Danny33 Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Hi there , this is my first post on here, my girlfriend and I are thinking of moving to oz. She has dual nationality but moved when she was young. We can't decide between the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast ? I am bricklayer of 15 years and she works in an office. We would really like to hear people's experiences of jobs/lifestyle /weather. I am 33 and she is 30, I look forward to hearing from you ( hopefully) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyba Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Me and my mrs had the same dilemma so I'm actually in Gold Coast now and I'm travelling up to Sunshine Coast on Saturday for two weeks. It's a massive move so we thought it best we come here and have a 3 week holiday and have a look around before making a decision. So far we love the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast will have to go some way to beat it but everyone I know who's been out here says that they prefer Sunshine Coast. I was chatting to someone at surfers paradise yesterday and they had a view point on it that matches my view of Cornwall (where my parents moved me to from Birmingham when I was 12) Sunshine Coast is beautiful but it's where you go to retire, whether that's how I'll see it is yet to be seen. So far we've been all over gold coast taking in the feeling of the place, we're staying in varsity lakes near robina and it's beautiful and would love to live here but the house prices are closer to the top end of what we could afford, go up to pimpama and Pacific pines and the house prices go down, it's a few minutes more to the beach but it's equally as nice and you'll pay less for a house. All i I can say to you is research, I've been researching a move to is for 6 years, I've re-trained as an electrician and I'm eligible for a visa in May, coming here on a holiday although it's only just under a month here was a good move as I'm able to get a feel of where we want to be and won't waist valuable time when we get here looking at where we want to live when I'll need to concentrate on work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve13 Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 I'd say the Goldcoast is like Blackpool & the Sunshine Coast is like St Anne's. Don't get me wrong the Goldcoast is brilliant, what I'm sort of saying is the Goldcoast is a very busy place where the Sunshine Coast is an up & coming place & if they get an airport there it will really take off. Good pun there.....so now would be a good time to move there before the prices start to go up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Both are lovely in their own way with stunning beaches,, Gold Coast is busier, has bigger touristy parts ,lots of shopping ctrs and of course the theme parks. Sunny coast is a bit quieter and doesnt have the hustle and bustle. Personally id look for work in both areas and let that dictate where you live. Lots of luck with everything Cal x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Sunshine coast for me anyday, but they are quite different as said above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight7 Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Depends where the work is- you don't want to be stuck in traffic half the day. I think the Sunshine Coast is nicer but there are some lovely areas on the gold Coast ,too. Burleigh Heads is nice for one and a bit away from the bogan Surfers Paradise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Yeah do like Burleigh heads. Both places have world class beaches but I like a relaxing holiday at the Sunny Coast (usually sunshine beach) in fact I'm up there next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 I personally think the nicest places on the Gold Coast are on the hinterland side of the highway, still only a short drive to the buzz or the beaches but far enough back to make you forget its a touristy place. Cal x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelensvaleHoward Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 I live on the Gold Coast and laugh when I here it being called Blackpool... The Gold Coast is a lot more than just Surfers I've been to surfers probably 6 times in 4 years and 4 of those were with family who were visiting I hate surfers and so do most but the Gold Coast is so much more I love that we're far enough away from exerything but close enough also We can be in Brisbane in an hour (traffic depending) or a train also in an hour We can get to Coolangatta in about 40mins if that So much to do with very little travel It's not for everyone for sure But if you find a nice house in a nice area it's heaven living in Blackpool roflmao We're in Helensvale bty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebo Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 (edited) I live on the Gold Coast and laugh when I here it being called Blackpool... The Gold Coast is a lot more than just Surfers Very true, I like the Sunshine Coast but I Love the Gold Coast, but don't judge it by Surfers Paradise, there are a huge number of suburbs and its only one, look instead at Currumbin, Broadbeach, Isle of Capri, Main Beach, Runaway Bay, Paradise Point (and that's only a few of the ones near the coast), inland you have Robina, Varsity Lakes, Pac Pines, Hope