The largest migrant community in Australia is UK expats, with around 1.1million people born in the UK currently living in Australia. Some of the most popular cities for UK expats include Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the capital of Queensland.
Queensland is known as the Sunshine State, and offers a relaxed outdoorsy lifestyle to its residents. Queensland is a very large state with cities and towns to suit any taste, from big bustling cities to relaxed coastal towns.
When considering a move to Queensland, you should think about factors such as your preferred lifestyle, availability of work and cost of housing to make an informed decision about where the best place to live is for you.
We’ll take a look at some of the most popular destinations in Queensland for UK expats, offering a range of options from family-friendly spots and big city living to relaxed, coastal retreats.
Where to live in Queensland
1. Brisbane – the capital city hub
Brisbane is the bustling capital city of Queensland. The third most populated city in Australia and the largest in terms of size. This makes Brisbane the perfect place to start your new life in Queensland, with a large community of UK expats already, plus a wide range of opportunities.
Best suited to: Brisbane is the perfect base for those who love city living, with lots to do, convenient access to amenities, and lots of options for accommodation and work.
Pros of living in Brisbane:
- Easy access to amenities and good transport links
- Always something to do; lots of bars, restaurants, galleries, events etc.
- Easy access to the beach
- Strong, stable job market
- Great schools
- Strong community of UK expats
Cons of living in Brisbane:
- Can be more expensive than other areas of Queensland
- Attracts lots of tourists so can be very busy
- Summer months can bring uncomfortably warm temperatures
The lifestyle: the Brisbane lifestyle tends to be what you would expect from a large city; there is always a lot going on. There are hundreds of galleries, museums, events, restaurants and bars to keep you busy, not to mention lots of shops, cafes and green spaces. Due to its proximity to the beach however, Brisbane also has a more laid-back side. Escape to the coast to enjoy the relaxing sounds of the sea, get involved in some outdoor sports or take a hike along the stunning coastline.
Neighbourhood recommendations:
- Paddington – a trendy, inner city suburb ideal for creatives and young professionals
- Bulimba – a family-friendly, riverside suburb with a strong community-feel and easy access to the city, as well as great schools
- Manly – a beachside suburb ideal for those looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to the city
For more recommendations, read our blog on The 10 Best Areas to Live in Brisbane.
2. Gold Coast – vibrant coastal living
The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s most iconic destinations, renowned for its stunning beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant atmosphere. With its golden sands, glittering skyline, and lively culture, the Gold Coast is not only a tourist hotspot but also a fantastic place to live for UK expats. It’s a city where urban sophistication meets beachside living, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Best suited to: The Gold Coast is perfect for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed, beach-centric lifestyle without giving up access to urban conveniences. It’s ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees looking for sun, surf, and a slower pace of life.
Pros of living in the Gold Coast:
- Incredible beaches and outdoor activities year-round
- Excellent schools and universities
- Family-friendly communities
- Close proximity to Brisbane for work or travel
- Thriving tourism industry offering plenty of job opportunities
Cons of living in the Gold Coast:
- Can be very busy during peak tourist seasons
- Property prices can be high, especially near the coast
- Public transport options are more limited than in larger cities
The lifestyle: Living on the Gold Coast means having the best of both worlds, city convenience with a relaxed, coastal vibe. You’ll have endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with world-class beaches perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. The Gold Coast is also home to theme parks, shopping centres, and restaurants, ensuring there’s always something to do. The lifestyle here encourages outdoor activities, from beachfront yoga sessions to weekend hikes in the nearby hinterland.
Neighbourhood recommendations:
- Broadbeach – a bustling, central suburb with beachside living and easy access to shops, dining, and entertainment.
- Burleigh Heads – a relaxed beach suburb known for its laid-back vibe, great surf spots, and local markets.
- Hope Island – a family-friendly community with beautiful waterways, golf courses, and easy access to the M1 for commuting.
3. Sunshine Coast – the beach retreat
The Sunshine Coast offers a more peaceful and relaxed alternative to its southern neighbour, the Gold Coast. Stretching from Caloundra to Noosa, the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its picturesque beaches, rolling hinterland, and charming coastal towns. It’s an idyllic location for UK expats looking for a slower pace of life with plenty of access to nature and outdoor activities.
