Although it may be best known as Australia’s favourite holiday destination, the Gold Coast is quickly becoming a popular spot to relocate to. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, incredible beaches, and a high quality of life, many Melbournians are choosing to leave the temperamental weather behind and move to the Gold Coast.
At Allied, we’ve helped thousands of families and individuals successfully relocate from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. We’ve created this handy and helpful guide with everything you need to know about moving. From what life will be like on the Gold Coast to what you need to prepare before the move, read on so you're ready for your relocation! And if you're ready to make the switch, get a quote from our Melbourne Interstate Removalists below!
Melbourne Interstate Moving Services
Life in the Gold Coast
Everything is enjoyable when you are on holiday, but what will life be like when you decide to relocate and live in the Gold Coast? We break down what to expect.
Climate
The subtropical climate of the Gold Coast is a huge draw card for many people keen to relocate. Not only is there an abundance of sunshine, but the Gold Coast experiences considerably warm temperatures year round. Average temperatures for the Summer months are 20 to 28 degrees, with the winter months averaging 9 to 21 degrees. The humidity is high during the summer months which means short tropical storms occur frequently during the late afternoons. It’s also important to note that Queensland does not observe daylight savings time.
Work & Career
The rise of remote working means more people are now able to relocate to a new home for lifestyle reasons instead of solely relocating for career opportunities. The Gold Coast is ideal for those wanting to enjoy a better lifestyle and continue working in their chosen field through remote working arrangements. However, there are still plenty of thriving industries based in the Gold Coast. These industries, which include hospitality, tourism, construction, film and television, healthcare and education, offer ample opportunities and career development. The Gold Coast also offers a wide range of excellent public and private schools, from kindergarten to university.
Transportation
There are multiple different ways to get around the Gold Coast. The public transportation system is continually expanding and offers rail, bus and tram services. The tram system, the G:Link, is best suited for shorter local journeys. The G:Link travels around 16 different stations and gives you the option of a reusable go-card or single use paper tickets. The train system is ideal for commuting to Brisbane, the Northern attractions, the airport and has six stations across the Gold Coast. The bus system is best when used in close proximity to the CBD, although there are less frequent services available in the outer suburbs. As public transport isn’t as developed as in Melbourne, car ownership is highly popular. The new bike infrastructure is also making cycling a great option for getting around the Gold Coast.
The Culture & Lifestyle
Whilst it’s difficult to compare to the culture and nightlife of Melbourne, the Gold Coast’s creative and entertainment scene is on the rise. With significant funding now dedicated to boosting the culture of Australia’s beach paradise, the Gold Coast is slowly shaking its former image of being uncultured and sport-centric. That being said, the Gold Coast is still an adventurer’s playground. There are over 300 sports clubs, numerous stadiums, aquatic centres and golf courses, as well as plenty of different sporting and other activity organisations and facilities.
Housing
You may be surprised to learn that renting in the Gold Coast is actually more expensive than in Melbourne. The higher rental and purchase prices are due to the increased demand over the past few years, and the construction and availability of properties failing to live up to supply requirements. The average monthly cost of renting a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre will likely cost around $1,967 a month (compared to $1609 in Melbourne). Choosing to purchase a home in the Gold Coast is also more expensive than in Melbourne, with Budget Direct stating $10,299 per square metre for an apartment in the city central. Some of the most desirable suburbs within the Gold Coast include Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Broadbeach.
Planning your move
If you’ve decided that life on the Gold Coast is the thing for you, then it’s time to begin planning your move! Relocating from Melbourne to the Gold Coast isn’t always as simple as packing your suitcase and hopping on a flight. Here’s what you need to plan to ensure that your move is a success!
Packing belongings and furniture
One of the most important parts of relocating is packing your belongings and furniture. As it’s pretty tedious and boring, it’s not uncommon for people to leave this dreaded task to the last minute. But you want to ensure that your belongings are ready for their journey to the Gold Coast from Melbourne and make it one piece. We recommend using a professional packing service so your precious items are properly packed using the right materials and boxes by the experts. If you’d rather pack your things yourself, you can use specialised moving boxes from your moving company.
Moving a car or vehicle
Owning a car is significantly convenient, especially in the Gold Coast, but relocating a car interstate can be difficult. If you don’t have the time or desire to drive your car to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, using a car transportation service is the easiest way to relocate your car. Relocation experts will ensure that your vehicle (including cars, trailers, caravans, motorbikes) is taken care of so you can focus on the rest of your move. After you have been living in Queensland for three months, you will need to apply for a Queensland driving licence and update your vehicle’s registration. You can find more information on transferring your licence here.
Relocating with pets
Pets are part of the family so we understand that you want to bring your pet with you when relocating to the Gold Coast. Moving your furry or feathered friend can be stressful, but using a pet relocation service can make the experience a whole lot easier and more streamlined. Before you leave, ensure that your pet is microchipped and their identification information is up to date with your new address. You’ll also want to get your pet comfortable with the carrier they will be travelling in before the journey. For more tips on relocating with a dog, check out our dedicated blog article.
Storage
Placing your items in storage is a great way to reduce the amount of belongings you need to transport with you, without sacrificing sentimental or valuable items. Short term storage is ideal if you need somewhere to securely store your belongings until you are settled in your new home. Allied can even deliver your stored items directly to your new home when you need them, regardless of where you are relocated! Long term storage will ensure that your items are safe and kept in prime condition in purpose built storage facilities.
Removalists vs DIY
Moving interstate can be incredibly expensive and time consuming, with multiple logistics to keep track of. Once you decide to move, you’ll need to decide whether you will choose to enlist the help of experts by using a moving company or decide to tackle the interstate move yourself. The majority of people think it’s cheaper to move by yourself, however after factoring in all the costs involved in moving yourself, such as petrol, packing materials, the time taken to pack and move yourself (including taking time off work), renting a truck or van, and any other incidental expenses - it can end up being much more worthwhile to use professional movers. Choosing to use removalists also enables you to save on time. Using a Their experience, high level of training and professional equipment means your move will be a lot more efficient.
Removalists also have the benefit of offering multiple services which can provide a more competitive deal compared to using numerous service providers. Getting the highest quality work for the lowest price will always be amongst an important factor to consider. Working with the cheapest removalists available also comes with risks as inexperienced movers have a higher likelihood of losing or damaging your belongings. If the quality of work is shoddy, the cheapest option may actually end up costing you more.