Where to live in the Gold Coast

[Rthursty]

On 11/09/2020 at 06:47, BobHatton said:

Public Transport in Australia? You're having a laugh aren't you? Anything outside the capital cities is, lets say wanting to say the least.

Cyclones - Caloundra would experience the southern winds off a cyclone literally once in a lifetime (last time would be Cyclone Wanda in 1974) so don't worry too much about that. Caloundra is a beautiful place with beautiful beaches and still reminds me of a typical seaside town of old, we love it...

I still say you can't go wrong with Hervey Bay..

So do you mean that Hervey Bay has good public transport?

[Wanderer Returns]

On 11/09/2020 at 06:47, BobHatton said:

 Caloundra is a beautiful place with beautiful beaches and still reminds me of a typical seaside town of old, we love it...

I'd second that. We moved to Caloundra 2 weeks ago and ar loving it. Knocks anywhere on the Gold Coast into a cocked had (in my humble opinion

[Rthursty]

On 12/09/2020 at 13:46, Wanderer Returns said:

I'd second that. We moved to Caloundra 2 weeks ago and ar loving it. Knocks anywhere on the Gold Coast into a cocked had (in my humble opinion

Are you satisfied with the medical facilities in Queensland (Coombabah, Caloundra, Hervey Bay, Mooloolaba and Noosa) ? In an emergency do you get immediate attention? Do you have adequate specialists? As we are retirees,  and only one of us drives, this is important to us.

[ramot]

45 minutes ago, Rthursty said:

Are you satisfied with the medical facilities in Queensland (Coombabah, Caloundra, Hervey Bay, Mooloolaba and Noosa) ? In an emergency do you get immediate attention? Do you have adequate specialists? As we are retirees,  and only one of us drives, this is important to us.

It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to answer your incredibly broad search areas.

The Sunshine Coast has good medical facilities, which I told you about in my poston 25th August

Edited September 22, 2020 by ramot

[Rthursty]

Sorry I didn't mean to ask the question and have a reply from one person but perhaps a reply from different people who would live in the respective local areas.

[Marisawright]

1 hour ago, Rthursty said:

Sorry I didn't mean to ask the question and have a reply from one person but perhaps a reply from different people who would live in the respective local areas.

Bottom line is that the public transport on the Sunshine and Gold Coast is very poor compared to Sydney and you will need to get used to relying on Uber or Ola to get around. Perhaps you could consider a mobility scooter 

[Wanderer Returns]

13 hours ago, Rthursty said:

Are you satisfied with the medical facilities in Queensland (Coombabah, Caloundra, Hervey Bay, Mooloolaba and Noosa) ? In an emergency do you get immediate attention? Do you have adequate specialists? As we are retirees, and only one of us drives, this is important to us.

I'm relatively young (in my 50s) and still in good health (I hope!), so I don't tend to worry about such things. Getting to see a doctor seems pretty quick in Queensland. I've never had to wait more than a day, and often can be seen on the same day. Saying you're a 'retiree' doesn't really mean much - you could be retired at 55 or 75. If it's nearer the latter then I'd question the wisdom of such a big move, to be honest.

[ramot]

7 hours ago, Wanderer Returns said:

I'm relatively young (in my 50s) and still in good health (I hope!), so I don't tend to worry about such things. Getting to see a doctor seems pretty quick in Queensland. I've never had to wait more than a day, and often can be seen on the same day. Saying you're a 'retiree' doesn't really mean much - you could be retired at 55 or 75. If it's nearer the latter then I'd question the wisdom of such a big move, to be honest.

I Agree, that their age is relevant, as the OP appears very concerned about everything, and needs lots of reassurance about their potential move, so it might not be a sensible move. I repeat my previous advice, that when the border reopens, they spend more time in Qld than they have previously before they move here. so they can check things out for themselves.

[calNgary]

Hervey Bay is known as a retirement hotspot, i have only ever holidayed there so have no real life experience with the Dr's, hospitals etc as such but it appeared to have everything you would need. I also think if it didn't ,the retirees wouldn't head there to see out their retirement years.

 Most areas you will find have plentiful clinics and Dr's, especially areas like Caloundra and Gold Coast.

Im in a semi rural area south of Brisbane and inland from the GC, when we moved here 14 years ago we had no public transport, only 1 shop, 1 takeaway and a hairdresser. In the last 2 years we have gained 2 Dr;s, 3 chemists, Coles, Woolys, Maccas, fuel stations and 2 small shopping center's with various shops in them. We are also now joined to bus routes and have a train station about 20 mins away with another one planned on the estate in the next few years. I guess what i'm trying to say is suburbs change quickly, especially in the growth areas, but overall from my experience of Dr's , clinics and hospitals Gold Coast and Brisbane are awesome with plenty of options about and amazing hospital care in the public system.

