Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. Located around 240 km to the south of the Australian mainland, Tasmania is often overlooked in favour of Australia’s bigger and busier cities in other states. With its sleepy towns, old-world architecture and mountainous landscapes, the island state of Tasmania (also known as ‘Tas’ or ‘Tassie’) offers a welcome change of pace. Tasmania consists of more than 300 different islands, with the main island occupying the majority of the state’s total land cover.
From the historic capital, Hobart, to the picturesque city of Launceston and the coastal towns of Devonport and Burnie, Tasmania will continue to surprise you the more you get to know this part of Australia. Let’s start here!
Affordable cost of living
The state of Tasmania offers major cost-saving benefits without sacrificing any quality of life. Tasmania offers the most affordable housing in all of Australia with the average rental prices in Hobart being about 40% cheaper than in Sydney, while the purchase price per square metre is as much as 70% lower. If you’re looking to buy property in Australia, the Tasmanian cities of Hobart and Launceston are great options, especially for first-time homebuyers.
The overall cost of living in Hobart and the rest of Tasmania is also favourable with lower prices for groceries, dining out, clothes, entertainment and public transport than what you will find in major capitals like Sydney and Melbourne. The affordability of life in Tasmania compared to the rest of Australia makes it an increasingly popular relocation destination for people who want to trade metropolitan life for the peace and quiet of this island state.
Laidback way of life
As the smallest state of Australia, Tasmania has a modest population of just over half a million people — equating to about one-tenth of the number of residents living in Sydney and Melbourne. With a total population of about 200,000 people, Hobart is unlike any other Australian capital city. The easygoing lifestyle found in Hobart and the rest of Tasmania resembles that of a countryside town rather than the big city rush. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is definitely the place for you if you want to escape the fast-paced city life and embrace a life where nature lives on your doorstep. The friendly and hospitable locals will quickly make you feel at home, especially after your first Aussie barbeque experience!
Easy to navigate
Tasmania’s smaller population has several other benefits to effect — lower crime rates, lower pollution levels, less traffic, shorter commutes to work, unspoilt natural environments, and overall happier citizens with reduced levels of stress. Traveling around the state is fairly easy and affordable. Hobart has a smooth-running public transport system with buses and taxis serving the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Many people living in the central part of the city get around by walking or cycling to work or class since the distances are so short. Hobart and Launceston are well-connected to mainland Australia via commercial flights of around only two hours, and passenger ferries travel between Devonport and Melbourne daily.
Unique arts and culture
Since the state is separated from the rest of Australia, it comes as no surprise that Tasmanians have developed a unique local culture of arts, music and food unlike anywhere else in the country. Inspired by nature and undistracted from their work, artists flourish in Tasmania! To experience the island’s creative charm first-hand, be sure to pay a visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, a stunning exhibition museum that houses one of the largest private art collections in the world.
Highlights on the annual cultural calendar include the Devonport Jazz Festival, the Taste of Tasmania food festival, the Dark Mofo arts and music festival hosted by MONA, and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Foodies will have a blast discovering the artisanal culinary scene in Tasmania. Between the farmers markets, locally grown organic produce, fresh seafood and world-class wineries, you’ll never be stuck for dinner ideas. Hobart, in particular, also has a thriving cafe culture, home to some of Australia’s best barista talent and biggest coffee lovers. If you’re looking for an easy way to meet people in your new town, just head over to the nearest coffee shop!
Breathtaking natural sceneries
Tasmania is known for its stunning landscapes — the lush mountains, ancient forests, mighty rivers, sandy beaches, and rich animal and plant life. The northwest region of the main island harbours some of the largest and last remaining temperate forests of the southern hemisphere. If you want to go off the beaten track and discover the beauty of Australia’s lesser-known natural sites, Tasmania promises a lifetime of adventures and moments of awe. You’ll find animals here that you’ve never even seen before since they have become extinct on the mainland of Australia. Tasmania’s temperate climate creates the ideal conditions for exploring all that the island has to offer. With four distinct seasons ranging from sunny summers to snowy winters, there is a time of year for every kind of outdoor adventure.
