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It was solely after we left the Gold Coast that we realised what an incredible place to reside it’s.
Many individuals ask us why we expect the Gold Coast is the most effective place in Australia to reside, and truthfully, I put it right down to the Gold Coast way of life.
We lived in Burleigh Heads, one of many Gold Coast suburbs identified for its browsing tradition, quirky cafes, stunning seashores and nationwide parks, and high-end eating scene.
However that’s not all we love about Burleigh Heads. We travelled round Australia for 18 months with eyes extensive open to discover a place for us to settle. There have been many locations we liked, however didn’t checked off all the containers – Burleigh did.
However why is that? What makes the Gold Coast, and the Burleigh Heads suburb specifically, such an excellent place to reside?
On this information, I’ve reflecting on my life dwelling in Burleigh and the the reason why I feel the Gold Coast is rather a lot much less the glitter strip you may think with retirees, schoolies and an absence of soul and far more a metropolis filled with wealthy gold.
What Is The Gold Coast Life-style?
The Gold Coast way of life is all about being relaxed. It’s beach-centric, laid-back, and slow-paced in comparison with the hustle and bustle of different cities like Brisbane and Sydney.
Residents of the Gold Coast desire to spend their free time on the limitless stretches of golden sand or getting energetic like browsing, operating, yoga, and figuring out.
It’s all about being pleased and having enjoyable, which is obvious within the thriving nightlife scene, while additionally appreciating and absorbing nature.
For those who’re extremely strung, work oriented, and like issues to be go-go-go – the Gold Coast goes to shock you. The life-style right here is sluggish and chilled.
Why Is The Gold Coast The Greatest Place To Reside In Australia?
1. It’s grown up from its celebration fame
I by no means thought the Gold Coast would have been the place to reside in Australia for me. In actual fact, I used to show my nostril up at it, regardless of Craig and I getting engaged in Coolangatta.
For Aussies, we see the Gold Coast as being the place individuals go for holidays, and thought it was nothing greater than theme parks, nightlife, and seashores.
My notion of the Gold Coast was it lacked a little bit of depth, and was extra for retirees and schoolies and felt a bit run down.
Most individuals equate the Gold Coast with Surfers Paradise, and Surfers has all the time felt too touristy and cheesy with a 24/7 celebration scene that is method past our age (though it has improved considerably and does have a nice ice cream retailer, and some nice eating places and motels).
However, the Gold Coast is a lot greater than Surfers Paradise and has grown up tremendously over the previous few years.
Now it caters to all, regardless of in case you’re a household, a pair, or dwelling by your self.
2. It’s continuously evolving
Through the years, we’ve explored the Gold Coast extra and started to see modifications.
We’d keep on the Southern finish of the Gold Coast round Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay and fell in love with laidback way of life and browsing tradition.
I noticed the modifications in Burleigh all the best way again in 2014 – a rising neighborhood, a retro, classic vibe and evolving cafe scene and the most effective household pleasant seashores in Australia.
No manufactured glitz, simply residence grown uncooked goodness.
When it got here time to determine the place to reside in Australia, my interior voice spoke so clearly – Burleigh. It has the whole lot that aligns with my soul.
It’s unimaginable how a lot a spot can change – from boring to bountiful in just some quick years.
We’ve even seen large evolution since dwelling on the Gold Coast in only one 12 months.
The cafe and restaurant scene is exploding, craft brew is on the rise, and the farmers market retains getting higher and higher.
3. Household pleasant and protected
I’ll preserve this quick and candy as the remainder of my factors will tie into this.
The Gold Coast is a superb place to reside for households. I by no means really feel unsafe, and my kids have entry to all kinds of experiences, alternatives, loads of actions and amenities, and a good-natured upbringing by the seashore.
And that’s with out mentioning Dreamworld or Sea World!
There’s not an ageing inhabitants on the Gold Coast as is usually perceived by many individuals. The typical age of residents on the Gold Coast is 37. No surprise we really feel so at residence right here!
Only for the file, y’all know I don’t have an excellent opinion of the schooling system, and it’s exhausting to impress me, however Kalyra’s faculty did.
