Ten Things That Will Make You Want to Move to the Gold Coast, QLD

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Thousands of Aussies flock to the fabulous Gold Coast every year on holiday.

And a good percentage of them decide to stay on afterwards! This part of southern Queensland continues to see strong migration from interstate — and if you’ve spent any time on ‘the Goldie’ (as it’s fondly known locally), you’ll understand why. The weather is temperate for most of the year, the beaches are spectacular, the dining scene goes from strength to strength, the shopping is great, and the vibe is friendly and relaxed. What’s not to hang around for?

The options for purchasing your own piece of paradise are many. Choose from holiday apartments close to the water, established homes back from the beachfront, house-and-land packages on the suburban fringe, and fixer-uppers everywhere in between. Thanks to local services like KBHI Home Renovations Gold Coast, the latter may give you a good value end result.

Here are ten things that will make you want to move to the Gold Coast.

Watch our video of ten top things to do on the Gold Coast:

Top 10 Things to Do on the GOLD COAST, Australia, 2025 | Ultimate Gold Coast Travel Guide

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1. The beaches

The shimmering three-kilometre beachfront at Surfers Paradise has been a magnet for visitors since it began marketing itself as, well, a surfer’s paradise, from around 1933. From the 1950s onwards major development began to define this part of the Gold Coast — and right up to today most holidaymakers stick to this one spot like sand on wet feet. However, there are 20 other equally stunning beaches that make up the region’s 70 kilometres of coastline. So, much of the time, you can pick one and likely have it entirely tourist-free.

2. The locals’ theme parks pass

Next to the plethora of great beaches, the Gold Coast’s world-class theme parks are probably its biggest tourist drawcard. And just imagine if you could enjoy the giddying thrills, colourful entertainment, and selfie moments with uber huggable characters all year round. As a permanent resident, you can — just by purchasing a local’s pass! The Village Roadshow One Pass offers twelve months unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and Paradise Country. Dreamworld also offers a local’s pass that provides unlimited entry to the main park, Whitewater World (seasonal), and the Skypoint Observation Deck at Q1. You will have to show proof of your local address on your first visit. From there on, it’s a non-stop ride to fun town!

3. The dining

OK, as a Gold Coast local, it’s unlikely you’d be dining out every night of the week. But if you did, you’d probably never run out of great places to chow down. The region’s dining scene is incredibly diverse — and while there’s no shortage of opportunities to splash cash on haute cuisine, the cheap eats are often just as memorable. Cottage-turned-cafe The Paddock Bakery in Miami is arguably the top choice for brunch, Red Hot Cod is ground zero for great fish and chips, and the hatted North Room at Mermaid Beach is a standout for innovative and intimate fine dining.

4. The economy

But let’s get serious. Despite the enhanced quality of life that regional cities and towns offer, many of us don’t make the move because of the lack of work and other economic opportunities. That’s not a problem you’re likely to face on the Gold Coast. This is the sixth largest urban centre in Australia and it has one of the fastest growing economies in the country. Tourism, education, healthcare, tech, and transport are all key industries, and unemployment sits about 1% below the national figure (source: www.gchkp.com.au). The odds of a successful move financially are high.

5. The cultural scene

The Goldie first began trying to establish itself as a cultural player back in the 1970s with the opening of the Gold Coast Civic Centre on the Nerang River behind Surfers Paradise. The parochial precinct went through a number of name and personality changes in the ensuing decades, but the game changer was the opening of the Home of the Arts (HOTA) Gallery in 2021. This cutting-edge complex boasts 2,000 square-metres of exhibition space and now attracts major international arts-based events.

6. The airport

While many Australians wing their way to the Gold Coast on holiday, locals can head in the opposite direction with ease — thanks to busy Gold Coast Airport. Sitting on the Queensland border with New South Wales, this is the second largest air transport hub in both states and offers direct connections to most Aussie capital cities. There are also direct flights to Bali with Virgin Australia, and to New Zealand (and on to the USA and Canada) with Air New Zealand. And of course, Brisbane’s domestic and international airports are just a 1.45-hour train ride away. Consequently, the world is your travel oyster.

7. The nightlife

If you’re partial to an occasional night on the town, you’ll love living on the Gold Coast. From classic pubs and quintessential beach bars, to pumping nightclubs and the dazzling Star Casino, this is a fun place to be after dark. Venues of note include the modern incarnation of the venerable Surfers Paradise Beer Garden for casual drinks, The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub for burlesque and cabaret shows, the Burleigh Bazaar and Coolangatta Hotel for live gigs, and Asylum nightclub on Orchid Avenue in Surfers for a doofing good time.

8. The shopping

Retail fiends rejoice: two of the five largest shopping facilities in Australia are located on the Gold Coast! Pacific Fair in Broadbeach covers a whopping 150,000 square metres, pipped marginally at the post by Robina Town Centre at 155,000 square metres. Both host hundreds of fashion and specialty stores. If you prefer to shop outside the box (and in the open air), the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are held every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoon/evening. Browse the many stalls for artisanal goods, arts and crafts, jewellery, leathergoods, footwear, and clothing.

9. The events

The Goldie boasts a packed calendar of large-scale touring events, sporting contests, music concerts, exhibitions, markets, and the list goes on. In fact, the region has a website dedicated solely to ‘what’s on’. Visit www.whatsongoldcoast.au to browse the various categories and plan your weekend/week/month/year.

10. The surrounding region

Getting to know the Gold Coast itself will likely be your first priority when taking up residence. But, when you are ready to explore further afield, the options for a day trip or weekend away are almost endless. Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Scenic Rim, the Granite Belt, Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers of NSW, and the islands of Moreton Bay (including sublime North Stradbroke) are all within easy reach. Closer to home, the Gold Coast Hinterland offers cool sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Visit O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park to walk tranquil woodland trails and snack on plump house-baked scones in their popular cafe.

This post was published tanks to KBHI.

Browse our range of Gold Coast tours and experiences here.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of things that will make you want to move to the Gold Coast? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.

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