43 pm |

      Hi Jodie,
      We moved to the Sunshine Coast when my daughter was 12 (she is now 17). She was very apprehensive to leave friends behind from Brisbane and did not enjoy the first year. Now however, she is loving it and does not want to live anywhere else. I believe we are blessed with a quality lifestyle here that is unmatched. I know it differs from child to child, but we have found it much easier to make friends here than in the city. There is a community feel and most teenagers are easily connected with each other with many possibilities to connect in healthy outdoor environments. The opportunities (indoor and outdoor) lend itself to a naturally more active and healthy lifestyles. My daughter has not been bored and it is safe to travel around the coast. For example, she would regularly jump on the bus from Coolum beach to meet friends in Noosa, Sunshine beach or to the plaza for
      a fun day. There are also plenty work opportunities for teenagers and a great way to teach them life skills, while earning some pocket money. I am happy to answer any questions concerns you may have 🙂

    • Woj April 5, 2017, 7:23 pm |

      Hi Jodie. I too was really worried about things I have read about “the coast”. We had a chance to spend 2 weeks on the sunshine coast in March this year. We were looking for a quiet and laid back place, which woiuld be great for bringing up kids. And to be honest? We loved the SC. So friendly that its hard to describe. I think most of the thigs u might read about “drugs, alcohol, coward punches etc) might occur, but I presume more in places like Sydney, Melbourbe, and if the SC – then IMO more Gold Coast than Sunshine, as the sunshine coast is far less party packed and thus, less alcohol packed. I know I would rather live on the SC with our two small children than the GC. Not much info I gave you, but hope it helped a little bit (now I had a chance to give some info out to someone, quite a few occasions I was helped out here on this site 🙂 )

  • Madeline Crosthwaite February 4, 2017, 1:02 pm |

    There is always quality work to be found on the Sunshine Coast. We have had difficulty finding quality staff as have many others in our industry. It pays to call local businesses directly and inquire instead of relying on job boards online.

    • Woj April 5, 2017, 7:30 pm |

      Hi Madeline.
      What is the industry that you are in? So good to read a post like that, which actually confirms that finding a job on the SC is far from impossible… 🙂

  • Shahid January 10, 2017, 10:53 pm |

    Hi BOB
    I have to move Buderim area with family , I have 489 visa , by profession I am IT professional.But IT jobs are difficult to find there,would you suggest me what type of work is suitable for survival with family, how about rent in buderim for 2 bedroom house.
    Kindly suggest me something so that i should be mentally prepare for that time. I have kids as well.

    • BobinOz January 12, 2017, 6:30 pm |

      Yes, jobs are very difficult to find up in the Sunshine Coast, and I have no idea what to suggest you but I do have a couple of pages on my website that will help you research and answer your questions, please see Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia.

      • Deepika February 3, 2017, 5:21 am |

        Hi Bob
        Me and my husband with one 6 month old baby are planning to move to sunshine coast from India.
        My question is what is the average salary to spent good life. My husband work in IT firm..And what about school and education.
        Can we get indian grocery easily??

        • BobinOz February 3, 2017, 5:10 pm |

          I couldn’t put a number on how much exactly you would need for the ‘good life’, but I have a couple of pages that will help you work it out; The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything, How much do you need?

          And I’ve written lots of articles about schools and education, see Which school? Be sure to check out the additional useful links links at the foot of that page.

          Yes, I would think you could easily get Indian grocery, we have plenty of shops for that here in Brisbane and I’m sure they will also have them in Sunshine Coast.

        • Manish Sharma February 16, 2017, 2:52 am |

          Hi Deepika,

          I am Manish Sharma from India, Irecently got my 489 visa and plannong to move to Sunshine Coast. Me, my wife Poonam and two daughters are in family. Kindly let me know when you are travelling or if we can help each other to plan our way ahead.

          • Deepika February 16, 2017, 1:23 pm |

            Hi Manish
            Where are you from mean which part of INDIA.
            We are planning on 12 April.
            Where would you work.

            • Poonam February 16, 2017, 4:12 pm |

              Hi Deepika ,i m Poonam , Manish’s wife..we r frm haryana and moving on the same visa 489…where r u from?

              • Deepika February 16, 2017, 5:44 pm |

                Hi Poonam
                We r from Hyderabad
                When are you planning to move

                • Manish Sharma February 16, 2017, 7:21 pm |

                  Hi Deepika,

                  As Poonam said, we are from Haryana and I am planning to move to Sunshine Coast in June. Initially I will move alone followed by Poonam and our two daughters after few months.

