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It was solely after we left the Gold Coast that we realised what an incredible place to stay it’s.
Many individuals ask us why we predict the Gold Coast is the perfect place in Australia to stay, and actually, I put it all the way down to the Gold Coast way of life.
We lived in Burleigh Heads, one of many Gold Coast suburbs recognized for its browsing tradition, quirky cafes, lovely seashores and nationwide parks, and high-end eating scene.
However that’s not all we love about Burleigh Heads. We travelled round Australia for 18 months with eyes vast open to discover a place for us to settle. There have been many locations we cherished, however didn’t checked off all the containers – Burleigh did.
However why is that? What makes the Gold Coast, and the Burleigh Heads suburb particularly, such an important place to stay?
On this information, I’ve reflecting on my life residing in Burleigh and the the explanation why I feel the Gold Coast is so much much less the glitter strip you may think with retirees, schoolies and a scarcity of soul and far more a metropolis filled with wealthy gold.
What Is The Gold Coast Way of life?
The Gold Coast way of life is all about being relaxed. It’s beach-centric, laid-back, and slow-paced in comparison with the hustle and bustle of different cities like Brisbane and Sydney.
Residents of the Gold Coast desire to spend their free time on the infinite stretches of golden sand or getting energetic like browsing, operating, yoga, and understanding.
It’s all about being comfortable and having enjoyable, which is obvious within the thriving nightlife scene, while additionally appreciating and absorbing nature.
For those who’re extremely strung, work oriented, and like issues to be go-go-go – the Gold Coast goes to shock you. The life-style right here is gradual and chilled.
Why Is The Gold Coast The Finest Place To Dwell In Australia?
1. It’s grown up from its get together popularity
I by no means thought the Gold Coast would have been the place to stay in Australia for me. In truth, I used to show my nostril up at it, regardless of Craig and I getting engaged in Coolangatta.
For Aussies, we see the Gold Coast as being the place folks go for holidays, and thought it was nothing greater than theme parks, nightlife, and seashores.
My notion of the Gold Coast was it lacked a little bit of depth, and was extra for retirees and schoolies and felt a bit run down.
Most individuals equate the Gold Coast with Surfers Paradise, and Surfers has all the time felt too touristy and cheesy with a 24/7 get together scene that is method past our age (though it has improved considerably and does have a nice ice cream retailer, and some nice eating places and motels).
However, the Gold Coast is a lot greater than Surfers Paradise and has grown up tremendously over the previous few years.
Now it caters to all, regardless of if you happen to’re a household, a pair, or residing by your self.
2. It’s always evolving
Over time, we’ve explored the Gold Coast extra and commenced to see modifications.
We’d keep on the Southern finish of the Gold Coast round Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay and fell in love with laidback way of life and browsing tradition.
I noticed the modifications in Burleigh all the best way again in 2014 – a rising group, a retro, classic vibe and evolving cafe scene and among the best household pleasant seashores in Australia.
No manufactured glitz, simply house grown uncooked goodness.
When it got here time to determine the place to stay in Australia, my inside voice spoke so clearly – Burleigh. It has the whole lot that aligns with my soul.
It’s unimaginable how a lot a spot can change – from boring to bountiful in only a few brief years.
We’ve even seen enormous evolution since residing on the Gold Coast in only one 12 months.
The cafe and restaurant scene is exploding, craft brew is on the rise, and the farmers market retains getting higher and higher.
3. Household pleasant and secure
I’ll preserve this brief and candy as the remainder of my factors will tie into this.
The Gold Coast is a superb place to stay for households. I by no means really feel unsafe, and my kids have entry to all kinds of experiences, alternatives, loads of actions and services, and a good-natured upbringing by the seashore.
And that’s with out mentioning Dreamworld or Sea World!
There’s not an ageing inhabitants on the Gold Coast as is usually perceived by many individuals. The common age of residents on the Gold Coast is 37. No marvel we really feel so at house right here!
Only for the file, y’all know I don’t have an important opinion of the training system, and it’s laborious to impress me, however Kalyra’s college did.
