Queensland's Best Coastal Neighbourhoods for the Ultimate Sea Change
Thinking of a sea change? We’ve picked out the best places to buy a coastal home in Queensland.
Queensland is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the country, plenty of fun and fresh eateries, family-friendly neighbourhoods and all the sunshine you could ever want. With a laidback lifestyle to match, what's not to love?
If you're finding yourself craving to call the Sunshine State home, you've come to the right place. Scroll on for twelve of our favourite coastal suburbs in Queensland where you can soak up an idyllic lifestyle bound by sand and sea.
Mooloolaba
The sought-after suburb of Mooloolaba lies in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and is conveniently positioned just 90 minutes drive north of Brisbane. It offers a number of patrolled beaches and a flourishing food scene with an abundance of cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are plenty of playgrounds and community amenities contributing to the area’s holiday-like lifestyle. The median house price in Mooloolaba has tipped the million-dollar mark sitting at roughly $1,400,000.
Burleigh Heads
Tucked between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta, bustling Burleigh Heads couples world-class surf breaks with the stunning national park. It has a rich beach culture with a more relaxed vibe than its touristy neighbours. Along James Street, locals can enjoy a myriad of cafes, fine-dining restaurants and quaint boutiques, while weekly farmers’ markets all add to the community atmosphere. Those looking to enter the market can nab an apartment for around $850,000.
Port Douglas
Picturesque Port Douglas gives residents a true slice of tropical paradise. It’s an easy one-hour drive from Cairns and boasts the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on its doorstep. Swim in the crystalline waters of Four Mile Beach and discover the friendly village atmosphere lined with restaurants and galleries. This popular holiday destination affords homeowners a steady rental yield, with median house prices sitting at an affordable $766,000.
Mermaid Beach
With its golden coastline and air of exclusivity, Mermaid Beach feels as though it’s a world away from its crowded neighbours. In fact, the coveted neighbourhood is home to one of the most expensive streets on the Gold Coast, Hedges Avenue. Residents can meander along tranquil coastal walks and enjoy the everyday convenience of shopping centres and a diverse blend of dining. Surging property prices have meant median house prices have jumped to $3,100,000, while units can still be snapped up for $430,000.
Noosa Heads
The laid-back town of Noosa Heads is flanked by a bay, national park and river, making it a nature lover’s paradise. It combines gorgeous rainforest and coastal scenery with a vibrant dining and shopping scene, including popular weekly farmers’ markets. There are great schools and a tight-knit community that attracts young families in droves – not surprisingly, this is one of Queensland’s most expensive housing markets. Property prices in Noosa Heads have jumped to $1.8 million for units and $2 million for houses.
Hervey Bay
Escape to the seaside at Hervey Bay. Known for its excellent year-round weather, great fishing off the historic Urangan Pier and its proximity to Fraser Island, Hervey Bay lures empty nesters and those seeking a quieter way of life. There are nice restaurants, a waterfront esplanade and scenic walking and cycling trails to stretch your legs. Known as the whale-watching capital of the world, Hervey Bay becomes a tourist hotspot each year from July to October. Home prices range from $573,500 for houses to $360,250 for units.
Caloundra
In the surf village of Caloundra, life is all about the beach. Lying at the southern tip of the Sunshine Coast, it’s famed for its pristine waters and striking coastal headland. Luring both families and retirees, Caloundra has a close-knit community with playgrounds, kid-friendly rock pools and locally run cafes. A mix of seaside apartments and character bungalows, those looking to move in can expect to pay $815,000 for a home.
Airlie Beach
Famed as the gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is enticing more and more first-home buyers thanks to its ideal tropical lifestyle and greater affordability. With the Coral Sea as its backdrop, it’s an aquatic playground with fishing, kayaking and snorkelling. There are bush trails, waterfalls and Saturday morning markets stocked full of arts, crafts and fresh local produce. An apartment at Airlie Beach will set you back just $350,000.
Coolum
This beautiful coastal suburb on the Sunshine Coast is popular for all the right reasons. With prime surfing spots, trendy cafes and a relaxed lifestyle, it’s little wonder tourists and locals flock to Coolum. Despite feeling like a sleepy surf town, Coolum is home to plenty of dining and shopping options as well as a bevy of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and water sports. The Mount Coolum National Park with its scenic hiking trails and gorgeous coastal views is another major draw card for those seeking a scene change. You can settle down in Coolum for a median price of $1,205,000 for a house or around $790,000 for a unit.
Mission Beach
Make the move to Tropical North Queensland and never freeze through winter again! Mission Beach is a scenic coastal suburb situated between Cairns and Townsville and is known for its white sandy beaches, dreamy green rainforests and proximity to one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Mission Beach is home to a variety of dining and shopping options and is the perfect place to call home if you love spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking and snorkelling. You can expect house prices in this coastal Queensland suburb to sit around $490,000.
Currumbin
If you can’t decide whether to live near the bush or the ocean, Currumbin lets you meet somewhere in the middle. Close to the New South Wales border, there’s lush hinterland and rainforests aplenty, with rockpools and swimming holes to be discovered. Recent years have seen the dining scene reimagined as a thriving and trendy foodie hotspot. You’ll have endless stretches of white sandy beaches to enjoy at any time of day. Homes in Currumbin are priced around $1,455,000 for houses to $785,000 for units.
Bribie Island
Located 64 kilometres from Brisbane, Bribie Island is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a quiet sea change and escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
Bribie Island’s coastal community is home to beaches, wildlife reserves and plenty of outdoor activities, making it the perfect breath of fresh air. The median price of homes in this coastal suburb is $740,000 for houses to $465,000 for units.
*All statistics sourced from Core Logic, Realestate.com.au and Domain, accurate at the time of publishing May 2023.
Doing your research on the best coastal suburbs in Queensland and looking for more helpful property advice? Head straight to your friend in property, The Sitch. From Home Design advice and Home Tour inspiration, we've got you covered.