                  • uday March 24, 2017, 12:10 pm |

                    Hi Manish my name is Uday and currently I am in Nambour suburb in Sunshine Coast. I got spouse visa as my wife is studing here in Uni of Sunshine coas. Before you come to Sunshine make sure you get job or start making jobs application as here in Sunshine Coast jobs are hard to find though we have been here for past for 15 days but some of them here told me it take couple of months to get jobs as part of hour visa 489 you need to work any regional part of Queensland so make sure you apply all the regional place because i know there are few who have already came to sunshine on 489 visa r finding hard to get jobs so dont ristrict yourself to sunshine coast but also apply other regional area all the best for your bright future

                    • Manish Sharma March 24, 2017, 3:31 pm |

                      Hi Uday, glad to know about your presence there and thank you so much for the valuable advice. Can we get in touch if you don’t mind. Please share your email id. Mine is mba.manishsharma@gmail.com

                • Poonam February 16, 2017, 9:20 pm |

                  Hi deepika…plz let me know ur email id so tat v can b in touch personally.

                • Huda August 25, 2017, 2:26 pm |

                  Hi deepika, this is huda. Am from Hyderabad but currently living in sydney. We are planning to move to sunshine Coast. I need some info about good suburbs and good schools. Can you please share your email address? Mine is huda.yousuf@gmail.com

  • Lily January 6, 2017, 10:46 pm |

    Hi,

    I’m a french student and I’m coming to the sunshine coast at the end of the month to do an internship. My work place is Maroochydore so I would like to know if you have any tips about the areas I can look into for accommodations.

    • BobinOz January 8, 2017, 1:21 am |

      Well it’s all really nice up there, there are no ‘bad areas’, and Maroochydore is marvellous. I’m actually on my way out there tomorrow for a three day beachside break and really looking forward to it.

      If I were you, I’d just go for accommodation that suits your budget and is close to where you will be working. I’m sure you will love the whole area. Good luck, Bob

  • Aj December 14, 2016, 8:06 am |

    Hey bob , thinking of relocating to sunshine coast a family of 5. And suggestions of areas to look that are not so expensive to live.

    • BobinOz December 14, 2016, 8:46 pm |

      I don’t really know the area well enough, but if you want not so expensive you will almost certainly need to stay away from the beach and definitely not Noosa. The hinterland is very nice though, but hopefully somebody who knows Sunshine Coast well can guide you better than I can.

      Anyone got any tips for Aj?

      • Cathy Browning January 21, 2017, 11:41 pm |

        Hi Bob, great site, just been nosing around the site. Lived on the Sunshine Coast for years, then Cairns, in the UK for a while but intend to return to my house in Caloundra in the next few years. Happy to help with suggestions to people intending to live in and around those areas in any way, shape or form. May even do airbnb myself when I return as my adult kids in Brisbane.
        In Queensland, the nearer the beach the more expensive property is. For those in the medical fields, the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital will open with about 450 beds in 2017, with ability to grow to more than 738 beds. Check out this link for job opportunities. http://www.schealthjobs.health.qld.gov.au/

        La’Dell – seems that the Sunshine Coast would be an ideal place for you and your family. Lots of young families around, good schools, variety of beaches, my kids loved it. Not as fast as the Gold Coast of which I’m not a fan. For your business interests, it sounds a great place with the population and the demand for early childhood services increasing. The Sunshine Coast hinterland is very green and reminds me of rolling hills of Yorkshire although the palm trees gives it away! Love it up there, Maleny, Montville, rural areas. Public transport is restricted to the main coast roads between Landsborough, Caloundra, Maroochydoore and Noosa, not the hinterland. Trains go from Landsborough a small rural town to Brisbane, takes approx one and a half hours – slow and the bus from Caloundra to Landsborough takes approx 30 minutes.

        Happy to help with any other questions -just ask!

        Cathy

        • BobinOz January 22, 2017, 9:22 pm |

          Hi Cathy

          Thank you, glad to hear you like my site 🙂

          Yes, I heard about a new hospital being built in the Sunshine Coast and for anyone who can get work out that way, it’s a great place to live. Work, I’ve heard, can be hard to get in SC. Like yourself, I’m more suited to the Sunshine Coast than the more commercial Gold Coast, but both to have mighty fine beaches.

          I know the areas you have mentioned really quite well, we holiday up your way quite regularly and Mooloolaba and Maroochydore are probably our favourites along with the hinterland that you mention.

          Thanks for your offer to help some of my readers, it would be great if you could. I might think I know the area quite well, but is not the same as having lived there as you have.

          Cheers, Bob

        • Peter February 1, 2017, 12:35 pm |

          Hi Cathy.