Easier visa applications
On a final note of good news, Tasmania is an excellent destination for international relocation since the state may offer easier application processes for permanent residency in Australia. Tasmania welcomes unique skills and provides ample opportunities to apply for skilled nominated visas. The smaller pool of professional competition could also work to your advantage when applying for jobs in Tasmania. In addition, cities like Hobart and Launceston are particularly popular among international students since the Australian student visa allows up to 40 hours of part-time work per fortnight. So, have you packed your bags yet?
Perth, the charming capital of Western Australia, offers the perfect conditions for someone who wants to live in the city without getting lost in the masses. As a smaller capital that combines the benefits of urban living with a community-centred slower pace of life, Perth bears several similarities to Australian cities like Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. If you are looking for the city of your dreams, keep reading to find out why Perth should be at the top of your list!
A community-centred urban oasis
Although Perth is the fourth most populated city in Australia, its population of around two million permanent residents is less than half of that of major capitals like Sydney and Melbourne. The strong sense of community that thrives in Perth is hard to come by in most large cities, which adds to the unique appeal of this capital. The city centre is a leisure and entertainment hub with iconic shopping areas like London Court along with gems like weekend markets, historic architectural landmarks and public art installations dotted all around town.
Perth has a distinctive mix of art, culture and cuisine that pays homage to the city’s rich heritage while embracing a modern metropolitan way of life. The city has a lively arts and culture scene with a variegated collection of galleries, museums and festivals that will spark anyone’s interest. In addition to a long list of celebrated cultural institutions such as the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, the State Library of Western Australia, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the PS Art Space, the streets of Perth are a dynamic canvas for street art and other public art installations.
Family-friendly city living
Perth accommodates people of all ages, professions and walks of life. Earlier in 2021, Perth was named among the top 10 most liveable cities in the world on the Global Liveability Index, which evaluates a wide range of factors including healthcare, education, culture, environment, entertainment, business opportunities and more. The city boasts a steadily growing job market in addition to major plus points such as high-quality education facilities, low crime rates, low pollution levels, an abundance of urban green spaces, well-functioning public transport, and a thriving property market.
The city offers a diverse variety of neighbourhoods to choose from, ranging from suburbs situated on the banks of the Swan River to heritage areas like the port city of Fremantle. The latter is a popular pick among students and young working professionals thanks to the area’s lively arts, music and entertainment scene. Another sought-after neighbourhood is East Perth, which presents some of the most favourable living conditions in Perth and all of Western Australia due to its convenient proximity to the CBD while featuring the best of local dining and waterfront sceneries.
The sunniest city in Australia
Perth is known for its amazing weather, taking the lead as the city that enjoys the most hours of sunshine in all of Australia! The city is blessed with pleasant, warm weather for most of the year with temperatures averaging around 31°C during summer from December to March. Even winters are enjoyable with temperatures ranging between 19-22°C during the day and only slightly dropping at night. Perth’s reputation as the sunniest city in Australia is backed by around 140 days of sunshine per year, which contributes to the overall quality of life and the health of residents since people tend to spend a lot of time being active outdoors.
Ideally connected to international capitals
Although Perth is quite isolated from other Australian capitals, the city is well connected to international destinations. Thanks to its proximity to Southeast Asian capitals like Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Perth provides a convenient and affordable point of entry and exit for frequent travellers to and from Australia. Sydney and Melbourne are less than four hours away by plane, although alternative modes of public transport like trains, buses and ferries present accessible and budget-friendly means of travelling around the country. Further to this, Perth provides zero-fare bus and train services throughout the Free Transit Zone, offering a safe and efficient way to commute around the city centre.
Affordable cost of living
Perth is acknowledged as one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia, offering a significantly lower cost of living along with a higher average hourly income rate than Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. In addition to this, Perth’s flourishing property market makes the city ideally positioned for new homebuyers. With the lowest median house prices in the country coupled with record-low interest rates, Perth’s has given way to a new trend as many people are opting to invest in property instead of paying rent.
