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Gold Coast: 10 Crucial Things You MUST Know Before Moving

Moving your family to Queensland’s Gold Coast is an exciting prospect – sun, surf, and a laid-back lifestyle await. But before you pack up and head to paradise, it’s crucial to understand the practicalities. Below we’ve compiled 10 essential things for families relocating to the Gold Coast from other Australian states, from housing and schools to lifestyle and little details often overlooked. These insights will help you plan a smooth transition and set realistic expectations about your new home.

(Tip: The Gold Coast is a fast-growing region, so up-to-date information is key – we’ve included recent facts and figures to keep you informed.)

10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to the Gold Coast

1. Real Estate Market Trends and Affordability

The Gold Coast has seen one of the strongest property booms in Australia, with house prices surging nearly 80% over the past five years. As of 2024, the median house price is around $1.0–1.1 million—higher than Brisbane and Melbourne, but still below Sydney.

Prices vary significantly by suburb. Premium areas like Surfers Paradise command medians around $3 million, while family-friendly spots like Pimpama average closer to $750,000. Units and townhouses are more affordable, with median prices near $750,000.

Rental demand remains high due to continued interstate migration. Vacancy rates dropped as low as 0.5% post-COVID, and while conditions have eased, competition is still strong. Rents have risen over 50% since 2020, so planning and budgeting are essential—especially for families.

Key Takeaway: The Gold Coast is no longer a bargain beach town – it’s a booming city with property prices to match its popularity. 

2. Cost of Living Compared to Other Major Cities

Cost Of Living

Day-to-day costs on the Gold Coast are generally lower than in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Groceries, utilities, and services sit around or slightly below national averages, and it’s roughly 30% cheaper than New York City and a bit cheaper than Auckland.

The catch is housing—especially rent. A Canstar snapshot found a renting family of four on the Gold Coast spends about $75k a year on living costs, versus ~$65k in Sydney. Lower local incomes and less retail competition can keep some prices (like groceries or petrol) firmer, even as Sydney’s huge market pushes many non-housing costs down.

Practically: expect groceries, fuel, and utilities to be on par with other Australian cities; dining out can be cheaper thanks to casual beach spots and RSLs. Public transport is reasonable, rego/insurance are similar across QLD, there are no toll roads, and parking is generally cheaper outside the busiest areas.

Bottom Line: most families will pay less than in Sydney/Melbourne, but factor in higher rents. Smart shopping still delivers a comfortable lifestyle.

3. Lifestyle Factors (Weather, Beaches, Community Vibe)

Gold Coast Off The Plan

Sun, surf, and an easygoing rhythm. The Gold Coast’s subtropical climate brings ~300 sunny days a year—mild winters (20–22°C days, cool nights) and hot, humid summers around 30°C with afternoon storms. Outdoor plans work year-round; a light jacket covers winter, and fans/air-con handle summer.

Over 50 km of coastline means a beach for every mood: the buzz of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, or the slower pace of Burleigh, Currumbin, Kirra and Coolangatta. Families love living near patrolled beaches; kids can join Nippers to learn ocean safety. Surf breaks like Burleigh and Snapper Rocks host major comps. Expect sunrise swims, barefoot kids, and BBQs in beachside parks.

It’s a city of 600k+ that still feels friendly and casual. Choose your scene: chilled southern suburbs (Palm Beach to Coolangatta), café-meets-beach central hubs (Mermaid, Broadbeach, Burleigh), or northern family pockets (Runaway Bay, Paradise Point, Helensvale) with boating on the Broadwater.

Ten minutes inland, the Gold Coast Hinterland offers rainforest, farms and small towns—think Tamborine Mountain or Mudgeeraba—for easy weekend escapes.

Takeaway: You’ll swap congestion for morning beach walks and backyard barbies. The kids get an active, sun-soaked upbringing, and newcomers are welcomed. Just remember to slip, slop, slap—the UV bites—and enjoy the slower pace.