          I read your post.
          We live in vic. Family of 5. I am a professional draftsman with a bachelor of architecture looking to establish a business there (caloundra/maroochydore/mooloolaba) .some time soon. I have two houses here in vic and plan on renting them out while i move up. We love the place after a recent visit. Been there twice now but only seen the face value…is it really worth the move? Dont know if you can answer this also but is there much work for draftspeople? I am also a welder. Thanks Cathy.

          • Peter February 1, 2017, 12:36 pm |

            Thanks

            • Cathy February 1, 2017, 10:55 pm |

              Hello Peter,

              I am currently living in the UK so can’t answer you question re employment which has always been difficult on the Sunshine Coast. I lived in Caloundra so can really only talk about that town and generally about the others in the area.

              Lots of building has been going on in Caloundra in the last 10 years – the place has exploded from when I first arrived there in 1996 when it was still a sleeply beachside suburb. Houses and units as well as new commercial buildings have sprung all over the place. Mooloolbaba is very touristy, and Maroochydore is the man town in the regions. I prefer the quieter Caloundra where there are numerous schools, most built and opened over the last 10 years to accommodate the growing population – mostly young families although it also has a large retired population. With 8 different beaches, and only about 1 1/4 hours from Brisbane Airport, it has a lot to offer. There is a laid back feeling to the area compared with cities. The weather is better than in Vic – if you like the heat.

              I think only you can do your due diligence and discuss it with family. The area is a lovely place to live and you can get up into the hills for a burst of greenery. Of course the vegetation is different, no bulbs grow, trees are all those that grow in the sub-tropics so no autumn leaves to scuffle through. It’s these little things that make you realise that you are in a warmer area of the country.

              With two properties to rent out, it seems you are in a good position to make the move. Why not go for it, you can always return to Vic if it doesn’t work out.

              Happy to help with more specific questions. Generally speaking, the closer to the beach, the more expensive the property, but not everyone wants to live by the beach.

              I can’t advise you whether or not to make the move, only you and yours can decide that.

              Cathy

              • Peter February 2, 2017, 5:12 pm |

                Dear Cathy.

                Thankyou so much for your informative response. The way i see it is that the risk of moving to the sunshine coast is worth it for my family to appreciate a better quality of life. We have been living in Shepparton all our lives. This town holds little opportunity for myself, my wife and my children now so i am prepared to make the move. I understand the financial predicament that may follow if all goes bad but i am carefully planning this out over the next few months to ensure a safe transition. If it is ok with you…i would like to keep in touch from time to time and ask you specific questions regarding real estate options (beach vs inland) etc in the near future. I understand you are in the uk but any perspective/advice from your point of view would be highly appreciated as you have first hand experience. Thankyou once again. Kindest regards…pete.

  • Renat December 11, 2016, 9:11 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    Me and my partner are thinking to relocate there. I m european and she is japanese and we have a baby. We are wondering if there would be issues for culture background and if it would be an expensive place to live
    Cheers

  • La'Dell November 27, 2016, 6:43 pm |

    Hi Thank you , Yes it does help it gives me confidence that it sounds like the right place to start and look for schools and houses to rent . Is it a good area for pre Schools and young families ,
    for my work ?

    thanks again .

  • La'Dell November 26, 2016, 9:09 pm |

    Hi Bob, I have read so much on your web pages over the 4 months , I feel I could pass an a level on your information . Which is fantastic , plus exciting . But a little overwhelming as you have said Australia is massive .I’m a single mam with four young boys ages between 6 years an 15 years . flying to Australia in May 2017, My mind is make up, fights are booked its the best , safe option for me and my children , as I have an x partner who has tried and still makes threats to kill us .we have had to relocate our lives three times in the past 12 years . my job , then twice i had to close my business, as one was a Montessori Day Nursery , I built up over 8 years now my Children’s Communication Business , toddles and Pre School Classes I run .
    he just keeps finding us.
    Reason I’m being open as I’m reaching out for help .NOT for visas I have that sorted .
    for friendly families connections , so me and my children do feel so isolated , and alone I’m a strong, well educated woman , NOT looking for a man . just in case any one thought that , lol
    I am left thinking , What I would find help full ….is help and advice on places to first try and settle.
    My family needs to feel for the first time they are safe and free , some where we can call home and build roots , make friends who we are not going to loose contact with for the first time in our lives .So far I feel the Sun Shine Coast would suit us .
    if I described my idea for home , could any one give us advice on what they think.
    In England Ilike the Yorkshire folk , Cornwall and Dorset country side and beaches not Newquay or Bournemouth, but Poole and Kennack sand , Coverack ,
    I would like the peaceful tranquil Beaches, close by yet I will need a area which is good for young famliy , Schools for my children and mother and toddler groups , Pre School Nurseries for my Work . I like the idea of Brisbane to visit when I want noise and color in my life ,
    Friendly folk where we can join a community .I love the aspect of diving in the Barrier Reef , and sailing ,what you you recommend ?
    Thank you to Any One who as Read this , thank you to any one who Offers advice .

