Family-friendly Neighbourhoods: Queensland’s 6 Best Regional Spots to Move with Kids

Across the country, young families are leaving the hustle of city life for smaller towns and regional areas. Offering better affordability, excellent schools and plenty of greenery, these six spots around Queensland are currently high on our radar.

Mount Lofty

A five-minute drive from central Toowoomba, the charming suburb of Mount Lofty lures young families seeking a slower pace of life. It offers a peaceful, country-style setting with a strong community feel, yet enjoys all the daily conveniences of an urban centre on its doorstep. Known as the ‘Garden City’, Toowoomba encourages residents outdoors. Meander through the stunning Japanese Gardens or picturesque Queens Park and take in panoramic views from Picnic Point. There are good schools and sporting clubs, as well as weekly markets where you can stock up on regional produce direct from the farmers.

Bribie Island

Defined by its relaxed lifestyle and sub-tropical climate, Bribie Island, in the Moreton Bay Region, is considered pure paradise by its lucky residents. It is the only Queensland island connected to the mainland by bridge, making it easy to have the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find calm, crystalline beaches, particularly on its western side at Bongaree and Bellara, perfect for swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding. There are cute cafes and grocery stores, playgrounds and community markets, adding to its local feel. The island has its own primary and secondary schools, while those needing to travel for work are within an hours’ drive of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Mysterton

The leafy suburb of Mysterton, in Townsville, is known as one of Queensland’s most family friendly postcodes. It is sought-after for its large freestanding houses, many with sprawling backyards and swimming pools. The suburb is surrounded by outstanding schools, childcare centres and neighbourhood parks, while those working in the Townsville CBD are just minutes’ drive from home. Life here revolves around the water, with The Strand – Townsville’s palm-fringed promenade – offering plenty of kid-friendly entertainment. Cool off in The Strand Water Park, take a dip in the rockpool and let the kids loose at Mysterton’s playgrounds and sporting fields.

Buderim

Home to leafy streetscapes, a vibrant village atmosphere and excellent schools catering to children of all ages, it’s easy to see why Buderim is high in demand. It’s a short drive to the city of Maroochydore and the pretty beaches of the Sunshine Coast, meaning life here strikes the perfect balance between country and coast. Natural beauty abounds, with walking trails through Buderim Forest Park revealing stunning waterfalls and cascading creeks. Locals can enjoy a thriving café culture, scenic picnics at Buderim Village Park and plenty of weekend markets all close by.

Hervey Bay

With its famed waterfront esplanade, life in Hervey Bay is all about the outdoors, be it walking, cycling or hitting up its glistening beaches. Hervey Bay’s mild climate and picturesque waterways make it perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and fishing, while residents can also jump on the ferry from nearby River Heads to explore World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Young families are drawn here for its affordable properties and excellent community amenities, with everything from supermarkets to a library, art galleries and sporting fields. It also offers high-quality state and private schools, as well as the University of the Sunshine Coast and TAFE campus. Each year between July and October, people travel from around the country to Hervey Bay to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales on their annual migration, so it can get busy with tourists. But for most, that just adds to its charm.

Bonogin

On the Gold Coast hinterland, Bonogin is quickly becoming favoured as a family hotspot. Blessed with beautiful walking trails and an abundance of wildlife, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Its property market is predominantly large acreage homes, while a close-knit community makes Bonogin great for young families to put down roots. Day-to-day you’ll benefit from being an easy 10-minute drive from Robina Town Centre and train station, and a further 10 minutes to the beach. There’s a good mix of public and private schools nearby as well as a Montessori early learning centre right in the neighbourhood.