They’re targeted on actual studying, have been very encouraging and supportive, and didn’t strain her in any respect for her NAPLAN check, they usually did cool issues like gardening, cooking, violin classes, and night time time artwork reveals showcasing the youngsters’s distinctive work.
Listed below are issues to do on the Gold Coast for households.
4. Vibrant, energetic, out of doors way of life
I can’t start to let you know how a lot I like to start out my day meditating on my balcony and watching Burleigh come to life.
The Esplanade is packed at 5:00am: walkers, runners, surfers, SUPpers, kayakers, boot campers, and people profiting from the free train stations.
On many mornings (or equally busy afternoons) we be part of them. This vibrant out of doors exercise beckons you to embrace a match and wholesome way of life.
We determined to not personal a automobile, so we’d admire it extra. We might stroll alongside the Esplanade virtually on daily basis to get to locations.
The ladies usually buzz round on their scooters and bikes, and I like that being so near the seashore and out within the sunshine, is a pure a part of my day.
The Gold Coast council implement applications to encourage Gold Coast residents to be match and wholesome. In truth, it’s the largest energetic and wholesome program run by a Council anyplace in Australia.
All alongside the beachfront are free BBQ’s and stations that even have scorching water. The grass is nicely stored and always maintained to its lush inexperienced state. There are playgrounds for our women each couple of hundred metres we stroll alongside the Esplanade.
6. Superb year-round subtropical local weather
The local weather on the Gold Price is nearly excellent. It has sufficient rain to maintain the whole lot lush, however greater than sufficient sunny climate to maintain you having fun with the nice outside. In truth, it boasts 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, on common.
And when it does storm, it’s so incredible you possibly can’t assist however be impressed.
I’ve seen cyclonic waves roll in and take away half the seashore, and I watched all of it morning so in awe of the ability of Mom Nature.
It has scorching summers, however delicate winters. Realistically, I wore a sweater/jumper about 5 occasions throughout winter one 12 months.
Summers are lengthy and scorching, however not so scorching that I get bothered by it – once more there are possibly only a handful of days I activate the air conditioning.
7. Browsing tradition
Australia has a browsing tradition full cease, however there are some locations the place it’s extra prevalent than others – the Gold Coast is one in every of them.
It was even the place we discovered to surf. Kalyra took up browsing classes, and I’d get out within the surf along with her to assist, and despite the fact that I spent extra time getting smashed about then aiding.
One in all my favorite issues to do in Burleigh is a stroll alongside the seashore to Burleigh Level, in any other case generally known as Surfers Level. We choose up a espresso from Nook Espresso, a gap within the wall native’s favorite, and sit on the grassy hill to look at the surfers.
Surfers Level can also be the place to be on a Sunday. The locals collect collectively bringing down their picnics and bottles of wine to hang around and watch the surfers. It’s tremendous chilled, secure and pleasant.
In March, one in every of my finest pals scored tickets to the Corona tent on the Quiksilver Surf Professional at Snapper Rocks and dragged me alongside along with her.
Attending that occasion has been a bucket listing dream of mine since I used to be a young person. We had the perfect day ever, with the perfect seats and noticed our favorite feminine surfer Stephanie Gilmore carve it up.
Gold Coast is house to many browsing world champs. Mick Fanning is one and Kelly Slater (though American) has a house at Palm Seashore, the subsequent seashore south of Burleigh.
8. Unbelievable coastal walks and sweetness
The coastal stroll between Greenmount Seashore and Snapper Rocks and the Burleigh Headland coastal monitor are a few of our favorite walks in Australia. They’re brief and simple, but pack in a whole lot of wow moments.
One in all our favorite issues to do is stroll alongside the shoreline trails to Tallebudgera Creek, and both swim within the calm, household pleasant seashores or arise paddle board within the crystal clear waters. I feel it’s one in every of Australia’s best-hidden gems.
9. So many locations to swim and get out on the water
The seashores, significantly on the Southern finish of the Gold Coast, are lovely.