Cal x

[Guest The Pom Queen]

On 02/09/2020 at 23:31, Rthursty said:

I worry about cyclones. Not sure if Cairns is spared from this.

We lived there for many years and absolutely loved it. Cairns is quite protected from Cyclones and they seem to go South, ie Cardwell - Innisfail. You do have the stress and worry when they are heading in your direction I admit. We lived there through Cyclone Yasi and although we didn’t get a direct hit the winds were terrible, it was like a jet engine outside. The only real damage in our area was a few trees down.  One thing to look at wherever you live whether it’s Qld, NSW etc  is flood zones. 
‘I would move back to Cairns tomorrow I love it, and although everyone complains about the humidity unless you are working outdoors you manage just fine. You even need a fire at certain times of the year. 

[Canada2Australia]

On 14/07/2020 at 21:50, Wanderer Returns said:

I lived in Coolangatta 8-10 years ago and loved it. It was always my plan to move there once I returned to Australia, which I did in January. The Gold Coast has become hellishly busy in the last 5 years, even the southern part around Coolie and Burleigh, which used to be a bit of secret. We have Trip Advisor ect to thank for this and now the place is overrun with backpackers, gappers and Brazilian students. It doesn't have the same feel as it used to so I'm looking at the Sunshine Coast instead. Sounds like Noosa would tick most of your boxes - you should get up here and do a recky while the border's are still open  

Give this area another 5-10 years and it will be in the same position as the GC is now.

[ramot]

16 minutes ago, Canada2Australia said:

Give this area another 5-10 years and it will be in the same position as the GC is now.

I’ll let you know. Yes the Sunshine Coast is getting busier in the 17 years I’ve lived here, but not many extra high rise buildings built in that time yet, and hopefully a height restriction stays in place.. More satellite housing estates though.

We locals still think it’s a great place to live. Mooloolaba was gorgeous yesterday.

Edited September 25, 2020 by ramot

[Wanderer Returns]

On 25/09/2020 at 11:54, Canada2Australia said:

Give this area another 5-10 years and it will be in the same position as the GC is now.

I very much doubt that as the demographic and geography of the area is very different to the GC. I would accept that it's likely to get much busier, but that is true of anywhere that is desirable to live.

[MARYROSE02]

It seems odd for me to talking about QLD rather than Sydney but I've been  living with my brother for 3 months now ar his apartment in the Hilton by Cavill Ave tram stop.

I love it here.  I thought Surry Hills in Sydney was convenient but the station and supermarket are both a 10 minute walk whereas here the tram is outside the entrance (I look down on from my bedroom window) and Woolies is 150 metres away, and the beach 250 metres, plus a plethora of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants etc. And doctors, dentists and podiatrists are all similar short walks.

Cavill Ave IS noisy at weekends but I put up with that for the advantages I cited above and the Gold Coast is a "Costa" after all but then I do like Benidorm.

I suggest a couple of tram stops north or south of Cavill Ave which is still the same distance from the beach but without the bustle of Cavill Ave, but also not the plethora of facilities i.mentioned above.

The tram service is excellent by the way, possibly the best public transport system I've encountered.  The two big shopping malls at Pacifc Fair (Broadbeach) and Australia Fair (Southport) are both on the tramlines. I bought a Chrome Book at J and B HiFi on Fri at Pacific Fair (or is it Square?) , 100 metres from tram stop, maybe 200!

Coolangatta Airport is i guess 3/4 hour drive and Brisbane airport 90 mins? O went to Brisbane with my brother the other day but not to my taste,  traffic as bad, if not worse than Sydney but I guess it is like driving from Wollongong to Sydney?? Maybe less? I've hated the roads every time I've been in the car, hence my love for the tramlines.

I have basically recreated my life in Sydney, Surry Hills with a beach, found 3 or 4 cafes and bars to make my locals,  joined the Surf Club as a social member not to be a lifeguard! Every surf club has a bar and restaurant.

I don't know what will happen but I've no desire to return to Sydney.

[ramot]

On 08/10/2020 at 07:29, MARYROSE02 said:

It seems odd for me to talking about QLD rather than Sydney but I've been  living with my brother for 3 months now ar his apartment in the Hilton by Cavill Ave tram stop.

I love it here.  I thought Surry Hills in Sydney was convenient but the station and supermarket are both a 10 minute walk whereas here the tram is outside the entrance (I look down on from my bedroom window) and Woolies is 150 metres away, and the beach 250 metres, plus a plethora of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants etc. And doctors, dentists and podiatrists are all similar short walks.

Cavill Ave IS noisy at weekends but I put up with that for the advantages I cited above and the Gold Coast is a "Costa" after all but then I do like Benidorm.