Best suited to: Ideal for families, retirees, and professionals seeking a quieter, coastal lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. If you value proximity to the ocean, outdoor adventures, and a strong community feel, the Sunshine Coast is perfect.
Pros of living in the Sunshine Coast:
- Beautiful beaches and natural surroundings
- Strong family-friendly atmosphere with excellent schools
- Access to outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and surfing
- Less crowded and more laid-back than the Gold Coast
- Growing job market, especially in healthcare, tourism, and education
Cons of living in the Sunshine Coast:
- Fewer big-city amenities compared to Brisbane or the Gold Coast
- Some areas can be quieter and more remote, which may not suit everyone
- Higher property prices in popular areas like Noosa
The lifestyle: Life on the Sunshine Coast is all about balance. Whether you’re enjoying the surf at Mooloolaba Beach, wandering through Eumundi Markets, or hiking in the Glass House Mountains, there’s always something to keep you active. The area has a laid-back atmosphere with a strong emphasis on community, wellness, and family time. Plus, with Brisbane only an hour or so away, you can easily access the city for work or leisure.
Neighbourhood recommendations:
- Noosa Heads – a popular spot for its stunning beaches, boutique shops, and upmarket dining, ideal for families or retirees.
- Mooloolaba – a bustling coastal suburb with a great mix of cafes, restaurants, and water activities.
- Buderim – located in the hinterland, this leafy suburb offers a quieter, community-focused lifestyle with great schools.
4. Cairns – the tropical city for adventurous spirits
Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offers a tropical lifestyle that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for expats who love warm weather, outdoor adventures, and access to some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. From the lush Daintree Rainforest to crystal-clear reef waters, Cairns is a city for those with a passion for exploring the great outdoors.
Best suited to: Cairns is ideal for expats with a love for nature, adventure, and tropical living. It suits younger expats, adventurous families, or retirees looking for a warm climate and access to world-class natural beauty.
Pros of living in Cairns:
- Incredible access to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
- Year-round tropical weather
- Relaxed, small-city feel with a friendly community
- Lower cost of living compared to Brisbane or the Gold Coast
- Booming tourism industry, offering plenty of job opportunities
Cons of living in Cairns:
- High humidity and tropical storms, especially during the wet season
- Fewer job opportunities outside tourism and hospitality
- Distance from major Australian cities
The lifestyle: Cairns offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle focused on outdoor activities. Weekends are often spent diving in the reef, hiking in the rainforest, or exploring nearby islands. The city itself has a strong community feel, with plenty of local markets, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. While it may be more remote than other cities in Queensland, Cairns offers a unique, adventurous lifestyle that’s perfect for nature lovers.
Neighbourhood recommendations:
- Edge Hill – a leafy, family-friendly suburb close to the Botanic Gardens and with a strong community vibe.
- Palm Cove – a luxury beachside suburb ideal for retirees or those seeking a resort-style lifestyle.
- Redlynch – a quiet, family-friendly suburb with excellent schools and parks, close to both the beach and the rainforest.
5. Townsville – the gateway to the Outback
Townsville is a vibrant coastal city with a strong connection to both the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged Australian Outback. Known for its sunny weather and friendly locals, Townsville is a great place for expats who want to experience a more authentic Australian lifestyle, away from the tourist-heavy regions of Queensland.
Best suited to: Townsville suits those who want a mix of coastal and outback living. It’s ideal for expats seeking work in industries like healthcare, defence, or education, or those wanting to experience a warmer, more regional lifestyle.
Pros of living in Townsville:
- Lower cost of living and affordable housing
- Year-round warm weather
- Strong community feel with less congestion than bigger cities
- Excellent schools and universities
- Access to both coastal and inland outdoor adventures
Cons of living in Townsville:
- Can feel remote, with fewer big-city amenities
- Limited public transport options
- Hot and humid summers, with occasional flooding during the wet season
The lifestyle: Townsville offers a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whether it’s exploring Magnetic Island, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or hiking in nearby national parks, weekends are never boring. The city has a growing arts and culture scene, as well as some fantastic local restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place for expats looking for a warm, welcoming community with access to nature and regional Australia.