They’re centered on actual studying, have been very encouraging and supportive, and didn’t stress her in any respect for her NAPLAN take a look at, they usually did cool issues like gardening, cooking, violin classes, and night time time artwork reveals showcasing the kids’s distinctive work.
Listed here are issues to do on the Gold Coast for households.
4. Vibrant, energetic, outside way of life
I can’t start to let you know how a lot I like to start out my day meditating on my balcony and watching Burleigh come to life.
The Esplanade is packed at 5:00am: walkers, runners, surfers, SUPpers, kayakers, boot campers, and people profiting from the free train stations.
On many mornings (or equally busy afternoons) we be a part of them. This vibrant outside exercise beckons you to embrace a match and wholesome way of life.
We determined to not personal a automobile, so we’d respect it extra. We’d stroll alongside the Esplanade nearly every single day to get to locations.
The women typically buzz round on their scooters and bikes, and I like that being so near the seashore and out within the sunshine, is a pure a part of my day.
The Gold Coast council implement packages to encourage Gold Coast residents to be match and wholesome. In actual fact, it’s the largest energetic and wholesome program run by a Council wherever in Australia.
All alongside the beachfront are free BBQ’s and stations that even have scorching water. The grass is properly stored and continuously maintained to its lush inexperienced state. There are playgrounds for our ladies each couple of hundred metres we stroll alongside the Esplanade.
6. Superb year-round subtropical local weather
The local weather on the Gold Price is nearly excellent. It has sufficient rain to maintain the whole lot lush, however greater than sufficient sunny climate to maintain you having fun with the good open air. In actual fact, it boasts 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, on common.
And when it does storm, it’s so improbable you possibly can’t assist however be impressed.
I’ve seen cyclonic waves roll in and take away half the seashore, and I watched all of it morning so in awe of the ability of Mom Nature.
It has scorching summers, however gentle winters. Realistically, I wore a sweater/jumper about 5 occasions throughout winter one 12 months.
Summers are lengthy and scorching, however not so scorching that I get bothered by it – once more there are possibly only a handful of days I activate the air conditioning.
7. Browsing tradition
Australia has a browsing tradition full cease, however there are some locations the place it’s extra prevalent than others – the Gold Coast is one in all them.
It was even the place we discovered to surf. Kalyra took up browsing classes, and I’d get out within the surf together with her to assist, and despite the fact that I spent extra time getting smashed about then helping.
One among my favorite issues to do in Burleigh is a stroll alongside the seashore to Burleigh Level, in any other case often known as Surfers Level. We decide up a espresso from Nook Espresso, a gap within the wall native’s favorite, and sit on the grassy hill to look at the surfers.
Surfers Level can be the place to be on a Sunday. The locals collect collectively bringing down their picnics and bottles of wine to hang around and watch the surfers. It’s tremendous chilled, protected and pleasant.
In March, one in all my finest associates scored tickets to the Corona tent on the Quiksilver Surf Professional at Snapper Rocks and dragged me alongside together with her.
Attending that occasion has been a bucket listing dream of mine since I used to be an adolescent. We had the most effective day ever, with the most effective seats and noticed our favorite feminine surfer Stephanie Gilmore carve it up.
Gold Coast is residence to many browsing world champs. Mick Fanning is one and Kelly Slater (though American) has a house at Palm Seaside, the subsequent seashore south of Burleigh.
8. Unimaginable coastal walks and sweetness
The coastal stroll between Greenmount Seaside and Snapper Rocks and the Burleigh Headland coastal monitor are a few of our favorite walks in Australia. They’re quick and simple, but pack in quite a lot of wow moments.
One among our favorite issues to do is stroll alongside the shoreline trails to Tallebudgera Creek, and both swim within the calm, household pleasant seashores or rise up paddle board within the crystal clear waters. I feel it’s one in all Australia’s best-hidden gems.
9. So many locations to swim and get out on the water
The seashores, notably on the Southern finish of the Gold Coast, are stunning.