I suggest a couple of tram stops north or south of Cavill Ave which is still the same distance from the beach but without the bustle of Cavill Ave, but also not the plethora of facilities i.mentioned above.

The tram service is excellent by the way, possibly the best public transport system I've encountered.  The two big shopping malls at Pacifc Fair (Broadbeach) and Australia Fair (Southport) are both on the tramlines. I bought a Chrome Book at J and B HiFi on Fri at Pacific Fair (or is it Square?) , 100 metres from tram stop, maybe 200!

Coolangatta Airport is i guess 3/4 hour drive and Brisbane airport 90 mins? O went to Brisbane with my brother the other day but not to my taste,  traffic as bad, if not worse than Sydney but I guess it is like driving from Wollongong to Sydney?? Maybe less? I've hated the roads every time I've been in the car, hence my love for the tramlines.

I have basically recreated my life in Sydney, Surry Hills with a beach, found 3 or 4 cafes and bars to make my locals,  joined the Surf Club as a social member not to be a lifeguard! Every surf club has a bar and restaurant.

I don't know what will happen but I've no desire to return to Sydney.

Welcome to Queensland M R. Taken you too long to leave Sydney!  Hope the climate suiting your health better, xM

[MARYROSE02]

It seems odd for me to talking about QLD rather than Sydney but I've been  living with my brother for 3 months now ar his apartment in the Hilton by Cavill Ave tram stop.

I love it here.  I thought Surry Hills in Sydney was convenient but the station and supermarket are both a 10 minute walk whereas here the tram is outside the entrance (I look down on from my bedroom window) and Woolies is 150 metres away, and the beach 250 metres, plus a plethora of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants etc. And doctors, dentists and podiatrists are all similar short walks.

Cavill Ave IS noisy at weekends but I put up with that for the advantages I cited above and the Gold Coast is a "Costa" after all but then I do like Benidorm.

I suggest a couple of tram stops north or south of Cavill Ave which is still the same distance from the beach but without the bustle of Cavill Ave, but also not the plethora of facilities i.mentioned above.

The tram service is excellent by the way, possibly the best public transport system I've encountered.  The two big shopping malls at Pacifc Fair (Broadbeach) and Australia Fair (Southport) are both on the tramlines. I bought a Chrome Book at J and B HiFi on Fri at Pacific Fair (or is it Square?) , 100 metres from tram stop, maybe 200!

Coolangatta Airport is i guess 3/4 hour drive and Brisbane airport 90 mins? O went to Brisbane with my brother the other day but not to my taste,  traffic as bad, if not worse than Sydney but I guess it is like driving from Wollongong to Sydney?? Maybe less? I've hated the roads every time I've been in the car, hence my love for the tramlines.

I have basically recreated my life in Sydney, Surry Hills with a beach, found 3 or 4 cafes and bars to make my locals,  joined the Surf Club as a social member not to be a lifeguard! Every surf club has a bar and restaurant.

I don't know what will happen but I've no desire to return to Sydney.

19 hours ago, ramot said:

Welcome to Queensland M R. Taken you too long to leave Sydney!  Hope the climate suiting your health better, xM

I'm in a sort of limbo with my flat in Sydney and my house in England too so need to tidy things up.

Actually,  when I went back to England in 1996 that was in limbo with my flat in Sydney which I rented out for 12 years.

It is a nicer winter in Surfers but I will have to do a full summer to compare to Sydney.  Being so close to sea probably means a more pleasant summer.

Thanks 

[MARYROSE02]

On 23/09/2020 at 11:20, Marisawright said:

Bottom line is that the public transport on the Sunshine and Gold Coast is very poor compared to Sydney and you will need to get used to relying on Uber or Ola to get around. Perhaps you could consider a mobility scooter 

I don't know about the Sunshine Coast but here in Surfers Paradise my experience of public transport is very good, at least regarding "the G" - the tramline which connects Broadbeach with Helensvale and it is being extended past Broadbeach to ? The Gold Coast airport?

Almost everywhere I've wanted to go is on the tramlines, shopping centres, casino,  specialist doctors at Southport,  Griffith uni and Gold Coast hospital. Just one trip to the private hospital at, I think Pindara, when I got a cab one way and ubar back. Unlike Sydney the beach is on my doorstep. 

I used to used Go Get cars for a couple of hours to go to beach in Sydney.  Those hire by the hour cars is/are the only thing Surfers lack but ive only been in a car 3 or 4 times in 3 months.

Different in the hinterland perhaps but that is the same in Sydney where every adult member of a family needs a car.