The nature lover’s dream
Surrounded by idyllic beaches, nature trails and vineyards, Perth combines everything an outdoor enthusiast’s heart desires. Perth is located in the heart of some of the most beautiful sceneries in Western Australia! Just outside the borders of the city, the Swan Valley with its host of wineries, microbreweries, eateries and fresh produce vendors is a popular weekend destination among locals. The Rottnest Island located about 20 kilometres off the coast of Perth is another must-visit for nature lovers. Easily accessible from the mainland via ferry, the car-free nature reserve island promises a peaceful encounter with the natural environment like you’ve never experienced before.
Thanks to the unbeatable weather conditions, Perth is the perfect place to explore the outdoors and embrace your adventurous side. Lining the coast of Perth is a world-class range of beaches with prime conditions for water activities like surfing and snorkelling. Even the city centre is a green oasis with a myriad of tranquil spots to relax in such as the jaw-dropping King’s Park — a must-see as one of the biggest inner-city parks in the entire southern hemisphere. Home to over 300 species of flora, a 750-year-old Baobab tree and a 52-metre glass treetop walkway along with an Aboriginal art gallery and multiple Indigenous artworks complementing the environment, this park is a national treasure.
The best thing about Australian cities is the diversity in landscapes along with the perfect harmony that exists between metropolitan spaces and natural sceneries. Sydney’s famous skyline is a testament to this unique dynamic with the city’s beautiful blue waters and the tree-filled Royal Botanic Gardens framing the outline of the skyscrapers and iconic architectural features such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Surrounded by long stretches of beach, lush nature reserves and numerous harbour islands, Sydney offers some of the best views in all of New South Wales. Coupled with the warm weather throughout the year, sunrise missions, scenic hikes, after-work adventures and evening drinks are customary to life in Sydney.
Here are some of the best views to enjoy in Sydney!
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Let’s start with one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, the impressive Harbour Bridge. Spanning the harbour from the central business district to the North Shore, the iconic view of this heritage-listed arch bridge is the postcard image of Sydney. While the Harbour Bridge can be admired from almost anywhere in the city, the view from the top of the bridge is something you won’t find anywhere else in Sydney. If you’re up for the challenge, book a sunrise or sunset walk to the summit of the bridge, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city below at more than 130 metres above sea level.
Sydney Tower Eye
Another landmark you won’t be able to miss is the Sydney Tower Eye, which is the tallest structure in Sydney and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Needless to say, this high-rise tower offers some of the most immersive and far-reaching aerial views in all of Sydney. From the glass-floor observation deck located more than 250 metres above street level, you will see Sydney as you’ve never seen it before! The tower also houses a rotating restaurant and bar along with other entertainment activities, promising an experience like no other.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse located in the picturesque Palm Beach in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney offers stunning views of the northern coastline. The lighthouse sits at the end of a short hiking trail of about 1km. The track meanders through beautiful bushy greenery which is already a sight to behold. The lookout point at the top of the hill is one of the best sunset spots in Sydney — the perfect afternoon adventure if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The Gap
The eastern suburb of Watsons Bay is home to one of the most awe-inspiring natural scenes around Sydney. Here you’ll find a striking ocean cliff known as The Gap, offering pristine views over the eastern coastal region. Watsons Bay can easily be reached via ferry while the lookout point at The Gap is situated among a multitude of coastal hiking tracks. Although this destination requires a bit more effort, the journey to reach The Gap will be well worth your time!
Blue Mountains
Trade the city streets for the great outdoors by taking a trip to the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Spending a couple of hours in the mountains among the eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and cliffs will clear your head and foster a new appreciation for Australia’s rich biodiversity. This mountainous region is home to several famous lookout points, including Echo Point and Lincoln’s Rock. Echo Point in the town of Katoomba offers astonishing views of the unusual Three Sisters rock formation, while Lincoln’s Rock looks out over the majestic Jamison Valley.
Observatory Hill Park
If you’re looking for a spot that is quicker and easier to access from the city, head to Observatory Hill Park in Millers Point. Located in the heart of the CBD just a stone’s throw from the Harbour Bridge, Observatory Hill captures a picture-perfect view of the Sydney skyline while serving as a prime destination for a morning coffee or a quick lunch break. The park is frequented by locals who live and work in the area as well as tourists visiting the heritage-listed meteorological station, astronomical observatory and science museum.