    • BobinOz November 27, 2016, 9:28 pm |

      Glad to hear you have been reading lots of my website La’Dell, I’m almost tempted to devise a very tricky exam for you just to test your knowledge. Maybe I should come up with an exam for all of my readers?

      We could have student of the year and all sorts of things!

      But maybe I won’t 🙂

      Anyway, Sunshine Coast does actually sound perfect for you, although it’s nothing like Yorkshire, we don’t have anything in this country that is like Yorkshire. But Sunshine Coast is very much like Australia’s Cornwall inasmuch as it’s got beautiful beaches, it’s laid-back, it’s friendly, it’s safe, and there’s not much work.

      Drive 20 minutes inland and you have rolling hills and countryside. Perfect.

      Unlike Cornwall though, the weather is fantastic almost all the time on the Sunshine Coast. And, as you say, you can pop into Brisbane for your city fix whenever you want. Your children will love it there.

      Good luck with your move, Bob

    • April January 26, 2017, 6:10 pm |

      Hello I can relate to your situation without saying to much.. did you have any luck??..

  • uday November 26, 2016, 3:59 pm |

    hi bob

    My wife and me are planning to move to sunshine coast on student visa as my will be studing in Uni of Sunshine coast and i will be supporting her as i will be working full time. I have 2 years of experience in Customer service in Vodafone and BBus in Marketing and Managament from University of Newcastle Australia so is it easy to find job in Sunshine coast. So any suggestion on above quires wud b great help and i want to know that does sunshine coast comes under regional area or not

    • jim November 27, 2016, 11:50 am |

      Hi Uday,

      I had been relocated to the coast and its been 4 months now. its a beautiful place with peaceful living. Further, jobs at coast is challenging but not impossible. you need to work hard to get the job based on our experience, it took 2 months for us to secure the job after getting here.

      It is in regional Area (Helps to secure Points for PR).

      It is growing region and there is a new international Airport being constructed which possibly will be ready by 2020 (long way though).

      Hope this helps……

      • uday November 29, 2016, 2:40 am |

        Thanks a lot Jim, appreciate your response. I was more keen of knowing about part time jobs. What kind of jobs are available their to name a few ? What are you into ? Thanks a ton for sharing with us Jim .

        • BobinOz November 29, 2016, 8:51 pm |

          Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place to live, but it is also known as a place where it is difficult to find work. It’s a bit of a tourist area as well though, so maybe there are some part-time casual jobs about. It won’t be easy though.

          You can search for jobs through the links on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

          Hope that helps and good luck, Bob

          • Uday November 30, 2016, 2:29 am |

            Hi Bob thank you so much I want to know that my wife applied for admission in Murdoch Uni and Uni of the Sunshine Coast , as i read it is very difficult to find jobs in Perth. So what u think which wud b right place to get part time as well as full time is it Perth or Sunshine coast. As you will be knowing that on student visa spouse get full time and student get 20 hours per week. In beginning it wud be difficult but we are targeting to earn 3 k to survive and to save bit to pay for next year so 1500 dollars wud b enough to pay expenses for four weeks and save 1500 dollars for next years fees. Also want to know what if i work in brisbane so how is job opportunities in Brisbane so help if u have any info on above matter and your info are really helpful as I read about perth on your blog as it very difficult to find jobs so want to really know which wud b better place Perth or Sunshine Coast as it is very difficult to make decisions bcoz have no clue about the real situation as you will be able to help us to make decisions whatever info you have please share it wud b great help and thank you so much for your reponse.

            • BobinOz November 30, 2016, 11:32 pm |

              It’s really difficult to say, but my gut feeling is that both Perth and Sunshine Coast would be equally difficult to find jobs, and it would be slightly easier in Brisbane. You wouldn’t want the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane commute each day though, it’s a very long round trip.

              I really can’t help any more than that, but I do hope it works out for you whichever place you decide to go to.

              • Carol Bell January 20, 2017, 3:36 pm |

                Before you take the long journey, I would be finding out if he can follow you. Its great to move to the other side of the world but if he can follow it wont solve your problems. I would really research the work options, the further you go out of the city the less work there is. Its great to have a beach at your door but it is no good with out work. I would live closer to the city and work on the beaches when you have had time to see how it all works out. From the UK myself.

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