The Gold Coast has many clear creeks, pristine seashores and rivers, hidden rock swimming pools, and extra canals than Venice. There’s an abundance of waterways and water-based actions you are able to do.
The Broadwater north of Surfers Paradise has a improbable playground for teenagers, a protected swimming seashore, and actions to take pleasure in reminiscent of jet snowboarding, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
As I inform anybody after I give them tips about the Goldie – get right down to Snapper Rocks for sundown, it’s my favorite on the East Coast.
There’s something magical about sitting on these rocks, watching the surfers and their silhouettes in opposition to an orange glowing sky. I’ve typically seen dolphins swimming across the level as properly. There are walkers, unicycle riders, yogis, and all types of individuals watching to take pleasure in.
Head as much as Rainbow Bay Surf Membership for a sundown beer and low-cost meal. The surf membership maintains rustic seventies attraction and with views out over the ocean and hinterland. For a second, you’ll really feel such as you’ve been transported to a Hawaiian island.
10. The Gold Coast Hinterland
I didn’t even know the hinterland existed, I believed it was only a mountain vary within the distance.
I can’t imagine that historical rainforests and mountain retreats are proper on the doorstep of the Gold Coast. It’s untouched, timeless, religious, and the place I like to go to disconnect and reconnect.
There are cute hinterland cities, adventurous actions, rainforest walks, enchanting forest, waterfalls, and spectacular views. To not point out cooking courses, superb recent produce, cheese makers, and wineries.
You possibly can escape from the blue and gold of the coast to the inexperienced of the hinterland in underneath an hour’s drive.
11. Rising meals and craft beer scene
The Gold Coast has an enormous foodie scene. After we moved there, it was the one place I may get almond milk in my cappuccinos. I couldn’t even get it in Sydney (now you can).
Burleigh, specifically, appeared to be on the heartbeat with present meals traits. I can simply discover gluten free, dairy free, sugar-free meals that style nice and are distinctive and attention-grabbing.
New cafes are popping up on a regular basis and locations like Mermaid Seaside, and Palm Seaside are on the transfer for thrilling eateries.
Many cafes like Commune, have a retro, eclectic vibe, and lots of have stunning seashore views. Justin Lane has an unimaginable rooftop bar in Burleigh and sometimes has line ups to get in for his or her extremely advisable pizzas.
Diners spill out onto the pavement of a weekend in Burleigh, and it buzzes.
Fish Home is famous as the most effective eating places in Australia. Jupiter’s On line casino has a restaurant, the Backyard Kitchen & Bar, which we’ve visited a number of occasions.
The meals is scrumptious as is the atmosphere with inside and outdoors seating, trendy modern design and cascading foliage of the vertical backyard partitions.
And meals vehicles are popping up all over the place from occasions to day and night-time markets, to festivals devoted to feasting on their yummy and low-cost fare.
The craft brew scene can be booming, with long-standing Burleigh Brewing, Balter Brewing in Currumbin, Black Hops Brewery in Burleigh and Fortitude Brewing Firm in Mt Tamborine.
12. Quick access to different superb locations in Queensland
I like the situation of the Gold Coast, it makes occurring adventures very easy.
Only a quick drive over the border are the New South Wales cities of Kingscliff and Byron Bay, specifically, the Byron Bay Hinterland. I have a number of associates who reside within the area from Byron to Sunshine Coast, so I’m delighted I get to see them extra typically than ever earlier than.
The Gold Coast has a global airport at Coolangatta. It’s a simple 15-minute Uber trip, or we leap on the specific bus 777, which stops nearly outdoors our door.
It’s easy, and the airport is small, so it makes aircraft journey rather a lot simpler with fewer traces and trouble. You possibly can fly direct to most main cities and locations in Australia, reminiscent of Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
We have now additionally explored many areas of South East Queensland which are only some hours’ drive away. We’ve been so impressed with all of the locations we’ve found – even superb mountain retreats that get snow. Listed here are a number of the unimaginable locations we’ve found.
For those who reside on the Gold Coast, you aren’t simply in a spot identified for tourism, however you’re spoilt for simple getaway locations too. And it’s a gorgeous place to return as soon as your break is over.