Milk Beach
This list won’t be complete without including some beach views in Sydney! With world-famous beaches like Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, Palm Beach and dozens more, Sydney provides plenty of options for coastal adventures and water sports. Although you’ll struggle to find a beach in Sydney that doesn’t impress with views, you might have a hard time finding a beach that isn’t overcrowded with visitors — especially during peak sunset hours. Treat yourself to a peaceful and undisturbed outing to one of the city’s quieter beaches such as Milk Beach. Located in Hermit Bay in the Sydney Harbour National Park, Milk Beach is a small and secluded beach that is ideally suited for swimming and snorkelling while soaking in the splendid views.
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Another prime sunset location in Sydney is the historic Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Botanic Gardens. This ‘chair’ was hand-carved out of an exposed sandstone rock more than 200 years ago, now serving its purpose as a prized lookout point and a well-known local checkpoint in the area. The area surrounding Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, known as Mrs Macquarie’s Point, is a popular location for New Year’s Eve celebrations and other social gatherings. The perfect hangout spot for spending time with friends, meeting new people and enjoying the gorgeous views over the harbour!
When thinking of Australia, Sydney is often the first city that comes to mind. Scenes of Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the famous Harbour Bridge characterise this capital city for the rest of the world, yet many people don’t know much about Sydney’s culture and community. Thinking about relocating to Australia but not sure which city is the best place for you? Keep reading for a breakdown of everything you should know about Sydney before moving here!
The appeal of living in Sydney
Sydney is one of Australia’s most liveable and economically opportune cities, widely loved among tourists as well as people who are relocating both interstate and internationally. So, what is so great about Sydney and why is it such a popular travel destination? Besides the amazing weather year-round, the beautiful beaches and the lively, cosmopolitan city life, Sydney also offers a wealth of opportunities for work and study while hosting a diverse and multicultural community of residents.
Sydney truly offers the best of both worlds, combining the serenity of the outdoors with the excitement of living in Australia’s most populous capital city. With the likes of Bondi Beach, Manly Beach and Bronte Beach located less than half an hour’s drive from the city centre, Sydney is a dream come true for people who love to spend their days in the sun as much as they love to spend their evenings exploring the buzzing CBD. The city is known for its eclectic wine and dine scene alongside a thriving culture of local arts, music and entertainment. Between the action-packed calendar of social and cultural events and the never-exhaustive list of restaurants, bars and shops to visit, life in Sydney promises zero dull moments!
The quality of living in Sydney
A well-established business hub with plenty of room for entrepreneurial activities, Sydney is highly favourable among young professionals. As part of its energetic and youthful demographic, the city also has a large community of students, among which are more than 100,000 international students (Sydney is after all one of the best-rated cities in the world for international students!). Further to this, the growing trend of remote work is enabling people to move around and explore different ways of life without compromising their careers. In this regard, Sydney’s ideal location, warm local culture and tropical summer atmosphere certainly contribute to the city’s high rank among expats and digital nomads. In terms of other quality of life markers, Sydney has relatively low crime rates as well as low pollution levels along with a high-rated healthcare and education system.
The city has a diverse selection of neighbourhoods to choose from. From inner-city bachelor apartments to four-bedroom family houses with spacious gardens and swimming pools, Sydney has a place for everyone — whether you want to live by yourself, share a house with a bunch of roommates or invest in your dream family home. Living in the city centre and living in a residential suburb each comes with its own benefits. While the city itself has a busier social and entertainment scene, is better connected to the public transport system and offers quicker access to offices and other working locations, suburbs often have a slower pace of life with bigger houses at more affordable prices. Potts Point and Pyrmont, for example, are two vibey inner-city neighbourhoods, both with an exciting nightlife and a flourishing creative scene. Kareela, on the other hand, is a quieter and more family-friendly area in Southern Sydney while the beachside suburb, Manly, has a unique charm with its easy-going surfing culture and laidback holiday feel.
Sydney is a well-connected and highly-functioning city. Thanks to the efficient public transport system, getting around town is convenient and affordable — a major bonus for someone who just moved to the city and doesn’t want to buy a car right away. The Sydney Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, making it easy to travel interstate and internationally. And with Australia’s international borders reopening after nearly two years of travel restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, travellers can finally start making plans and booking tickets again!