4. Education at a Glance

Education at a glance

Plenty of choice: 100+ primary schools and dozens of high schools. Quality is strong across public and private, but research zones and enrol early.

Public (state) schools: Popular options like Broadbeach SS and PBC State High fill fast and enforce strict catchments. Many families choose suburbs for the zone—check the map before you house-hunt. Other well-regarded picks include Varsity College (P–12), Benowa SHS (French Immersion), Helensvale and Elanora.

Private schools: Standouts include TSS, St Hilda’s, Somerset, All Saints, King’s, Hillcrest and A.B. Paterson. Fees and commute vary; many offer buses. Apply early—waitlists are common, especially for Prep and Year 7.

Tertiary & training: Bond University, Griffith University (with teaching hospital), Southern Cross (Coolangatta) and multiple TAFE Queensland campuses mean you can study locally from school through to degree.

Key admin: QLD runs four terms (Jan–Dec). Prep cut-off is 30 June. Public enrolments typically open in Term 3; in-zone mid-year moves are usually accommodated. Private schools often require interviews and orientations.

Bottom line: Decide public vs private early, confirm catchments, and line up documents. The Coast has great options for academics, sport and arts—at every stage.

5. Gold Coast jobs-quick snapshot

Employment

Diverse economy: Not just beaches. Key employers include healthcare, education, construction/trades, retail, and tourism/hospitality. Film & TV, tech/digital, marine, and sports/events are growing fast.

Strong conditions: One of Australia’s largest regional economies with steady population-driven growth and low unemployment. Plenty of roles in hospitals, schools, building projects, hotels, and professional services.

Market realities: Salaries can be lower than Sydney/Melbourne. Highly specialised roles are fewer; some pros commute to Brisbane (≈1 hour) or work remotely. Job clusters: Southport/Robina (offices, tech), Surfers/Broadbeach (tourism), Coomera (marine).

Moving without a job? Start applying early, use recruiters and local groups, and network.

Entrepreneurs: Pro-business environment, rising demand from new residents, and council support (e.g., Invest Gold Coast) make it friendly for cafés, trades, and startups.

Bottom line: Growing, diversifying, and lifestyle-friendly—expect solid opportunities in health, education, construction, tourism, retail, and emerging creative/tech sectors, with Brisbane’s broader market within reach.

 

6. Getting around the Gold Coast

Transport

Public transport: TransLink runs buses, heavy rail to Brisbane, and the G:link tram from Helensvale–Southport–Surfers–Broadbeach. A Burleigh Heads extension is underway, improving coverage for the south. Good if you live near the tram; buses vary by suburb. There’s also the Hopo ferry on the Broadwater.

Car culture: The city is spread out, so most families rely on a car—especially beyond the tram corridor. Roads are decent; parking is easy outside tourist hubs, and there are no local toll roads.

Commuting to Brisbane: Driving the M1 can be slow at peak (expect 1–2 hours, longer from the southern GC). Many do park-and-ride from Helensvale/Coomera and take the train.

Walking & cycling: Great beachside paths and newer estates, but heat and distance limit daily bike commuting.

Air travel: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) offers frequent domestic and some international flights; Brisbane Airport is about 1–1.5 hours away.

Bottom line: Plan for at least one car. Mix in tram/train where it suits, and consider the train for Brisbane commutes.

7. Safety & family-friendly suburbs

Family Friendly

Overall: The Gold Coast is generally safe and family-friendly. Most crime is non-violent and clusters around tourist/nightlife areas like Surfers Paradise and parts of Broadbeach/Southport.

Suburbs with a quieter feel: Currumbin & Tallebudgera Valley, Reedy Creek & Mudgeeraba, Upper Coomera/Pacific Pines/Helensvale—known for high owner-occupancy, good schools, parks, and low crime.

Coastal favourites: Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach offer a village vibe, patrolled beaches, and strong community appeal.