Island etc etc etc. Further inland you have the hinterland (or jungle as "I'm a celeb" calls it, its filmed near Springbrook), which is beautiful and a short drive from the beach. The Gold Coast is a big place, along about 50kms of wonderful beaches, its Australia's 6th biggest city, and the largest non-capital. SC is nice enough but a bit quiet for my tastes, except on a tourist weekend when its just as packed with interstate travellers as the GC. GC is also easier to get to Brisbane when you have to. I loved the description "Blackpool with sharks", and surfers is, but like the above, I rarely go to Surfers, and I've lived here twice, about 4 years each time. Edited January 8, 2015 by freebo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I actually think surfers is better than it used to be. Still not my favourite place to go but been tidied up a lot since i first went there in 09. After a trip to the Sunny Coast I always feel like I could live there, never get the same feeling from the Gold Coast (Coastal Suburbs) It feels a bit unfriendly and sprawling to me. While the Sunny Coast towns always feel like they have a bit more character. That is based off holidaying there, don't really know the reality of living in either. I find Brisbane as a City much nicer than the gold coast. So would only ever contemplate it if I was desperate to live nearer a surf beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebo Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I find Brisbane as a City much nicer than the gold coast. Good job we're all different! I don't much like Brisbane, esp the city, which I think is one of the poorer cities in Aus, shame I have to work there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 We are all different. Having visited pretty much every major city I find Brisbane the best, maybe Melbourne if not. Maybe you are sour because its a horrible commute from the Goldie? Best parts of Brisbane are in inner suburbs not the city itself anyway (apart from south bank which is fantastic) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith and Linda Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 We are all different. Having visited pretty much every major city I find Brisbane the best, maybe Melbourne if not. Maybe you are sour because its a horrible commute from the Goldie? Best parts of Brisbane are in inner suburbs not the city itself anyway (apart from south bank which is fantastic) Quite agree with you there lastonealive, we have, several times now, taken some most enjoyable walks around the inner suburbs of Brisbane. We have also done a couple of the city walks (which are advertised by council and tourist brochures/flyers for both City and suburbs), you then have some history notes about places you pass Also when in the City you need to look up to notice some of the nice architecture that is still around from the early days (same with most cities really), but as you say South Bank is great along with the extended walk down past Kangaroo cliffs to Storey Bridge, then across to the new river walk down to New farm and the Power House, or do a loop back up along eagle st pier through the Botanic gardens and across the Goodwill bridge to South Bank. Anyway back to the topic of Gold vs Sunshine Coasts, we visit both for walks on a regular basis, Gold Coast has the edge for us, with Currumbin beach and estuary being our pick. But we would, if they were the only 2 choices, be happy with either coast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 If I could find work there, I would love to live in the sunshine coast - area around Caloundra really great, fantastic beaches although quiet (how I like it). Frequent visitor to Gold Coast hinterland (Tambourine) which is stunning but the Gold Coast beach areas do nothing for me (they are very popular though and there are great theme parks for the kids down the coast) - I find people either love or hate the Gold Coast! I have worked with a number of people who did the Gold Coast/Brisbane commute and they found it really tough. Caloundra to Brisbane would be equally tough though -roads are very busy, so the trick would be to find where there is work locally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 ...but as you say South Bank is great along with the extended walk down past Kangaroo cliffs to Storey Bridge, then across to the new river walk down to New farm and the Power House, or do a loop back up along eagle st pier through the Botanic gardens and across the Goodwill bridge to South Bank.... That's my daily commute route...love it...such a nice ride....in fact I'm going home now so here I come Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelensvaleHoward Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I love southbank Brisbane Love the market there Great walks Not to mention the chocolate hmmmmmmmm Coolangatta is my fav place on the coast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny33 Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Thanks for all the replies and I guess work is gonna be key and both places scrub up pretty well , can't wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anlopa Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I used to live in Kirkham which is about 10miles away from Blackpool. I now live on the Gold coast, Ashmore first now Currumbin waters. I love