The cost of living in Sydney
Sydney is an expensive city. The city’s cost of living is higher than most of Australia’s smaller capitals and towns, although it also has a high overall quality of life index with a higher average income rate. The average monthly net salary after tax in Sydney is about 6,000 AUD. To give an overview of the cost of living in Sydney, let’s take a look at the basics:
Accommodation: Rent or mortgage usually takes up the biggest chunk of anyone’s monthly budget. Inner-city rental apartments in Sydney start at around 2,000-4,000 AUD per month while the same size apartment outside the city centre would typically go for about 1,400-2,500 AUD. The average price per square metre for buying an apartment in the city is about 15,000 AUD and about 9,000 AUD outside the city centre with mortgage interest rates increasing 2.76% yearly.
Food: On average, people living in Sydney spend 160 AUD on groceries per week, which adds up to 640 AUD per month. This number can increase or decrease depending on where you shop and how frequently you dine out. The average price of a meal at a restaurant is around 20 AUD per person.
Transport: One-way train or bus fares average around 3-5 AUD while monthly transport costs typically range from 160-250 AUD. Using public transport is often cheaper and quicker than driving a car in the city (especially during peak traffic hours).
Services: Basic service fees for an apartment in Sydney start at around 100 AUD per month. This includes electricity, water, garbage collection, heating and cooling, while internet rates vary from around 60-90 AUD per month.
Leisure/entertainment: This depends greatly on the kind of after-work and weekend activities you enjoy. Cinema tickets, for example, start at around 15 AUD while entrance fees for events and music festivals can range from 30-50 AUD. A monthly membership at a gym or fitness centre in Sydney starts at around 30 AUD and can go up to 100 AUD and more at boutique studios.
Education/childcare: Preschool fees in Sydney range from 1,300-3,000 AUD per month while annual school fees average around 20,000 AUD.
In addition to these ongoing living costs, the relocation journey to Sydney can be quite pricey. Travelling back and forth between states (or countries) to prepare everything for the big move, deciding on a neighbourhood, signing the papers for your new home, finding the right schools or daycare facilities for your kids, hiring a moving company, arranging for your pets to be safely relocated… The relocation to-do list can quickly become overwhelming, overpriced and overly time-consuming. If you are planning your next move, invest in your future by enlisting the support of a professional relocation expert and property specialist to help you iron out all the wrinkles in the relocation journey while saving time and money.
Located about 100km north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast has established itself as one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. In addition to its thriving tourism industry, the Sunshine Coast is home to a growing community of permanent residents who enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and warm culture that characterise this cluster of suburbs. The Sunshine Coast is often compared to (and confused with) the nearby Gold Coast, which is situated to the south of Brisbane. Although there are plenty of similarities between these two coastal regions, the Sunshine Coast maintains a quieter and slower pace of life in contrast to the glamorous social scene and nightlife that reigns in the Gold Coast.
If the family-friendly, nature-centric and peace-inspiring qualities of the Sunshine Coast sound like a dream come true, take a look at these incredible places to visit in this area!
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve spans 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest. With multiple circuit tracks that are open daily from 7 AM until 6 PM, a trip to this stunning reserve is the perfect way to restore your inner peace. The walking trails are all under 2km, making them suitable for young kids. Also on-site amid the impressive trees is the world-class Rainforest Discovery Centre where visitors can engage in multi-sensory learning experiences through thematic displays, workshops and environmental exhibitions. A pristine view of the famous Glass House Mountains can be enjoyed from the centre’s viewing deck while the Mountain Cafe offers spectacular views of its own. The 150m-long elevated boardwalk provides an immersive look into the rainforest mid-storey. Mid-morning is typically the best time of day to visit the reserve if you want to beat the crowds and even catch a glimpse of the red-legged pademelons who roam the forest.
Hastings Street
Hastings Street is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most famous attractions for a reason. Situated in the centre of Noosa Heads, Hastings Street is known and loved for its amazing dining and shopping scene. Home to an eclectic mix of world-class restaurants, charming cafes and atmospheric bars along with a fine selection of local shops and art galleries, this part of town offers everything you can dream of for a relaxing night out. Don’t leave the Sunshine Coast before treating yourself to a culinary experience underneath the fairy lights lining Hastings Street!