The Gold Coast has many clear creeks, pristine seashores and rivers, hidden rock swimming pools, and extra canals than Venice. There’s an abundance of waterways and water-based actions you are able to do.
The Broadwater north of Surfers Paradise has a incredible playground for teenagers, a secure swimming seashore, and actions to take pleasure in similar to jet snowboarding, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
As I inform anybody after I give them tips about the Goldie – get all the way down to Snapper Rocks for sundown, it’s my favorite on the East Coast.
There’s something magical about sitting on these rocks, watching the surfers and their silhouettes towards an orange glowing sky. I’ve usually seen dolphins swimming across the level as nicely. There are walkers, unicycle riders, yogis, and all types of individuals watching to take pleasure in.
Head as much as Rainbow Bay Surf Membership for a sundown beer and low-cost meal. The surf membership maintains rustic seventies allure and with views out over the ocean and hinterland. For a second, you’ll really feel such as you’ve been transported to a Hawaiian island.
10. The Gold Coast Hinterland
I didn’t even know the hinterland existed, I believed it was only a mountain vary within the distance.
I can’t imagine that historic rainforests and mountain retreats are proper on the doorstep of the Gold Coast. It’s untouched, timeless, religious, and the place I like to go to disconnect and reconnect.
There are cute hinterland cities, adventurous actions, rainforest walks, enchanting forest, waterfalls, and spectacular views. To not point out cooking courses, wonderful contemporary produce, cheese makers, and wineries.
You may escape from the blue and gold of the coast to the inexperienced of the hinterland in underneath an hour’s drive.
11. Rising meals and craft beer scene
The Gold Coast has an enormous foodie scene. After we moved there, it was the one place I may get almond milk in my cappuccinos. I couldn’t even get it in Sydney (now you can).
Burleigh, particularly, appeared to be on the heart beat with present meals traits. I can simply discover gluten free, dairy free, sugar-free meals that style nice and are distinctive and attention-grabbing.
New cafes are popping up on a regular basis and locations like Mermaid Seashore, and Palm Seashore are on the transfer for thrilling eateries.
Many cafes like Commune, have a retro, eclectic vibe, and plenty of have lovely seashore views. Justin Lane has an unimaginable rooftop bar in Burleigh and sometimes has line ups to get in for his or her extremely advisable pizzas.
Diners spill out onto the pavement of a weekend in Burleigh, and it buzzes.
Fish Home is famous as among the best eating places in Australia. Jupiter’s On line casino has a restaurant, the Backyard Kitchen & Bar, which we’ve visited a number of occasions.
The meals is scrumptious as is the atmosphere with inside and outdoors seating, trendy up to date design and cascading foliage of the vertical backyard partitions.
And meals vans are popping up in every single place from occasions to day and night-time markets, to festivals devoted to feasting on their yummy and low-cost fare.
The craft brew scene can also be booming, with long-standing Burleigh Brewing, Balter Brewing in Currumbin, Black Hops Brewery in Burleigh and Fortitude Brewing Firm in Mt Tamborine.
12. Easy accessibility to different wonderful locations in Queensland
I like the placement of the Gold Coast, it makes happening adventures very easy.
Only a brief drive over the border are the New South Wales cities of Kingscliff and Byron Bay, particularly, the Byron Bay Hinterland. I have a number of pals who stay within the area from Byron to Sunshine Coast, so I’m delighted I get to see them extra usually than ever earlier than.
The Gold Coast has a global airport at Coolangatta. It’s a simple 15-minute Uber journey, or we leap on the specific bus 777, which stops nearly exterior our door.
It’s easy, and the airport is small, so it makes airplane journey so much simpler with fewer traces and trouble. You may fly direct to most main cities and locations in Australia, similar to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
We’ve additionally explored many areas of South East Queensland which are just a few hours’ drive away. We’ve been so impressed with all of the locations we’ve found – even wonderful mountain retreats that get snow. Listed below are a number of the unimaginable locations we’ve found.
For those who stay on the Gold Coast, you aren’t simply in a spot recognized for tourism, however you’re spoilt for straightforward getaway locations too. And it’s a wonderful place to return as soon as your break is over.