Some nice locations close to the Gold Coast to discover are:
13. Festivals, arts, and markets
Think about going to your afternoon seashore stroll, discovering lots of people sitting on blankets at Burleigh Level with picnics and studying that Ben Lee is about to start out taking part in!!
In case you don’t know, he’s a well-known Australian musician with upbeat and groovy tunes.
It’s straightforward to simply detect a pageant within the Gold Coast, there’s all the time one thing occurring. The Gold Coast has an unimaginable quantity of festivals, occasions and rising arts scene which have an informal avenue celebration vibe.
One among my favourite is Bleach Pageant, which takes place in August, and whose goal is to attach the neighborhood with tradition by means of an expression of music, theatre, dance, visible arts, outside occasions and far more.
Yearly, Broadbeach additionally hosts the Groundwater Nation Music Pageant and the Blues on Broadbeach Pageant, which we attended with the ladies and liked.
The Arts Centre is the place to attend musicals, cinema showings, and a number of the festivals and occasions held there. It’s bringing quite a lot of tradition to the Coast.
One among our favorite locations to go to on a Friday or Saturday night time was Miami Marketta – an out of doors nighttime gathering of meals vehicles and reside music.
We’d often meet up with our associates, the youngsters all hang around consuming a number of yummy meals and dancing to music, and we will catch up in a relaxed, funky and protected place.
The Night time Quarter Markets on the northern finish of the Gold Coast at Helensvale have develop into a vastly in style and profitable music venue and night time market purchasing space.
Each Sunday night in James Park, Burleigh there’s drum taking part in, fireplace throwing and one of many native shops brings down juggling balls, hula hoops and plenty of enjoyable issues for the youngsters to play with.
14. Rising entrepreneurial scene
We love dwelling on the Gold Coast as we’ve many entrepreneurial associates doing superb issues with their very own enterprise. Meaning we’ve lots of people who suppose like us we will connect with frequently.
Numerous movers and shakers are shifting to the Gold Coast as a spot to run their enterprise, and there’s such a inventive spirit and freedom right here.
In actual fact, it’s estimated there are greater than 46,000 micro-businesses (companies with lower than 5 staff), which grants the Gold Coast because the Small Enterprise Capital of Australia.
15. Different wholesome dwelling
I like that I get extra of my produce now at my native farmer’s market (and natural at that) moderately than Coles or Woolworths. I can stroll to Burleigh Farmer’s Market, and store for recent, natural produce.
They are saying that Byron Bay has a particular therapeutic power, however I feel that extends to Burleigh.
We have now met a number of the most superb healers and various therapists on the Gold Coast.
We had an everyday chiropractor, NLP therapist, chakra rebalancing and power healer, kinesiologist and a white mild healer – all from the Gold Coast.
16. Cheap price of dwelling
Okay, so it’s no secret that the Gold Coast has a number of the costliest housing markets in Australia – what do you count on when a spot is so fascinating?
However that doesn’t imply your price of dwelling needs to be large. Your price of dwelling is vastly dependent in your job, your way of life, and what you contemplate to be a “good high quality of life.”
You possibly can preserve bills down very simply within the Gold Coast as quite a lot of the highest issues to do are free. You may as well attend free train courses and quit a health club membership, or use public transport as an alternative of driving.
What’s extra is that there are such a lot of job alternatives (extra on that subsequent) which you could get a excessive paying job within the Gold Coast and make your way of life match your wage.
17. A number of job alternatives
The Gold Coast is among the quickest rising cities in Australia and with that, there are extra employment and enterprise alternatives popping up all over the place.
In actual fact, in Might 2023, employment in Queensland was at a file excessive.
The most important employment industries within the Gold Coast are building, manufacturing and actual property – is that stunning for a metropolis on the rise?
Closing Ideas
The Gold Coast, particularly Burleigh, has the whole lot I ever needed in a spot I’d name residence. Although my eyes are set on a transfer elsewhere, it’ll all the time have a house in my coronary heart – a big, mushy chunk of it. And I’ll by no means cease telling individuals who fantastic it’s.
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