When you consider just how beautiful the Gold Coast of Australia is, it can feel somewhat difficult to know where the best place to live actually is. This is especially true if you are a British expat hoping to relocate and start a new life in Australia.
The best way to figure out where to live on the Gold Coast is to take the time to learn more about some of the top areas, as each suburb offers something slightly different. Some are ideal for families, some are better suited to beach lovers, while others are more practical for work, transport and everyday convenience. If you are still comparing different parts of the country, our guide to the best cities to live in Australia for expats can also help you see how the Gold Coast compares with other popular destinations.
Want to know more? Here are what we consider to be some of the best places to live on the Gold Coast for British expats.
Best Places to Live on the Gold Coast: At a Glance
- Burleigh Heads is one of the best overall choices for lifestyle, beaches, cafés and a strong local feel.
- Robina and Varsity Lakes are great options for families who want schools, shopping, parks and good everyday convenience.
- Palm Beach, Currumbin and Tugun suit those who want a more relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle.
- Southport and Broadbeach are better suited to those who want transport links, work opportunities and a more central location.
- Mudgeeraba and Springbrook are worth considering if you prefer greenery, space and a quieter hinterland feel.
Best Gold Coast Suburbs by Lifestyle
| Area | Best for | Why it may suit British expats |
|---|---|---|
| Burleigh Heads | Lifestyle and beaches | A popular choice for those who want surf, cafés, coastal walks and a strong community feel. |
| Palm Beach | Relaxed coastal living | Great for families and professionals who want a beach lifestyle with a slightly calmer feel. |
| Robina and Varsity Lakes | Families | Practical, well-connected suburbs with schools, shopping and everyday amenities nearby. |
| Southport | Work, study and convenience | The Gold Coast’s CBD, with hospitals, transport links, apartments and business facilities. |
| Broadbeach | Entertainment and transport | A lively area with restaurants, shops, beach access and tram links. |
| Coolangatta | Surf and airport access | A quieter coastal option with beaches, surf spots and close access to Gold Coast Airport. |
| Currumbin and Tugun | Quieter beach living | Good for those who want a more relaxed community feel on the southern Gold Coast. |
| Miami and Mermaid Waters | Value and location | Good middle-ground options close to the coast, often with a more residential feel. |
| Mudgeeraba and Springbrook | Nature and space | Better suited to those who want greenery, larger homes and a quieter pace of life. |
| Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove | Retirement and premium living | Popular with families and older residents looking for secure, resort-style surroundings. |
Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove
Aside from having a pretty awesome name, Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove are popular spots that are ideal for families and older residents who want a quieter approach to life.
It is worth mentioning that the cost of living here, particularly when it comes to buying or renting property, can be higher than in other parts of the Gold Coast. However, for these higher prices, you get secure gated areas, premium housing, marina living and plenty of golf courses.
These areas can be a good fit if you want a more peaceful lifestyle and do not feel the need to be right in the middle of the busiest beach suburbs. They are also popular with those who want a polished, resort-style feel and easy access to the northern Gold Coast.
Burleigh Heads
If you are searching for somewhere with a trendy Aussie lifestyle, then Burleigh Heads may be a strong option for your new home. This is a part of the Gold Coast that features boutique cafés, vibrant community areas and beautiful beaches. It offers plenty of the relaxed outdoor lifestyle that many British expats are searching for when moving to Australia.
Burleigh Heads is often seen as one of the best all-round suburbs on the Gold Coast. It has the beach, the national park, a good mix of places to eat and drink, and a strong local feel that makes it appealing to families, professionals and retirees.
The main thing to keep in mind is price. Burleigh is highly desirable, so property can be more expensive than in some nearby areas. If you like the lifestyle but want to compare your options, nearby Miami, Burleigh Waters and parts of Palm Beach may also be worth looking at.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is another Gold Coast suburb that is worth considering, especially if you want a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a strong community feel. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with cafés, restaurants and local shops helping to give the area a more polished feel than it once had.
For British expats, Palm Beach can be a good balance between beach lifestyle and everyday practicality. It is lively enough to feel interesting, but it is generally calmer than some of the more central tourist areas.
It is especially popular with families and professionals who want to live close to the coast without being right in the middle of the busiest parts of the Gold Coast. However, like Burleigh, its popularity means prices have risen, so it may not be the most affordable option.
Broadbeach
Not everyone wants to live somewhere too quiet, and for those who want convenience, entertainment and good transport links, Broadbeach can be a great option. This particular part of the Gold Coast has a lively local feel, with plenty of places to eat, shop and spend time.
Broadbeach is also useful if you want to explore a little further afield, thanks to the tram service and its central location. You have the beach nearby, but you also have shopping centres, restaurants and other amenities within easy reach.
It is worth remembering that Broadbeach can feel busier than some of the more relaxed suburbs, especially during holiday periods. However, for expats who want a mix of beach access, convenience and social life, it is one of the strongest options.