how people compare Blackpool and Surfers. It must be the fact that both towns have big towers and there is always a chance that you might get caught by a shark. I would look in to the possibility of work before making any choice, work is very slow on the Gold coast at the min but if you’re in the building trade then the future might be bright as the commonwealth games and the possible cruise ship terminal will bring a lot of work for the next few years or so. We are finding it difficult to change jobs at the min as to do so would mean having to move to Brissy which I am happy to do, it just means moving the kids out of a great school. The sunshine coast is great to, in its more laid back way. It’s a bit like Cleethorpes (as we are comparing places) My advice would be sign only 6 month rental agreements and then if you don’t like an area move, and keep moving until you are happy. I used to live in Kirkham which is about 10miles away from Blackpool. I now live on the Gold coast, Ashmore first now Currumbin waters. I love how people compare Blackpool and Surfers. It must be the fact that both towns have big towers and there is always a chance that you might get caught by a shark. I would look in to the possibility of work before making any choice, work is very slow on the Gold coast at the min but if you’re in the building trade then the future might be bright as the commonwealth games and the possible cruise ship terminal will bring a lot of work for the next few years or so. We are finding it difficult to change jobs at the min as to do so would mean having to move to Brissy which I am happy to do, it just means moving the kids out of a great school. The sunshine coast is great to, in its more laid back way. It’s a bit like Cleethorpes (as we are comparing places) My advice would be sign only 6 month rental agreements and then if you don’t like an area move, and keep moving until you are happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyba Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 This is what I'm hoping for, I am eligible for my visa on the 29th of March and I'm an electrician, I earned my stripes in large scale construction like southmead hospital in Bristol which was a huge project but I now work in maintenance as I have test and inspect qualifications, we're hoping we can get my visa through by the end of the year and move maybe this time next year or earlier if work is offered l, although we go up to Sunshine Coast tomorrow I'm thinking Gold Coast will end up being where we live due to the prospects of work here over the next few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got556 Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I'm not a Pom, I actually just came to this site because I was reading about mosquitos in a place I wanted to move to in Sth Yundy, however as a native Sunny Coastr (Born Nambour, lived in Coolum, Peregian, Imbil(Hinterland region)), the Sunny Coast is entirely better than the Gold Coast, that is unless you like getting into fights when walking down the street and having your house broken into on a regular basis. However, South Gold Coast like Coolangatta, Currumbin, Currumbin Valley, Tweed River, Kirra, is heaps nice and pretty chilled people too. Sunny Coast = Pretty much no work unless you're a tradie or in hospitality- Downward sliding house prices. Gold Coast = Pretty much no work unless you're a tradie, hospitality or cook meth. Stagnant house prices. There is no money to be made in the hinterland regions either unless you work for the forestrys, or have some kind of specialised skill, or work on the farms. However that being said the hinterland regions are amazing, I use to walk to school and pick avocados and mangoes off trees for breakfast, the land there provides all you'll ever need if you have a couple acres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelensvaleHoward Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 the Sunny Coast is entirely better than the Gold Coast, that is unless you like getting into fights when walking down the street and having your house broken into on a regular basis It sounds like your talking about Surfers paradise not the Gold Coast I love the Sourthern Gold Coast also I live in the Northern Gold Coast and love to walk and never had a fight yet This is what annoys me that the Gold Coast is said to be an aweful place to live and it just isn't true Some parts maybe but the same can be said about anywhere unless you live in paradise (I feel I live in paradise) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger2shirts Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Sunshine Coast is gorgeous and Buderim is wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegigg5 Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 I used to live in Kirkham which is about 10miles away from Blackpool. I now live on the Gold coast, Ashmore first now Currumbin waters. I love how people compare Blackpool and Surfers. It must be the fact that both towns have big towers and there is always a chance that you might get caught by a shark. I would look in to the possibility of work before making any choice, work is very slow on the Gold coast at the min but if you’re in the building trade then the future might be bright as the commonwealth games and the possible cruise ship terminal will bring a lot of work for