If you are looking to move to the Gold Coast, this post may help you.
As Australia is massive, there are a lot of places that would be great for you to live, by yourself or with your family. You could choose among Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Newcastle, Logan City, Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast, and other places. However, in this post let’s consider you have officially decided to move to the Gold Coast.
With pristine beaches, year-round surf, hipster cafes, different types of restaurants and festivals, Gold Coast is certainly a great place to live and land.
Before moving to the Gold Coast
It’s important to have in mind that Australia is expensive, and if you don’t have your own vehicle, you will have to consider living close to public transportation.
Therefore, while the Gold Coast’s bus and train systems are fairly convenient, you’ll realize that not having your own vehicle limits how far you can go and at what times of day, making this experience a bit inconvenient for you.
So, the first thing that we recommend you before moving to Australia is to consider buying your own vehicle.
#1 Southport, Main Beach
Main Beach is known as the beach the surfers enjoy the most on the Gold Coast. So, if you would love to learn to surf, this is the place to do it.
We highly recommend you to live here if you are a student and are seeking cheap accommodation in a convenient location, if you don’t mind sharing a room with a stranger or if you are with your family and want to enjoy the diverse kid’s playgrounds Main Beach offers you.
This place is close to several bus routes and also to the main central hub of the Gold Coast, as well as:
- Griffith University
- The Southport Sharks Stadium
- Southport Yacht Club
- Runaway Bay Marine
- The Spit
- Theme Parks
- Restaurants
- Shopping
In addition, if you are tired yourself out at the beach, don’t worry! You can head to Tedder Avenue for some retail therapy, or if you fancy a drink, go to the vibrant nightlife of Surfers Paradise!
#2 Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach
If you are into night bar fights, embrace the chaos and come to live in Surfers Paradise!
I’m kidding!
Surfers Paradise is the party suburb in the Gold Coast, and it offers different restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, nightclubs, shops and more for its residents.
Therefore, if you are a night person, you are going to love this place. The nightlife is incredible and there are so many things to do at night that you will never be tired of Surfers.
Even if you are not a night person, you head down to Surfers Paradise Beach, to learn to surf or simply soak up the sun from the sand.

#3 Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga
If you’re considering living in this place, have in mind these southern gems are a little quieter and further from the larger areas of the Gold Coast.
So, differently to Surfers Paradise, live here if you love peace and quiet places, don’t care about being ‘in the scene’, and if you are more of a daytime outdoors person than a happy hour seeker slash evening bar explorer.
However, even if the nightlife is not like Surfers Paradise, there are a bunch of ocean activities you can do here too, like:
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Boating
And there are different places you can go with friends, like:
- Currumbin Rock Pools
- Springbrook National Park
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Shops
Read now: Amazing things to do in San Francisco.
#4 Mermaid Beach, Nobby’s Beach, Miami, Burleigh Heads
Located just south of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach is the fastest-growing strip of ‘coolness’ the Gold Coast has to offer.
Do you dig nature and are looking for an amazing area to meet fun and friendly locals? Then, this place is for you!
The area of Mermaid Beach is beautiful, relaxing and funky, and with easy access to restaurants, nightclubs, markets and bowl clubs, this place has everything you’ve been looking for.
Above all, another positive thing about this area is the easy walking to different hangout spots.

#5 Coolangatta
Coolangatta, also called ‘Cooly’, is the southernmost point and town on the Gold Coast and is located between the states of Queensland and New South Wales.
If you love a small town life, surfing, beaches, watching the sunrise and sunset and love spending your days in the water, Coolangatta can be for you.
The city is very charming, peaceful, retirement-worthy, and one of the most loveable towns on the coast. However, it’s far removed from other towns, so if you live in Coolangatta and work in another city, for instance, having a car will be essential.
Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend living in this city if you don’t have your own car.
Conclusion
With theme parks, stunning beaches, and dazzling restaurants, it’s no wonder the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
In conclusion, if you love surfing or just want to stay on the beach enjoying the Aussie sun, Gold Coast is for you.
Consider all of the neighbourhoods we mentioned above, and don’t forget to share your experiences living on the beautiful Gold Coast!