Southport
Southport is one of the most practical places to live on the Gold Coast, particularly if you are moving for work, study or access to everyday services. It is the Gold Coast’s CBD, so it has more of an urban feel than areas such as Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach or Coolangatta.
You will find apartments, shops, offices, public transport links, hospitals and education facilities in and around Southport. This can make it a useful choice for professionals, students and those who want to be closer to the main business and healthcare areas.
It may not offer the same relaxed beach-suburb feel as some other parts of the Gold Coast, but it is one of the best areas for convenience and access.
Coolangatta
Many people who find the Gold Coast appealing do so because they love that surf-town feel. One amazing example of this is Coolangatta. Here you will find beautiful beaches and some excellent surf spots too.
Despite this appeal, Coolangatta is quieter than other parts of the coast, which can make it ideal for those who want a more relaxed pace of life. It is also close to Gold Coast Airport, which is useful if you are expecting friends and family to visit from the UK, or if you plan to travel regularly within Australia.
Coolangatta can feel a little further away from Brisbane and the central Gold Coast, so it may not suit everyone. However, if you are looking for beaches, surf and a slightly calmer lifestyle, it is definitely worth considering.
Currumbin and Tugun
Currumbin and Tugun are good options if you like the idea of living on the southern Gold Coast but want somewhere a little quieter than Burleigh or Palm Beach. These areas have a more relaxed, community-focused feel, while still giving you access to beaches and local amenities.
Currumbin is particularly popular with those who enjoy nature and outdoor living, while Tugun has a more laid-back coastal feel. Both can work well for families, retirees and expats who want a slower pace without feeling completely disconnected.
They may not have the same nightlife or shopping options as Broadbeach or Southport, but that is part of their appeal for many people.
Robina and Varsity Lakes
If you want to be well-connected without being right in the heart of the busiest coastal areas, then Robina and Varsity Lakes are both great options. Here you will find plenty of families, quality schools, shopping opportunities, parks and things to do.
These areas are especially practical for British expats moving with children, as they offer more of a planned suburban feel. Robina Town Centre is a major shopping and leisure hub, while Varsity Lakes is popular with families and students.
Brisbane is also accessible via the Gold Coast train line, which means that if you need to travel there for work, university or social plans, this can be relatively straightforward. These suburbs do not have the same beachside feel as areas such as Burleigh or Coolangatta, but they make day-to-day life very manageable.
Miami, Mermaid Waters and Mermaid Beach
Miami, Mermaid Waters and Mermaid Beach are also worth considering if you want to be close to the coast but are still comparing lifestyle and budget.
Miami has become increasingly popular with people who like Burleigh’s location but want to look slightly beyond the most expensive pockets. Mermaid Waters is more residential and can suit families who want good access to shops, schools and beaches without living directly on the beachfront.
Mermaid Beach, along with nearby Nobby Beach, has a more fashionable, local feel, with cafés, restaurants and beach access close by. This area can be a good fit for young professionals, couples and expats who want a social lifestyle without being in the middle of Surfers Paradise.
Mudgeeraba and Springbrook
If beach living is not your only priority, then Mudgeeraba and Springbrook are worth a look. These areas offer a greener, quieter side of the Gold Coast, with more space and a stronger connection to the hinterland.
Mudgeeraba can be a good choice for families who want a village-style feel while still being within reach of Robina, schools and shopping. Springbrook is more suited to those who really want nature, rainforest surroundings and a much slower pace of life.
The main consideration is that you will rely more heavily on a car, and you may not have the same quick access to beaches and central Gold Coast attractions. However, for expats who want space, scenery and a quieter lifestyle, these areas can be very appealing.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Where to Live on the Gold Coast
Before deciding where to settle, it is worth thinking carefully about how you will actually live day to day. The Gold Coast is spread out, and traffic can be an issue, especially around the M1 and busy coastal routes. If you already know where you will be working, choosing somewhere nearby can make a big difference to your routine.
It is also worth thinking about the difference between the northern, central and southern parts of the Gold Coast. The central areas tend to feel busier and more urban, while the southern Gold Coast is often more relaxed and community-focused. Hinterland areas offer space and greenery, but they are less convenient if you want to be by the beach every day.
For British expats moving with children, schools, commute times and access to shops and healthcare may be more important than being in the most famous beach suburb. For retirees, the right choice may come down to quiet surroundings, property type and how easy it is for friends and family to visit. It is also worth taking some time to understand everyday life in Australia before you move, including social habits, local etiquette and the general pace of life. Our guide to Australian culture and customs for expats covers some of the differences that British movers may notice after arriving.
Conclusion
No matter where you choose to live, the Gold Coast is a great place to call your next home. If you are searching for peace and quiet, a surfer’s paradise, a practical family suburb or somewhere with plenty going on, this part of Australia has a lot to offer.
To make your move to Australia easier to manage, get in touch with Pinnacle Removals. We can help with international removals to Australia, including careful planning, professional packing and support throughout the moving process, helping you settle into your new home with greater confidence.