Kings Beach
You can’t complete a visit to the Sunshine Coast without spending some time in the water. Visitors are spoiled for choice with countless beaches and quiet swimming spots along the coastline. One of the Sunshine Coast’s most idyllic swimming locations is the tidal saltwater swimming pool located on the rocks on the northern end of Kings Beach in the Caloundra suburb. The dreamy beach below is a gem on its own and the stunning 25m-long natural seawater pool is the cherry on top! This is the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing swim underneath the shaded sails. The children’s swimming pool also features a water fountain for added entertainment.
Mount Coolum
Mount Coolum is a must-visit destination along the Sunshine Coast. Get your heart racing with a scenic hike (or jog, if you’re feeling up for it) while breathing in the fresh mountain air and admiring the natural beauty of the native vegetation around you. Although the hike isn’t too demanding, the path becomes rather steep after a while and the rocky part of the track may be slippery after rain. Wear closed shoes and don’t forget to pack your water bottle. From the 208m-high summit, this 25-million-year-old volcanic dome offers unmatched views of the surrounding landscapes, including Coolum Beach, the Mount Coolum National Park and the Glass House Mountains. Reaching the top typically takes around 45 minutes while the way down could take up to 90 minutes.
Eumundi Markets
The Sunshine Coast is known for its weekend markets. The Eumundi Markets, hosted in the hinterland town of Eumundi on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, have been around for over 40 years and have become a local institution. With a diverse selection of artisan foods, organic produce and locally crafted products, the market offers something for everyone. In addition to the 100+ stalls to shop from underneath Eumundi’s prized fig trees, the market also caters to families with kids by offering activities such as camel rides and a glorious playing area. This is the perfect midweek or weekend activity on the Sunshine Coast!
The Ginger Factory
If you’re looking for unique places to visit on the Sunshine Coast, add The Ginger Factory in Yandina to your list. This family-friendly institution offers a host of activities, from live beekeeping shows and honey tastings to guided tours of the Buderim Ginger Factory and a heritage-style shopping village. Also on offer is a picturesque tour through the nine hectares of subtropical gardens on the iconic sugar cane train, Moreton, that is well past a hundred years old. The Ginger Factory is open every day and is free to enter — a great budget-friendly activity to enjoy in the Sunshine Coast region.
Art galleries
Get your daily art dose in by visiting a few of the many art galleries dotted along the Sunshine Coast’s art gallery trail. Exploring the region’s arts scene is the perfect excuse to visit the smaller towns along the coast while scoring a front-row seat to the diverse showcase of local creative talent. A few suggestions for art galleries to visit include the Art Nuvo in Buderim, the environmentally immersive Secrets on Lake Gallery in Montville, the Caloundra Regional Gallery, the stunning David Linton Gallery in Maleny, the Artisans Gallery Eumundi and Nissarana Galleries in Noosa’s Hastings Street.
The Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are two of Australia’s most famous and most popular holiday destinations. Respectively located about an hour south and north of Brisbane, Queensland, these two beach towns may not be too far away from each other, yet some might argue they are worlds apart. While there are many similarities — beaches, bars, warm weather and beautiful outdoor sceneries — life in the Gold Coast is vastly different from life in the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re struggling to decide which coast to venture to during your next summer vacation or you’re on the hunt for the perfect Australian beach town to move to, keep reading to see whether the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast is the best fit for you!
Lifestyle
The daily way of life is by far the most recognisable difference between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. While the Gold Coast is known for its lively social scene and action-packed nightlife, the Sunshine Coast is characterised by a laidback, easy-going lifestyle. Both these regions are largely driven by tourism, which adds an ever-present holiday feel to life along the two coasts. With that in mind, your preferred holiday style will instantly help you decide between the two.
The Gold Coast has a charismatic stay-out-late kind of energy — a dream destination for those who are looking for a bit of glitz and glam in their everyday life. The Sunshine Coast, on the other hand, is typically favoured by people who are looking for a peaceful escape from the noise. If you want excitement, the golden Gold Coast is the place for you. If you want silence, the serene Sunshine Coast will win you over in no time!