Neighbourhood recommendations:
- North Ward – a beachfront suburb close to the city centre, offering stunning views and a relaxed lifestyle.
- Kirwan – a popular suburb for families, with great schools, parks, and shopping options.
- Annandale – a family-friendly suburb with leafy streets, good schools, and easy access to amenities.
6. Toowoomba – country charm with city convenience
Nestled in the Darling Downs region, Toowoomba is a picturesque city offering the perfect balance of rural charm and urban convenience. Known as the “Garden City” for its beautiful parks and gardens, Toowoomba provides a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to Brisbane. It’s a great spot for expats who want to enjoy a slower pace while still having access to city amenities.
Best suited to: Toowoomba is ideal for families, retirees, or professionals looking for a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the countryside. If you enjoy a more temperate climate and a close-knit community, this could be the perfect spot.
Pros of living in Toowoomba:
- Affordable housing and cost of living
- Cooler climate compared to coastal Queensland cities
- Excellent schools and a strong sense of community
- Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces
- Close to Brisbane, only 90 minutes away
Cons of living in Toowoomba:
- Fewer big-city job opportunities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Can feel isolated for those used to larger urban areas
The lifestyle: Life in Toowoomba offers a slower, more relaxed pace, with a focus on family and community. The city is home to plenty of beautiful parks, perfect for picnics or family outings. Toowoomba also has a growing arts and culture scene, with regular events and festivals. With Brisbane only a short drive away, you can easily enjoy the benefits of city life while still returning to the peacefulness of the countryside.
Neighbourhood recommendations:
- Rangeville – a quiet, family-friendly suburb with excellent schools and easy access to parks.
- East Toowoomba – known for its heritage homes and leafy streets, this suburb offers charm and convenience close to the city centre.
- Middle Ridge- a popular suburb for families, offering great schools, parks, and shopping centres.
Considerations for expats moving to Queensland
For those with plans to move to Australia, Queensland could be the perfect choice with its year round sunshine, outdoorsy lifestyle and access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes. There are however some considerations you should bear in mind when making your decision on where to live:
The climate
Queensland has a subtropical climate, so it’s best suited to those who like warmer weather. In the north of the state, temperatures tend to be hotter, with a distinct wet and dry season. The subtropical climate can bring tropical storms and flooding, which is something to be aware of.
On the other hand, the year-round warm weather makes Queensland the perfect place for those who like to spend lots of time outdoors enjoying the sun.
The job market
When moving to Australia from the UK, it can be difficult to secure a long-term visa if you have not yet secured employment, or unless you fill a skills gap in the local economy. You should look to live somewhere that can offer you good employment opportunities in your area of expertise.
In Queensland there are many opportunities predominantly in industries such as tourism and hospitality, mining and education.
Find out more about working in Queensland.
Cost of living
On the whole, the cost of living in Queensland tends to be lower than in many other states. Taking large cities as a comparison, Brisbane has a lower cost of living than areas such as Sydney and Melbourne. Costs will however vary across the state.
Cities such as Brisbane, and popular coastal destinations such as the Gold Coast are more expensive to live in than regional areas such as Cairns and Townsville. Within each city or town, there will also be a variation of costs between suburbs and areas. To ensure you can afford the lifestyle you want, make sure to research costs to find areas that fit within your budget.
Find out more about the cost of living in Queensland.
Transportation
When it comes to transportation, if you decide to live in one of the major cities or towns, you will find that public transport options tend to be quite good. In Brisbane, frequent buses, trains and ferries service the city, and provide access to surrounding areas.
In more regional areas of Queensland, you may find that a car is necessary to get around. Distances between towns and cities can be quite large so a car may be helpful if you need to commute.
How John Mason can help
It’s clear that Queensland has a lot to offer UK expats, with a variety of great destinations to suit a range of lifestyle preferences. Only you know where the right place is for you, so make sure to do plenty of research and planning before your move.
For help with everything else, trust John Mason. With over 100 years experience helping people move from the UK to Australia, we offer bespoke end-to-end removals and relocation services. We can help to move your belongings safely from the UK to your new home in Queensland, as well as offering services such as packing, pet relocation and visa support.
Get a free quote, or get in touch to discuss your bespoke package.