Urban convenience: Southport has great amenities (Broadwater Parklands, hospitals, schools including TSS/St Hilda’s) but busier pockets can have higher petty crime.

Community & policing: Unified city policing, active Neighbourhood Watch, and strong surf lifesaving presence support a safe environment.

Common-sense tips: Lock up, don’t leave valuables in cars, consider security screens (standard in QLD).

Bottom line: Pick a family-oriented suburb with good schools and you’ll find day-to-day life safe and welcoming; just expect busier, more touristy zones to have more petty crime.

8. Healthcare and Essential Services

HealthcareHospitals: Gold Coast University Hospital (Southport) and Robina Hospital cover major public care. Private options include Gold Coast Private (Southport), Pindara (Benowa) and John Flynn (Tugun).

Everyday care: GP clinics in every suburb, but bulk-billing is less common—register early. Dentists, specialists and late-night pharmacies are easy to find. After-hours/urgent care clinics are available.

Emergencies: Dial 000; ambulance coverage is strong and EDs prioritise true emergencies.

Shopping & services: Big centres (Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre), plus IKEA and Costco in the north. Utilities are reliable; NBN is widely available and mobile coverage is generally good.

Family & community: Libraries with kids’ programs, lots of childcare (enrol early), council “Active & Healthy” events, sports clubs and quality facilities. Pets and aged-care services are well supported.

Takeaway: World-class hospitals and everyday services are on your doorstep—set up a local GP early and you’re sorted.

9. Fun, culture & things to do

Gold Coast for family and kids

Theme parks: Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Sea World. Locals grab annual passes. Plus Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, SkyPoint, mini-golf, karts.

Outdoors: Waterfalls at Springbrook/Lamington, Tamborine Mountain, SUP/kayak the Broadwater, Broadwater Parklands, beach and night markets (Miami Marketta).

Sport: AFL Suns, NRL Titans, Gold Coast Marathon, surf carnivals, and top facilities from the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Aquatic Centre, Carrara).

Arts & culture: HOTA galleries, theatres and outdoor shows, plus smaller galleries and heritage spots.

Festivals: Bleach*, Blues on Broadbeach, Swell Sculpture, Cooly Rocks On, Sand Safari.

Community: Libraries with kids’ programs, playgroups, active community centres.

Food & nights: Surf clubs, fish-and-chips picnics, buzzing dining in Burleigh/Broadbeach, global street food at markets.

Takeaway: World-class attractions, a growing arts scene, and endless outdoors—boredom’s not a thing here.

10. Settling-in essentials

Settling In

Admin: Switch to a QLD driver’s licence within 3 months and register your car in QLD within 14 days. Update Medicare, insurance, electoral roll, and register pets.

No daylight saving: Oct–Apr the Coast is ~1 hour behind Syd/Melb. Expect early sunrises and earlier evenings—handy for kids’ bedtimes; use blackout curtains if needed.

Climate: Strong UV—sun safety daily. Hot, humid summers—hydrate and plan mornings/evenings. Storm season—keep an emergency kit, secure loose items, check flood risk. Winter nights can dip to ~5°C.

Schools: Enrol early; popular schools have waitlists. State schools need proof of address. School year starts late Jan; uniforms required.

Peak periods: Holidays/Schoolies = busy roads, beaches, malls. Go early or pick quieter spots.

Homes: Budget for air-con, routine pest control, and pool upkeep/fencing.

Community: Join local groups, clubs, and school P&Cs—meeting neighbours speeds up settling in.

Takeaway: Nail the paperwork, adapt to time and climate quirks, plan around holiday crowds, set up the house for QLD living, and plug into the community—the Gold Coast will feel like home fast.

Ready to Make the Move? We’re Here to Help!

Your new life on the Gold Coast is waiting – warm beaches, friendly neighbors, and countless family adventures. Let us help you get here and start enjoying it! Contact us now to kickstart your journey to a brighter, sunnier future on the beautiful Gold Coast.

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