the next few years or so. We are finding it difficult to change jobs at the min as to do so would mean having to move to Brissy which I am happy to do, it just means moving the kids out of a great school. The sunshine coast is great to, in its more laid back way. It’s a bit like Cleethorpes (as we are comparing places) My advice would be sign only 6 month rental agreements and then if you don’t like an area move, and keep moving until you are happy. I used to live in Kirkham which is about 10miles away from Blackpool. I now live on the Gold coast, Ashmore first now Currumbin waters. I love how people compare Blackpool and Surfers. It must be the fact that both towns have big towers and there is always a chance that you might get caught by a shark. I would look in to the possibility of work before making any choice, work is very slow on the Gold coast at the min but if you’re in the building trade then the future might be bright as the commonwealth games and the possible cruise ship terminal will bring a lot of work for the next few years or so. We are finding it difficult to change jobs at the min as to do so would mean having to move to Brissy which I am happy to do, it just means moving the kids out of a great school. The sunshine coast is great to, in its more laid back way. It’s a bit like Cleethorpes (as we are comparing places) My advice would be sign only 6 month rental agreements and then if you don’t like an area move, and keep moving until you are happy. Lol. I went to school in Kirkham (Carr Hill) - we're also on the GC (Robina). I'd underline this - If you've ever lived in or near Blackpool and also the Gold Coast, then you'll appreciate there is no comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegigg5 Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 I'm not a Pom, I actually just came to this site because I was reading about mosquitos in a place I wanted to move to in Sth Yundy, however as a native Sunny Coastr (Born Nambour, lived in Coolum, Peregian, Imbil(Hinterland region)), the Sunny Coast is entirely better than the Gold Coast, that is unless you like getting into fights when walking down the street and having your house broken into on a regular basis. However, South Gold Coast like Coolangatta, Currumbin, Currumbin Valley, Tweed River, Kirra, is heaps nice and pretty chilled people too. Sunny Coast = Pretty much no work unless you're a tradie or in hospitality- Downward sliding house prices. Gold Coast = Pretty much no work unless you're a tradie, hospitality or cook meth. Stagnant house prices. There is no money to be made in the hinterland regions either unless you work for the forestrys, or have some kind of specialised skill, or work on the farms. However that being said the hinterland regions are amazing, I use to walk to school and pick avocados and mangoes off trees for breakfast, the land there provides all you'll ever need if you have a couple acres. I'm assuming you never lived on the Gold Coast... Sunshine Coast is beautiful - most of Queensland is, but I'm going to sell the Gold Coast... We live here and love it. As others have said, some people seem to be confusing Surfers Paradise with the Gold Coast in general. Surfers is one suburb of many. It can get rowdy a 2 or 3 am in the morning... so if that's not your thing then don't go out in Surfers at 2 or 3 am in the morning. During the daytime, I actually like Surfers and it aint so bad at night if you fancy going out on the piss with a load of mates. But in comparison to any UK cities at that time of night, it'd still regard the nightlife as fairly tame. Go south to Broadbeach and you've got a cosmopolitan vibrant suburb teeming with restaurants, bars and clubs. Further south, you've got Mermaid Beach, Nobby's Beach, Miami, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Coolongatta... quieter but still great for beaches, eating out etc... North end, you have Main Beach, Sanctuary Cove etc... Gold Coast has beaches stretching for miles on end. If you want a busy beach, you'll find one (i.e. Surfers, Main)... If you want a quiet beach you'll find one (i.e. Nobbys, Palm Beach South). If you want busy nightlife you'll find it (i.e. Surfers)... if you want quieter but still vibrant nightlife you'll find it (Broadbeach, Burleigh). If you want shopping you'll find it - Robina, Pac Fair, Australia Fair, Harbourtown and tons of smaller malls. If you want sport you'll find it - Rugby-NRL (Titans@Robina), AFL (Suns@Carrara), plus loads of cricket, football, baseball grounds, golf courses etc.. pretty much every suburb is serviced. Brisbane is an hour a way on the main GC line, if you fancy a bit of culture. Family stuff - you have the biggest theme parks in Australia - Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet n Wild, White Water World, Sea World The Gold Coast Hinterland is amazing countryside and scenery - Springbrook, Lamington, Mount Tamborine. Fantastic scenery - valleys, waterfalls, walks.... Whatever lifestyle you want, I think the GC will offer it to you on a plate. You take what you want and avoid what you don't like. The Sunshine Coast is lovely if you like sedate towns and beaches... but you can cherry pick that from what the GC has to offer. But the GC offers a whole lot more on top of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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