Culture
The Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are both relatively young. In terms of culture and history, there is a different kind of charm to these regions than what you might find in Australia’s capital cities. With its major selection of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, the Gold Coast’s culture is embedded in its social and entertainment scene in addition to its buzzing surfing community. The Gold Coast also has plenty to offer in terms of major shopping centres and entertainment facilities.
Fitting to the Sunshine Coast’s slower pace of life, this coastal area has a slightly wider selection of cultural establishments to visit such as the Eumundi Heritage & Visitor Centre and the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery Trail, which combines a showcase of public and private art galleries, open studios, and exhibitions and events. The social scene is significantly quieter in this area, although suburbs such as Mooloolaba and Noosa offer a fine selection of eateries and laid-back bars to hang out at. Noosa, in particular, is known and loved for its amazing restaurants with world-class chefs and memorable dining experiences. The contrast between the cultural and social life in the two coastal regions is what makes them so unique!
Weather
With an average of 250 days of sunshine per year, the Gold Coast is Australia’s crown prince of great weather. The region’s climate is mostly consistent throughout the year with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C during summer and mildly dropping to 10-20°C during winter. Rainfall is at its highest around the end of summer, although this rarely impacts outdoor activities since it mostly rains at night. The Sunshine Coast has equally enviable warm weather with similar temperatures and rainfall conditions. A small and hardly noticeable change between the two towns is that the Sunshine Coast receives slightly more wind than the Gold Coast due to the lower humidity levels.
Nature
With pleasant weather year-round and pristine beaches stretching for kilometres on end, it comes as no surprise that outdoor activities are a big part of both coasts’ appeal. The Gold Coast, for one, impresses with a coastline of around 70km divided into several beaches where you can spend your days. Along with its prized beaches, the Gold Coast also boasts one of the most extensive canal systems in the country with a range of water activities to enjoy when you’re not riding the waves with the local surf gang. For a change of scenery, the nearby Springbrook National Park has beautiful nature walks while wine lovers will have a blast exploring the vineyards and wineries of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The Sunshine Coast’s natural surroundings are fairly similar, although this area’s beaches and hiking trails are often quieter and more family-friendly. The Sunshine Coast’s beaches are among the best in Australia, famous for their sought-after surfing conditions and the whale-watching season from July to October. In addition to the 20km-long uninterrupted stretches of beaches, the Sunshine Coast region has multiple large rivers along with five major national parks. Although the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast both have incredible outdoor sites, the latter usually wins the vote in the nature category thanks to its rich biodiversity, extensive protected areas and uncrowded natural sanctuaries.
Transport
As a result of the quick expansion in the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast over the past couple of years, transport has proven to be somewhat of a logistical challenge in both towns. Since the public transport system in the Gold Coast is limited, renting or buying a car is the most convenient way to get around here. Although still more manageable than what you will find in the city, the Gold Coast also experiences its fair share of traffic jams — especially over busy tourism periods.
The Sunshine Coast has a better transport structure in place. With fewer cars on the road, traffic is significantly lighter while the public transport system also performs more efficiently. The bus and train routes will get you to most places you need to be around town while also linking to Brisbane and beyond. Having a car is likely still the best option for ultimate convenience, although the Sunshine Coast’s public transport is more than sufficient to get around.
Permanent residents
The Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are known as holiday destinations, yet both these towns have increasing populations of permanent residents. The Gold Coast, in particular, has a flourishing property market as relocation to this region is busier than ever in 2021. Similarly, the Sunshine Coast is one of the most populous districts of Queensland with a steadily growing community of full-time residents. The serenity of the nature-centred Sunshine Coast with its abundance of free activities to enjoy and an overall safe environment to live in, present the ideal conditions for families with kids.
The coastal tourism industry creates plenty of business opportunities in both towns while several high-quality schools and tertiary education institutes are available to children and students. The proximity to Brisbane with its strong business sector, world-class educational facilities and diverse international community adds to the long list of reasons why people are flocking to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Further to this, the growing trend of remote work is allowing more and more people to move away from cities and benefit from lower living costs without compromising career opportunities. With Australia’s international borders set to open soon, international relocation is also on track to recommence.