[Gary H]

On 24/09/2020 at 00:52, The Pom Queen said:

We lived there for many years and absolutely loved it. Cairns is quite protected from Cyclones and they seem to go South, ie Cardwell - Innisfail. You do have the stress and worry when they are heading in your direction I admit. We lived there through Cyclone Yasi and although we didn’t get a direct hit the winds were terrible, it was like a jet engine outside. The only real damage in our area was a few trees down.  One thing to look at wherever you live whether it’s Qld, NSW etc  is flood zones. 
‘I would move back to Cairns tomorrow I love it, and although everyone complains about the humidity unless you are working outdoors you manage just fine. You even need a fire at certain times of the year. 

Spent the last 6 years in Cairns can't wait to leave, Summers last 3 years have been horrendous ( we have lived 20 years in Tropics so no soft to heat and humidity). Not experienced any serious Cyclones in that time. But the crime here is ridiculous, petty, and annoying from a demographic that seems pretty much untouchable, it has gotten noticeably worse over the last 5 years with no end in sight. It's remote outside of the 2 hr driving bubble you are into nothing in all directions. COVID has pretty much destroyed the economy up here being so reliant on Tourism. A good place to retire to in the winter but will not be returning once left

[Wanderer Returns]

2 hours ago, Gary H said:

Spent the last 6 years in Cairns can't wait to leave, Summers last 3 years have been horrendous ( we have lived 20 years in Tropics so no soft to heat and humidity). Not experienced any serious Cyclones in that time. But the crime here is ridiculous, petty, and annoying from a demographic that seems pretty much untouchable, it has gotten noticeably worse over the last 5 years with no end in sight. It's remote outside of the 2 hr driving bubble you are into nothing in all directions. COVID has pretty much destroyed the economy up here being so reliant on Tourism. A good place to retire to in the winter but will not be returning once left

I lived in Cairns for nearly 4 years too. I enjoyed my time there (liked the school I was teaching in) but my happiest memory is still the day we got the taxi to the airport to leave! I enjoy a lot of outdoor activities and except in the depths of winter, it's just too hot to enjoy them (although you can still do them if you're up early enough). We lived mostly on Clifton and then Trinity Beaches, and never had any crime issues. We felt a lot safer there than in Brisbane and people are nicer than they are down in South East Queensland, to be honest. I'd not go back though - given the choice I'd rather live in Tassie!  

[MARYROSE02]

I've never been to Cairns. Seems odd to think that having come 600 odd miles from Sydney to Surfers I am still the same distance (?) again from Surfers to Cairns.

I wonder how I would adjust to life there? No problem adjusting to Surfers from Sydney nor, a couple of years ago, from Sydney to Perth (no going there though till April 21 at the earliest).

My well-practised strategy is to find some bars and cafes to become a "local" in - just go there every day for a week and talk to the staff  then look for doctor, dentist, podiatrist as the need for them arises.

As the Aussies say, "Easy as" or is it "Too easy?!"

[Wanderer Returns]

@MARYROSE02 try doubling that - it's about 1200 miles from the GC to Cairns! A friend of mine from the UK came over to visit a few years ago, and we drove up to the Whitsundays from Brisbane. When he got in the car, I said where's your stuff? He thought we were going for a day trip!   

Cairns in beautiful and definitely worth a visit. June through to August is the best time, although the waterfalls can be very impressive during the summer months. I think now would be a great time to visit with both international and state borders still being closed.

[Rthursty]

We have been to Cairns but at the time we were not looking for a place to retire.i do like the warm weather.

[MARYROSE02]

14 hours ago, Wanderer Returns said:

@MARYROSE02 try doubling that - it's about 1200 miles from the GC to Cairns! A friend of mine from the UK came over to visit a few years ago, and we drove up to the Whitsundays from Brisbane. When he got in the car, I said where's your stuff? He thought we were going for a day trip!   

Cairns in beautiful and definitely worth a visit. June through to August is the best time, although the waterfalls can be very impressive during the summer months. I think now would be a great time to visit with both international and state borders still being closed.

1200 miles !? The sort of journey I would prefer to spend at least a week on, maybe more. I remember spenfing 8 nights i think from Gympie (the furthest I've been north) to Sydney.

I registered with this mob called Transfercar who get drivers to transfer vehicles around OZ often with extra days. I've never applied for one but it sounds like a possibly good way to travel.

[Wanderer Returns]

11 hours ago, MARYROSE02 said:

1200 miles !? The sort of journey I would prefer to spend at least a week on, maybe more. I remember spenfing 8 nights i think from Gympie (the furthest I've been north) to Sydney.

I registered with this mob called Transfercar who get drivers to transfer vehicles around OZ often with extra days. I've never applied for one but it sounds like a possibly good way to travel.

Honestly, unless you love driving, I really wouldn't bother. Once you get passed Gympie the drive itself is pretty monotonous.

[ramot]

We put the car on the train in Brisbane to Cairns, and took 3 weeks to drive back. Really enjoyed the drive as we stopped in lots of interesting places on the way back. Not sure I want to drive both ways though.