Don’t know if I’ll get hate or encouragement from this but either way… Wife and I are visiting Brisbane and Sunshine Coast with the intent of potentially moving somewhere between the two. Curious if there are any recommendations for things to do, see, avoid. We’d be moving in a few years and will have a 4-5 year old if that makes a difference.
The closer to the sunshine cost the more relaxed the vibe. Don’t try to commute to Brisbane city for work from the cost. He’s you can but you won’t like it
Brighton and Redcliffe might be worry a look as well
Another vote for old petrie town on a Sunday Nitmiluk.
Eumundi markets are further north. They used to be brilliant, haven’t been there in a while so not sure what they’re like these days
Too much to write, need to narrow your options.
Old Petrie town is worth a Sunday visit for quiet day with the family. Markets and steam and fire museums.
Try to avoid the highway traffic at peak hours is beyond rediculous, 2 lanes north mostly and it backs up for hours.
Noosaville and Mooloolaba have some nice beaches but will be a bit too cold for a few more months, underwater world is ok for kids but I was disappointed.
Drive around the places you want to move to at peak hour. There is a boom in people moving here so prices have recently gone crazy. The further away from the city, the worse the traffic, so unless you can work from home or public transport. Rentals are basically not available.
There are lots of nice places to visit and stay up the coast, but I don’t have experience living there. It’s worth keeping in mind that holidaying and living in a place are very different things and we tend to look at holiday locations through a different lens.
On the other hand, if you want something like the coastal lifestyle, but within commuting distance to Brisbane City, have a look at Shorncliffe, Sandgate, Brighton and the Redcliffe Peninsula. Prices will typically decrease in that order, as you get further North. Shorncliffe and Sandgate are on the train line, which is always a positive and Redcliffe has a different line, although the station for that is away from the nicer coastal suburbs.
I’d recommended a day trip to the Shorncliffe Pier, where there is a little beach (although probably too cold to paddle in for your young one at the moment), a great playground (which is unfortunately currently closed for repairs), but plenty of fish and chips and ice cream to be had, or make use of the free BBQs.
From there, you can explore Sandgate town centre, and drive over the bridge to Redcliffe to have a look. There is a great artificial lagoon there, which is popular in summer.
Having moved to the Sandgate area a few years ago, I think it’s a great balance of city services and coastal vibe, with nice small town feel and ready access on the motorway to the Sunshine Coast for weekend or holiday getaways.