Some nice locations close to the Gold Coast to discover are:
13. Festivals, arts, and markets
Think about going to your afternoon seashore stroll, discovering lots of people sitting on blankets at Burleigh Level with picnics and studying that Ben Lee is about to start out taking part in!!
In case you don’t know, he’s a well-known Australian musician with upbeat and groovy tunes.
It’s simple to simply hit upon a pageant within the Gold Coast, there’s all the time one thing happening. The Gold Coast has an unimaginable quantity of festivals, occasions and rising arts scene which have an off-the-cuff avenue get together vibe.
One in all my favourite is Bleach Competition, which takes place in August, and whose purpose is to attach the group with tradition by means of an expression of music, theatre, dance, visible arts, out of doors occasions and far more.
Yearly, Broadbeach additionally hosts the Groundwater Nation Music Competition and the Blues on Broadbeach Competition, which we attended with the ladies and cherished.
The Arts Centre is the place to attend musicals, cinema showings, and a number of the festivals and occasions held there. It’s bringing a whole lot of tradition to the Coast.
One in all our favorite locations to go to on a Friday or Saturday night time was Miami Marketta – an out of doors nighttime gathering of meals vans and stay music.
We might normally meet up with our pals, the children all hang around consuming a number of yummy meals and dancing to music, and we are able to catch up in a relaxed, funky and secure place.
The Evening Quarter Markets on the northern finish of the Gold Coast at Helensvale have turn into a vastly fashionable and profitable music venue and night time market purchasing space.
Each Sunday night in James Park, Burleigh there may be drum taking part in, hearth throwing and one of many native shops brings down juggling balls, hula hoops and many enjoyable issues for the children to play with.
14. Rising entrepreneurial scene
We love residing on the Gold Coast as now we have many entrepreneurial pals doing wonderful issues with their very own enterprise. Meaning now we have lots of people who suppose like us we are able to hook up with regularly.
Quite a lot of movers and shakers are transferring to the Gold Coast as a spot to run their enterprise, and there may be such a artistic spirit and freedom right here.
In truth, it’s estimated there are greater than 46,000 micro-businesses (companies with lower than 5 staff), which grants the Gold Coast because the Small Enterprise Capital of Australia.
15. Various wholesome residing
I like that I get extra of my produce now at my native farmer’s market (and natural at that) relatively than Coles or Woolworths. I can stroll to Burleigh Farmer’s Market, and store for contemporary, natural produce.
They are saying that Byron Bay has a particular therapeutic power, however I feel that extends to Burleigh.
We’ve met a number of the most wonderful healers and different therapists on the Gold Coast.
We had a daily chiropractor, NLP therapist, chakra rebalancing and power healer, kinesiologist and a white mild healer – all from the Gold Coast.
16. Affordable price of residing
Okay, so it’s no secret that the Gold Coast has a number of the costliest housing markets in Australia – what do you anticipate when a spot is so fascinating?
However that doesn’t imply your price of residing must be enormous. Your price of residing is vastly dependent in your job, your way of life, and what you think about to be a “good high quality of life.”
You may preserve bills down very simply within the Gold Coast as a whole lot of the highest issues to do are free. It’s also possible to attend free train courses and quit a health club membership, or use public transport as a substitute of driving.
What’s extra is that there are such a lot of job alternatives (extra on that subsequent) that you may get a excessive paying job within the Gold Coast and make your way of life match your wage.
17. Numerous job alternatives
The Gold Coast is likely one of the quickest rising cities in Australia and with that, there are extra employment and enterprise alternatives popping up in every single place.
In truth, in Could 2023, employment in Queensland was at a file excessive.
The most important employment industries within the Gold Coast are development, manufacturing and actual property – is that shocking for a metropolis on the rise?
Remaining Ideas
The Gold Coast, particularly Burleigh, has the whole lot I ever wished in a spot I’d name house. Though my eyes are set on a transfer elsewhere, it’ll all the time have a house in my coronary heart – a big, comfortable chunk of it. And I’ll by no means cease telling individuals who fantastic it’s.
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